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Starting a Fashion Clothing Store

How to Start a Fashion Clothing Store

Summary: Fashion Clothing Store is not an easy business but once you learn the tricks it will give you a lot of profit.

Undoubtedly, if you are thinking about opening a fashion clothing store, then you must be into fashion.

But who isn’t? Everybody is into fashion. It is the individual taste in fashion that differs from person to person. Anywhere you go, fashion clothing stores are always making brisk business. That is also precisely the reason why a fashion clothing store needs to have an edge over its competitions. There are just too many fashion clothing stores out there.

Most successful fashion clothing stores have a few things in common: competitive prices, a great selection of clothes and accessories, attractive packaging (marketing) and yes, a catchy name / brand / tag. Thinking of a name for your business is a tricky endeavor. You obviously want your patrons to remember your store, but you also want them to associate the name of the store with your merchandise.

Before you open your own fashion clothing store or fashion boutique, you may want to think about what “theme” or specialization of clothes you may want to sell. There are a lot, a few examples include: bridal or wedding boutique, business clothing boutique, casual wear / rough gear / street clothes, children’s wear boutique, couture, formal wear boutique, lingerie, maternity store, men’s wear boutique, special size boutiques (petites, plus size, tall, etc.,) sports wear / active wear, teen gear, women’s wear boutique, etc.

You may also want to consider if you want to sell accessories, hats, belts and shoes in your fashion clothing store. Because you are the owner of the store, your creative prowess will constantly be challenged when you present the public your wares. Attention to detail in window presentation, store lighting, rack displays and even that touch of personal service will all come into account when you open your fashion clothing store.

There are two kinds of fashion clothing stores: retail fashion store and fashion boutique.

Retail fashion specializes in selling new clothing products created by fashion designers which may (or may not) be dictated by celebrity trends. Some retail fashion stores have gone to such specialized extent that they only offer the works of their in-house designers. Others have a number of brand names and designer names offered in one roof.

Fashion boutiques, on the other hand, are more (for lack of a better term) chic or upscale. Personalized service, cozy ambience and unique merchandise are offered here – and patrons of such places usually expect nothing less.

Another huge factor about launching your own fashion clothing store is your business location. Malls are popular places for such stores, but they do come with steep rents, and a lot of competition. Stores that sell outside such establishments may have less overhead expenses but may also have less foot traffic. Your prospective market may also be an important element in choosing your business location. For example, teens frequent malls, and thereby is a great place to sell your line of teen wear and accessories. Couture clothing lines or vintage couture may not fare as well in the mall, but rather in some cozy niche in a chic part of town.

Pricing is important, as with the quality of the merchandise. Some clothing stores manage to pull off slightly higher pricing from its peers, but only because they have already established their brand names in the market. Since you are only starting or launching this business, you may want to refer to popular prices among your competitors. The quality of your merchandise should also be a great concern to you. Nothing will lose you more customers faster than poorly made clothes passed off as “fashionable” wear with very dear price tags.

Customer service is also a factor in most shops. Chic boutiques make this a top priority, even offering coffee or tea to its patrons. However, if you prefer a retail fashion store set-up, remember to keep a friendly atmosphere in your shop. It will encourage your potential customers to ask for your advice on fashion trends, or gift suggestions and even a whole fashion ensemble – which may mark you a returning customer or greater sales.

Another matter to consider is the safety of your store and merchandise. If you notice most, if not all fashion clothing stores have security measures against theft and break-ins. Some of them may go as sophisticated as a 24 hour video surveillance system. Others rely on tag systems. Check your budget first or your overhead expenditure rates as to what kind of security measures you may need and / or afford.

In to fashion but looking for something without a retail location? Custom closet organizers are fast growing franchise business opportunities.

33 Responses to "Starting a Fashion Clothing Store".

1. Carolyne Ngao, miss_cngao@yahoo.com on 9/26/2008

Would it be possible for an entrepreneur down here in Kenya to work out a franchise business with fashion designers/retailers abroad?

2. Ian on 10/28/2008

My business partner has clothing store in Nairobi City, not franchise though

3. collie on 2/18/2009 6:49:17 AM

can i create a online store to sell my music cloth from jamaica?

4. Patience Manase on 3/4/2009 4:04:52 AM

i am interested in clothes retail franchise to operate in Zimbabwe, would you know of any franchisers?

5. edith on 3/13/2009 4:21:35 AM

i'm interested in retail fashion.

6. Markiesa Gibosn on 3/31/2009 9:18:50 PM

i think its good to be an entrepreneur but its hard work. i want to know how much it will cost to start a clothing and shoe business?

7. Kiara on 4/3/2009 10:08:42 PM

Thank you this information really helped me for my project! =D

8. Ashok on 4/8/2009 8:52:37 PM

This has helped me in defining the words of a web page for a Ladies Boutique-Store client. I'm a writer in English, based in India & offering linguistic services for foreign clients, many of whom are not conversant with English.

9. dennis on 4/21/2009 4:41:39 AM

Looking into sourcing for clothes supplier. If anyone is interested in selling their clothes, do email me on your products. Thanks!

