If you want to raise the profile of your retail business you can get involved in local business networking. Getting to know your peers, competitors, potential suppliers or partners, politicians and media personalities can open new avenues for your business. It's also a good idea to get to know key influencers in your local area.

Networking organisations

Although you may have direct competitors in your local area, it's likely that you are both facing common issues and problems. Working together to improve the area where your retail business is located can benefit everyone. Industry bodies offer networking, publicity and lobbying opportunities - eg Retail NI, the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium and the Federation of Small Businesses in Northern Ireland.

Local business support organisations and councils have a range of events and support schemes which could benefit your retail business. Regular events like business breakfasts, networking evenings, 'Meet the buyer' events and more give your business and brand an excellent platform. Find local networking opportunities:

• find your local council in Northern Ireland
• Northern Ireland enterprise agencies
• chambers of commerce in Northern Ireland

Online and social media presence

Business networking on the internet is becoming an important tool for retail brand recognition and promotion. Social media platforms such as Facebook, X, formally known as Twitter and LinkedIn are a great way to reach customers, but also to grow your reputation and profile within business circles. See social media best practice for business.

Corporate social responsibility

You can raise the profile of your business while giving back to the community through corporate social responsibility. Business in the Community is one example of a local organisation which can help your business to work with groups in Northern Ireland. See corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Be on the lookout for sponsorship opportunities or consider partnering with a local charity. See how to market your retail business.

The marketing environment for retail businesses has shifted significantly over the past decades. Whether your focus is on attracting local customers or advertising on a national scale, you need to get the best return on your investment. From print advertising to digital marketing, there are lots of options to consider.

Retail advertising

Advertising is a constantly shifting market which can be difficult for retailers to get right. While digital marketing is the go-to option for advertising, traditional advertising channels are still crucial areas for small to medium retailers to use.

• Print advertising in newspapers and magazines is still hard to ignore for its local impact on retailers. Small newspapers rely on advertising and are a targeted way to gain exposure in a local area. You can also ask about including dedicated leaflets for your business to be included in deliveries. See advertising and leaflet drops and handouts.
• Regional newspapers can offer wider audiences and the potential for additional online advertising slots. Television advertising through commercial and community channels in Northern Ireland remains an option to widen awareness of your retail business.
• Billboard advertising is another area where local retailers compete for prime spots. Consider contacting local advertising agencies for more information on these and other opportunities eg public transport vehicles and shelter advertising. See work with an advertising agency.
• Digital marketing, such as using pay-per-click and paid search advertising, can drive interest and sales from a highly selective base of potential customers - this can be a very efficient use of a retailer's advertising budget. See develop a digital marketing plan. 

Social media for retailers

The smallest local shops and international retail chains are now using social media to successfully market their business. Local influencers can make a big difference to customers' spending choices, and social media is a great way to get your brand onto their radar.

Using social media to drive interest in your retail business takes planning, time and effort to get right. You need to keep a sharp focus on your end goals. You should also consider the advantages and disadvantages of using different social media platforms. Paid advertising is an important way to make an impact on social media, and you need to decide if your retail business could benefit from it. See social media best practice for business.

Partner promotions

Retailing is fiercely competitive, but there are lots of ways for similar retail businesses to work together for mutual benefit. The things which make a retailer successful, eg brand exposure, customer service reputation, regular footfall can all be marketable assets to other retailers. This can be seen on a large scale with individual retailers opening concession areas in larger department stores which can provide guaranteed customers.

Smaller retailers can partner successfully to offer branded product lines which are complementary to other businesses, such as a special promotion area within another retailer's premises eg a branded ice-cream stall in an entertainment rental shop. This type of partnering can allow your retail business to gauge demand in new areas and be a platform for further growth.

Pop up retail

Getting your products in front of new customers is always a challenge. A tried and tested method of opening new markets is to use pop-up sales platforms. This can be as simple as negotiating short-term space in a popular shopping centre for a product stand.

City and town marketplaces can also offer short-term pitches. You could look at opening a full pop-up shop in empty premises to sell a new line, sale stock or diversify into a completely new area of retail. For more ideas on how to use short-term retail space to boost our business see how to set up a pop-up shop.

Sponsoring

Associating your business with another well-known brand or organisation has obvious benefits to widening your reach. Your choice of sponsorship can also say a lot about your business ethos, eg sponsoring a charity or other good cause. For more information on getting involved in local good causes - see corporate social responsibility (CSR).

There are also plenty of opportunities to sponsor local organisations like sports teams. Your business could gain exposure through channels which might be too expensive as a standalone option, eg sports teams featured regularly on local TV news reports or playing to live TV audiences nationally or internationally.

Visual merchandising

Good visual merchandising can set your retail business apart from your competitors, be a strong marketing tool and increase customer interest and loyalty in your retail business.

It includes focusing on your retail branding and signage, window displays, interior store layout, point-of-sale displays and price promotions. Read more on visual merchandising for your retail business.

Finding finance to help start or improve your business is tough at any time, but retailers can find it especially difficult. However there are always options to explore and you might find non-financial support just as valuable for your business.

Bank loans

All businesses need to develop a relationship with a bank, and this continues to be a key area for accessing business financing. Business loans for retailers - whether starting up, for growth or bridging finance - are available for businesses with a strong business plan. See is your business ready for bank financing? 

There are other types of finance that may also be suitable for your business. See business financing options - an overview.

Support services

While direct financial support is important for retail businesses, more targeted advisory or training support can be just as valuable. A growing retail business relies on good customer interaction with staff, and training schemes are available to raise the skills of your employees.

Find out more about employer support programmes which provide skills solutions for business and employee training and development.

Your local enterprise agency is a great place to find support for a retail business. Many local enterprise agencies offer property solutions which could help you to start up, and you'll also find development courses and potential access to financial support schemes. Find contact details to speak to your local enterprise agency.

Your local council is a good source of advisory, training and sometimes financial support for businesses. Find your local council in Northern Ireland.

You can also access free business support and events from your local council through the Go Succeed programme. Find out more about Go Succeed.

Many more forms of financial and advisory support are available to retail businesses - find more schemes by searching our Northern Ireland business support finder.

Good retailing is about listening and reacting to your customers and wider business trends. It's difficult to remain successful without changing to suit the times, but careful thought and planning is needed when you are moving away from your core business.

Diversifying your product range

You should be constantly on the lookout for new products to retail, and new suppliers who can offer better deals. A retailer can build a good reputation with customers by offering interesting new products on a regular basis. Use market research tools to understand what your customers want and grow your retail business. See strategies to improve sales and profitability.

