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Hi

Tips for Starting Your Clothing Business

* Determine your specialty before you do anything else. Growth areas include specialty athletic apparel, maternity wear, and clothing for people over the age of 40.

* Whatever your area of specialty, present yourself as a problem-solver who helps customers find whatever they need – even if it means sending them to a different store after you’ve exhausted all your resources.

* Just because something sells well in New York City, doesn’t mean it will sell well where you set up your business. Study your local market before investing in any merchandise.

* Keep safety issues, traffic patterns, and parking areas in mind when selecting a location. These factors can make or break a small business.

* Be prepared to work up to 14 hours a day without much help when first starting your clothing store.

* Be aware that even 40-year-old mothers buy clothing and accessories at teen-oriented stores because they cost less, and the styles are often interchangeable.

* The ideal clothing store has adequate restrooms, places to sit, delivery service, phone shopping, refreshments on-site, and lighted parking nearby.

* Accessories are impulse items. Keep them stored by the dressing rooms and checkout counters for maximum visibility.

Thanks

1)Get some experience. Whether it's merchandising classes, a previous retail store job, volunteer activities or assisting others in the retail field - the more experience you have when opening your own retail store, the better.
2)Specialize in a niche. Don't try to please everyone. Focus on a specific market and offer products exclusively for those customers. Ideally, you want to represent a niche in your local are that is not yet represented.
3)Figure out your start-up costs. Start-up costs vary widely, depending on your store location, size, types of products, etc.
4)Decide on a location. Look at several location and local zoning and other regulations that may apply. Will the location bring in enough foot traffic to cover the rent.
5)Advertising. While keeping your ads simple, you want them to grab your customers' attention and provide quality information about your merchandise or store events. Focus on what makes you different from other stores and give people a reason to come see you.

Thanks