Businesses often branch out to some other segments or niches, and small businesses are no exception. Similar to independent retailers, many are involved in far more areas than just retailing. Sometimes it can get pretty complicated. And with revenues off, sometimes those complications, and the decisions they now require, can become pretty daunting. Here are some examples of … [Read more...] about Branching Out Your Business: Lessons from Independent Retailers
niche
Starting a Specialized Clothing Retail Store Business
The retail clothing business is a tough market, especially for small businesses with tight budgets. Like any other market, the Goliaths of the apparel retail business -- the big department store conglomerates -- present stiff competition to small businesses in terms of pricing, merchandise variety, service capabilities, advertising, and economies of scale. For a small … [Read more...] about Starting a Specialized Clothing Retail Store Business
How to Succeed Online with a Niche Business: Case of RedWagons.com
We've always believed that size doesn't matter on the Web. By doing things right, small entrepreneurs do big business - and even outperform the big guys. Tony Roeder, owner and proprietor of the site RedWagons.com www.redwagons.com , is a living proof that "small guys can win the online game." Tony launched Redwagons.com in 1998, selling the classic American childhood toy - … [Read more...] about How to Succeed Online with a Niche Business: Case of RedWagons.com
How to Succeed Online with a Niche Business: RedWagons.com (Part 2)
Read Part 1: How to Succeed Online with a Niche Business: Case of RedWagons.com How do you provide customer service? We send confirmation emails when we receive the order. We again send a confirmation email when the order is shipped to give them their UPS tracking number. We want to address some of the biggest concerns of the customers, particularly questions like "Will I … [Read more...] about How to Succeed Online with a Niche Business: RedWagons.com (Part 2)
5 Elements to Identifying and Building Your Business Niche
If you want to make more money in today's competitive environment, then you need to master your business niche. Let me show you a perfect, prime example of niche marketing at its best: The AARP card appeared in the mail again. This time I actually opened the envelope and reviewed the material included with the invitation to join. Offers of insurance, magazines, on-line … [Read more...] about 5 Elements to Identifying and Building Your Business Niche
Is Your Niche Market Too Small?
Niche Marketing is an important marketing strategy for small businesses. It is a strategy that has proved to work well -- but only if done right. If you are niched in too tight, it may hurt or even fatally wound your business. Because environments change so do marketing strategies. Now is the time to widen your peripheral vision and begin to market to other niches. As … [Read more...] about Is Your Niche Market Too Small?
Focus on a Niche: Factors to Consider
Small business, often plagued with a shortage of start-up funds, must use exceptional strategies to get the business running without draining much needed capital. Most especially if competing head-on with a big company is imminent. Unless millions of dollars is readily available to launch the business, the only chance at winning against a big competitor is to focus on niche … [Read more...] about Focus on a Niche: Factors to Consider
Targeting: How to Find Your Niche
Most marketing experts will tell you that you need select a niche or a target audience. That you can't just market to "whoever is paying attention" and be successful. Why is that? Think about it this way: if you are having a conversation with a total stranger, how do you know what to talk about? Unless you are able to find some common ground, the conversation will probably … [Read more...] about Targeting: How to Find Your Niche
Starting a Niche Athletic Footwear Business
QUESTION ON Starting a Niche Athletic Footwear Business I am seriously considering starting my own athletic footwear business. I found there is a demand for large sizes ( men 13-18) and also specialty items for young adults with specific needs. My question is : How and where can I get information from distributors/companies that will let me purchase at wholesale prices? Do … [Read more...] about Starting a Niche Athletic Footwear Business