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Starting a
Retail Shoe Store in a Remote City
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Q.
Hi, I am
interested in starting a retail shoe store in my community. The market/need is
quite large because there is currently no place within 2 surrounding counties
that have the styles or designer shoes that are of interest. We have to drive
45mins to 1 1/2 hours to find decent shoes. My question is how do I go about
contact shoe manufacturers (designer) and get them to sell their items to me?
I really would appreciate any help you can provide. Thank you in advance.
 Advice
by Susan Martin
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(article continued below ...)
Hi Takeisha,
Many large cities have apparel and accessory markets where you can find
major manufacturers offering their goods to retailers. Depending on your
location, the manufacturers may have showrooms that you can visit any time, or
they may exhibit only during "market weeks". If you are just opening
up your store, you may have to pay for initial inventory COD, or CBD (Cash
before delivery). Once you're established, you should be able to establish
credit and pay for the merchandise on terms.
Don't forget that the fashion business is seasonal and depending on the
manufacturer you may have to order months in advance of the season.
It's great that you've established a void in your community. Before you put
in a lot of money, you might want to do some research to see whether it's a
void or a need.
I have a couple of questions for you to help you decide: Have you looked
into the income level of the local population? Can they afford shoes at the
prices you will have to charge? Will they want discounted designer shoes or
will they be willing to pay regular price? Doing your research and knowing
these facts will help you avoid costly mistakes in the future.
Good luck!
Warm regards,
Susan Martin
About the PowerHomeBiz.com Guide:
Susan Martin is a Strategy Coach who works with business owners and
professionals who want to make more money, have more fun and more time! A life
long entrepreneur, Susan learned sales & marketing, management, finance,
pricing, negotiation and a host of other business skills through running her
own successful businesses for 30 years. She is an adjunct professor at the
Pratt Institute in NYC, where she teaches a business course called "Going
Pro". Susan is a Registered Corporate Coach, and a member of the
International Coach Federation, The National Association of Business Coaches,
and Coachville. Visit Susan at: www.thecoachinglounge.com
to learn more and subscribe to her free newsletter.
The opinions expressed in this column are those of the
author, not of PowerHomeBiz.com. Users should not treat the Guide's response as
legal, accounting, or professional advice as all answers are intended to be
general in nature. Such advice can only be properly given by qualified
professionals who are fully aware of a user's specific geographical areas or
circumstances, such as an attorney or accountant.
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