Top 4 Tips for Launching Your Own Clothing Boutique

Even though opening a store can be incredibly stressful, and often, somewhat frustrating, regardless of the industry in which your new business is based, if you are truly passionate about and dedicated to the products and/or services you will be providing, then success is certainly at your fingertips. 

With this in mind, here are the top four tips for launching your own clothing boutique. 

1. Buzz & Promotion 

The first thing to know and to immediately start working on is that it is up to you to create as much excitement and ‘buzz’ around your new store as possible. 

Even though social media is an inexpensive and effective way of informing other businesses and residents in your local area, you should also not abandon or forget the more traditional ways of advertisement. Put a commercial in your local newspaper, contact your area’s radio station, and even consider sending out a press release detailing your opening event. 

2. Start as You Mean to Go On

The old cliché that you should always ‘start as you mean to go on’ is trite, but certainly accurate, especially when opening a store.

Sustainability, for example, is not only an ethical way to launch your business but also one which will endear you to nearby business owners and potential customers of your clothing store alike. Spend time researching sustainable supplies for your new boutique, such as recycled plastic hangers in bulk and reusable paper packaging. This is a great way to get started on the right foot.

Other fundamental elements regarding decking out your new clothing boutique include:

• Effective and on-brand signage
• Racks and shelves
• Mannequins
• A variety of different mirrors
• Cash register and associated technologies

3. Avoid Employing Your Friends

By all means, in terms of cleaning, designing, and decorating your new clothing boutique, the more hands on deck, the better, and it would be a lovely thing to include your cherished friends and family members in this part of the process.

However, when it comes to recruiting and hiring new staff (although in the early stages, it is best if you do most of the shifts yourself), it is a really bad idea to employ your friends. As well as upsetting the natural dynamic between the two of you, it could increase the risk of potential drama, make it hard to discipline, and you could be accused of favoritism from your other employees.

4. Stay True to Your Vision

Finally, and most importantly of all, this new boutique is your creation and your ‘baby’ and even though it would be daft not to do as much research as you can on other successful, small clothing boutiques, you should stick to your vision and do things your way. 

If you ask for too much advice from close friends and your family, your vision can quickly become diluted and you may even find yourself conflicted on a topic or question to do with your business that you were previously certain of.