How to Design Your Own Clothing Store for Women
Opening a clothing store of any type starts with the concept. Go over these key things before putting your plan into place and design your own clothing store for women with ease. Remember, opening any business isn't easy, but the reward will be worth the time and energy invested.
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Instructions
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Find a space that works for you. In the months leading up to opening your own clothing store, you will need to visit the premises and keep things moving along so you open as planned. Be sure the space that you choose for your own clothing store for women is near enough that you can make a trip to it in the event a contractor has an issue. Consider your overhead and how much you're willing to risk financially. Finding a space that was once a clothing store for women and only needs tweaking will require less money and work than a brand new space. If you are trying to create an intimate experience for clients, be sure it is a space that has enough room to house your merchandise, but small enough to maintain that quaint, boutique atmosphere. Research walk-through traffic for stores in surrounding shops to get an idea of the size of crowds you'll draw on a weekday versus a weekend and gauge what the average shopper will spend.
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Choose a concept. One of the most crucial things in designing your own clothing store for women is to choose a concept for the store. Will the store cater to young women? Professional women? Stay-at-home moms? Think of these things when designing the store and choosing what setup and decor you want to go with. Catering to young women can include bright colors and a luxurious look, especially if you are stocking contemporary designers. Professional women want things simple and like their options up front, so categorize things and take a streamlined approach when it comes to decor. Stay-at-home moms will often have kids in tow when shopping, so be sure there is nothing that serves as a potential hazard for children such as small fixtures that can be knocked over or decor that can be grabbed. Remember you want your ideal client to feel comfortable and eager to shop. Go beyond color and texture and take into account things like the fitting rooms, and offer better lighting than most (this means no overhead lighting), as well as ample sitting space for family members or friends who might be shopping with a client.
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Find a contractor who understands your vision. Depending on what type of space you acquire (if it's a space that has to be revamped from the ground up or if it's a space that just needs tweaking), find a contractor that understands your vision and what you want the store to look like. Be as clear as possible, and consider drawing up inspiration boards with colors, themes, and architecture you want the store to have so you can convey this more easily.
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Merchandise the store. After the bulk of construction is completed, merchandise the store so it fits the needs of the shopper. Highlight your favorite items front and center, so they're on display for all to see the minute they stop into your clothing store, and make changes regularly. Group like clothing together, which makes it easier for a client to shop when they are looking for something specific. Women are likely to come in looking for an outfit or garment for a certain occasion, so categorize the store according to this. Cocktail dresses should go together, as should jeans, and blouses that can be worn for day or night. Clients who repeatedly visit your clothing store for women will appreciate seeing a regular change to the store, so move merchandise around to give the store a fresh look.
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Network for the opening of your clothing store for women. The minute you spot your space and sign your lease, begin networking for the opening of your store. An opening doesn't have to have hundreds or serve costly drinks, just a simple invite by word-of-mouth will work along with a signature cocktail (which is cheaper and easier to serve). You can offer a small discount for shopping on the day or night of the opening, or simply leave it as a welcoming point for potential shoppers. If you are opening an online store in conjunction with your clothing store for women, you can create pages of social networking sites such as Twitter that give subscribers updates when new merchandise comes in.
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Tips & Warnings
The cost of retail space will vary from area to city, but for any retail clothing venture, $50,000 will lease the space, pay for interior construction, merchandising fixtures and decor, as well as wholesale purchases. It is wise to invest this money up front and create your ideal clothing store for women versus trying to pick up the slack after you've opened. Remember that regardless to what a store looks like, customer service reigns supreme when it comes to snagging repeat shoppers.
