Established in 1986 by John Beale, Past Times is a retailer of historical and vintage giftware. The chain has about 80 shops throughout the UK, which hawk items such as books, jewelry, and knick-knacks. In addition to its regular stores, Past Times operates several outlets and sells through catalogs and its Web site. Products on offer are often organized by era, but each store represents several eras such as Bauhaus, Art Deco, or Art Nouveau. In 2001 a consortium of investors, headed by Robin Klein's Accesserator Group and calling itself Retail Variations, bought the chain out of administration. It came under new ownership in 2005.

Boyles Distinctive Furniture sells home furnishings through five locations, including a clearance outlet, in North Carolina and online. Customers can buy traditional wood, leather, and upholstered pieces from manufacturers such as Bernhardt, Hooker Furniture, Maitland-Smith, and Ralph Lauren. The company offers interior design support and nationwide delivery service. Internet shoppers can chat with store reps and get a quote via the retailer's Web site. Boyles' showrooms are distinctive as well, ranging from glass-fronted modern stores to shaker-style buildings. Founded in 1949, the company is part of the Hendricks Furniture Group, which filed for Chapter 11 in 2009.

Russell Sigler has built a business providing a cool service in a hot region. Through about 10 locations in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and West Texas, the company provides commercial and residential air conditioning contractors with equipment, parts, supplies, and technical support. Its brands include Carrier and Bryant. Russell Sigler has distributed Carrier products for about 60 years. The company also operates a residential and commercial distribution joint venture with Carrier; Russell Sigler owns a 60% stake while Carrier holds 40%. Chairman and CEO Russ Sigler founded his namesake company in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1950. His son, Jack Sigler, serves as the firm's president.

Kenny Pipe & Supply was formed in 1992 when owner Bill Kenny bought five Westburne Supply locations in Alabama. Hey, y'all, plumbing problems in the Southeast might call for Kenny. Through about 10 locations in Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee, Kenny Pipe & Supply distributes faucets, fittings, pipes, valves, water heaters, and other plumbing equipment and supplies from such manufacturers as A.O. Smith, Bemis, Elkay, and NIBCO. Customers include residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing contractors, as well as institutions and municipalities.

Auto Sound Company, Inc. was founded in 1971. Auto Sound hopes car buyers automatically want better sound and plenty of fancy gadgets. The company sells vehicle accessories, including car audio components, mobile video units, navigation equipment, leather seating, and alarm systems, at its two locations in Middleton and Plainville, Massachusetts, as well as online. Auto Sound also offers custom grillwork, running boards, brush guards, and taillights, along with sunroofs and remote starters. Its Web site includes information on which safety devices qualify drivers for auto insurance discounts.

The family-owned company was founded in 1942 by Guy Routzon, father of president Ed Routzon. Through three locations in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Loveland, Colorado, Guy's Floor Service distributes and installs flooring through its builder, commercial, and remodeling divisions. Guy's Floor Service Inc. specializes in hardwood, but also sells carpet, ceramic tile, granite, marble, and vinyl flooring.

Grafton Merchanting GB believes in building a solid store base for its customers. A subsidiary of the Grafton Group, the company is the umbrella organization of its parent's building supply retail operations in the UK, which include Buildbase, Jackson Building Centres, Hirebase, Civils & Lintels, Plumbase, PDM, L&G Forest Products, Hendricks Lovell, Acorn Insulation, and Keelsupply. Its network consists of more than 400 locations, which sell lumber, hardware, tools, plumbing and electrical supplies, gardening items, and other building materials, as well as offer hiring services. Grafton Merchanting also sells online. Formed in 2008, the firm brought together Buildbase with Grafton Group's other retail banners.

Dave's Supermarkets was founded in the late 1920's when Alex Saltzman, the first of four generations of grocers, hung up reins in his horse drawn produce wagon and opened the first corner family store at 33rd and Payne Avenue in Cleveland. The store was named for Alex's son, Dave who succeeded his father in the business. Following in Dave's footstep was his son Burton who recognized that the store needed to address the growing needs of their customers. Over the years, Burton along with his two sons, Dan and Steve Saltzman, have expanded upon the company's original vision and continue to grow the chain. Dave's is the only retail food store to invest significantly in Cleveland in recent years. New and exciting developments at Dave's included the acquisition of four new locations in 2007 as well as the launch of Dave's Mercado at the Ridge Road location. The Mercado provides the largest selection of hispanic foods in the Cleveland area. The Saltzman Family is proud to have stores serving 13 local neighborhoods.

Where can Kiwis buy their groceries and their consumer retail goods under one roof? The Warehouse. One of New Zealand's leading retailers, The Warehouse Group operates about 85 department stores and 45 office supply stores under the Warehouse Stationery banner throughout the country. Its offerings include apparel, entertainment, technology, music, sporting goods, grocery items, and gardening accessories, among many others. Founded in 1982, the company decided to exit the Australian market in 2005 and sold that subsidiary (comprising 122 Warehouse Australia stores) to focus on its home market. A bid by Australian retail giant Woolworths to acquire Warehouse Group was blocked by regulators in mid-2008.

Great Harvest Franchising acquired Montana Mills from doughnut-maker Krispy Kreme in 2005. The six-store bakery chain in upstate New York was converted to Great Harvest locations in early 2006. Founded by Pete and Laura Wakeman in 1978, Great Harvest was sold in 2001 to a group of North Carolina investors, including Mike Ferretti, who became CEO.Great Harvest Franchising (dba Great Harvest Bread Company) helps entrepreneurs not only bake bread but earn it. The company franchises its name and baking techniques to more than 210 bakeries in some 40 US states. In exchange for sending 7% of their sales to Great Harvest, owners receive bread recipes, baking techniques, and advice about accounting and store design.

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