[nacho911]

I am hearing so much about internet business here, and man, it sounds really good. But I wanted to talk about another end of the spectrum....retail.....(Yeah I said it)

During the past christmas season, I owned and operated a mall kiosk (2 months) This was done while going to college full-time. It was great becuase we actually made good $$...

Are there any other people out there who have started any other business in retail?

If anyone is intrested in how to start something like that up, I could answer questions. Also, if you have something to share, I am sure we all would like to hear about it!

[Steve]

Warm Welcome Nacho.

What did you sell in your Kiosk?

There are many people who do Retail Biz on this site they are just not as vocal since many of us computer business people are more technical.

[nacho911]

Hello Steve,

First of all I have to say I love your site....

One of the main products we had was a herbal contour neck wrap.. Basically you put the things in the microwave and they keep their heat for about an hour. At the same time there is a soothing smell that is supposed to relax the mind/body..(You could also put the things in the freezer) 90% of customers were ladies......who would of guessed!

We also had products to put on the eyes, feet, shoulders and back....

This year I am not having a kiosk...I decided to join the workforce!! yuk.......I recently got laid off though and now looking for a job. There is always entrepreneurship!.....

There is a really hot new toy right now that would be perfect for a kiosk during christmas... The profit margin is over 1000%
It is called a "hover disc" that you fill with helium....It kinda looks like one of those metallic helium balloons except it is flatter and it hovers! So cheap to buy wholesale, but you could get $15 for each one!!!

[Karen]

I think with the upcoming season, more retail stores are going online to capture a share of the online market. The Internet has made it easier to drop ship gifts, and a retail store would benefit from having brick and mortar and e-commerce. I know I have seen a product in a store and then went online to the store's web site to ship the gift to NY. I liked the fact that I was able to see the item in person in the retail store before I ordered it online.

I believe that the personal aspect that is apart of a retail store is something that is really missing from online stores. A retail store should be able to use the personal touch to create, maintain, and expand their business.

Nacho911:

Where do people get the helium for the disc? Where I can see one of thee disc's?

Best wishes,
Karen

[mikewheaton]

I saw some of those helium discs at a flee market this summer, they look like a great product. They probably could sell online, but personally I see more potential in a kiosk at the mall - where people can actually see and try them out. At this flea market, the sellers had a few of them going and were tossing them up, playing catch, etc. and it was really catching the attention of people around.

Let kids try them out and it's like recruiting salespeople... the "Mommy, I want one! Please! Please!" technique is really effective.

Good luck!
Mike

[nacho911]

Hey,

Thanks for replying Mike and Karen....

I do agree with your comments about more and more people buying over the internet. Those hover disc things are all over ebay right now.

I am trying to find a wholesaler, but I havn't had much luck. Keep your eyes peeled....

I agree with you Mike....I think kids would go nutzzzz over this....

Later

[SLA]

Hey....cool! I'm interested!

[ericesquire]

Retail is a good profitable business (if done right) - but a service business or new, creative product can keep revenue coming in for years. With retail, you have to work all the time, you can't just send out a monthly invoice.