Opening & Operating a Retail Store / Boutique (Brick & Mortar or On-Line)

[BetteT]

Some of these questions have already come up in this thread, if I remember correctly. So I suggest that you take some time to read it all. And there area also thread about showrooms and possibly pricing and sourcing ... so you might want to do a search for those threads, too.

 

[couturecouture]

I am currently planning the shop and still are certain things not 100% clear to me:
1. concerning the contemporary market for women how do usually pay your order as a newcomer? do you pay 100% in advance?

2. what are the minimum orders from brands like joie, equipment etc?

3. how much is one obliged to stick to the suggested retail prices? what if one wants to start sales, do coupon codes etc?

4. what happens with the clothes that you didn't sale in the season and also not in sale? do

5. how much do you usually order in advance and how much "space" do you let yourself to act/order spontaneously?

I would really appreciate if somebody could help me with (some of) my questions!

2. Each brand is totally different.

3. Some brands do not want you reducing the sugg retail price at all, but it depends on the company, I think most understand that stores do discounts and sales to clearance out merchandise.

 

[Deleted member 1957]

Starting a store for young designers

I have always wanted to start a store that showcases young talent. One that brings to gether talented designers that couldnt afford their own store. What suggestions and ideas can you give me? Also what kinds of organizations can one approach to back such an idea?

 

[KingPanther]

secure distribution

hello everyone, this is my first post and i would love your help.

I am currently starting an e-commerce store for men, and possibly womens clothing.

I do have a unique selling point (top secret - obviously )

I only want to sell ultra-luxury brands. For instance - Burberry.

They have requested that i send them a letter with my intentions.

What should I write, and how can i secure the deal?

All ideas are welcome, but people with experience - manifested in conscience and pertinent advice, would be deeply appreciated.

thank you

 

[BetteT]

Welcome to the Fashion Spot!!

Merging this with an existing thread that covers a little bit about the topic of buying luxury lines for your start up store. Just read trough this and you might find a few pieces of advice.

 

[KingPanther]

Send invitation to luxury brand

When talking to someone at Vivienne Westwood - I was asked to send an invitation to them - as a request to stock their brands, in my website.

What format, style ect would this invitation go by. I assume there are people on here who have sent/received these and I would like your help please. Thank you.

 

[BetteT]

Merged with the existing thread about opening and operating a boutique.

You will find some discussion, early in this thread (and perhaps more than once), about approaching major lines to carry their products in your store. If you read the whole thread, perhaps there is a nugget or two that will help answer your questions about this.

 

[Phuel]

^^^ Just to add for King: From my experience working with PR, Stockists will send an e-vite for convenience since you're able to include digital files and hotlinks to instantly connect with one another. Either a brief but formal email message or a professionally designed e-vite is ideal.

Following up with a professionally designed, quality-stock invitation by courier. People still appreciate something that's of tactile quality in their hands.

With both cases, keep it brief, formal and to the point. People usually won't be interested in reading too much on such invitations, Press Kits, etc. Directions/ links to more info should always be provided on the e/ invites, of course.

 

[KingPanther]

^^^ Just to add for King: From my experience working with PR, Stockists will send an e-vite for convenience since you're able to include digital files and hotlinks to instantly connect with one another. Either a brief but formal email message or a professionally designed e-vite is ideal.

Following up with a professionally designed, quality-stock invitation by courier. People still appreciate something that's of tactile quality in their hands.

With both cases, keep it brief, formal and to the point. People usually won't be interested in reading too much on such invitations, Press Kits, etc. Directions/ links to more info should always be provided on the e/ invites, of course.

Thanks