EXEC JOB SITES

How will I display my merchandise? How can I build my customer base and return business?

What kind of clothing will I carry?

1. Once you know that you want to open a clothing store you will need to define what type of clothing you want to carry and what audience you are wanting to appeal to. The requirements for a shop catering to the exercise clothing needs of women from the ages of 20 to 40 are going to be very different from the needs of a outdoor apparel shop for men interesting in hunting and backpacking. In order to best meet the needs of your specific audience you will need to do some research for what clothing items appeals to those needs. We'll take the example of exercise clothing for women. The following clothing pieces, at minimum, would need to be included in the business plan:
2. Sports bras. Sports shirts. Tank tops.
3. Sports shorts.

Sports pants. Athletic shoes. Headbands and wristbands.

What sizes and colors do I need to address?

Having narrowed down the type of clothing you need you will then want to consider what kinds of styles, fabrics and colors that you wish to carry. Write all of these down in your business plan. At first you will want to keep this scope narrow as your finances will not be able to cover every color and style that is possible. Your lines will be able to expand as your shop grows in size and revenue. Most shops that do well can expect approximately a 15% increase per year for at least the first five years and that will open up many possibilities for expansion as you go. When making purchases many manufacturers will push for you to purchase at least four pieces per size and per color. Four pieces is fairly reasonable as long as you keep the number of colors and sizes in check. If you are pressured to purchase six do not do so as it will be far more merchandise than you can turn over swiftly.