1. Think of two retailers of your choice (other than your own). These businesses may be competitors or simply other companies in your area.
2. During your visits, assess the following elements of business operations, e.g., facility management; cleanliness and safety; staffing; sales and service systems; available and accessible products; and the general atmosphere of the business.
3. From your experience, and outside research to answer the following:
   • Identify and describe at least two aspects of operations in each business that positively affected your experience
   • Identify and describe at least two aspects of operations in each business that negatively affected your experience
   • Compare and contrast the two businesses in terms of what aspects of their operations may be impacting margin and affecting profitability.