Retailing is growing and growing fast. As one of the nation's largest sectors, the retail industry provides a wealth of opportunity to people who have the desire to forge their own path to success. One-third of the 500,000 or so new businesses created each year are retail businesses. The entrepreneurs risk their hard earned capital, dedicate their resources and make a life out of offering consumers something they need or want. The possibilities and opportunities that are associated with opening a retail business make it the backbone of the American economy.

The industry delivers a rewarding business for the more than 24 million people who earn their livelihood by selling products. Retailers distribute the goods and services that are consumed by the public each and every day – be it food, energy, leisure, and our home products - our lives would not be the same without having places to get these items and resources. Most of these retailers buy merchandise from a manufacturer or wholesaler and sell it to consumers for their usage. The price that is charged for the goods covers the retailer's expenses and typically includes a spread that is considered the gross profit. The retail portion of the U.S. economy accounts for about 38 percent of our gross national product--more than $3 trillion dollars. The National Retail Federation is quoted in saying that more than 1 million retailing