I'm in the researching and planning stages for opening a children's bookstore. I know I need to join ABA...not there yet, but in the meantime, I've been searching for a place to ask questions. I'm in the process of reading books and searching online for information. I want to learn as much as I can and hammer out as many details as possible first. I'm looking at two years down the road. I live in a growing surburban community. The area I've chosen for a location is expected to grow by 20,000 people by the year 2012. The income is mid to upper with 78% of households being families. I have not chosen a precise location, but I would like to narrow it down to three to five specific high traffic shopping strips before I finish my business plan. Here are a few things I'm a bit perplexed about: POS system/software (endless information and options), store design/fixtures (want a contemporary look, but need to find low cost ways of making it happen - also need to find a comforting, yet contemporary color scheme - need to appeal to tweens/teens), and employees (How many do you start off with?). My husband is an accountant/CPA, so he can set me up budget wise. I'm a teacher with a strong network in my community, and I have a ton of marketing plans, so I feel good about this end. I'm contacting the SBA and SCORE for help with business plans (I also have a book...
). Lots of planning - taking my time - looking for any info. I can get.
