As you will see by the books I am about to suggest, the companies discussed in these volumes are large and you may feel the information may not benefit your store(s).  However, from my experience, the principles that can be learned prove true throughout the spectrum of retailers regardless of their size.  I hope these recent titles will prove helpful "mentors" to you.

*"The Wal-Mart Decade:  How a Generation of Leaders Turned Sam Walton's Legacy Into the World's #1 Company".  This book chronicles the past 10 years of Wal-Mart's growth since the death of Sam Walton.  It addresses the key question of how the new leadership would maintain the culture of its founder:  How they have not only maintained it, but have multiplied it's growth as well.  Sam would be proud!

*"On Target:  How the World's Hottest Retailer Hit a Bullseye".  This book traces the history of Target and examines the image and mystique of the brand.  The publisher describes the book as the "first behind the scenes look" at Target.  "On Target" effectively captures the culture, style and strategy of this discount retailer.  One of the most interesting aspects about this title is the summary page at the end of each chapter called "check out", which provides quick hits about company philosophy.  It is an entertaining and easy to read book.

*"K-Mart's Ten Deadly Sins:  How Incompetence Tainted an American Icon".  While the first two titles give us lessons on how to succeed by watching companies do most things well, this title shows us a company with a rich history and a bright future, throw it away, step by step.  It's an insightful look at how a company can be destroyed from within.  It is written for readers who find themselves wondering how a company with such bright prospects could end up filing for bankruptcy.  It will make you think and ask yourself a lot of questions concerning yourself as a retailer-if you are honest with yourself!

Please take some time to read one or all of these titles.  There is a world of good advice and pertinent warnings that can be helpful to you as you steer your retail venture.  Until next time, "Keep Minding the Store".
-Mark Zobrosky has held several Senior Retail positions.  He served as Vice President of Operations at Family Christian Stores, Vice President of Operations and Real Estate at National Book Warehouse, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Gibson Greetings Retail Division as well as Vice President of Electronic Commerce for OnePlace, Ltd. You can reach Mark for Retail consulting via e-mail at markzobrosky@aol.com  or via telephone 336-327-7594.