Sometimes, its all about the right timing. When KFC, a major international chicken fast-food chain first opened in Cebu (Philippines’ second biggest City), it wasn’t successful. As a matter of fact, it has to be shut down. And when they re-opened several years after, it seems like Angelina Jolie has hit town – people lining up and grabbing every chicken they could.

The market was ready this time.

Likewise, the same goes in the retail industry. After taking a brief hiatus to weather the recession, an invasion of Britain by some of America’s best known retail brands such as Best Buy, Banana Republic, and Forever 21 is back on track. And early reports signified that consumers are welcoming invaders with more open arms and more open wallet!

This was practically a case where latest arrivals that entered the market are already established brands with built-in consumer awareness. Also, this can be attributed to the dominance of U.S. culture in media and online, which resulted in satisfying the taste for British shippers’ desire for something new.

But hey, wait. This isn’t a cheap proposition. To invade UK, Best Buy has already shelled out 30 million dollars and expects to spend around another 50 million this fiscal year. It is a big bet, but the potential payoff is obviously worth risking for!

A lot of retail stores are opened each year around the world. But yet, many of them die or shut down after just a short period of operation. The fact is, you pass by along a busy street, it seems that every corner you can see almost all kinds of retail stores along – from clothing, gadgets, to among many others.

Compared to big companies, retail stores have a virtually high profit margin. In essence, it means they earn more than usual as they target walk-in consumers or even tourist, that mostly became the victim of high priced goods than buying in big malls.

There are several factors that needs to be considered if you want your retail store to succeed along a busy street. And here are some of the few tips:

Location. This aspect is just as important as any other factors. Why? Because you cannot sell a product that is not demanded much for a particular place. Say for instance, no one would want to buy clothing goods in a public market. High foot traffic is the number one factor that needs to be considered when looking for a location, then accessibility follows.

Signage. When finally opening your ideal retail store, it is important to be different from other stores. So a big, bright signage might just be perfect. With this, it would grab attention from passers by, and perhaps would allow them to go in and make some queries. Obviously, when your’s is brighter than the rest, you would grab more attention.

Product Offerings. A store must have a varied product offerings. It must not limit only to a particular product category. For short, it must include fillers just so customers will find all the products they want. Fillers add up to store revenues and profits as well.

These are just some of the important factors that need to be considered before opening you favorite retail outlet.

Last October, as the five-day Hindu, Sikh, and Jain Festival started many Indians knew it was time to buy gifts for family and friends. One person, Rajlaxmi Pandit went on a 45-minute ride to the Delhi Metro and hopped to the Big Bazaar, one of the biggest shopping centers that offer everything – from saris to neckties and foods among many others.

After a few minutes in the center, she decided not to buy anything and immediately went to the noisy street of Bhogal. There, shopkeepers were calling out her name as she went inside each bargain stores. Upon looking at the list of price from the Big Bazaar, she decided to pick a $100 dollar cellular phone for her friend, as it was some $5 dollar cheaper. Moreover, the shopkeeper will have it delivered at her home just a few hours after.

Above, is actually the situation in India today, which can be attributed to the tricky law for foreign retailers. One of their regulations says that big-box stores such as Wal-Mart or Carrefour are only allowed to partner with Indian companies in the wholesale sector; which essentially means they cannot sell outright to direct consumers. In contrast, single-brand retailers such as Guess, Levis, or Esprit can sell directly to consumers but not without having and Indian partner.

What does this indicate? It indicates that foreign owned retailers in India are simply out of reach. For instance, when Wal-Mart decided to open its first Indian store, it was only allowed to sell to people who registered by showing they own a retail outlet, also known as Kirana store.

It is the local industry that dominates the country’s nearly $500 billion retail industry. Companies such as Future Group, Reliance ADA Group, and Vishal Retail rented millions of square feet of expensive spaces around the country. When the economy slowed down, many of their branches have to shut down though.

And it turned out that the mom-and-pop stores ruled out in this tight economic situation. If there is one thing that we can call a lesson here, it must be being big is not necessarily safe!

Statistically, nearly all level of consumers in America has taken a step back in their spending habits. According to a recent survey, nearly 60 percent of Americans say they are wearing clothes several times before washing to cut laundry costs. And nearly 70 percent of them said they haggle before buying items. Both statistics show more than 50 percent increase two year ago.

The frugality has scared so many consumers most especially when the upcoming holiday season is fast approaching. The holiday season means only one thing previously – and that is to cut down prices through sale. But today, many of the retailers are trying to rethink their strategy. Instead of slashing down prices, they are becoming very creative in managing inventory. A few of those strategies to survive in the battle of the fittest:

Artificial Shortage

Retailers nowadays are not overcomitting. Consumers’ best gift ideas will definitely no longer come on the first trip but perhaps on their second trip. Most of the manufacturers are trying to avoid the pile ups, they are just producing enough. So it won’t lead to heavy discounting or the empty shelves that result in lost sales.

Kicking the Discount Habit

Store owners are starting to kick their discounting habit. If there happens to be overstocked goods at the warehouse, you don’t have to sell it at 30 or 40 percent off. But instead you can pack it with other goods and sell it for 10 percent off. That way, you earn 20 or 30 percent more than you usual discounting habit. Not bad, isn’t it?

Simplicity and One-Stop Shopping

Having the right array of products ensures that your money are being rotated and spent right. Essentially, goods (which are also money) will no longer have to stay on your store for quite a long time. This gives you a breather space in your financial business aspect.