Complementary business

Consider your customer base and ask if there's a complementary service or business which you can offer to boost your core retail business. For example, your shop could attract more customers, and convince them to stay longer, by opening a cafe within your premises. Customers may appreciate the option to mix different activities into a single trip, eg a beauty salon attached to a beauty products retailer.

Buying another retail business

One way of expanding your business is to buy another retail business. This could be a similar business operating in an area you want to move to. You need to assess the balance of risk and reward - it might cost more to buy an existing business than to set up and grow by yourself, however a takeover allows you to immediately tap into an established and proven customer base. See mergers and acquisitions.

Franchising your retail business

If your business has a successful brand and good reputation with customers, one option for growth is to franchise your business. There are risks associated with franchising, however it can be a good way to extend your business model into a new area. See how to franchise your business.

Pop-up shops

You can increase awareness of your shop and sell bigger volumes of your products by opening up short-term pop-up stalls or shops in a new area. See set up a pop-up shop.

Beginning to trade online

If your business doesn't already trade online, this is a prime option for retail growth. By establishing an online shop you are suddenly competing against the rest of the world, but your potential customer base is similarly expanded. See the advantages and disadvantages of online retailing.

Online retailing is growing at an astonishing rate, and retailers who ignore it may see their trade lessening as customers continue to shift to ordering products online.

However you need to think carefully and weigh all the advantages and disadvantages - backed by good market research - before deciding on whether or not to trade online.

Advantages of online retail

The benefits of retailing online include:

• Easy access to market - in many ways the access to market for entrepreneurs has never been easier. Online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon allow anyone to set up a simple online shop and sell products within minutes. See selling through online marketplaces.
• Reduced overheads - selling online can remove the need for expensive retail premises and customer-facing staff, allowing you to invest in better marketing and customer experience on your e-commerce site.
• Potential for rapid growth - selling on the internet means traditional constraints to retail growth - eg finding and paying for larger - are not major factors. With a good digital marketing strategy and a plan a scale up order fulfilment systems, you can respond and boost growing sales. See planning for e-commerce.
• Widen your market/export - one major advantage over premises-based retailers is the ability to expand your market beyond local customers very quickly. You may discover a strong demand for your products in other countries which you can respond to by targeted marketing, offering your website in a different language, or perhaps partnering with an overseas company. See basics of exporting.
• Customer intelligence - ability to use online marketing tools to target new customers and website analysis tools to gain insight into your customers' needs. For advice on improving your customer's on-site experience, read how to measure your online marketing.

Read further guidance on online selling.

Disadvantages of online retail

Some negatives of online retail include: 

• Website costs - planning, designing, creating, hosting, securing and maintaining a professional e-commerce website isn't cheap, especially if you expect large and growing sales volumes. See common e-commerce pitfalls.
• Infrastructure costs - even if you aren't paying the cost of customer-facing premises, you'll need to think about the costs of physical space for order fulfilment, warehousing goods, dealing with returns and staffing for these tasks. See fulfilling online orders.
• Security and fraud - the growth of online retail market has attracted the attention of sophisticated criminal elements. The reputation of your business could be fatally damaged if you don't invest in the latest security systems to protect your website and transaction processes. See e-commerce pitfalls - security weaknesses.
• Legal issues - getting to grips with e-commerce and the law can be a challenge and you'll need to be aware of, and plan to cope with, the additional customer rights which are attached to online sales. See the law and selling online.
• Advertising costs - while online marketing can be a very efficient way of getting the right customers to your products, it demands a generous budget. This is especially true if you are competing in a crowded sector or for popular keywords. See pay-per-click and paid search advertising.  
• Customer trust - it can be difficult to establish a trusted brand name, especially without a physical business with a track record and face-to-face interaction between customers and sales staff. You need to consider the costs of setting up a good customer service system as part of your online offering. See manage your customer service.

For detailed guidance on the problems you might encounter selling online see common e-commerce pitfalls.

If you want to raise the profile of your retail business you can get involved in local business networking. Getting to know your peers, competitors, potential suppliers or partners, politicians and media personalities can open new avenues for your business. It's also a good idea to get to know key influencers in your local area.

Networking organisations

Although you may have direct competitors in your local area, it's likely that you are both facing common issues and problems. Working together to improve the area where your retail business is located can benefit everyone. Industry bodies offer networking, publicity and lobbying opportunities - eg Retail NI, the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium and the Federation of Small Businesses in Northern Ireland.

Local business support organisations and councils have a range of events and support schemes which could benefit your retail business. Regular events like business breakfasts, networking evenings, 'Meet the buyer' events and more give your business and brand an excellent platform. Find local networking opportunities:

• find your local council in Northern Ireland
• Northern Ireland enterprise agencies
• chambers of commerce in Northern Ireland

Online and social media presence

Business networking on the internet is becoming an important tool for retail brand recognition and promotion. Social media platforms such as Facebook, X, formally known as Twitter and LinkedIn are a great way to reach customers, but also to grow your reputation and profile within business circles. See social media best practice for business.

Corporate social responsibility

You can raise the profile of your business while giving back to the community through corporate social responsibility. Business in the Community is one example of a local organisation which can help your business to work with groups in Northern Ireland. See corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Be on the lookout for sponsorship opportunities or consider partnering with a local charity. See how to market your retail business.

The marketing environment for retail businesses has shifted significantly over the past decades. Whether your focus is on attracting local customers or advertising on a national scale, you need to get the best return on your investment. From print advertising to digital marketing, there are lots of options to consider.

Retail advertising

Advertising is a constantly shifting market which can be difficult for retailers to get right. While digital marketing is the go-to option for advertising, traditional advertising channels are still crucial areas for small to medium retailers to use.

• Print advertising in newspapers and magazines is still hard to ignore for its local impact on retailers. Small newspapers rely on advertising and are a targeted way to gain exposure in a local area. You can also ask about including dedicated leaflets for your business to be included in deliveries. See advertising and leaflet drops and handouts.
• Regional newspapers can offer wider audiences and the potential for additional online advertising slots. Television advertising through commercial and community channels in Northern Ireland remains an option to widen awareness of your retail business.
• Billboard advertising is another area where local retailers compete for prime spots. Consider contacting local advertising agencies for more information on these and other opportunities eg public transport vehicles and shelter advertising. See work with an advertising agency.
• Digital marketing, such as using pay-per-click and paid search advertising, can drive interest and sales from a highly selective base of potential customers - this can be a very efficient use of a retailer's advertising budget. See develop a digital marketing plan. 

