From the Editor: What Made You Become a Retailer?

This past weekend was Mother’s Day weekend and like most moms with two toddlers, all I wanted was some quiet time. But my version of quiet time is sleeping, so instead my husband and I loaded our kiddos up and drive an hour and a half north to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and spent three days at the beautiful Grand Geneva Resort. We absolutely love it there because it’s filled with great things for kids and adults alike, including an indoor water park, spa and wellness center, climbing wall, golf, great restaurants and a terrace with  a fire pit that screams for s’mores to be made. The kids love it and so do my husband and I. My friends, however, think I’m crazy for using Mother’s Day to spend with kids at a water park. Honestly, I don’t think twice about it. I’m grateful just to have the time to be with my kiddos and have some always needed down time. All this said – the real reason I love this annual getaway is the quaint town of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin that Grand Geneva Resort resides in. There are very few big box stores in town, and nearly all the restaurants and retailers are indie owned. Love that. This past trip I discovered some new stores, visited some old favorites and met a handful of store owners who not only call Lake Geneva home – they say it’s what made them want to be retailers. Which made me think… why do most retailers become retailers?

Over the years I have asked retailers a thousand times why they started their business. I’ve heard folks tell me countless times that owning their own store is a “dream come true” while others have told me “they didn’t know what else to do” and yet some simply say “it feel into my lap”. Others call it their “second career” and even some call it their “retirement plan”. But I’m curious… why did YOU start your retail store?

In the Fall 2013 issue of Retail Minded Magazine, we’ll be sharing stories of how indie stores across the country came to life. Comment here, reach out to me via Twitter or post on Retail Minded’s Facebook page and let me know your story. We just may get back in touch to feature your store in a future issue of Retail Minded Magazine!

Here’s hoping your story is one that you are smiling about as you remember it…

Till next time,

Nicole Leinbach Reyhle

Founder & Editorial Director 

Retail Minded 

Photo Credit: Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin