| So you want to break out of the day to day | | | | undersized clothing. You should plan to |
| grind and start a business of your own. | | | | bring in several sizes per cut or style of |
| Congratulations! You are taking the first | | | | clothing.Where will I purchase my merchandise |
| step towards a better life. It's important | | | | from?Before you begin purchasing merchandise |
| to maintain financial stability as we all | | | | you will want to acquire your small business |
| know, but those that can do so while doing | | | | license and wholesale license. These |
| something they love are particularly | | | | licenses will open the door to merchandisers |
| fortunate and that is a fortune that doesn't | | | | that otherwise you would not be able to make |
| just come on a whim but is reached through | | | | purchases from. It is vital that your own |
| perseverance and choice. Knowing what you | | | | purchasing be at the lowest rates possible so |
| want is the first choice that leads to bigger | | | | that the merchandise in your clothing store |
| and better things.Many different options for | | | | can be kept at a reasonable price for your |
| opening a small business exist, and all of | | | | customers. Too much mark up in order to make |
| them have their pros and cons. Of concern | | | | up for high purchasing prices will keep |
| here is the opening of a small clothing store | | | | clothing from selling and be detrimental to |
| or boutique. There are several concerns that | | | | your business.Much of your purchasing can be |
| must be addressed by someone wanting to open | | | | done from local sources if such exist. You |
| any kind of boutique, and a clothing store | | | | will need to do some research of what exits |
| must face these same concerns and then others | | | | in your area in order to know what your |
| that are specific to clothing lines and | | | | resources are. Get on the local |
| merchandise selection. The questions that a | | | | manufacturer's mailing lists so you can know |
| new clothing store owner must answer include | | | | about new lines when they come out and be |
| the following:What kind of clothing will I | | | | involved in sales and discounts.At least |
| carry?What sizes and colors do I need to | | | | quarterly you will want to make large |
| address?Where will I purchase my merchandise | | | | shopping trips where you will purchase most |
| from?How will I display my merchandise?How | | | | of your inventory for a three month period. |
| can I build my customer base and return | | | | These trips will likely require going out of |
| business?What kind of clothing will I | | | | your home area and attending a show or a |
| carry?Once you know that you want to open a | | | | market in a major city. Such shows run at |
| clothing store you will need to define what | | | | various times of the year and in a few |
| type of clothing you want to carry and what | | | | places, such as Los Angeles, there are |
| audience you are wanting to appeal to. The | | | | markets that are open for purchasing year |
| requirements for a shop catering to the | | | | round. Remember to budget the cost for |
| exercise clothing needs of women from the | | | | getting to one of these events in your |
| ages of 20 to 40 are going to be very | | | | financial plan, and make the most of your |
| different from the needs of a outdoor apparel | | | | trip. Take time to look at everything you |
| shop for men interesting in hunting and | | | | can and to compare and contrast merchandise |
| backpacking. In order to best meet the needs | | | | and pricing. Many sales representatives will |
| of your specific audience you will need to do | | | | try to get you to place orders on the spot. |
| some research for what clothing items appeals | | | | Stand firm and be the one driving the deals. |
| to those needs. We'll take the example of | | | | Manufacturers want your business, but you |
| exercise clothing for women. The following | | | | decide what will be purchased and when you |
| clothing pieces, at minimum, would need to be | | | | will purchase it.How can I build my customer |
| included in the business plan:Sports | | | | base and return business?Building a customer |
| brasSports shirtsTank topsSports shortsSports | | | | base is one of the hardest thing that any |
| pantsAthletic shoesHeadbands and | | | | clothing store or boutique faces, especially |
| wristbandsWhat sizes and colors do I need to | | | | in the early days of the business. Be |
| address?Having narrowed down the type of | | | | confident that you will succeed and make sure |
| clothing you need you will then want to | | | | that you, and your employees, are friendly |
| consider what kinds of styles, fabrics and | | | | and knowledgeable. This will help to make |
| colors that you wish to carry. Write all of | | | | your customers feel confident in their |
| these down in your business plan. At first | | | | purchasing experience and in your store. |
| you will want to keep this scope narrow as | | | | When you first open throw a grand opening |
| your finances will not be able to cover every | | | | party and advertise with a small space in |
| color and style that is possible. Your lines | | | | local papers and fliers. Have those that |
| will be able to expand as your shop grows in | | | | attend write their name and contact |
| size and revenue. Most shops that do well | | | | information on slips of paper for a raffle |
| can expect approximately a 15% increase per | | | | and use these to create a mailing list. Keep |
| year for at least the first five years and | | | | the mailing list active and invite any new |
| that will open up many possibilities for | | | | customer to sign up with you. Those that |
| expansion as you go. When making purchases | | | | have such lists find that about 20% of their |
| many manufacturers will push for you to | | | | mailing list generates nearly 80% of their |
| purchase at least four pieces per size and | | | | business, impressive numbers and a good |
| per color. Four pieces is fairly reasonable | | | | impetus to grow that list as much as |
| as long as you keep the number of colors and | | | | possible. Most importantly remember that |
| sizes in check. If you are pressured to | | | | word of mouth is your strongest advertising. |
| purchase six do not do so as it will be far | | | | For every customer that has a good experience |
| more merchandise than you can turn over | | | | two or three more will be directed to your |
| swiftly.As far as sizes are concerned most | | | | shop. On the other hand each customer that |
| sizing for tops runs in Petite to Extra | | | | has a bad experience will drive away just as |
| Large, and pants from size 0-14. If you need | | | | much business. The power to bring people in |
| to acquire sizes that are outside of these | | | | and to help your business expand is in your |
| typical ranges you will have to meet with | | | | hands.For More Information on Opening a |
| manufacturers that specialize in over or | | | | boutique Please visit us at:Open-a-boutique. |