Back in 1978, Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank wanted to revolutionize the hardware business, and about a year later opened their first two Atlanta stores. Their revolutionary concept was based as much on its large-scale buildings as it was on top-of-the-industry employee service.
Success with this formula isn’t debatable. The Home Depot went public two years after those first stores opened, and no retailer has ever grown faster.
In a marketplace that has seen national chains hawking everything from burgers and pizza to oil changes, electronics and pet supplies, why has our industry failed to deliver a successful national operation? Will we ever see one?
The Elements Of Success… read full article.