The economy these days is troubled and many people are losing their jobs in the United States. A lot of people have been forced to contemplate ways they should make a living after being out of work. Some are going back to school or learning a new technical trade tomarket themselves in. Others arepondering whether they should follow theirdream and start their own business where they canrun everything and be their own boss. Even though retail businessessales are lower by 20% on average from last year’s sales, some smaller businesses are thriving and having a wonderful success in this downturned economy. This article will touch on a few of the business industries that are succeeding like artistic jewelers that find a niche market such as making horse jewelry or star jewelry or making items specific to marathon runners and triathletes. These unique niches continue to thrive today.

The smaller businesses that do not succeed and have gone out of business for various reasons. One thought is that they chose the wrong location for their business where the need for their particular item was notimportant and therefore they failed. Another reason small companies may fail is that they try to sell something that is sold by several other bigger companies that have greater marketing, advertising andlower prices. A wonderful example of this is the old family owned book shop on the corner that hasstruggled to compete with the huge Barnes and Noble and Borders Bookstores. Their little size and marketing funds just can not compete with theseenormous chain stores that are selling the same products. The key to making it whether it is in a shop or simply an online website is to find a particular niche that will appeal to a specific demographic yet one that continues to search for itemswithin that niche.

A great example of this niche market is thearea sports. That group of people continually increaseseach year as people are choosing to become more active for their health and are seeking the fabulous benefits to being involved. Whether it is a marathon race or an equestrian event, many vendors attend these events to appeal to those participating. many times in their community, there is not a store thatmay contain special horse themed items or clothing specific to racing in a triathlon. At these events, the vendors will sell to this particular niche and also tell the athleteshow they can purchase more things in the future,particularly via the internet. People that are passionate about their hobby or sport wish to own everything related tothat passion. A lot of people now see vehicles driving around with an equestrian sticker or a 26.2 sticker telling others that they are a horse jumper or have completed a marathon.

This is thekind of business to get into currently to be successful. The optimal method to get into this niche retail market is to follow one of your passions and find others that do also.