Advice on starting a Brick and Mortar Store with 2 partners

I am exploring opening up a handmade boutique with two other crafty firends. We are looking at retail space and discussing biz plans/options. Is there anybody out there who is doing this, and what sort of biz structure did you set up? Partnership, co-op? Any encouragement or words of wisdom or good book or website would be very appreciated!
with delight,
Debbie