I have a great opportunity in my hands and I don't know what to do with it!

[paperobsessed]

Okay, so I have a small space in a strip mall and I don't know what to do with it... I think I want a paper boutique but I'm not sure. I don't know if that would make enough income to pay for the rent, electricity, etc... The strip mall stores are:

• 2 women's clothing boutiques
• a children's boutique
• a women's shoe boutique
• a bakery/coffee shop
• beauty salon
  • • a florist
    • a store that's more of a toy store than a gift shop

No one around this area sells invitations and paper goods... What do you think? Should I go for it?

[JohnGalt]

how many square feet is the space?

[Austy]

I know nothing about the margins for that industry and so I won't say you should go for it, however, what I will say is that invitations, birthday cards and things like that are most frequently purchased by women around the ages of 30 to 50, and the shops around you would be trying to draw that exact same market. This makes it easier on you to get the people you're trying to attract into your store.

[Markndoscar]

I think you could make some good money from that idea!

Have you considered also having a "high end" option? Things like designer pens etc can make nice add on's if some one is buying as a gift!

Also try and find some local people who hand make cards and play on the "local" designer aspect. In my experience people seem to like to keep money in the community.

Got a few other ideas aswel, if you wanna hear em, give me a shout!

[GotLiveChat]

May want to consider some type of business that watches youngsters for some hourly rate. The surrounding businesses complement the need for childcare while the women visit the salon, shop, grab a coffee, etc.
Obviously local regulations will be in play based on size of space, and how many kids can be watched by 1 person, etc.

[ICEMAN2]

HI Paperobsessed:

Sounds like a Great Place for a Ice Cream Shop, with add ons.

Add your Cards, Along with Ice Cream Cakes, Logs, etc.

Cal The Ice Cream Man since 1988

[-Mike-]

I would start by looking at your own strengths and weaknesses first, then see if there is something you are passionate about, then do some due diligence on the area, demographics, income levels, competition etc, and do the business that you feel would do well and you enjoy. If it can't go as smoothly as I listed, well at least do something, even it it fails it will be a learning experience, and its much better than doing nothing at all.

[ACMAir]

By paper goods, do you mean a business like Hallmark Cards? Also, as one of the posters above stated, how large is the space, because it seems like a lot can be done from that plot of land.