it depends where you want to live? But it sounds like working at a retail for 1 year will mean you're better positioned in another year to find work elsewhere. Importantly, though, which work / job is more interesting to you?
I would consider living in the small town if the tech industry (since I want to work in tech) thought that the retail industry was less important, but most people that I asked seems to think the industry does not matter.
Regarding the work, the startup seems more interesting but there are cool things to do in retail as well. I got both of the jobs offering because I worked as a consultant for the startup solving a problem for this retail company, so I really think the work will be similar but the startup will be more diverse (different companies and etc...)
it depends where you want to live? But it sounds like working at a retail for 1 year will mean you're better positioned in another year to find work elsewhere. Importantly, though, which work / job is more interesting to you?