Opening a Designer Boutique: Store and/or On-Line

[dulcedeleche]

I am seriously considering opening a boutique. Does anyone own/know anyone that owns a boutique? I would just like to hear some general discussion of what it involves. And any ideas, of course.

[Hanne]

You could ask purechris

[galliano-homme]

i am planning on opening my own store after working hard for an independant for some time. i would like to know how to approach brands and designers about stocking there collections an also ho do designers feel about putting ther items in new stores?

so far my experience in dealing with agents and designers is limited,i cant ask my boss as he is a friend and i think we may fall out when he hears my plans.

does anyone own there own store or buy for one?
please advise

i would like to stock raf by raf simons but am unsure if this would be possible thanks.

[Lena]

contact the showrooms, and try the tradefairs

[galliano-homme]

i know about the showrooms as for trade fairs ive been to quite a few and never come across any really big designers but i mean will they even think about giving you an account if you are a new store? thanks anyway lena

[annabel_lee]

a brand gets another brand so if you could get that one brand willing to work with you, it becomes easier to acquire additional brands.

usually, they are more willing to let a store carry their accessories line first so you may wanna take that route.

they usually take into account how many stores are around your store carrying their items as well as type of customer base you have and if that fits with your store image.

it's just about being professional as well as constant calling and talking to them so they feel comfortable with you.

i should find out in much more detail in couple of weeks since that is what i will be doing. if i get any more insight, i will let you know.

good luck

[annabel_lee]

^^oh i was thinking more along the lines of chloe, ysl, lanvin, etc...

[Lena]

if the designer u r interested in does not sell in your area you can always buy, much more if you pay in front.. its very simple to contact the importing company/showroom, its a piece of cake really, you wont have a problem as long as you pay them well, being a start up will cost you a bit, but its normal..
try to rep mainly new rising designers, they are more 'hip' and more accesible than 'big names', then u can add two or three 'big players' to add 'glam'

it all depends on the location and your bank account..

[galliano-homme]

i was only thinking about a couple of the big players as you say and then focusing on smaller up and coming independants. as for my area nobody sells any of the brands or labels i want.
i was also thinking about having one corner of the store available for fashion students to show there own pieces and change them over every month or so any veiws on this?
also i dont want the shop to be in your face as they say more for people who know about fashion rather than focusing on large branding.

another question how do brands and designers feel about you selling there stuff online,is there any restrictions?
thanks in advance.

[annabel_lee]

i think it is always a great idea to promote students as well as up and coming designers. however, the catch is, you first need to some amount of credibility or faithful clients to trust you to believe in those new designers.

also, designer label business is a bit tough since the life span of the products is short. therefore, an online store is a bit helpful to move your inventory.

i dont know exactly where and what you are thinking of for your store but it is a good thing to remember that tees, tanks, and jeans are your main bread and butter for most smaller retail stores.

[luvme4me]

I do. I know you have to get a loan from the bank and other goverment certficates but what else? How do you buy from the merchants? Where do you get the information from

[annabel_lee]

usually better lines ask for a press kit of your store...w/information like the size, the 'look' of your store, other lines you carry, volume of sales, as well as whether they have their own store or other stores near your vicinity selling their products.

it's a very difficult task to get really good stuff off the bat. you would most likely to focus on the smaller names that is about to hit it big. they are more willing to work with. also most places will be more willing to let a new vendor carry their accessories and shoes line but are more difficult to get the clothing.

best way i think is to start with whatever line you can get and go to the shows and get to know the sales staff esp since most of them move around the different company so if they love you, they will give you the products.

therefore, it may be easier to buy a store already up and running or work for a boutique for a bit until you get to meet the sales rep and such. i wouldnt suggest opening up a store from scratch when you dont know anyone in the industry (but that's my two cents)

good luck!!

[Lena]

excellent reply annabel lee, welcome to tFS

[annabel_lee]

thank you!

[luvme4me]

Originally Posted by annabel_lee

usually better lines ask for a press kit of your store...w/information like the size, the 'look' of your store, other lines you carry, volume of sales, as well as whether they have their own store or other stores near your vicinity selling their products.

it's a very difficult task to get really good stuff off the bat. you would most likely to focus on the smaller names that is about to hit it big. they are more willing to work with. also most places will be more willing to let a new vendor carry their accessories and shoes line but are more difficult to get the clothing.

best way i think is to start with whatever line you can get and go to the shows and get to know the sales staff esp since most of them move around the different company so if they love you, they will give you the products.

therefore, it may be easier to buy a store already up and running or work for a boutique for a bit until you get to meet the sales rep and such. i wouldnt suggest opening up a store from scratch when you dont know anyone in the industry (but that's my two cents)

good luck!!

Thank you that was awesome advice! I have awhile to go. I am in the middle of getting my BA in liberal arts and then I plan to go to fashion school.