Impact of Operational Planning on Small Business Retail Performance

This study examined operational planning activities (inventory, marketing, financial, and personnel) of successful (n=92) and failed (n= 91) small  business apparel and accessory retailers. Results suggest that inventory, marketing, and financial planning activities significantly differed between groups with successful retailers being more likely than failed retailers to engage in such functions. No differences were found between groups in personnel planning. Study implications are discussed for small business practitioners and academic researchers