This wake-up call for small business owners argues that, contrary to media headlines, Superstores & e-tailers do not sound the death knoll for independents. Rather, such giants represent an unprecedented opportunity for the little guys to shine - provided they return to their roots & start acting like the "specialists" they truly are. A sales trainer & consultant with a loyal following in the consume electronics & music industries where he has his roots, author Eddy Kay first looks at retail's development form "Mom & Pops" to the first supermarkets, from early department stores to the online consumer. He then explores where specialist retailing is today, profiling successful specialists that include bookstores, car audio shops, tire stores, computer, music & jewelry retailers. Interviewing business owners, managers & sales people in their own settings, Kay identifies for his readers the common themes behind their secrets for success. From the Foreword by Gary Shapiro, president & CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association: "Eddy has a phenomenal reputation for giving retailers the training they need to earn customers' trust & thereby succeed in a competitive marketplace. His unique experience, wit, insights & proven training program have made a difference for hundreds of store owners."