There is no magic answer. The retail sector is one of the toughest at the moment. (Some of the tips on running a pub apply to retail as well). Here is a success story. You would not expect independent electrical retailers to stand a chance in the face of competition from national chains but I know an independent that has not only succeeded with one shop but also opened a second successful outlet. What was the secret? They could not complete on pricing so they have gone for quality of product and service. They identified their niche as being people who were technophobes and could not cope with a new TV or DVD without help. This retailer has very loyal customers who return time and time again for all their electrical goods. They have been in business for over 40 years.