How to Start a Woman's Plus Size Store

More than half of the women in the U.S. are overweight.

Opening a plus sized clothing store is a great way to get in on a booming niche market. The number of overweight people in the United States is growing, and the current market has room for growth. To establish an independent store among the nationally recognized chains will present a challenge, but with proper planning and a unique business model it can be a successful business venture.

Things You'll Need

• Store
• Racks and shelving
• Cash Register
• Clothing
• Employees

Instructions

1. Learn about the market in your area. This can be accomplished by finding out how the plus-sized clothing stores in your town are doing financially. Spend time in those stores to see what is offered and to see if they are busy and growing or if business is slow and they are making cutbacks. If there are no stores in your area this may signal an immediate need for a plus-size store.

2. Write a comprehensive business plan. It should be changeable as your goals will change overtime, but it should include information on what makes your store different from other offerings already on the market. Ideas for making your plus-sized store unique from the national chains could be offering locally made garments or creating a consignment division in addition to new clothing offerings.

3. Secure financing for the business. It is best to investigate small-business grants that may be available in your area first, then apply for a loan from a bank to have access to a steady stream of capital.

4. Set an appointment with a lawyer to help you navigate the many laws involved in opening a small business. You will need to know the laws regarding hiring practices, licensing, permits and what offerings must be made to any employees you have hired, such as disability insurance.

5. Find a store that suits your needs. It should ideally be in a high traffic area near other retail stores. After signing a lease, start to secure racks, registers and plus size clothing. Clothing wholesalers can be found on the Internet or through trade shows. Also, hire clerks who can wear and promote your products or people enthusiastic about helping plus-sized people find clothing.

Tips & Warnings

• There are several free templates available at government websites to help a small business owner write a comprehensive business plan.

• Most banks will require a business owner to run a break even analysis so that the plus-sized clothing store owner will know when the store can expect to turn a profit. There are tools on the internet to help with finding this number.

References

• Womens Health: Overweight, Obesity and Weight Loss
• American Public Media: Plus-Size Business has big potential
• United States Small Business Association: Writing a Business Plan
• Small Business Association: Business Law & Regulations