Designer boutiques are often first to introduce bold new styles.
Fashion designers create and help to produce clothing and accessories for a diverse collection of consumers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the design process begins with a designer's study of fashion trends. He uses this knowledge to create his personal designs and then chooses fabrics and textures to bring those creations to reality. The design and production process takes between 18 and 24 months.
Finished clothing and accessory designs are shown to retailers at trade shows. A boutique owner places orders for merchandise she believes her target market will purchase (see References 1).
Instructions
1. Structure your boutique business. Work with a Certified Public Accountant with specialty retail experience. Meet with a commercial insurance agent with a similar background, plus liability expertise. Visit your city or county clerk's office to obtain a business license. Finally, contact your state Department of Revenue for a sales tax license. (See Resources.)
2. Choose a convenient location. Find a storefront site accessible from major highways and with good main road access. Look for a location near businesses that serve your market--upscale beauty salons or spas, fine jewelry stores or kitchen gourmet shops. Ensure that your building has plenty of parking and install front display windows so you can showcase your designer fashions.
3. Create your boutique's style sense. Before you examine the bewildering array of designer merchandise, decide on the types of designers you want to showcase. Choices include American designers, high-fashion couture and contemporary and urban fashions. It's also possible to blend design styles.
4. Design upscale shop décor. Work with an interior designer to achieve an exclusive look that complements your designer fashions. Use different colors, textures and materials to make your style statement. Add furniture and accent pieces, along with graphics provided by your design houses. Locate a local interior designer through the American Society of Interior Designers. (See Resources.)
5. Place your clothing and accessories orders. Take note of the design styles you will feature and any seasonal fashion guidelines for your region. Compile a wholesale fashion order that includes a good mix of styles, sizes and colors. Include accessories such as purses and shoes. (See Resources.)
6. Hire fashion-savvy staff. Find staff who can communicate an exclusive sense of style to your customers. Employees should be impeccably dressed and accessorized and must be comfortable working with customers to find the perfect designer fashions and accessories.
7. Hold a Grand Opening Trunk Show. Open your boutique to fashionistas throughout your region. Gather a representative selection of your clothes and accessories for the Trunk Show. Recruit models to complement the clothing and partner with a beauty salon to create flawless hair and makeup looks.
Advertise the event in the Style section of local newspapers and with printed invitations distributed to upscale beauty salons and day spas. Serve light refreshments and ask other upscale businesses to donate merchandise for door prizes. Finally, assemble swag bags full of goodies for a predetermined number of Trunk Show customers.
Tags: designer fashions, Trunk Show, your boutique, beauty salons, beauty salons spas, clothing accessories, design styles