Advice on Opening a Clothing Boutique

**KristenK** · 04-24-2008 05:46 PM

As a recent college graduate and an entrepreneur at heart, I want to open a clothing boutique. Does anyone know how to go about doing this? Is anyone in this forum in the same position?
I am in the early stages and would love any help you could provide!

**KKoher** · 04-24-2008 07:24 PM

Hey Kristen,
I own a clothing & accessory store, and I would love to help. I guess it would be best to know where you are in the process, so I know where it is that I can start to help you.

**KristenK** · 04-25-2008 01:00 PM

We are in the very beginning stages. Serious discussion of this idea started about a week ago, and we are in the process of putting together a business plan. Financial backing is not an issue but I would love to hear how you got your store off and running. Thanks so much for your response!
-Kristen

**George** · 04-25-2008 01:28 PM

We've launched a clothing business previously, but word-of-mouth is extremely important in that industry especially in the beginning stages.

Persistence is key, well in any industry.

We were able to launch a successful grand opening with an attendance of over 500 people which skyrocketed sales in the first night.

However, due to the fact that we had multiple ventures going and not being able to focus on one thing and not being persistant about it, we lost focus.

In terms of a clothing boutique, would you be pursuing a Brick and Mortar business model or more of a Bricks and Clicks business?

**KKoher** · 04-25-2008 03:57 PM

Your business plan is going to be the first and most important step. It will keep you focused, and hopefully on track through the whole process. Also, you will need to decided where your location will be. This, of course, is very important as well. Location is everything, and you can have an awesome store, but if no one knows you are there, or if you are not in a place where your target market is, it doesn't matter how great your store really is, b/c you will have no traffic. Also, I know you said finances are not an issue, but make sure you write down exactly how much you will need to open, and that includes getting you license, first, last and security on your space, probably double the inventory you think you need (maybe not, but that's just out of personal experience), you also have to think about the unexpected....like what if the store your renting needs any renovations....paint, flooring, etc. Also, included all the displays you will need, and fixtures, hangers. Your POS (point of sale) equip. Its only been like 8 months since I've done the same process...but I know I'm missing tons. Also, you have to plan for poor sales (not saying that they won't be great right off that bat) but, the economy sucks right now. And most people aren't spending what they used to on clothing and accessories. So you need to plan like what if...what if your sales aren't covering your overhead. How will the bills get paid, how will you reorder inventory that was sold, and will you be able to not take home a check every week. Just things to keep in mind. I could really go on forever, but I guess its easier if you had a specific question, and not one that is so broad. But things you will def. need....business plan, location, suppliers, fixtures, insurance, LLC, s-corp..or whatever type you are setting up, resale permit...just a few things to start on...

**KKoher** · 04-25-2008 04:16 PM

Ohhh.. and just to throw it in there...all of the above is my personal experience, and I have no real expert advice..so anyone that wants to call me out on being wrong on something.. go for it...your probably right.