The Retail Start-Up Book - by Rowland Gee & Danny Sloan & Graham Symes (Paperback)

About the Book

Build a successful and profitable retail strategy by focusing on the key areas every retailer must get right: developing a strategic marketing plan, financial management and buying and visual merchandising.

Book Synopsis

The retail market in the UK is worth more than £400 billion annually and employs over 3 million workers, while in the US 29 million people create over USD $4 trillion of revenue through the industry. Despite the challenge to establish stores and big-box retailers, there's a rapid increase in the number of retail start-ups and consistent growth in the independent sector. From beard shops and barbers, through cafes and coffee shops, to 'retailment' concept stores and boutique consumer-focused experiences, the specialist retail sector is booming.

The Retail Start-Up Book provides clear guidance and advice on how to develop a winning retail strategy that seamlessly merges online and offline tactics. Introducing the science of shopping and how to understand customer behaviours and needs, it explores the essential steps of developing a business plan, marketing and promoting a business and advising on buying and visual merchandising. Building on years of retail experience nationally and internationally, in large groups and with independent retailers, The Retail Start-Up Book meticulously provide invaluable practical insights to help new retailers hit the floor running, or more established organizations grow their business and nurture their profits.

Review Quotes

"Retail is detail! If I had had the benefit of reading this book before I opened my first shop in The Royal Exchange, it would have been plain sailing."-- "Simon Crowther, Senior Executive in the retail, clothing and manufacturing industry"

"Rowland was and still is one of the most passionate retailers on the UK high street. His energy has always stood out, as have his taste levels. He always taught those around him to have a can-do attitude in all circumstances, and The Retail Start-Up Book is a manifestation both of his enthusiasm and the generosity with which he offers guidance to new businesses."-- "Simon Berwin, former Managing Director, Berwin & Berwin Ltd"

"Rowland Gee came on board at Me and Maya as a consultant for a year in 2016 to help streamline the business and steer it in the right direction. His help was invaluable in making me realize the brand had a market and that I should pursue selling online. This book brings much of that advice into one resource."-- "Lalita Russell-Smith, Founder, Me and Maya"

"There are many grey areas in business along with the noise created by excessive information that doesn't address the real issues. The Retail Start-Up Book provides practical, up-to-date information from seasoned businessmen. It's an invaluable resource for anyone starting a business."-- "Toks Aruoture, Founder, The Baby Cot Shop"

"When we first introduced the Hugo Boss brand to the UK, Rowland Gee fully understood the brand philosophy and its potential. Our unique marketing strategy, as well as the advanced styling and use of new materials, were warmly welcomed by the Cecil Gee clientele. This led to the eventual development of Hugo Boss standalone shops which were managed and run successfully by Rowland's company without ever compromising the ethos of the brand. This book highlights his wealth of experience and his expertise in retail."-- "Detlef Doerge, former Managing Director, Hugo Boss UK"

About the Author

Rowland Gee is former Chief Executive of Moss Bros Group plc. Under his leadership, Moss Bros entered a strategic business relationship with Hugo Boss, resulting in the UK establishment of the brand. He is co-founder of Grey4Gold Ltd, a professional skills matching service for retail.

Danny Sloan was BAA Director of Planning 2012, ensuring BAA airports delivered the First and Lasting Impression for the UK across its airports during the London Olympics. He is co-founder of Grey4Gold Ltd.

Graham Symes is an experienced finance director in retail and wholesale fashion, with clients including Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Christian Lacroix.