benwhitaker started this topic @ 15:28 on 13/11/2003
Hi
I am currently a student. Over the next few months I wish to begin setting up a clothes shop. If any one could give me information or small designers with unique designs wish to contact me I would be very greatful.
I am looking to open a small store that has unique designs but I have limited knowledege on buying and tradefairs. Please could anyone give me advice on good tradefairs and ways of opening a store.
I wish to incororate young designers from London Fashion School and attempt to give people what I am lacking, rare fashionable designs at prices that are not into the thousands.
Also if anyone has ahad experience of opening a store I would be very grateful if you could pass your valuable experience on.
Please could anyone with any advice or interested designers reply to this, or contact me at
benwhitaka@hotmail.com
Thanks in advance for your time
Ben
RE: Clothes Store
imleerob | 13/11/2003 04:09 PM
Can't offer any advise Ben,
But get your pennies out, because shops are expensive!!
rent/insurance/lighting/heating/rates/security/stock/stationary/
advertising, etc etc.
I was going to open a snowboarding shop, but could not get over the fact I needed £50,000 just to open up!!
What about a stall?
I know probably not what your after but it is a start to get your name out there.
Good luck.
Lee.
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Lee Robinson
Quality Affordable Car Rental when you need it. www.fourmotion.com">href="http://www.fourmotion.com">www.fourmotion.com
01342-304899
RE: Clothes Store
startupsadmin | 13/11/2003 04:16 PM
Ben,
take a look at our guide to starting up your own clothes shop by clicking on http://www.startups.co.uk/startup_guides/startupguidepiece.asp?articleid=1624&zsectionid=23&subsectionid=
Hope you find this useful.[
]
Best regards,
Oliver
Startups admin
RE: Clothes Store
hirstys | 13/11/2003 05:17 PM
Of course there is always the option of an online store, the biggest investment with such a store is the marketing as you need to get eyeballs onto your goods, but the overheads are tiny and it is the type of business that can be run part time while you are also working elsewhere.
May be an easier "first-step" into the market.
You can see our all inclusive e-commerce solutions (Design, hosting, secure card processing, etc, all for one price, payable monthly) at www.a4internet.com
Regards
James Hirst
A4 Internet ltd
RE: Clothes Store
Mattley23 | 13/11/2003 05:41 PM
I agree with Lee,
I too was planning to open an extreme sports clothing shop specialising in skateboarding and BMX and had a substantial amount of cash to do it with. Even got as far as finishing my business plan and seeing business link but i needed double what I had in the bank so couldnt do it.....yet!!
Shops are expensive things and i really think you need some decent capital behind you to do it. Why mnot look at starting your business on the web first, then visit trade shows amnd events to raise capital. Then maybe go for a shop when you have the means to do so.
Matt
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Shropshire Garage Conversions
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RE: Clothes Store
Mog | 13/11/2003 05:50 PM
I agree with Hirstys, an online shop would be a less expensive option to start with, you can use it to test the interest in your products.
Try going to University shows, they'll be plenty of fantastic designers waiting for their first break...plus you'll get some really original items.
We've just designed some tshirts to sell on our website. I'll email you them, although they may not be what you're looking for.
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Mog
www.rubbercheese.com
RE: Clothes Store
Design R | 13/11/2003 06:28 PM
Hello Ben. We have a few clients that make there own designs on various items of clothing. If you drop me an email: jay@designrweb.co.uk I will send you some further details.
Regards
Jay
Design R Web Solutions
------------------------
http://www.designrweb.co.uk Plesk and Cpanel Hosting
http://forums.designrweb.co.uk Support Forums
http://oscommerce.designrweb.co.uk Modified Oscommerce/ ecommerce Stores
RE: Clothes Store
benwhitaker | 14/11/2003 01:36 PM
Thanks everyone for your advice. I may be able to raise capital in the region of £40000, however would this be worth it. I have read through the advice on this website, and an average shop turnsover £200000 with the posibility 30 to 40% profit.
I am definatley interested in a internet service first but would I be able to get contracts and products from brands. I wish to intergrate brands in Fashion such as adidas originals and also incorporate new fresh designs.
Mog gave me some advice on going to university shows, does anyone know how I can get information on these.
In topshop there are young designers but only for women, I want try and conatct simliar brands for the possiblity of a mens range.
I would also be interested in designing my own range, however I have great ideas but I lack in skill and knowledge in fashion design.
Thanks again for the advice
Ben
RE: Clothes Store
Design R | 14/11/2003 01:54 PM
You will be able to stock all types of sportswear and designer wear through a website. Although the manufactures will not not supply you directly (most won't) if you did this, many wholesale and importers will.
Jay
Design R Web Solutions
------------------------
http://www.designrweb.co.uk Plesk and Cpanel Hosting
http://forums.designrweb.co.uk Support Forums
http://oscommerce.designrweb.co.uk Modified Oscommerce/ ecommerce Stores
RE: Clothes Store
chocpiggy | 14/11/2003 02:52 PM
Hi Ben,
link below to contact details for the British Fashion Council,
http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/bfc/index.asp?section=bfc
they should be able to help you, Uni /college fashion shows, Royal College of Art and Central St Martins, are a couple I can think of in London, every major Uni holds a fashion show around May - July time for graduating students......the fashion council will be able to help you with putting you into contact with these uni's colleges, and I'm sure the colleges will put you in contact with recently graduated fashion students
Chocpiggy
RE: Clothes Store
cybernation | 15/11/2003 11:32 AM
Have you thought of specialising in imported clothing?
South africa has a new breed of young african designers who could offer you clothing that would be unique for your clients.
Setting-up an online shop would be less expensive compared to brick & mortar.
I have in mind two web addresses that I strongly recommend;
www.sungoddess.co.za
www.loxionkulca.com
Muzi Mohale
www.accommodate.co.za
muzi@accommodate.co.za
The Cultural Township Experience
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Regards,
Muzi Mohale
TravelWires cc
www.accommodate.co.za
www.bid2load.com
www.travelwires.com
