Opening A retail Business??? Business owners come on in!!

[Rick D]

So I have a question? I am thinking of opening a retail store, but I have never been down this road in retail. I have run several body shops and part owner of a shop so I know about what's involved in running and owning a business.

My question is in retail what's the best way to get capital for the inventory and such. I know for the start up cost what I need at least as far as setting up the place, phone, build out, signage, fixtures. I know what and how to get that done (at least I think I do ). But at the beginning how do I go about the working capital? Loan from a bank ok that one is easy, but do I look for investors?? If so how would I go about that? My brother-in law as over 20 years in retail all the way up to regional manager for Home Depot, he has shown an interest in getting involved in this project but again he has worked for major corps with their own capital, (or at least they had their investors already) so not much help in that department.

Just looking for some ideas on what others have done?? So please let me know what you think good or bad?