Although the stores differ in the products they carry — everything from apparel, home furnishings and gourmet foods to gifts, jewelry and electronics — Whalin said there's one key success component that they all share: friendly, knowledgeable sales staff.

Beyond that, the stores are all completely different, which makes for a fun and informative read for retailers and shoppers alike.

From the home furnishings sector, there's New York's ABC Carpet & Home, Gallery Furniture of Houston, and Nell Hill's in Atchison, Kansas. After reading his book, I asked Whalin if he could briefly summarize what it is about those stores that makes them stand out.

I'm sure anyone who's visited ABC Carpet & Home will agree with him when he says ABC's unique merchandising, eclectic product mix and exceptional customer service make it one of the most distinct stores in the country. "Paulette Cole was among the first merchants to begin displaying and selling furniture that didn't match but was complementary, making the home a more interesting place," he said.

He also writes about ABC's strong social and environmental focus, overseen by a vice president of social responsibility. The 350,000-sq.-ft. store, with estimated annual sales of more than $150 million, is described as "not only a unique retail experience but also a three-dimensional living magazine and interactive museum, including healing, education, sanctuary, theater and art."

A brief history is part of each chapter, especially effective when it comes to describing stores that are known for reflecting so much of the owner's personality. Mary Carol Garrity, owner of Nell Hill's (and one of our Retail Star honorees last year), is a good example. I've met Garrity and found myself nodding as Whalin described her infectious energy and charisma, but thanks to the book, I now know that Nell Hill's is named for her maternal grandmother and that linens and soft goods are sold a few doors down at G. Diebolts, named for Garrity's father. There's also a Garrity's Encore store around the corner in the former Masonic temple and a new 16,000-sq.-ft. store in Kansas City.

Part of Garrity's success, Whalin writes, is her knack for filling every nook and cranny with merchandise that appeals to a wide range of consumers. "The store offers a constantly changing selection of highly desirable merchandise that cannot be found elsewhere at very reasonable prices," he said. "It is a true destination store."

And though he says that every store he writes about in the book is managed by a "visionary owner," the most innovative retailer has to be Gallery Furniture's Jim McIngvale. "He was among the first furniture retailers in the U.S. to do same-day delivery which he has been doing for more than 20 years," Whalin said. "His store is a constantly changing visual extravaganza with everything from a giant (450-inch) screen television to race cars to Princess Diana's jewels to individually themed restrooms."

Whalin cites figures from Furniture/Today's Top 100 ranking that puts Gallery Furniture's annual sales at around $200 million. He also writes about McIngvale's generosity. "He gives free furniture to schools in Houston for their teacher's lounges. When the children's hospital needed funds to build a cancer wing he donated $500,000 to the hospital."

And how have these superstar retailers fared since Whalin turned in his final draft? "I have talked with all of these retailers over the last several months," he answered. "Without exception, they are all continuing to do well. While sales have softened somewhat for a couple, their businesses have all remained strong for the reasons mentioned above. These are retailers who are committed to their customers. They are also among the hardest working people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing."

He says his advice to home furnishings retailers in this economy is the same as it would be at any time: Distinguish your store, merchandise and service from your competitors; know everything you can about your customers; and provide outstanding service and a pleasant memorable experience to every customer who walks through your doors.

To find out where to purchase Retail Superstars, or to take a virtual tour of the stores, which also includes Gump's (San Francisco), Bering's (Houston) and A Southern Season (Chapel Hill, N.C.), visit retailsuperstars.com.

To comment on this story, please write to me at susan.dickenson@reedbusiness.com or share your thoughts on my blog at HomeAccentsToday.com.