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What Is The Retail Owners Institute?

Empowering!

"Am I running this business...or is it running me?!"

Running a retail business means making countless decisions every day—some big, some small, all critical.

The Retail Owners Institute® has been built specifically for retail decision-makers like you. It focuses on the most demanding challenges for owners: managing profits, debt, inventory, and cash flow. 

Whether it’s testing profit strategies, forecasting cash flow, or sharpening buying plans, The ROI empowers you to see the financial road ahead, compare options, and make confident decisions—all without relying on an accountant or consultant.

With The ROI, you can gain new insights and fresh perspectives, and make more confident business decisions. 

Ready to take the driver’s seat? With 24/7 Member Access, everything you need is just a click away. Subscribe now and start shaping your financial future today.

What if...? Planning

Here's Where To Start

The Remarkable "What If...?" Projecting Calculators For Owners

The ROI's proprietary online calculators are for projecting, looking ahead. Not accounting, that (sigh) only looks backwards.

Easy for retailers to use, these "power tools" have been specially built for owners and decision-makers. With just a few inputs, compare outcomes of your choices, in advance, on your own - automagically! 

Don't like that outcome? No problem; explore some changes. See for yourself, immediately, "What would happen if I...?"

Online 24/7. Nothing to download or install. They just work! These remarkable calculators are fast, intuitive, and built for forward-thinking retail owners. 

Why leave your financial future to chance? Explore Member Access today and see the difference that shining a light on the road ahead can make.

Retailers Who Look Ahead

Here’s what retail owners like you have said about using The ROI:

“I’ve stopped reacting and started planning. The ROI tools let me test ideas before making a decision. And the ability to project cash flow has reduced my stress significantly.”
– Specialty Boutique Owner

“I used the Buying Plan Forecaster before our last buying season, and it was a game-changer. I finally feel like I’m in control of my inventory!”
– CFO, Sporting Goods Retailer

“This is the only resource I’ve found that helps me think ahead instead of focusing on the past. It’s exactly what retail owners need.”
– Home Décor Shop Owner

Pro-Active Advantage

 

The ROI's Promise: Everyone Can "Get It!"

The Retail Owners Institute is renowned for making the basics of retail financial management readily available to any retail owner, anywhere, 24/7. It functions like a large, on-demand "library" for whatever financial insights a retailer needs, whenever that need arises. 

​Its practical, approachable, and non-intimidating style has been used and loved by thousands of retailers worldwide since 1999 (and many consultants to those retailers.) The ROI's promise: "Everybody can get it!"

Library of “How-To” Articles: From Inventory to Cash Flow and Beyond

The ROI’s Library for Owners is packed with explanatory articles and guides that are easy to follow, practical, and retail-specific. Every one of them is designed with you in mind—no complex jargon, no "shoulds." Just straightforward ways to sort out your choices. 

  • Inventory Control
    Strategies to manage turns, avoid dead stock, and optimize your buying.
  • Profit Optimization
    Insights on improving margins and driving more revenue.
  • Cash Flow Management
    Techniques to handle slow seasons, manage inventory turns, and avoid cash crunches.
  • Owner-Specific Issues
    Tips on managing key relationships (vendors, landlords, banks) and making decisions for growth.

These how-to resources are always ready when you need them, helping you act fast and stay ahead. Gain unlimited access whenever you need it with a subscription.

Self-Paced Courses For Retail Owners 

Our Strata:G online training courses show how and why to do retail financial projections. Each kit includes self-paced training, relatable case studies, and a proprietary “What if...?” calculator to help you strategize like a pro.

  • Projecting Profits
    See how to turn your P&L into a management tool and take control over your profit performance. Meet and use the Strata:G Profit Forecaster.
  • Inventory Buying Planning
    Gain confidence with structured buying plans that maintain ideal stock levels while maximizing cash flow. The Buying Plan Forecaster's monthly buying plans and ending inventory targets make it easy to monitor and control.

  • Cash Flow Management
    Project monthly cash needs in advance, and prepare for high and low seasons. See how the 3-in-1 Integrated Calculator helps owners make more informed and confident business decisions. 
    Subscribe to access these eLearning Kits anytime.

These courses–like all of The ROI's resources–are practical, straightforward, and designed for retail owners and decision-makers.

On-Demand Webinars: Practical, Strategic Retailing Insights

Gain more understanding with The ROI’s on-demand webinars. Each session dives into the demanding "Owner issues" you face, whether managing inventory, building a cash-positive business, or maybe sleeping better at night.

Our webinars don’t just inform; they show you how to apply the concepts.

Each webinar is designed with easy-to-understand approaches—plus a demonstration of using one of the Strata:G calculators. See for yourself the power of playing "What if...?" Watch the webinars anytime as a Member.

"The ROI webinars are like a crash course in retail finance. Easy to understand, but deep in insights!"
– Hardware Store Owner

"I found your webinar today very interesting, informative, and useful. It is the first time I have heard a webinar that actually gave information that can be applied. Thank you!" 
– General Manager, Home Technology Stores

Map Out Positive Cash Flow

Focus On The Big Picture

Grow Financial
Strength

Measure and Monitor Vital Signs

Focus On
Profit Ability

Connecting Link of Your Financial Statement

Raise Inventory
Productivity

Turnover • GMROI • Targeted Ending Inventory

Join The ROI Today. Go From "What If...?" To "Why Not?!"

With The ROI, you’re not just getting financial tools; you’re taking charge of your future. Start today for just $39.95/month or save with an annual plan. Every tool, resource, and guide you need to succeed in retail, at your fingertips.

With The ROI, discover the fun in comparing financial "What if...?" possibilities for your business.

Subscribe Now and make this your best year yet!

Retailers–Start Today To "Turn On Your Financial Headlights!"

Let's Get Started!

The Friendly STRATA:G Way | New Insights • Fresh Perspectives • Timely Business Decisions

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All of the copyrighted content and resources of The Retail Owners Institute® and its Family of Retail STRATA:G® Resources have been developed by and are the proprietary intellectual property of Outcalt & Johnson: Retail Strategists, LLC – OutcaltJohnson.com – and its sole owners, Patricia M. Johnson and Richard F. Outcalt.

It may not be reused, reproduced or rewritten in any form without the express written consent of Outcalt & Johnson: Retail Strategists, LLC.



The Retail Owners Institute® has been empowering retailers since 1999 to "Turn on their financial headlights!"
Our tools and resources are trusted by thousands of store owners to help grow profitable, resilient businesses.