Becoming an Entrepreneur
How to Start a Clothing Store
This advice is perfect for those who want to open a clothing store. Read these tips before you start!
Thinking about opening a clothing store? We tell you what you need to know to get started.
Creating a First-Rate Clothing Store Business Plan
Business plans play a central role in the strategic formation of a startup clothing store.
Accuracy and an eye for detail count when writing a business plan. Fudging the numbers is the equivalent of sabotaging your clothing store's strategic interests.
Instead, commit to creating the most precise business plan possible. As a further guide, consider what the experts say about business plan writing.
Evaluate Competitors
Before you open a clothing store in your area, it's worthwhile to see how you will fit in the competitive landscape. Try our link below to find competitors near you. Simply enter your city, state and zip code to get a list of clothing stores in your town.
Before you open up shop, make sure you know what you will offer to your customers that provides a significant advantage over your competition's offering.
Learning More About the Industry
If you are interested in starting a clothing store, be sure to learn from folks who are already in business. It's very unlikely that the local competition will talk to you. Why would they want to educate a future competitor?
However, an entrepreneur who owns a clothing store in a location that is not competitive to you may be more than happy to give you a few tips, given that you don't compete with them in their area. In that case, the business owner may be more than happy to discuss the industry with you. It can take a while to find an entrepreneur who is willing to talk, but it's well worth the effort.
Where can an aspiring entrepreneur like you find a clothing store founder who is willing to advise you because you live in different cities?
Easy. Find them using our link below and start calling until you are successful.
Tips for Buying a Clothing Store
It's fairly common for clothing store entrepreneurs to gain entry through a business acquisition.
An acquisition isn't necessarily a bed of roses. You'll need to thoroughly evaluate the factors involved with buying a business. Right away, you'll want to make sure the business is capable of meeting your ownership expectations.
If the business is right for you, the assistance of a business broker will help all of the rest of the pieces of the process fall in place and you will be well on your way to owning a proven clothing store.
Is Franchising the Right Option?
These days, clothing store franchises are a popular startup option because franchising mitigates many of the risk factors associated with a typical business startup.
Our apparel franchise directory (see link below) is full of clothing store franchise opportunities.
Like any business, starting a franchised business requires hard work and dedication. But for the right entrepreneurs, a franchise can offer a streamlined path to small business ownership.
Entrepreneur Interviews
These interviews should be of interest to you.
- Interview with Judi Gerhardt, Owner of Career Fashion Consignment
- Interview with Semiha Manthei, Founder of First Step Organic
- Interview with Greg Selkoe, Founder of Karmaloop.com
- Interview with Martha Mele'cio, Founder of Bangledox Clothing
- Interview with Tracy Wright, CEO of Executees.net
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These additional resources regarding starting a business may be of interest to you.
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