opening my own boutique!?

[Ajw]

I am in the begining stages of opening a boutique. (by begining, i havent even picked the city!!) I am just courious to what the proper way to get started is. Besides picking the city, is it the naming process and licensing? Or business planning? Market research?

Is there a lawyer or someone that walks through this process with new business owners, specifically store owners?

Also, how difficult is to buy the merchandise from name brand vendors?

One last question! Any idea how much capital you need to get something opened up and stocked?

Thanks so much, I am new to this site! (sorry for all the questions)

take care, Aj

[stand856]

So where are you from that you haven't picked a city yet?

[JuanYanez]

This site has a lot of information for a start up company in Canada: http://www.sfu.ca/~mvolker/biz/index.htm
You should also check your Governments website, they usually have all info you need. If you have funds available talk to a good corprate lawyer(might coast you a few $!000 but sometimes it's worth the info). The rest really depends on what type, quality and quantity of merchandise you plan to sell. I don't know how big you plan to make your boutique so I can't give you an estimate of what you need. But on average I would say between $10,000-$50,000.

[Vickie]

I'm new to the site as well....
Looking to open a "Upscale Exclusive Lingerie" retail store in Houston, Texas. I currently own both commercial and residential properties. Do you have retail experience?
e-mail me @ vickiedlloyd@yahoo.com

Thanks,
Vickie
Houston, Texas