Social media for retailers

The smallest local shops and international retail chains are now using social media to successfully market their business. Local influencers can make a big difference to customers' spending choices, and social media is a great way to get your brand onto their radar.

Using social media to drive interest in your retail business takes planning, time and effort to get right. You need to keep a sharp focus on your end goals. You should also consider the advantages and disadvantages of using different social media platforms. Paid advertising is an important way to make an impact on social media, and you need to decide if your retail business could benefit from it. See social media best practice for business.

Partner promotions

Retailing is fiercely competitive, but there are lots of ways for similar retail businesses to work together for mutual benefit. The things which make a retailer successful, eg brand exposure, customer service reputation, regular footfall can all be marketable assets to other retailers. This can be seen on a large scale with individual retailers opening concession areas in larger department stores which can provide guaranteed customers.

Smaller retailers can partner successfully to offer branded product lines which are complementary to other businesses, such as a special promotion area within another retailer's premises eg a branded ice-cream stall in an entertainment rental shop. This type of partnering can allow your retail business to gauge demand in new areas and be a platform for further growth.

Pop up retail

Getting your products in front of new customers is always a challenge. A tried and tested method of opening new markets is to use pop-up sales platforms. This can be as simple as negotiating short-term space in a popular shopping centre for a product stand.

City and town marketplaces can also offer short-term pitches. You could look at opening a full pop-up shop in empty premises to sell a new line, sale stock or diversify into a completely new area of retail. For more ideas on how to use short-term retail space to boost our business see how to set up a pop-up shop.

Sponsoring

Associating your business with another well-known brand or organisation has obvious benefits to widening your reach. Your choice of sponsorship can also say a lot about your business ethos, eg sponsoring a charity or other good cause. For more information on getting involved in local good causes - see corporate social responsibility (CSR).

There are also plenty of opportunities to sponsor local organisations like sports teams. Your business could gain exposure through channels which might be too expensive as a standalone option, eg sports teams featured regularly on local TV news reports or playing to live TV audiences nationally or internationally.

Visual merchandising

Good visual merchandising can set your retail business apart from your competitors, be a strong marketing tool and increase customer interest and loyalty in your retail business.

It includes focusing on your retail branding and signage, window displays, interior store layout, point-of-sale displays and price promotions. Read more on visual merchandising for your retail business.

Finding finance to help start or improve your business is tough at any time, but retailers can find it especially difficult. However there are always options to explore and you might find non-financial support just as valuable for your business.

Bank loans

All businesses need to develop a relationship with a bank, and this continues to be a key area for accessing business financing. Business loans for retailers - whether starting up, for growth or bridging finance - are available for businesses with a strong business plan. See is your business ready for bank financing? 

There are other types of finance that may also be suitable for your business. See business financing options - an overview.

Support services

While direct financial support is important for retail businesses, more targeted advisory or training support can be just as valuable. A growing retail business relies on good customer interaction with staff, and training schemes are available to raise the skills of your employees.

Find out more about employer support programmes which provide skills solutions for business and employee training and development.

Your local enterprise agency is a great place to find support for a retail business. Many local enterprise agencies offer property solutions which could help you to start up, and you'll also find development courses and potential access to financial support schemes. Find contact details to speak to your local enterprise agency.

Your local council is a good source of advisory, training and sometimes financial support for businesses. Find your local council in Northern Ireland.

You can also access free business support and events from your local council through the Go Succeed programme. Find out more about Go Succeed.

Many more forms of financial and advisory support are available to retail businesses - find more schemes by searching our Northern Ireland business support finder.

Good retailing is about listening and reacting to your customers and wider business trends. It's difficult to remain successful without changing to suit the times, but careful thought and planning is needed when you are moving away from your core business.

Diversifying your product range

You should be constantly on the lookout for new products to retail, and new suppliers who can offer better deals. A retailer can build a good reputation with customers by offering interesting new products on a regular basis. Use market research tools to understand what your customers want and grow your retail business. See strategies to improve sales and profitability.

Complementary business

Consider your customer base and ask if there's a complementary service or business which you can offer to boost your core retail business. For example, your shop could attract more customers, and convince them to stay longer, by opening a cafe within your premises. Customers may appreciate the option to mix different activities into a single trip, eg a beauty salon attached to a beauty products retailer.

Buying another retail business

One way of expanding your business is to buy another retail business. This could be a similar business operating in an area you want to move to. You need to assess the balance of risk and reward - it might cost more to buy an existing business than to set up and grow by yourself, however a takeover allows you to immediately tap into an established and proven customer base. See mergers and acquisitions.

Franchising your retail business

If your business has a successful brand and good reputation with customers, one option for growth is to franchise your business. There are risks associated with franchising, however it can be a good way to extend your business model into a new area. See how to franchise your business.

Pop-up shops

You can increase awareness of your shop and sell bigger volumes of your products by opening up short-term pop-up stalls or shops in a new area. See set up a pop-up shop.

Beginning to trade online

If your business doesn't already trade online, this is a prime option for retail growth. By establishing an online shop you are suddenly competing against the rest of the world, but your potential customer base is similarly expanded. See the advantages and disadvantages of online retailing.

Online retailing is growing at an astonishing rate, and retailers who ignore it may see their trade lessening as customers continue to shift to ordering products online.

However you need to think carefully and weigh all the advantages and disadvantages - backed by good market research - before deciding on whether or not to trade online.

Advantages of online retail

The benefits of retailing online include:

• Easy access to market - in many ways the access to market for entrepreneurs has never been easier. Online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon allow anyone to set up a simple online shop and sell products within minutes. See selling through online marketplaces.
• Reduced overheads - selling online can remove the need for expensive retail premises and customer-facing staff, allowing you to invest in better marketing and customer experience on your e-commerce site.
• Potential for rapid growth - selling on the internet means traditional constraints to retail growth - eg finding and paying for larger - are not major factors. With a good digital marketing strategy and a plan a scale up order fulfilment systems, you can respond and boost growing sales. See planning for e-commerce.
• Widen your market/export - one major advantage over premises-based retailers is the ability to expand your market beyond local customers very quickly. You may discover a strong demand for your products in other countries which you can respond to by targeted marketing, offering your website in a different language, or perhaps partnering with an overseas company. See basics of exporting.
• Customer intelligence - ability to use online marketing tools to target new customers and website analysis tools to gain insight into your customers' needs. For advice on improving your customer's on-site experience, read how to measure your online marketing.

Read further guidance on online selling.

