Megachains like Walmart, Starbucks, Home Depot, and The Gap attract Americans to thousands of outlets by offering a large selection of goods and services. But this doesn’t mean that independent stores can’t compete with the big guys—and win. Retail expert George Whalin identifies and explores twenty-five highly popular and profitable independent stores from around the country. Unlike the mom-and-pops of yesteryear, these businesses embrace technology and innovation, generate word of mouth, and turn their size into an advantage. They include:

• ABC Carpet and Home in New York City

• Powell’s City of Books in Portland, Oregon

• The Junkman’s Daughter in Atlanta

• Jungle Jim’s International Market in Fairfield, Ohio

Readers will be inspired by how these independent stores are thriving and take away lessons they can apply to their own businesses.

George Whalin, founder of Retail Management Consultants, has advised retailers and manufacturers for more than twenty years. Prior to his consulting career, he spent twenty-five years as a store manager, owner, and retail executive. He lectures widely and appears frequently in the media. His Web site ranks among the top five retail consultant Web sites, and he writes a popular e-newsletter.