Retailer Profiles

Retail With a Mission

Boston's Northeastern University School of Technological Entrepreneurship recently studied what drives entrepreneurs to launch new businesses.

Nearly two-thirds said they were motivated by innate desire and determination, rather than by their education or work experience. Nichelle Powers is one of those entrepreneurs.

All That Glitters... Sells

Eric Andrew finds it hard to describe how he gets his ideas for the one-of-a-kind jewelry he designs, handcrafts and sells through five mall carts.

"The designs just seem to come to me," he says. "I see the materials and I need to start creating." He's been creating unique necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other pieces since 2001, and today can claim credit for more than 1,500 original designs.

Smokin' Hot

Some products come along at just the right time, when societal trends and technological advances merge to create new markets for savvy entrepreneurs.

Wind Power: Making Sales a Breeze

Iron Stop's colorful and creative Wind Spinners draw attention without even trying—then artistry and craftsmanship close the sale. Demonstration products are top sellers for a reason.

Now Playing: Specialty Retail 2.0

Children become instant movie stars at Papaya Entertainment Studios' soon-to-launch kiosk concept, which combines personalized DVDs with a new digital Web-based playground where kids have fun, learn about their world and purchase an array of additional products. Welcome to specialty retail 2.0.

Innovation Fires Up Spa Concepts

Ajay and Meenakshi Chadha, owners of Spa Concepts, are product designers, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, which gives them extraordinary control over their products and operations. Their story is one of creative thinking, self-reliance and perseverance—stoked by a passion to be the best.

Micabella's Mineral Magic

Eli Frenkel, Roni Paz and Jovany Mamo know what women want when they go shopping for cosmetics. They want products that are natural, versatile, hypoallergenic, long lasting, easy-to-apply and look fabulous. Micabella Cosmetics delivers that—and more.

Partnering for Growth

Companies at every level of the specialty retail industry are partnering up to increase revenues and create opportunities for growth.

Seacret Spa's Secret to Success

Six years ago, Robert Meirovich joined a budding young specialty retail company that operated a handful of carts selling Dead Sea products. Today, Seacret Spa manufactures its own extensive skincare line featuring Dead Sea ingredients and wholesales to more than 600 cart locations worldwide. What's more, the company recently purchased a multimillion-dollar Arizona golf resort that's set to be re-branded and launched as the first Seacret Spa, a full-service spa and resort that will showcase the company's skincare products like never before.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun at Spa' Ladi-da!

Spa' Ladi-da! is a hip-hopping place for tweens to be pampered while learning about health and positive self-image.