Disadvantages of online retail

Some negatives of online retail include: 

• Website costs - planning, designing, creating, hosting, securing and maintaining a professional e-commerce website isn't cheap, especially if you expect large and growing sales volumes. See common e-commerce pitfalls.
• Infrastructure costs - even if you aren't paying the cost of customer-facing premises, you'll need to think about the costs of physical space for order fulfilment, warehousing goods, dealing with returns and staffing for these tasks. See fulfilling online orders.
• Security and fraud - the growth of online retail market has attracted the attention of sophisticated criminal elements. The reputation of your business could be fatally damaged if you don't invest in the latest security systems to protect your website and transaction processes. See e-commerce pitfalls - security weaknesses.
• Legal issues - getting to grips with e-commerce and the law can be a challenge and you'll need to be aware of, and plan to cope with, the additional customer rights which are attached to online sales. See the law and selling online.
• Advertising costs - while online marketing can be a very efficient way of getting the right customers to your products, it demands a generous budget. This is especially true if you are competing in a crowded sector or for popular keywords. See pay-per-click and paid search advertising.  
• Customer trust - it can be difficult to establish a trusted brand name, especially without a physical business with a track record and face-to-face interaction between customers and sales staff. You need to consider the costs of setting up a good customer service system as part of your online offering. See manage your customer service.

For detailed guidance on the problems you might encounter selling online see common e-commerce pitfalls.

If you want to raise the profile of your retail business you can get involved in local business networking. Getting to know your peers, competitors, potential suppliers or partners, politicians and media personalities can open new avenues for your business. It's also a good idea to get to know key influencers in your local area.

Networking organisations

Although you may have direct competitors in your local area, it's likely that you are both facing common issues and problems. Working together to improve the area where your retail business is located can benefit everyone. Industry bodies offer networking, publicity and lobbying opportunities - eg Retail NI, the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium and the Federation of Small Businesses in Northern Ireland.

Local business support organisations and councils have a range of events and support schemes which could benefit your retail business. Regular events like business breakfasts, networking evenings, 'Meet the buyer' events and more give your business and brand an excellent platform. Find local networking opportunities:

• find your local council in Northern Ireland
• Northern Ireland enterprise agencies
• chambers of commerce in Northern Ireland

Online and social media presence

Business networking on the internet is becoming an important tool for retail brand recognition and promotion. Social media platforms such as Facebook, X, formally known as Twitter and LinkedIn are a great way to reach customers, but also to grow your reputation and profile within business circles. See social media best practice for business.

Corporate social responsibility

You can raise the profile of your business while giving back to the community through corporate social responsibility. Business in the Community is one example of a local organisation which can help your business to work with groups in Northern Ireland. See corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Be on the lookout for sponsorship opportunities or consider partnering with a local charity. See how to market your retail business.

The marketing environment for retail businesses has shifted significantly over the past decades. Whether your focus is on attracting local customers or advertising on a national scale, you need to get the best return on your investment. From print advertising to digital marketing, there are lots of options to consider.

Retail advertising

Advertising is a constantly shifting market which can be difficult for retailers to get right. While digital marketing is the go-to option for advertising, traditional advertising channels are still crucial areas for small to medium retailers to use.

• Print advertising in newspapers and magazines is still hard to ignore for its local impact on retailers. Small newspapers rely on advertising and are a targeted way to gain exposure in a local area. You can also ask about including dedicated leaflets for your business to be included in deliveries. See advertising and leaflet drops and handouts.
• Regional newspapers can offer wider audiences and the potential for additional online advertising slots. Television advertising through commercial and community channels in Northern Ireland remains an option to widen awareness of your retail business.
• Billboard advertising is another area where local retailers compete for prime spots. Consider contacting local advertising agencies for more information on these and other opportunities eg public transport vehicles and shelter advertising. See work with an advertising agency.
• Digital marketing, such as using pay-per-click and paid search advertising, can drive interest and sales from a highly selective base of potential customers - this can be a very efficient use of a retailer's advertising budget. See develop a digital marketing plan. 

Social media for retailers

The smallest local shops and international retail chains are now using social media to successfully market their business. Local influencers can make a big difference to customers' spending choices, and social media is a great way to get your brand onto their radar.

Using social media to drive interest in your retail business takes planning, time and effort to get right. You need to keep a sharp focus on your end goals. You should also consider the advantages and disadvantages of using different social media platforms. Paid advertising is an important way to make an impact on social media, and you need to decide if your retail business could benefit from it. See social media best practice for business.

Partner promotions

Retailing is fiercely competitive, but there are lots of ways for similar retail businesses to work together for mutual benefit. The things which make a retailer successful, eg brand exposure, customer service reputation, regular footfall can all be marketable assets to other retailers. This can be seen on a large scale with individual retailers opening concession areas in larger department stores which can provide guaranteed customers.

Smaller retailers can partner successfully to offer branded product lines which are complementary to other businesses, such as a special promotion area within another retailer's premises eg a branded ice-cream stall in an entertainment rental shop. This type of partnering can allow your retail business to gauge demand in new areas and be a platform for further growth.

Pop up retail

Getting your products in front of new customers is always a challenge. A tried and tested method of opening new markets is to use pop-up sales platforms. This can be as simple as negotiating short-term space in a popular shopping centre for a product stand.

City and town marketplaces can also offer short-term pitches. You could look at opening a full pop-up shop in empty premises to sell a new line, sale stock or diversify into a completely new area of retail. For more ideas on how to use short-term retail space to boost our business see how to set up a pop-up shop.

Sponsoring

Associating your business with another well-known brand or organisation has obvious benefits to widening your reach. Your choice of sponsorship can also say a lot about your business ethos, eg sponsoring a charity or other good cause. For more information on getting involved in local good causes - see corporate social responsibility (CSR).

There are also plenty of opportunities to sponsor local organisations like sports teams. Your business could gain exposure through channels which might be too expensive as a standalone option, eg sports teams featured regularly on local TV news reports or playing to live TV audiences nationally or internationally.

Visual merchandising

Good visual merchandising can set your retail business apart from your competitors, be a strong marketing tool and increase customer interest and loyalty in your retail business.

It includes focusing on your retail branding and signage, window displays, interior store layout, point-of-sale displays and price promotions. Read more on visual merchandising for your retail business.

Finding finance to help start or improve your business is tough at any time, but retailers can find it especially difficult. However there are always options to explore and you might find non-financial support just as valuable for your business.

Bank loans

All businesses need to develop a relationship with a bank, and this continues to be a key area for accessing business financing. Business loans for retailers - whether starting up, for growth or bridging finance - are available for businesses with a strong business plan. See is your business ready for bank financing? 

