It occured to me recently that I had never really epically failed anything in my life except relationships until now. That's not a bad track record.
I tried to dip my toes into a retail storefront after years of doing mail order sales online. It didn't go well. I don't think it was the product line or the layout of the store or even lack of effort. It was the cardinal rule of real estate that caused the downfall. Location, location, location. I didn't have it. I wanted the store close to home to have a short commute and also because I believed, and I still believe, that this sleepy little town is going to grow up and be somebody. I just don't have the time or finances to wait for that to happen.
I learned alot of things through the whole 6 month experience that will be a major help if I ever attempt brick and mortar retail again. I threw money at the problem trying to make the thing work and that was definitely the wrong approach. The first step is to find the proper location that will bring interest and walk in traffic without having to spend a ton of money for people to find you. The second step is to start out with a strong inventory and not necessarily the same inventory that works online. It is a completely different ball game in brick and mortar.
Anyway I chalk it up to experience, and even though I am beyond broke, which makes Bill a dull boy, I don't regret having attempted it. It was just a very expensive school of brick and mortar retail. I took away many lessons. I certainly would feel worse if I had never at least tried it.
It's been said that you learn more from your failures than your successes. I always thought that was a line of bullshit. Now I see the light.
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