A second shop? Part one: Why?

Let's face it, at some point, almost every shop owner entertains the idea of opening a second location. For many, it's a pleasant daydream, which is never seriously acted upon. In my company's experience, however, once the idea has taken hold, most operators find the decision difficult, even frustrating.

Many feel isolated, having (by habit) to address the question more intuitively than analytically. Others, regrettably.just forge ahead, plunging into the project at breakneck speed, preferring decisiveness to analysis. To help those struggling to make the decision, and to head off the consequences of those who may make it too quickly, I'll attempt to identify the principal …