Book excerpt: This book identifies the key elements and components in starting a retail business. It is a known fact that there are a number of aspects that require attention in order to enhance the chances of success of the business. These issues, deemed to be essential in the running of a retail business, include the following: focusing on the customer; being in the right merchandise; selecting suppliers; stock control; pricing for profit; management of price changes; promoting sales; blending store activities for success. The book places the relevance and importance of these issues in perspective and in a practical way illustrates the application of the theory. Activities are used to explain certain concepts and a number of South African examples can be found in the book to illustrate certain principles. Introduction to Retailing is an easy-to-read book, and offers students and business people alike a hands-on approach to fundamental retail issues.