New Book ‘Pioneering the Superstore: A Retail Revolution’ Tells the True Story of Clyde B. “Smitty” Smith
New Book ‘Pioneering the Superstore: A Retail Revolution’ Tells the True Story of Clyde B. “Smitty” Smith
Dallas, TX (Vocus) November 9, 2010
A new book shows how one man with a vision and an extraordinary understanding of customers can alter the way Americans shop. Long before Walmart, Kmart, Costco or Target, there was Clyde B. “Smitty” Smith, founder, legend and visionary of the original superstore known as Smitty’s.
Pioneering the Superstore: A Retail Revolution (Brown Books) by John Trice in collaboration with Helen Hosier, traces the remarkable journey of Clyde B. “Smitty” Smith on the road to retail success as he developed the prototype of what is known today as the ultimate superstore. Smith, with his keen sense of awareness, recognized a need to expand upon the standard grocery store concept and did.
A modern success story, Clyde Smith was raised during the Great Depression in a family that made “dirt poor” sound luxurious. Dropping out of high school to help support his family by working in the coal mines, his life changed forever after stepping onto a sales floor – he was hooked by the thrill of money changing hands, the way merchandise was placed neatly on the shelves and the way one hustled to please customers.
At 91, Smith has witnessed the retail world change from using cranked cash registers to integrated point-of-sale systems tied to supercomputers. He has watched American business navigate such economic “diversities” as the Great Depression, the boom of the post-World War II years, the rise of corporate America in the 1940s, the hyperinflation of the 1970s and the globalization of the world economy.
A man of strong principles and great faith, Smith remains an icon in the superstore industry. As a competitor, he continues to encourage current business owners to overcome the odds by adapting to change and finding success.
Pioneering the Superstore outlines “Smitty’s Basics for Business,” teaching current business owners how good business practices and consideration for others can still form the foundation of innovations. Simply put, the keys to success all come back to basics: work hard, be fair, be truthful, have honor and integrity, provide excellent leadership, build a team of experts, train employees well, give incentives, share the profits and put the customer first.
Smith says, “The most important thing is to know and understand your customers’ needs while building a bigger and better market that provides something for everyone.” He argues that although today’s retail environment seems complicated, it all comes back to the fundamentals, and with proper application, anyone with ambition and desire can be a success.
For further information visit: http://www.smittysstory.com.
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