There are other types of finance that may also be suitable for your business. See business financing options - an overview.

Support services

While direct financial support is important for retail businesses, more targeted advisory or training support can be just as valuable. A growing retail business relies on good customer interaction with staff, and training schemes are available to raise the skills of your employees.

Find out more about employer support programmes which provide skills solutions for business and employee training and development.

Your local enterprise agency is a great place to find support for a retail business. Many local enterprise agencies offer property solutions which could help you to start up, and you'll also find development courses and potential access to financial support schemes. Find contact details to speak to your local enterprise agency.

Your local council is a good source of advisory, training and sometimes financial support for businesses. Find your local council in Northern Ireland.

You can also access free business support and events from your local council through the Go Succeed programme. Find out more about Go Succeed.

Many more forms of financial and advisory support are available to retail businesses - find more schemes by searching our Northern Ireland business support finder.

Good retailing is about listening and reacting to your customers and wider business trends. It's difficult to remain successful without changing to suit the times, but careful thought and planning is needed when you are moving away from your core business.

Diversifying your product range

You should be constantly on the lookout for new products to retail, and new suppliers who can offer better deals. A retailer can build a good reputation with customers by offering interesting new products on a regular basis. Use market research tools to understand what your customers want and grow your retail business. See strategies to improve sales and profitability.

Complementary business

Consider your customer base and ask if there's a complementary service or business which you can offer to boost your core retail business. For example, your shop could attract more customers, and convince them to stay longer, by opening a cafe within your premises. Customers may appreciate the option to mix different activities into a single trip, eg a beauty salon attached to a beauty products retailer.

Buying another retail business

One way of expanding your business is to buy another retail business. This could be a similar business operating in an area you want to move to. You need to assess the balance of risk and reward - it might cost more to buy an existing business than to set up and grow by yourself, however a takeover allows you to immediately tap into an established and proven customer base. See mergers and acquisitions.

Franchising your retail business

If your business has a successful brand and good reputation with customers, one option for growth is to franchise your business. There are risks associated with franchising, however it can be a good way to extend your business model into a new area. See how to franchise your business.

Pop-up shops

You can increase awareness of your shop and sell bigger volumes of your products by opening up short-term pop-up stalls or shops in a new area. See set up a pop-up shop.

Beginning to trade online

If your business doesn't already trade online, this is a prime option for retail growth. By establishing an online shop you are suddenly competing against the rest of the world, but your potential customer base is similarly expanded. See the advantages and disadvantages of online retailing.

Online retailing is growing at an astonishing rate, and retailers who ignore it may see their trade lessening as customers continue to shift to ordering products online.

However you need to think carefully and weigh all the advantages and disadvantages - backed by good market research - before deciding on whether or not to trade online.

Advantages of online retail

The benefits of retailing online include:

• Easy access to market - in many ways the access to market for entrepreneurs has never been easier. Online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon allow anyone to set up a simple online shop and sell products within minutes. See selling through online marketplaces.
• Reduced overheads - selling online can remove the need for expensive retail premises and customer-facing staff, allowing you to invest in better marketing and customer experience on your e-commerce site.
• Potential for rapid growth - selling on the internet means traditional constraints to retail growth - eg finding and paying for larger - are not major factors. With a good digital marketing strategy and a plan a scale up order fulfilment systems, you can respond and boost growing sales. See planning for e-commerce.
• Widen your market/export - one major advantage over premises-based retailers is the ability to expand your market beyond local customers very quickly. You may discover a strong demand for your products in other countries which you can respond to by targeted marketing, offering your website in a different language, or perhaps partnering with an overseas company. See basics of exporting.
• Customer intelligence - ability to use online marketing tools to target new customers and website analysis tools to gain insight into your customers' needs. For advice on improving your customer's on-site experience, read how to measure your online marketing.

Read further guidance on online selling.

Disadvantages of online retail

Some negatives of online retail include: 

• Website costs - planning, designing, creating, hosting, securing and maintaining a professional e-commerce website isn't cheap, especially if you expect large and growing sales volumes. See common e-commerce pitfalls.
• Infrastructure costs - even if you aren't paying the cost of customer-facing premises, you'll need to think about the costs of physical space for order fulfilment, warehousing goods, dealing with returns and staffing for these tasks. See fulfilling online orders.
• Security and fraud - the growth of online retail market has attracted the attention of sophisticated criminal elements. The reputation of your business could be fatally damaged if you don't invest in the latest security systems to protect your website and transaction processes. See e-commerce pitfalls - security weaknesses.
• Legal issues - getting to grips with e-commerce and the law can be a challenge and you'll need to be aware of, and plan to cope with, the additional customer rights which are attached to online sales. See the law and selling online.
• Advertising costs - while online marketing can be a very efficient way of getting the right customers to your products, it demands a generous budget. This is especially true if you are competing in a crowded sector or for popular keywords. See pay-per-click and paid search advertising.  
• Customer trust - it can be difficult to establish a trusted brand name, especially without a physical business with a track record and face-to-face interaction between customers and sales staff. You need to consider the costs of setting up a good customer service system as part of your online offering. See manage your customer service.

For detailed guidance on the problems you might encounter selling online see common e-commerce pitfalls.

If you want to raise the profile of your retail business you can get involved in local business networking. Getting to know your peers, competitors, potential suppliers or partners, politicians and media personalities can open new avenues for your business. It's also a good idea to get to know key influencers in your local area.

Networking organisations

Although you may have direct competitors in your local area, it's likely that you are both facing common issues and problems. Working together to improve the area where your retail business is located can benefit everyone. Industry bodies offer networking, publicity and lobbying opportunities - eg Retail NI, the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium and the Federation of Small Businesses in Northern Ireland.

Local business support organisations and councils have a range of events and support schemes which could benefit your retail business. Regular events like business breakfasts, networking evenings, 'Meet the buyer' events and more give your business and brand an excellent platform. Find local networking opportunities:

• find your local council in Northern Ireland
• Northern Ireland enterprise agencies
• chambers of commerce in Northern Ireland

Online and social media presence

Business networking on the internet is becoming an important tool for retail brand recognition and promotion. Social media platforms such as Facebook, X, formally known as Twitter and LinkedIn are a great way to reach customers, but also to grow your reputation and profile within business circles. See social media best practice for business.

Corporate social responsibility

You can raise the profile of your business while giving back to the community through corporate social responsibility. Business in the Community is one example of a local organisation which can help your business to work with groups in Northern Ireland. See corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Be on the lookout for sponsorship opportunities or consider partnering with a local charity. See how to market your retail business.

