Have you ever dreamed of owning your own retail business? Starting your own business can be exciting yet daunting at the same time. In order to build a successful business, there are a number of business skills you’ll need. These include:
- The ability to work long hours
- Self-motivation
- Good negotiation skills
- An understanding of the products you sell and the sector you work in
- Outstanding customer service skills
While there are lots of things to consider when starting your own retail business, if you’re passionate about fashion then you’re already halfway there. Now it’s time to research the market and get started on your business journey. Here are some of our best tips for starting your own successful retail business:
1. Don’t Procrastinate
Lots of people dream about starting their own business, but many of them never turn their dreams into reality. While it’s advisable to think carefully and do your research before starting your business, there comes a time when you need to take a leap into the unknown and get your business up and running.
2. Research the Market
Understanding the wants and needs of your customers is extremely important if you want your business to be successful. You also need to research:
- The local area
- Trends in the retail sector
- Wider economic shifts
Finding out this information will help you to choose what type of products to sell, where to sell your products and how much you should charge.
3. Start with the Basics
Spending time producing a good business plan is crucial. Your business plan will allow you to:
- Set goals and targets
- Find finance at a good rate
- Establish your business in the way you want
- Monitor your performance
4. Choose the Right Business Premises
Businesses should use market research they’ve completed in order to find and choose the best location for their business. It’s often difficult to balance the cost of renting against footfall. You want as many people through your door as possible, but at the same time, you don’t want to be paying high rental costs. Look around until you find premises that offer you the best of both worlds.
5. Choose Good Suppliers
Finding a supplier when you’re a start-up can be difficult. You will often be charged more than similar already established stores, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. Startups should consider using a range of suppliers instead of sticking to just one. This allows you to shop around to find the best deals available. Speak to your suppliers directly; you may even be able to negotiate a better deal.
6. Don’t Forget the Legalities
Lots of us find ourselves getting carried away when doing the things we’re passionate about, and we often overlook important steps. If you’re setting up a retail business, you will need to make sure that you don’t overlook the rules and regulations surrounding setting up a business. Following these rules and regulations will help protect you in the future.
7. Make Your Premises Look Good
In order to attract customers into your store, you’ll need to make it look good. From giving it a clean to giving it a fresh coat of paint to installing new signage on the front of the store, there’s lots you can do to make it look better.
Another brilliant way of attracting customers into your store is by displaying some of your best items of clothing in the windows. New retail businesses should consider purchasing some mannequins that make their items look great. There are hundreds of different options for sale, so you’ll be able to find one that’s perfect for you.
8. Advertise, Advertise, Advertise
Once you’ve found your business premises, you’ve got your stock, you’ve competed all of the legal paperwork and you’ve got your business looking great, now’s the time to start advertising. There are lots of ways you can advertise your business, including on social media platforms and in newspapers. You could also consider printing some fliers and delivering them to homes in the local area. The more people that know about your business, the better.
Starting your own retail business can be quite daunting, but it can also be extremely exciting, particularly if you’re passionate about fashion. Follow some of our top tips above and you’ll be set up in no time.
