Includes index.

Introduction -- Why retail might be a great career for you -- An overview of the retail industry -- Industry prospects and job growth projections -- Benefits (and drawbacks) of working in retail -- How retail intersects many industries (e.g. home repair, furniture, auto) -- Sidebar: profile of retailer -- Sidebar: interview with retail exec -- Is retail right for you? -- Empathy with customers -- Attention of detail -- Handles stress well -- Industry expertise -- Sidebar: profile of retailer -- Sidebar: interview with retail exec -- The background, education, and training you need -- Preferred degrees -- If you didn't graduate college -- Work history -- Sidebar: profile of retailer -- Sidebar: interview with retail exec -- The wide variety of opportunities in retail -- Retail sales and store management -- Information systems -- Operations and distribution -- Real estate and lease management -- Buying, marketing, and merchandising -- Sidebar: profile of retailer -- Sidebar: interview with retail exec -- The day-to-day working environment -- Stores -- Traditional retail stores -- Warehouse stores and large format specialty stores -- Malls -- Distribution centers -- Offices -- Sidebar: profile of retailer -- Sidebar: interview with retail exec -- Insider secrets for getting hired for the job you want -- Identifying the right job for you -- Building a work history that gets noticed -- Part time retail jobs -- Internship opportunities -- Specific industry experience -- Sidebar: profile of retailer -- Sidebar: interview with retail exec -- Strategies for getting your career off to the right start -- Getting started in a store -- Getting started in distribution/operations -- Getting started in the office -- Sidebar: profile of retailer -- Sidebar: interview with retail exec -- Putting your retail career on the fast track -- Working start-ups and turnarounds -- Gaining breadth of experience -- Career strategies for middle management -- Sidebar: profile of retailer -- Sidebar: interview with retail exec -- Do you have an entrepreneurial itch? -- Is owning a store the right opportunity for you? -- Identifying the right opportunity -- Buying an existing business -- Startup fundamentals -- Sidebar: profile of retailer -- Sidebar: interview with retail exec -- Appendices -- National and regional retailers -- Retail glossary -- Other resources for building a retail career.