Ok...so i need some insight...I am setting up an online clothing retailer (part of a larger business model), which is somewhat close to completion and launch. We are in the process of acquiring inventory, and an interesting opportunity recently came up with a small but well known clothing boutique here in the Houston area. I am supposed to be meeting with the owner later this week.

Basically, we both serve the same demographic and sell the same brands...hers physically in the Houston area, me virtually online. She sells well known brands, and at times local talent. I focus on small yet unknown brands, but will also be selling well known brands. I was told that she has been desiring an online presence, and is interested in the project I am working on. Ideas have been thrown around concerning the possibility of having the store owner sell some of her stock through our site, thereby establishing some type of partnership. It would be a mutually beneficial arrangement on a number of levels.

My question is this: how would you all suggest going about effectively co-branding and collaborating on such an arrangement, while maintaining the identity of both parties? We are already pretty similar. A LOT of work has gone into building our current site and business structure, and I really do not want to start from scratch again. Any ideas?? Any help is appreciated.