You may have a successful retail store, but is it a successful business?

Your retail store is more than just a retail store - it is a business. Many retail store owners are very proficient at running the operational end of their stores, but need help in running a successful business.

One of the most common mistakes independent retail owners make is neglecting to run their store as a business.

There is alot that you already do - managing your employees, employee training, selecting and buying inventory, deciding on pricing, handling advertising, selecting what merchandise to put on sale, building a relationship with your customers. But are you also doing what an owner should be doing - creating your marketing plan, managing your P&L, staying on top of your cash flow, and interpreting your financial numbers? If you don't handle the business end of your store, who will?

This section will help you better understand the business and financial part of operating a retail store so that you can run a more successful business.