Choose a location where there's heavy foot traffic. A location near a school or college is great for attracting a large number of people. Locations in shopping centers with grocery stores are also popular.

Scope out the locations you are considering. Visit in the morning, afternoon and night. What sorts of people frequent the area? Do they fit your target demographic?

Hire a real estate agent who specializes in commercial properties. These individuals often know the prime areas for retail stores.

Make sure you understand your lease or business mortgage agreement. It is vital to know when rent is due, the consequences of late payment and whether your agreement includes property insurance.

Unless you are independently wealthy or have saved $50,000-$100,000, you will need a business plan to borrow money.

Put together an initial statement outlining your comic book business. Discuss what items you will sell (comic books only, or comic books and games and novelty items)?

Think about how you will approach marketing. Will you promote your store on television or through the newspaper? Before you open the doors, it's a good idea to have a solid plan for generating traffic in your store.

Consider your personnel needs. Will you be hiring others or be a one-person operation?

Define your store's operating procedures. Will inventory be computerized? Who will be your distributors? What equipment will you need?

Create two budgets. The first will detail anticipated expenses to get your store up and running. The second budget will be a month-to-month projection of recurring expenses--and projected income.

Make sure your credit history is as clean as possible. This will make it much easier to obtain a good interest rate on a business loan.

Meet with loan officers to obtain a small business loan.

Obtain a business license and establish your business name.

Get an Employee Identification Number (EIN). It's required by the federal government for tax purposes. Register for state taxes (if required by your state).

Purchase all fixtures and equipment for your store.

Hire employees, if needed, and train them.

Set an opening date for your store. Plan a grand opening event and market the event. Enjoy!