1. If you were considering the ownership of a Taco Bell franchise, what would you want to know about the location in terms of traffic, population, income, employment, and competition? What else would you need to research about a potential location?
2. Home Depot typically locates in either a power center or a freestanding site. What are the strengths of each location for this home improvement retailer?
3. A friend of yours is considering buying some stock in retail companies. Your friend knows that you are taking a retailing class and ask your opinion about Costco. Your friend is concerned that Costco is not a good firm to invest in because it has such a low net operating profit. What advice would you give your friend? Why?