Growing a business is a sign of success and production of a quality product that consumers want, and consumers outside of your home base want in their town. My preferred growth method for a business would initially be capitol proposals for new sites. building on a platform of success, new sites allow for creating buildings that suit the area your business is growing into, allows for job creation in the communities for construction of the building and manning the store once it is open. New buildings also generate opportunities for suppliers to work together to improve the economy in the communities they build and grow in. Mergers and acquisitions are difficult in both finding capital, retooling costs to change the building and software to suit the needs of the purchasing company and is tough on existing staff and associates as they are unsure of their future. If any of these staffer's question their future, there could be mass departures leading to unanticipated costs of hiring and training of entirely new staffs. Communities involved in acquisitions, mergers and spinoffs can also be impacted and not feel excited about the new company, feel a loss of a company that has been around