The marketing environment for retail businesses has shifted significantly over the past decades. Whether your focus is on attracting local customers or advertising on a national scale, you need to get the best return on your investment. From print advertising to digital marketing, there are lots of options to consider.

Retail advertising

Advertising is a constantly shifting market which can be difficult for retailers to get right. While digital marketing is the go-to option for advertising, traditional advertising channels are still crucial areas for small to medium retailers to use.

• Print advertising in newspapers and magazines is still hard to ignore for its local impact on retailers. Small newspapers rely on advertising and are a targeted way to gain exposure in a local area. You can also ask about including dedicated leaflets for your business to be included in deliveries. See advertising and leaflet drops and handouts.
• Regional newspapers can offer wider audiences and the potential for additional online advertising slots. Television advertising through commercial and community channels in Northern Ireland remains an option to widen awareness of your retail business.
• Billboard advertising is another area where local retailers compete for prime spots. Consider contacting local advertising agencies for more information on these and other opportunities eg public transport vehicles and shelter advertising. See work with an advertising agency.
• Digital marketing, such as using pay-per-click and paid search advertising, can drive interest and sales from a highly selective base of potential customers - this can be a very efficient use of a retailer's advertising budget. See develop a digital marketing plan. 

Social media for retailers

The smallest local shops and international retail chains are now using social media to successfully market their business. Local influencers can make a big difference to customers' spending choices, and social media is a great way to get your brand onto their radar.

Using social media to drive interest in your retail business takes planning, time and effort to get right. You need to keep a sharp focus on your end goals. You should also consider the advantages and disadvantages of using different social media platforms. Paid advertising is an important way to make an impact on social media, and you need to decide if your retail business could benefit from it. See social media best practice for business.

Partner promotions

Retailing is fiercely competitive, but there are lots of ways for similar retail businesses to work together for mutual benefit. The things which make a retailer successful, eg brand exposure, customer service reputation, regular footfall can all be marketable assets to other retailers. This can be seen on a large scale with individual retailers opening concession areas in larger department stores which can provide guaranteed customers.

Smaller retailers can partner successfully to offer branded product lines which are complementary to other businesses, such as a special promotion area within another retailer's premises eg a branded ice-cream stall in an entertainment rental shop. This type of partnering can allow your retail business to gauge demand in new areas and be a platform for further growth.

Pop up retail

Getting your products in front of new customers is always a challenge. A tried and tested method of opening new markets is to use pop-up sales platforms. This can be as simple as negotiating short-term space in a popular shopping centre for a product stand.

City and town marketplaces can also offer short-term pitches. You could look at opening a full pop-up shop in empty premises to sell a new line, sale stock or diversify into a completely new area of retail. For more ideas on how to use short-term retail space to boost our business see how to set up a pop-up shop.

Sponsoring

Associating your business with another well-known brand or organisation has obvious benefits to widening your reach. Your choice of sponsorship can also say a lot about your business ethos, eg sponsoring a charity or other good cause. For more information on getting involved in local good causes - see corporate social responsibility (CSR).

There are also plenty of opportunities to sponsor local organisations like sports teams. Your business could gain exposure through channels which might be too expensive as a standalone option, eg sports teams featured regularly on local TV news reports or playing to live TV audiences nationally or internationally.

Visual merchandising

Good visual merchandising can set your retail business apart from your competitors, be a strong marketing tool and increase customer interest and loyalty in your retail business.

It includes focusing on your retail branding and signage, window displays, interior store layout, point-of-sale displays and price promotions. Read more on visual merchandising for your retail business.

Finding finance to help start or improve your business is tough at any time, but retailers can find it especially difficult. However there are always options to explore and you might find non-financial support just as valuable for your business.

Bank loans

All businesses need to develop a relationship with a bank, and this continues to be a key area for accessing business financing. Business loans for retailers - whether starting up, for growth or bridging finance - are available for businesses with a strong business plan. See is your business ready for bank financing? 

There are other types of finance that may also be suitable for your business. See business financing options - an overview.

Support services

While direct financial support is important for retail businesses, more targeted advisory or training support can be just as valuable. A growing retail business relies on good customer interaction with staff, and training schemes are available to raise the skills of your employees.

Find out more about employer support programmes which provide skills solutions for business and employee training and development.

Your local enterprise agency is a great place to find support for a retail business. Many local enterprise agencies offer property solutions which could help you to start up, and you'll also find development courses and potential access to financial support schemes. Find contact details to speak to your local enterprise agency.

Your local council is a good source of advisory, training and sometimes financial support for businesses. Find your local council in Northern Ireland.

You can also access free business support and events from your local council through the Go Succeed programme. Find out more about Go Succeed.

Many more forms of financial and advisory support are available to retail businesses - find more schemes by searching our Northern Ireland business support finder.

Good retailing is about listening and reacting to your customers and wider business trends. It's difficult to remain successful without changing to suit the times, but careful thought and planning is needed when you are moving away from your core business.

Diversifying your product range

You should be constantly on the lookout for new products to retail, and new suppliers who can offer better deals. A retailer can build a good reputation with customers by offering interesting new products on a regular basis. Use market research tools to understand what your customers want and grow your retail business. See strategies to improve sales and profitability.

Complementary business

Consider your customer base and ask if there's a complementary service or business which you can offer to boost your core retail business. For example, your shop could attract more customers, and convince them to stay longer, by opening a cafe within your premises. Customers may appreciate the option to mix different activities into a single trip, eg a beauty salon attached to a beauty products retailer.

Buying another retail business

One way of expanding your business is to buy another retail business. This could be a similar business operating in an area you want to move to. You need to assess the balance of risk and reward - it might cost more to buy an existing business than to set up and grow by yourself, however a takeover allows you to immediately tap into an established and proven customer base. See mergers and acquisitions.

Franchising your retail business

If your business has a successful brand and good reputation with customers, one option for growth is to franchise your business. There are risks associated with franchising, however it can be a good way to extend your business model into a new area. See how to franchise your business.

Pop-up shops

You can increase awareness of your shop and sell bigger volumes of your products by opening up short-term pop-up stalls or shops in a new area. See set up a pop-up shop.

Beginning to trade online

If your business doesn't already trade online, this is a prime option for retail growth. By establishing an online shop you are suddenly competing against the rest of the world, but your potential customer base is similarly expanded. See the advantages and disadvantages of online retailing.

Online retailing is growing at an astonishing rate, and retailers who ignore it may see their trade lessening as customers continue to shift to ordering products online.

