If you're aiming to give wings to your dreams of entrepreneurship by starting a retail business, then be prepared for a roller coaster ride, because if you succeed, there is no looking back in this field. Retailing has evolved to become one of the vital sectors of US economy. With more than 1 million retailing companies in the US, this business concept has expanded by leaps and bounds. It has become sophisticated, more management focused but equally challenging. Retailing is now not a mere retail chain store, but its definition and scope has broken all limitations and hence there are numerous options for someone starting a retail business. For real entrepreneurs, the scene is different. When they plan to start a business, they act on it, with aggressive plans, vision and effective risk assessment. Initially, they may face rejections or losses but their flexibility and ability to bounce back makes them successful in the long run. Identify the Niche Market There are numerous different business opportunities in the field of retail business. But it doesn't make sense if you've not researched the market or the latest developments in it. For instance, retail shopping malls have been the biggest hits for many years, but it doesn't make sense to plunge into business unless you have a huge capital and you're higher at risk tolerance. Hence, the first lesson that must be learned in starting a retail business is to identify the business that has the potential to bloom in the coming years. Think creatively of numerous other dimensions in which retailing is developing and just pick one single idea, one single concept that can give you success. Just to give an example, the business of automatic vending machines was started as a mere idea but now, you won't believe that it is a multi billion dollar business. Store retailing (establishing retail stores), specialty retailing, non store retailing and mail order businesses are some top fields in retailing. Even the Internet has evolved as one of the greatest 'retailing connector tool' by bringing customers, companies and markets on one common platform. Stories of success of online retailers like Amazon and eBay is a testimony of the strong hold of Internet in retailing market. Do a SWOT Analysis What are your weaknesses and what are your strengths? Also, give a thought about your priorities in life, that includes, both professional and personal life. You can't suddenly risk all your money, if you have a family. So ensure that you have planned everything so that you don't have to look back, in case, you are defeated. Do you completely want to enter in this market on your own or do you wish to have some trusting partners? Are some of your friends also interested in entrepreneurship? Be very sure about the answer to the question, how much does it cost to start such a type of business. Discuss and research about capital requirements with people who have been into this business. Also, keep your mind open and know about numerous costs that are inevitable. In fact, starting a retail business is not a cake walk, especially in times of fierce competition in this field. So do your homework. Being Wise Helps Starting a business in retail is generally not easy for everyone as the start-up cost can be very high. But with easy loans one can make their dreams come true. With that risk, comes the responsibility of repaying loans. Hence, again I would like to state that think over the pros and cons of being an entrepreneur, so that you don't crib if you fail. Not every entrepreneur is able to succeed and if you fail, don't lose heart. You have to retreat and make a comeback with better business plans. Many famous entrepreneurs started their business only to reach to a moment where they had no option but to quit. However, they remained flexible, changed plans, kept themselves motivated, improved with every decision and finally success came their way. Starting a retail business can be an opening for you to become a full-fledged entrepreneur, but ensure you 'know' the 'retail industry' and you'll able to find opportunities in the booming retail market.