Advice solicited

[Thomas]

Stevebody, at my shop in NYCity I learned two important things--wine shoppers love a place that is warm (not heatwise, but attitudewise) and inviting. The fact that we had upholstered chairs, plus we gave away free espresso, made many love us.

The second thing I learned--create your own wine offering niche. In other words, if every store in town has a similar selection, why would anyone be loyal to any one of you (other than personality, of course)? Focus. Find a copy of the March 2005 Decanter. I have an article in there about niche wine retailers.

Oh, there is a third thing I learned--if you are planning to bring in an investment partner, immediately lower your expectations of what that partner will do.

[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 03-30-2005).]