However you need to think carefully and weigh all the advantages and disadvantages - backed by good market research - before deciding on whether or not to trade online.

Advantages of online retail

The benefits of retailing online include:

• Easy access to market - in many ways the access to market for entrepreneurs has never been easier. Online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon allow anyone to set up a simple online shop and sell products within minutes. See selling through online marketplaces.
• Reduced overheads - selling online can remove the need for expensive retail premises and customer-facing staff, allowing you to invest in better marketing and customer experience on your e-commerce site.
• Potential for rapid growth - selling on the internet means traditional constraints to retail growth - eg finding and paying for larger - are not major factors. With a good digital marketing strategy and a plan a scale up order fulfilment systems, you can respond and boost growing sales. See planning for e-commerce.
• Widen your market/export - one major advantage over premises-based retailers is the ability to expand your market beyond local customers very quickly. You may discover a strong demand for your products in other countries which you can respond to by targeted marketing, offering your website in a different language, or perhaps partnering with an overseas company. See basics of exporting.
• Customer intelligence - ability to use online marketing tools to target new customers and website analysis tools to gain insight into your customers' needs. For advice on improving your customer's on-site experience, read how to measure your online marketing.

Read further guidance on online selling.

Disadvantages of online retail

Some negatives of online retail include: 

• Website costs - planning, designing, creating, hosting, securing and maintaining a professional e-commerce website isn't cheap, especially if you expect large and growing sales volumes. See common e-commerce pitfalls.
• Infrastructure costs - even if you aren't paying the cost of customer-facing premises, you'll need to think about the costs of physical space for order fulfilment, warehousing goods, dealing with returns and staffing for these tasks. See fulfilling online orders.
• Security and fraud - the growth of online retail market has attracted the attention of sophisticated criminal elements. The reputation of your business could be fatally damaged if you don't invest in the latest security systems to protect your website and transaction processes. See e-commerce pitfalls - security weaknesses.
• Legal issues - getting to grips with e-commerce and the law can be a challenge and you'll need to be aware of, and plan to cope with, the additional customer rights which are attached to online sales. See the law and selling online.
• Advertising costs - while online marketing can be a very efficient way of getting the right customers to your products, it demands a generous budget. This is especially true if you are competing in a crowded sector or for popular keywords. See pay-per-click and paid search advertising.  
• Customer trust - it can be difficult to establish a trusted brand name, especially without a physical business with a track record and face-to-face interaction between customers and sales staff. You need to consider the costs of setting up a good customer service system as part of your online offering. See manage your customer service.

For detailed guidance on the problems you might encounter selling online see common e-commerce pitfalls.

If you want to raise the profile of your retail business you can get involved in local business networking. Getting to know your peers, competitors, potential suppliers or partners, politicians and media personalities can open new avenues for your business. It's also a good idea to get to know key influencers in your local area.

Networking organisations

Although you may have direct competitors in your local area, it's likely that you are both facing common issues and problems. Working together to improve the area where your retail business is located can benefit everyone. Industry bodies offer networking, publicity and lobbying opportunities - eg Retail NI, the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium and the Federation of Small Businesses in Northern Ireland.

Local business support organisations and councils have a range of events and support schemes which could benefit your retail business. Regular events like business breakfasts, networking evenings, 'Meet the buyer' events and more give your business and brand an excellent platform. Find local networking opportunities:

• find your local council in Northern Ireland
• Northern Ireland enterprise agencies
• chambers of commerce in Northern Ireland

Online and social media presence

Business networking on the internet is becoming an important tool for retail brand recognition and promotion. Social media platforms such as Facebook, X, formally known as Twitter and LinkedIn are a great way to reach customers, but also to grow your reputation and profile within business circles. See social media best practice for business.

Corporate social responsibility

You can raise the profile of your business while giving back to the community through corporate social responsibility. Business in the Community is one example of a local organisation which can help your business to work with groups in Northern Ireland. See corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Be on the lookout for sponsorship opportunities or consider partnering with a local charity. See how to market your retail business.

The marketing environment for retail businesses has shifted significantly over the past decades. Whether your focus is on attracting local customers or advertising on a national scale, you need to get the best return on your investment. From print advertising to digital marketing, there are lots of options to consider.

Retail advertising

Advertising is a constantly shifting market which can be difficult for retailers to get right. While digital marketing is the go-to option for advertising, traditional advertising channels are still crucial areas for small to medium retailers to use.

• Print advertising in newspapers and magazines is still hard to ignore for its local impact on retailers. Small newspapers rely on advertising and are a targeted way to gain exposure in a local area. You can also ask about including dedicated leaflets for your business to be included in deliveries. See advertising and leaflet drops and handouts.
• Regional newspapers can offer wider audiences and the potential for additional online advertising slots. Television advertising through commercial and community channels in Northern Ireland remains an option to widen awareness of your retail business.
• Billboard advertising is another area where local retailers compete for prime spots. Consider contacting local advertising agencies for more information on these and other opportunities eg public transport vehicles and shelter advertising. See work with an advertising agency.
• Digital marketing, such as using pay-per-click and paid search advertising, can drive interest and sales from a highly selective base of potential customers - this can be a very efficient use of a retailer's advertising budget. See develop a digital marketing plan. 

Social media for retailers

The smallest local shops and international retail chains are now using social media to successfully market their business. Local influencers can make a big difference to customers' spending choices, and social media is a great way to get your brand onto their radar.

Using social media to drive interest in your retail business takes planning, time and effort to get right. You need to keep a sharp focus on your end goals. You should also consider the advantages and disadvantages of using different social media platforms. Paid advertising is an important way to make an impact on social media, and you need to decide if your retail business could benefit from it. See social media best practice for business.

Partner promotions

Retailing is fiercely competitive, but there are lots of ways for similar retail businesses to work together for mutual benefit. The things which make a retailer successful, eg brand exposure, customer service reputation, regular footfall can all be marketable assets to other retailers. This can be seen on a large scale with individual retailers opening concession areas in larger department stores which can provide guaranteed customers.

Smaller retailers can partner successfully to offer branded product lines which are complementary to other businesses, such as a special promotion area within another retailer's premises eg a branded ice-cream stall in an entertainment rental shop. This type of partnering can allow your retail business to gauge demand in new areas and be a platform for further growth.

Pop up retail

Getting your products in front of new customers is always a challenge. A tried and tested method of opening new markets is to use pop-up sales platforms. This can be as simple as negotiating short-term space in a popular shopping centre for a product stand.

