I have found when it comes to big changes, that if it happens naturally, with a certain flow of inevitability, then it was meant to be. If you have to force it to happen, to let your emotions overrule roadblocks, then back down. You can always do it another day.

A real test was about 4 years ago when Linda and I wanted to open a store. We had the books, we had the experience and the desire, Linda was ready, we had a way to fixture the store....but we didn't have a location.

We looked for weeks, but everything we looked at gave us a bad feeling. Too out of the way, too odd shaped, too expensive, too beat-up.

But I'd drive by the corner of Third and Greenwood and say to my wife, "Too bad that location isn't available, because it would be perfect."

And then it became available.

That's kind of what's happening here. This time it was the location that I've coveted for a long time coming open, and the rest is following. I keep waiting for a major roadblock to appear, but instead some of the smaller roadblocks that initially appeared are melting away. Nothings done until its done, but it seems to be progressing.

RULE #1.

Do no harm to Pegasus 1. Keep the same employees, the same hours, the same merchandise. Take nothing out that will hurt the store.

RULE #2.

Don't force it. Let it flow naturally. Keep the calm.

RULE #3.

Keep a cash reserve. Don't resort to credit. Pay as you go. (As much as possible.)



I'm already thinking of fixtures. RULE #3 was going to be, keep everything modular and consistent. Downtown is a hodgepodge accumulation of fixtures. It works fine, because the product itself is so colorful and eye-catching.

Fixtures are one of those things that are EXTREMELY expensive new, and EXTREMELY cheap used.

From the first, I've been a disciple of Paul Hawkins' book, GROWING A BUSINESS, the single best book every written about small business. He maintains that you start small and cheap, let the store grow.

But I'm not a new store. I have a pretty good idea of the kinds of fixtures that might work best. I'm really tempted to spend the big bucks and buy all new fixtures.
Not a decision I need make right away. Something may pop up. In fact, doe's anyone know of any local businesses with fixtures for sale? Anyone going out of business?

This is going to be an ongoing thing....