If you could start any retail business?

[El Presidente]

except cigars

What would it be and why?

I would love to run a boutique high end salt water fly fishing lodge on the edge of a jungle

[jawofboston]

Wine shop, because inventory "shrinkage" is tax deductible. At least in the US.

[docbp87]

Wine shop, because inventory "shrinkage" is tax deductible. At least in the US.

Kind of this. Probably wine, beer, liquor... All of the finer beverages in life.

That, or a restaurant.

[coneatty]

Combination mountain guide, adventure travel, and sex therapy service.

[Jesuscookies]

I would turn a strip mall into a "guys world" of sorts.

1. Classy strip club

2. Sports bar

3. Cigar hang out (sorry goes with the theme)

4. Pinball and video arcade shop

5. Slot car, and scale car racing shop

6. Shooting range

7. Poker room

8. Bowling alley/pizza parlor

Sticking with the strip mall theme, I would not have this tied to a hotel, but it would make for a great weekend "spa", of sorts, for the boys.

So who want's to invest?

[Colt45]

I'm another for the wine business - a shop or wine buyer for restaurant(s), etc.

As much as I enjoy drinking wine, I've always perhaps equally enjoyed finding and trying new wines that you don't hear too much about,

finding nice wines that are relatively affordable, then researching and finding out about the producer, vineyard(s), etc.

[winelover]

It has got to be something you are passionate about or it will fail.

These days so much retail is done through the internet so you would not necessarily need a B&M.

If it was me, I would try my hand at antiques/ antique furniture because although I currently know nothing I would be very interested in the product that I was trying to sell so I might have a fighting chance of selling it to a consumer.

[MrGlass]

High end audio and visual equipment.

I love the results that can be achieved when you can connect these different components together.

[Erm310mce]

I would have a high end handmade acoustic guitar shop.

[First Lady]

shoe shop so I don't have to hide or explain why I have another pair of shoes

[Wicky]

A custom kit/collectors kit/parts & repair drum shop.

with a bar and humidor in back.

[Fuzz]

I've always dreamed of owning a 40's/50's style nightclub.

[Sutton]

Graham you hit the nail on the head it has to be somthing you have a passion for. I personally would do a paintball course or atv performance shop. That and a cigar shop in my town since there isn't one.(sorry prez) But you always have to compete with the Internet .

[mbrody]

I would just +1 JC and add Paintball to it along with Motocross Bikes/gear. That will keep me busy...

I actually already have one of the above answers...

[JasonInChiTown]

Absolutely love to own a Single Malt Whisky shop. From mass brands to the rarest in the world, I would only stock Scotch. Host tastings and private events. Ship worldwide. One day.

[CanuckSARTech]

except cigars

What would it be and why?

I would love to run a boutique high end salt water fly fishing lodge on the edge of a jungle

Damn - no cigars.

Well, I'd go for the other end of the spectrum from your fishing thing. I'd open up an outfitter's resort - useful for hunting, guiding, backpacking, etc. - up in northern Ontario. Some beautiful area up there.

If not that, I'd open a private security firm for VIP clientele, back in with my past experience doing some close-protection work.

[CBL]

I'd love to open a small restaurant with a seasonal menu! With some dishes for before and after a cigar

[PigFish]

The best job I ever had was working for Yamaha. Shorts to work, ball cap, talkin' bikes all day, ridin' bikes all weekend, free bikes!!! A biker dream come true. These days they are just too much bread, the insurance is too high and there are lesser places to ride. It was a great job while it lasted.

-Piggy

[bigfunkyg]

I would second the Restaurant idea. I love to cook and have plenty of business experience and training to make a run of it. I think there is a saying somthing like "The best chef doesn't always run the best restaurant", or somthing like that. I wouldn't do it for the money because I don't think anyone really gets rich from owning a restaurant. Tie in a decent wine selection, great Prime Rib, some top notch single malt, and maybe a humidor stashed somewhere for the summer on the patio.

[sblevit]

I've always wanted to open a true high end massage parlor and rub and tug (like the West Garden Spa in NYC but nicer). You know, not some cheesy, dirty joint where you're afraid of getting herpes just by touching the door handle. But a true first class spa with stunning ladies and all the amenities, decorated in dark wood paneling, carrara marble and glass . I would include a cigar smoking lounge, gourmet restaurant and bar, of course. Think about it -- have a first class meal and bottle of the perfect wine, followed by a PSD4 in the lounge. Then retire to the spa for a complete rub down by a beautiful 22 yr old raven haried, blue eyed Ukrainian girl with strong hands. I call it heaven.

[maalouly]

I'm another for the wine business - a shop or wine buyer for restaurant(s), etc.

As much as I enjoy drinking wine, I've always perhaps equally enjoyed finding and trying new wines that you don't hear too much about,

finding nice wines that are relatively affordable, then researching and finding out about the producer, vineyard(s), etc.

I thought you didn't like wine

[Loki]

I would open up a motorcycle shop, custom old school rigid bobbers like Sucker Punch Sally's and a honest high quality speed shop that catered to everyone not just those with the deepest pockets.

[Colt45]

I thought you didn't like wine

I use it only for medicinal purposes....

[Torontonian]

For me, a small bookstore/coffeehouse would suit the works, specialising in fine editions. We would have an indoor smoking lounge, of course - cigars and pipes only, cigarettes prohibited.

[cigcars]

* I would have an automobile sales/detail/repair shop.