How to Start a Shoe Shop

Organized spaces make shopping easier.

Despite all of the trivial products out on the market today and no matter the economy, everyone needs shoes, making the market for shoes constantly relevant. Though not every small business is successful, a shoe shop owner with an effective business model and a dedicated work ethic may be successful. It involves time, effort and risk to start any business, including a shoe shop, but with the right information, opportunities and support, you can become the go-to source for shoes in your community.

Things You'll Need

• Catalogs
• Fliers
• Brochures
• Business cards
• Signs
• Security cameras
• Shoe racks
• Shelves
• Mirrors
• Cash registers
• Receipt printers
• Computers
• Fax machines
• Copiers
• Telephones
• Paint
• Mirrors
• Chairs

Instructions

1. Write a detailed business plan. Write down the goals and objectives for your shoe store. Write down your budget, expenses, and other details about your potential employees, tax costs and location costs. Adjust your plan until your business proves to be profitable or viable on paper before you begin your actual setup.

2. Examine shoe catalogs and websites to determine what brands and types of shoes are currently most popular. Develop a target customer demographic if you can. For example, if you are selling athletic shoes, you'll be able to tailor your shop design and advertisements to target athletes, coaches and athletes' parents.

3. Design your shoes. Draw sketches of the types of shoes you want to sell and research the effectiveness and costs of their materials. Research and hire manufacturers who can efficiently make your shoes. Examine shoe design samples before you order in bulk. Keep careful records of your new inventory.

4. Set up the location for your store. If you are renting space, write the costs into your shop budget to see if you can afford it. Speak with the landlord and read the lease to make sure you will not be violating your rental agreement or local zoning laws by using the location for vending purposes. If you are running the business out of your home or another residential location, you may need a permit issued by your city, county or state.

5. Register your business with your state and local governments. Visit your official state website to do so. The site will prompt you to file your business name and what type of business you are starting and will ask you to pay a fee. You will receive a business license and information on what is expected of you regarding taxes.

6. Advertise your new shoe shop. Hand out and put up fliers, brochures and business cards. Set up a website and blog for your business and spread the word using social media marketing. Put signs up detailing when you will be open, where you're located and what you'll be selling.

7. Hire employees. Do this through a hiring agency or post your own help wanted ads in newspapers, online or around your town. Hiring workers will alter your taxing requirements and you may want to speak with a lawyer about how to protect yourself and your workers in case of problems or accidents. Establish a rigorous interview process, along with a background check, to ensure your employees are proficient, trustworthy and qualified.

8. Call professionals to set up Internet access, power, air conditioning and plumbing in your store. Clean the store and have building and health inspectors evaluate it for safety issues and precautions. Install security cameras to ensure the safety of yourself, your customers, your staff and your inventory.

9. Design and decorate your store. This can be expensive but it is a necessary step. Set up shoe racks and shelves. Organize your storage space so that it is safe and effective. Set up cash registers and receipt printers, computers, fax machines, copiers and telephones. Paint in warm, inviting colors and install mirrors and chairs so that customers can try on your shoes in comfort.

References

• Power Home Biz; Starting A Shoe Retail Store (Part 2); Jenny Fulbright