You own a retail store on main street in your city or town. It can be in any product class, but 75% of the merchandise is sold at the local Wal-Mart. What strategies would you use to succeed against the competition?

The only thing you can do is have amazing customer service and personalization. And maybe focus on higher-end goods that Walmart can't compete with.

It has to be very personalised service that Wal-Mart can't give.

customer service would be top notch.
the quality of my products would be better.
i would do gimmick sales for military day, birthday, and always have a senior citizens discount day.
my store would be the cleanest on main street.

+5

I would have an all female topless staff!!!

In addition to the wonderful answers listed, how about adding something for the remaining 25% to make your business special and to differentiate your retail business by expanding on the meaning of retail. Find ways to tie into and connect with your community- maybe you could find artisans in your community and bring in their merchandise. Consider making your business a hub- by expanding into mailing service and possibly by adding a coffee bar so people will come to your store to shop and also spend time in your store socializing with neighbors. You could also carry specific products representing your states specialties- maybe selling and shipping fruit-of-the-month or something similar. If you are on main street it makes your location perfect for people passing through who want to have fun shopping. I think I would really try not to carry 75% of the same items as Walmart- after all do you plan to carry 5 different types of snow shovels, and 40+ varieties of cereal? Pick what people need and then be Non-Walmart, with full, wonderful, custom service. Also, if you are able- consider expanding with Social Media to help reach people who will search by keywords or locations.