City and town marketplaces can also offer short-term pitches. You could look at opening a full pop-up shop in empty premises to sell a new line, sale stock or diversify into a completely new area of retail. For more ideas on how to use short-term retail space to boost our business see how to set up a pop-up shop.

Sponsoring

Associating your business with another well-known brand or organisation has obvious benefits to widening your reach. Your choice of sponsorship can also say a lot about your business ethos, eg sponsoring a charity or other good cause. For more information on getting involved in local good causes - see corporate social responsibility (CSR).

There are also plenty of opportunities to sponsor local organisations like sports teams. Your business could gain exposure through channels which might be too expensive as a standalone option, eg sports teams featured regularly on local TV news reports or playing to live TV audiences nationally or internationally.

Visual merchandising

Good visual merchandising can set your retail business apart from your competitors, be a strong marketing tool and increase customer interest and loyalty in your retail business.

It includes focusing on your retail branding and signage, window displays, interior store layout, point-of-sale displays and price promotions. Read more on visual merchandising for your retail business.

Finding finance to help start or improve your business is tough at any time, but retailers can find it especially difficult. However there are always options to explore and you might find non-financial support just as valuable for your business.

Bank loans

All businesses need to develop a relationship with a bank, and this continues to be a key area for accessing business financing. Business loans for retailers - whether starting up, for growth or bridging finance - are available for businesses with a strong business plan. See is your business ready for bank financing? 

There are other types of finance that may also be suitable for your business. See business financing options - an overview.

Support services

While direct financial support is important for retail businesses, more targeted advisory or training support can be just as valuable. A growing retail business relies on good customer interaction with staff, and training schemes are available to raise the skills of your employees.

Find out more about employer support programmes which provide skills solutions for business and employee training and development.

Your local enterprise agency is a great place to find support for a retail business. Many local enterprise agencies offer property solutions which could help you to start up, and you'll also find development courses and potential access to financial support schemes. Find contact details to speak to your local enterprise agency.

Your local council is a good source of advisory, training and sometimes financial support for businesses. Find your local council in Northern Ireland.

You can also access free business support and events from your local council through the Go Succeed programme. Find out more about Go Succeed.

Many more forms of financial and advisory support are available to retail businesses - find more schemes by searching our Northern Ireland business support finder.

Good retailing is about listening and reacting to your customers and wider business trends. It's difficult to remain successful without changing to suit the times, but careful thought and planning is needed when you are moving away from your core business.

Diversifying your product range

You should be constantly on the lookout for new products to retail, and new suppliers who can offer better deals. A retailer can build a good reputation with customers by offering interesting new products on a regular basis. Use market research tools to understand what your customers want and grow your retail business. See strategies to improve sales and profitability.

Complementary business

Consider your customer base and ask if there's a complementary service or business which you can offer to boost your core retail business. For example, your shop could attract more customers, and convince them to stay longer, by opening a cafe within your premises. Customers may appreciate the option to mix different activities into a single trip, eg a beauty salon attached to a beauty products retailer.

Buying another retail business

One way of expanding your business is to buy another retail business. This could be a similar business operating in an area you want to move to. You need to assess the balance of risk and reward - it might cost more to buy an existing business than to set up and grow by yourself, however a takeover allows you to immediately tap into an established and proven customer base. See mergers and acquisitions.

Franchising your retail business

If your business has a successful brand and good reputation with customers, one option for growth is to franchise your business. There are risks associated with franchising, however it can be a good way to extend your business model into a new area. See how to franchise your business.

Pop-up shops

You can increase awareness of your shop and sell bigger volumes of your products by opening up short-term pop-up stalls or shops in a new area. See set up a pop-up shop.

Beginning to trade online

If your business doesn't already trade online, this is a prime option for retail growth. By establishing an online shop you are suddenly competing against the rest of the world, but your potential customer base is similarly expanded. See the advantages and disadvantages of online retailing.

Online retailing is growing at an astonishing rate, and retailers who ignore it may see their trade lessening as customers continue to shift to ordering products online.

However you need to think carefully and weigh all the advantages and disadvantages - backed by good market research - before deciding on whether or not to trade online.

Advantages of online retail

The benefits of retailing online include:

• Easy access to market - in many ways the access to market for entrepreneurs has never been easier. Online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon allow anyone to set up a simple online shop and sell products within minutes. See selling through online marketplaces.
• Reduced overheads - selling online can remove the need for expensive retail premises and customer-facing staff, allowing you to invest in better marketing and customer experience on your e-commerce site.
• Potential for rapid growth - selling on the internet means traditional constraints to retail growth - eg finding and paying for larger - are not major factors. With a good digital marketing strategy and a plan a scale up order fulfilment systems, you can respond and boost growing sales. See planning for e-commerce.
• Widen your market/export - one major advantage over premises-based retailers is the ability to expand your market beyond local customers very quickly. You may discover a strong demand for your products in other countries which you can respond to by targeted marketing, offering your website in a different language, or perhaps partnering with an overseas company. See basics of exporting.
• Customer intelligence - ability to use online marketing tools to target new customers and website analysis tools to gain insight into your customers' needs. For advice on improving your customer's on-site experience, read how to measure your online marketing.

Read further guidance on online selling.

Disadvantages of online retail

Some negatives of online retail include: 

• Website costs - planning, designing, creating, hosting, securing and maintaining a professional e-commerce website isn't cheap, especially if you expect large and growing sales volumes. See common e-commerce pitfalls.
• Infrastructure costs - even if you aren't paying the cost of customer-facing premises, you'll need to think about the costs of physical space for order fulfilment, warehousing goods, dealing with returns and staffing for these tasks. See fulfilling online orders.
• Security and fraud - the growth of online retail market has attracted the attention of sophisticated criminal elements. The reputation of your business could be fatally damaged if you don't invest in the latest security systems to protect your website and transaction processes. See e-commerce pitfalls - security weaknesses.
• Legal issues - getting to grips with e-commerce and the law can be a challenge and you'll need to be aware of, and plan to cope with, the additional customer rights which are attached to online sales. See the law and selling online.
• Advertising costs - while online marketing can be a very efficient way of getting the right customers to your products, it demands a generous budget. This is especially true if you are competing in a crowded sector or for popular keywords. See pay-per-click and paid search advertising.  
• Customer trust - it can be difficult to establish a trusted brand name, especially without a physical business with a track record and face-to-face interaction between customers and sales staff. You need to consider the costs of setting up a good customer service system as part of your online offering. See manage your customer service.

For detailed guidance on the problems you might encounter selling online see common e-commerce pitfalls.