Retail Store Start Up

[Lissa23]

I was thinking to myself that one day i'd like to open a retail store/boutique style for womens (and possibly mens) and childrens clothing/accessories.

How do you start planning to develop this idea? It's not a unique idea however it is a passion of mine. I just don't know where to even begin.

Thanks for any inputs.

[Young Spark]

First thing's first, many people would agree with me. Ask yourself how serious you are about this? Then you'll want to study the industry/market and see exactly how its ran, what competition you have, etc.

After this, drop down some notes on your idea's and plans. If you want to jump straight to it (without pre-organizing,... which I highly suggest you do pre-organizing) then you can make a business plan, but still, you'll learn a lot about your market that your getting into through your business plan.

So if you feel like it'd help, fill us in with exactly some information and things you'd like to accomplish with your business?

[Lissa23]

Thanks for the response.

I am working on my other company at the moment that is mainly online, however with every company that is starting up there are always some bumps in the road so I wanted to take a breather and just think about something else. When I started to think about 'that something else' this idea came in place. I wanted to put it on hold until my first company pans out and see if what level of success it would bring, however I can't shake this feeling that I want to jump in and start pre-organizing and building a plan etc.

Definitely with the retail boutique that I want to open it's all about location. I know my city's demographic and the culture and I want to build on that. I think the only problem I have is having that push as to where to start building. I already know the items that I want in the boutique. The brands, styles, who my target customers would be, of course getting those items will take time and looking for partners that can help me with legal issues and what not will also take a lot of time.

Thanks for all the help - I think I just feel really clustered right now.

[Young Spark]

Step back and take a breather on it, and when your looking for a place to build your business, think of where people are at a majority of the time and cater to your customer's expectations first. If anything, build up from the internet (an E-Commerce botique) on out.

Let me know...