"In his latest book, Retail Superstars, George Whalin captures the essence of what it takes to be a successful independent retailer today. With a critical look at 25 of his favorite independent stores, Whalin uses his strong knowledge of the retail industry to highlight those qualities which make these businesses so successful. He not only proves independent retailers can succeed in the highly competitive retail industry, but explains just what sets apart the best retailers from the rest."

David F. Vite, President & CEO, Illinois Retail Merchants Association

"George Whalin's passion for retailing shines through on every page of this terrific book as he takes readers on a magical tour of the 25 greatest independent retailers in America. If you're in retail, Retail Superstars is must reading. If you're not, you're going to love the ride."

Bo Burlingham, Editor-at-Large, Inc. magazine and author of
Small Giants: Companies That Choose To Be Great Instead of Big

"What can I say? I simply love Retail Superstars! While it is an incredible collection of great stories of wildly successful independent retailers, the truth is that a chain-store CEO or Regional Director, or a Training or Accounting Department boss, can learn invaluable lessons from these pages. Bravo to George Whalin for a superb job!"

Tom Peters, Business Guru and Best-Selling Author

"Independents do it better. George likes Retail Mavericks, the places where the visionaries are still at the wheel. Great stories."

Paco Underhill author Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping

"Retail Superstars; what a great service George Whalin has provided to the retail industry! As only he could do, Whalin is raising the bar on all retailers everywhere. Now, take his challenge: make your store the 'distinguishable and remarkable' 26th Superstar!"

Patricia M. Johnson and Richard F. Outcalt, Co-Founders, The Retail Owners Institute®

"Far beyond price and product; it's all about the 'sizzle' that independent retailers give customers. No need to invent a successful wheel, just add your own unique spokes to any of these 25 and you'll be on the road to making your store a SUPERSTAR."

William H. Baxter, Retired President/CEO, Retail Merchants Association

"In today's retail environment, more and more malls and shopping areas are starting to look exactly the same: a handful of the usual large corporate retailers with a Starbucks on each end. That's why I was delighted to read George Whalin's Retail Superstars, a fascinating and sentimental journey inside some of the most unique retail experiences in America. In each case an individual entrepreneur with a vision created a store like no other: the biggest, the best, the craziest--and it proves there will always be a place for the independent retailer.

"I have been to Powell's City of Books; in fact, every time I am in Portland, I set aside some free time to hang out there. It's an experience. Now I am ready to visit more of George Whalin's Retail Superstars. Let me know when I can sign up for the cross-country bus tour. In the meantime, Retail Superstars should be required reading for every independent retailer in America."

James "Jimmy" West, Executive Director, Leading Jewelers Guild, Inc.

George Whalin generously shares knowledge and enthusiasm in his newest book, Retail Superstars. Among other things, he points out that the success of these independent businesses lies in their managements' understanding of their customers' needs. It is more than just bottom line retailing. As Whalin tells it in example after example, it is basic salesmanship and presentation--fulfilling a need by understanding it.

This is a book about the people who drive retailing on a level that may not be that of Walmart, Target, or other superstore chains. Rather it is an inside look of why smaller entrepreneurs have thrived in the face of often brutal competition from the mega giants."

Sherman Kaplan, Co-Anchor, WBBM Noon Business Hour,
Newsradio 780 WBBM, Chicago, IL

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