By any measure, most retailers in the U.S. and Canada are very small indeed. In the U.S., nearly 90 percent of retailers have fewer than 20 employees. In Canada, the retail industry is the largest employer in the country, but mostly in small businesses—72 percent of all retail stores employ fewer than 10 people. Despite their size, small and midsize businesses (SMBs) are important drivers of the U.S. economy. According to the National Federation of Independent Business, SMBs account for 40 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product. However, SMB retailers operate with tiny profit margins in highly competitive environments. Because savings on energy go directly to their bottom lines, these retailers are receptive to energy-efficiency strategies—but only if the strategies are free, cost very little, or pay back quickly. Utilities that help these companies reduce costs and improve profitability are likely to enjoy increased customer satisfaction.