MikeandSancha

How many different shirts would you suggest to have when opening a small boutique store in a mall. We are thinking 30-45 different desings and maybe 5 of each size. We would have the ability to make more of each as needed. We will also have a few jeans, ect.

 

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splathead

All of that depends on the size of your store, and the layout. Are you just selling tees? Are all your designs similar?

Threadless has retail outlets and they purposely don't stock more than 10-20 designs I think I read.

 

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Johnny@Signal20T

How big of a store is it? sq footage???

 

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MikeandSancha

Quote: Originally Posted by Johnny@Signal20T How big of a store is it? sq footage???

About 16'x16', and the Shirts will be n the walls, and the denim will be on racks in the center. There will be a glass display case with a cash register, a few belt buckles and such.

 

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BareApparel

Hey Mike-

I don't have a specific numbers suggestion for you, but I have a short article for you to read:
The Secret of Quality Over Quantity and Why Offering Less Styles Is More How To Start A Clothing Line From Scratch Everything on Fashion Industry Design Daily Definitions & Industry News

The reason why I am referring it to you is because I just had the same conversation with our consultant in LA 2 weeks ago. He consults for several brands and has worked in the apparel business for quite a awhile- as a consultant, a sales rep, and a company vp. He told me that as my business grows, the best thing I can do is to keep it focused. This article says something similar.

Hope it helps!

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MikeandSancha

Quote: Originally Posted by BareApparel Hey Mike- I don't have a specific numbers suggestion for you, but I have a short article for you to read: The Secret of Quality Over Quantity and Why Offering Less Styles Is More How To Start A Clothing Line From Scratch Everything on Fashion Industry Design Daily Definitions & Industry News The reason why I am referring it to you is because I just had the same conversation with our consultant in LA 2 weeks ago. He consults for several brands and has worked in the apparel business for quite a awhile- as a consultant, a sales rep, and a company vp. He told me that as my business grows, the best thing I can do is to keep it focused. This article says something similar. Hope it helps!

Thank you very much...I am starting to feel guilty about all the advice and help I am getting here for free. Once our store is open and making money, we will somehow give back to T-shirt forums.com...If We start making money , it would be because of all the awsome information from this site.

 

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COEDS

Quote: Originally Posted by MikeandSancha Thank you very much...I am starting to feel guilty about all the advice and help I am getting here for free. Once our store is open and making money, we will somehow give back to T-shirt forums.com...If We start making money , it would be because of all the awsome information from this site.

Don't feel guilty as you learn just come back and help others. This group is all about helping others succeed. I have made some good contacts here and have made some good friends. I call one person and have conversations with his wife, if he's not there. I'm prod to be on here helping others. Good luck. ... JB

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splathead

Quote: Originally Posted by MikeandSancha About 16'x16', and the Shirts will be n the walls, and the denim will be on racks in the center. There will be a glass display case with a cash register, a few belt buckles and such.

It will depend on your designs. If they are all similar in style, then you may have too many. I would start small and rotate. Telling customers that you will be getting in new designs every couple weeks will help for repeat business.

16x16 is not large. You don't want your store to look crowded. You can't see anything in a crowded store. I was in a pacsun store the other day and could hardly walk through the isles. Makes it very hard to step back and look at the product you're thinking of buying.

 

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BareApparel

Quote: Originally Posted by MikeandSancha Thank you very much...I am starting to feel guilty about all the advice and help I am getting here for free. Once our store is open and making money, we will somehow give back to T-shirt forums.com...If We start making money , it would be because of all the awsome information from this site.

No worries, thats what this forum is all about. Everyone wants to see you do well, I know we do..

When one member does well, it comes back to others here, especially new guys 2 fold. When you become a big timer, remember us little guys ...

You really need to figure out your demographic, if you know oit or when you figure it out, check other stores that maybe similar or have similar demos.

Always check the competition. Talk to store employees and customers, find out what that store may be doing wrong and what they could improve on, also find out what good things customers and employees like about the store. This can really help you.

You will find that people are almost always willing to talk. Even if you are talking to the owner, many times they will talk to you about these things. Just play it off as you always wanted to own a store and are curious in case you were ever lucky enough to own one.

Always try to learn from others mistakes and even more your own.

You can always create more designs. Or start with more and start phasing out the ones that arent as popular.

So, start hitting other stores!!

Good luck.

BA

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