10. Rohit on 5/25/2009 4:12:35 AM

Hi Dennis, If you are interested in designer women's garments, i could be of help...what are your requirements?

11. C.Aravindakshan on 5/29/2009 8:16:25 AM

I am just about to start a women's clothes(mainly Salwars, suits etc.). The price range is from Rs.500/ to 5000/-. Since ready made garments have taxes, i don't want that. let me here from you, Thanks, C.Aravindakshan

12. Rishi Yashen on 6/2/2009 7:24:26 PM

Hi, am planning to start a small boutique on indian clothes here in Qatar, i mainly concentrate on exclusive, and some designer outfits, please pass on your suggestions

13. Rahil on 6/11/2009 6:33:48 AM

Please send to us tips to start a fashionable boutique for ladies.

14. natalie vahl on 6/18/2009 11:55:50 AM

PLEASE send me the details on tips to start a boutique. I'm about to open one in SA and need all the tips I can get.. Thank you so much Natalie

15. Kei Dang on 6/18/2009 11:03:04 PM

It was great help in future businesses, is there any requirements we should have... to start a fashion retailer store?

16. Sarah B on 6/27/2009 5:14:02 AM

This information was useful. I want to know how and where you can get clothes made? I know there are places around Asia but where do you get this information? How do you know they will make quality controlled items? Thanks

17. Tiffany Coats on 6/30/2009 9:48:56 PM

I'm interested in opening my own plus size fashion store it would be more like a retail environment. I have excellent customer service experience, and i feel like i'm wasting my talents, making others money.

18. mugdha shankar mahendru on 7/1/2009 9:37:21 AM

i am interested in online selling of my stuff... which ranges from kurtis, salwar kameez and sarees to begin with ... i will soon be creating my website to share the stuff... interested people please e-mail.... not to forget the rates are dirt cheap

19. fiker on 7/16/2009 2:26:45 AM

please send me the details on tips to start a small boutique in ethiopla

20. Gary on 7/22/2009 12:43:04 PM

I'm interested in starting a boutique that specialize in woman's shorts, capries, jeans and nice tops. How will I go about getting in touch with the right people that can sell me wholesale clothing of that particular style.

21. Aline on 7/30/2009 3:53:50 PM

Interested in opening up clothes store in Rwanda- Kigali but i wonder how to start .... i need help. I can't sleep thinking of the store.

22. sabina on 8/12/2009 11:05:10 AM

i want to open my own bridal store in zambia. i have diploma in fashion. i am visiting the country in january to do some research. will the bank give me a loan? i mainly want to know about pricing. all in all how much money do i need to start my own business?

23. Yohanna Alvarez on 8/29/2009 2:40:36 PM

I'm interested in starting a ladies clothing store specialized in nice tops, nice jeans and fab accessories with a little bit of work wear but with a very modern twist.( some kind of ZARA or MNG concept)I would like to Know some wholesalers name and how much money should be my first inventory to a small-medium space?

24. Alfrida A on 9/4/2009 5:13:06 AM

Great advice but please provide me with information on how to source for fabrics for my children clothing store. I am looking forward to open one soon in Nairobi

25. James on 9/4/2009 8:06:18 AM

@Alfrida, What exactly you mean by "how to source for fabrics". Is that you want to know from where you can buy the cloths?

26. ophelia rolle on 9/6/2009 4:21:48 PM

I am getting ready to retire next year and I am seeking to start my own business in plus size woman boutique store. Do you know where I can buy my stock from for a low price. Thank you

27. Guest on 9/27/2009 2:34:06 PM

Great advice. Can you, please, give me more info about women fashion clothes and accessories wholesalers in United Kingdom? As I am planing to open my own shop of women fashion clothes, shoes and accessories. I will be really grateful if you could help me. Thank you...

28. portia maluleka on 10/1/2009 3:16:34 AM

Great advice. I need your advice, I have a taste in fashion is it possible to design my own brand and supply them to the store that I want to open. I gonna use my double garage as production for sewing clothes. Please help me here.

29. Raman on 10/8/2009 10:59:12 PM

Hi, My name is Raman. I like to open indian clothing store in USA. I need to know all the tips, how much it would cost me to get deliveries from india, where i can get big stocks in low price?

30. Anacecilia Irigoyen on 10/9/2009 12:40:28 AM

Hi, I like to open women casual store, I will really grateful if you could help me, I want to know where I can buy my stock from for a low price, Thank you

31. Hope on 10/14/2009 5:07:23 PM

I'd like to open up a women's clothing store, similar to ZARA and H&M, in Kenya. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

32. Joseph on 10/26/2009 11:11:13 PM

Hi, I mainly manufacture and export handbag business in China, now i am planning to open stores selling handbags, accessories and clothing, i have my own brand and i take ZARA as my example, all tips will be much appreciated. thanks a lot.

33. aleksandr on 11/2/2009 4:20:16 AM

Hi, i just want to open my own shop, but don't know did i'm aloud to sale a brand items, like ed hardy, D&G??? Regards

Restaurant Business

Small Business Ideas

Mobile Business Ideas

Starting a Fashion Clothing Store

How to Start a Fashion Clothing Store

33 Responses to "Starting a Fashion Clothing Store".

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