Things You'll Need:
- Store space
- Merchandise
- Marketing materials
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Step 1
Decide what you want to sell. Will you have a specialty or not? Will you sell clothing, jewelry or shoes? Make a firm decision of what you want to handle. You can add items later after the business is open.
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Step 2
Find a place. Luckily, a boutique is typically small and can have any shape or arrangement, so it's just a matter or location and price. Find a space that is attractive, easily visible and preferably near places your target group frequents.
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Step 3
Pick a name and complete all the necessary small business tasks (business license, bank accounts, etc.). Buy, lease or rent your space and sort out all the legal aspects associated with your decision.
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Step 4
Purchase your merchandise from fashion markets, local designers and even eBay or garage sales. You can find some wonderful new items in the most unusual places. If you plan on having the same merchandise in stock, you should find catalogs that you can continually purchase these items from to keep your customers satisfied. If you plan on always having new and different items, you don't have to worry about this. You might be able to make consignment offers to local designers where you get a cut of each sale. Explore your options.
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Step 5
Decorate your shop and give it a theme or distinct feel that will set it apart from other shops. You want your boutique to be memorable. Add special little touches to personalize the store and merchandise.
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Step 6
Market your boutique. Put ads in the local newspapers, yellow pages, pennysavers--whatever you can afford. Have postcards and flyers made that announce your opening and offer discounts and specials. Make your presence known.
