The fastest-growing retailers: who racked up the best performances in 2004 and how they did it.

30.05%

Ed Roman Guitars

ED ROMAN GUITARS' chart-topping sales growth reflects sweeping changes in 2004. First, the store nearly tripled its retail space by moving to a 40,000-square-foot guitarist's dream in the heart of Las Vegas. The relocation triggered a bold near-reversal of the store's highly profitable business model. Formerly known for its obscure and ultra-high-end guitars, last year Ed Roman Guitars took on a number of mainstream and beginner-level lines including Fender, Ibanez, Dean, Peavey, Charvel, Jackson, Martin, and Seagull to fill the new