How to build a successful clothing store: step by step
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By Azulis Newsroom
Published on 11/04/2019 – 12h
All the information for starting your clothing store and how to satisfy your target audience’s needs
If you want to be an entrepreneur in the fashion industry, chances are you are researching how to set up a successful clothing store. After all, as this is a common type of trade, competitiveness is high. And, for that reason, it is necessary to learn ways to stand out in this environment.
We will bring you all the tips and steps to make your dream a reality. And guess what: the first step to success you’ve already taken, which is to go after the information you need to learn how to set up a clothing store. The second is to continue reading until the end. Shall we go ahead?
How to set up a clothing store: step by step
The success of an enterprise depends, in large part, on its strategic planning. And with a clothing store, it’s no different. This is the instrument that will provide all the necessary basis to support the actions that you will promote over time, since before the opening of the business. Want to find out all about setting up a clothing store? So, follow the step by step.
1. Define what you are going to sell
This first tip seems obvious, but there’s a good reason it pops up right away. Yes, a clothing store has a very clear product, but what audience is it aimed at? Do you intend to focus on women, men, children, plus size, another segment or be a generalist? The first step for anyone who wants to open a business in this segment is to know what to sell.
2. Find your target audience
This second step is a natural consequence of the previous one. After all, when you decide to bet on women’s clothing, for example, you know that your target audience is made up of women. But what women are these? How old are they? What are they looking for? Between price and quality, what is most important to them?
Collect all information to qualify the offer.
3. Study the competition
Analyzing the market is useful for different reasons. The first one is benchmarking, which is nothing more than identifying the strengths and weaknesses of competitors, their mistakes and successes, to build their own strategy. As other stores target the same audience as yours, it’s easier to identify what works and what doesn’t. Besides, studying the competition helps when choosing your point of sale, which is our next step.
4. Choose the location well
Also as part of the planning, choose the location strategically and aligned with the profile of your target audience. Be very careful when making this decision: even if you find a dream spot, assess it carefully. The rent, for example, may be too high and you may not be able to afford it at first. Also consider the possibility of having an online business, if it matches your goals and interests of the public.
5. Define the store name
Create an authentic name and check if there are not already stores with the same brand on the market. One suggestion is to come up with a few name choices and conduct a survey of potential customers to find which one they prefer.
6. Provide regularization
There is no way to set up a successful clothing store by remaining informal. Whether as a MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur), micro or small business, the fact is that there are undeniable advantages for a regular business. Having a CNPJ, issuing an invoice, opening a bank account as a legal entity are some of the advantages of formalization. Not to mention that it conveys a much more professional image to the market, do you agree?
7. Perform financial planning
It is essential to make a survey of investments to set up the business and avoid expenses that you cannot afford. After all, you will have to face the first few months after the opening, when the store is still not earning high. At this time, caution and planning never hurt.
8. Make marketing campaigns
Do you already know everything about setting up a clothing store? Calm down, we’re getting there.
Every business needs customers to survive and grow and, for that purpose, marketing campaigns are essential. It doesn’t mean you have to invest a lot of money. Again, look at your target audience and know how best to get your outreach to them. It can be for pamphlets, newspaper advertisements, publications on social networks or billboards, for example.
9. Buy correctly and control your stock
Logistics is one of the main factors responsible for the success or failure of the business. Therefore, search for the best suppliers and know how to buy correctly. Get to know your customers’ demand and monitor your stock. It is important to know exactly how many products are coming in and out, as well as which are the best selling items. Plan for it not to be over or over.
10. Build customer loyalty
Promote a unique sales experience for your customer and bet on loyalty programs. In order for your store to be known and promoted, consumers must be encouraged to return. You can make a loyalty card or bet on online registration, delivering coupons to customers. This second option is very interesting, since, with the registration done, you build a database to keep in contact with the public.
11. Hire an accountant
Taking care of your business finances might seem like a simple task at first. However, without planning, accounts tend to get out of hand. To help organize your demands, consider supporting an accountant.
12. Automate your processes
All bureaucratic processes are made easier with the help of computerized systems. Be it inventory control, customer registration, sales records or cash flow. With automation, you can optimize time with records and reports, for example. It’s a worthwhile investment.
5 tips for having a successful clothing store
After everything we’ve seen so far about setting up a clothing store, we can only focus on the details of the strategy. Competition is increasing in all market segments. To get around this adversity, it is necessary to create actions that generate value for the customer. Follow the tips that we have separated for you to stand out in the field.
1. Offer good service
Make a good reception, be agile in relation to your customer’s demands and doubts, and don’t forget to thank them for their preference when saying goodbye. Making the consumer have a unique experience with the service is essential. Who doesn’t like to be well attended, right? Make your customer feel important!
2. Invest in trained professionals
Hiring qualified professionals is essential and, just as important, is offering them the best training. After all, your team needs to have essential skills to provide a good service. Knowing the product well, being able to answer customer queries, dealing with unforeseen events and operating the store’s systems are examples of important skills.
3. Track your audience
As we’ve already talked about, one of the first steps in opening a store is to know your target audience. But, in addition, it is important to continue researching the market to fit this profile. To do this, ask for and accept feedback from your customers, request suggestions and work on continuous improvement. This way, you will be prepared to promote the best experience for your consumer, with products and services that, in fact, generate value for them.
4. Pay attention to the store’s ambiance
It goes without saying that the store setting needs to be pleasant, right? Invest in a harmonious, clean, airy and comfortable space. Customers need to feel at home when they are at your establishment.
With all these steps and tips, it’s easier to know how to set up a clothing store, isn’t it? By following these recommendations, the better your chances of success. You saw that the business requires a lot of study and planning, especially to get over the first few months, until the venture wins over its customers. Then, it is necessary to combine responsibility with creativity.
After all, delighting your audience is a goal to always be pursued. To dedicate yourself to tasks like this, you can rely on the help of technology to facilitate other processes. On the Azulis platform, for example, you have access to a card machine comparator and can still register to receive the DAS MEI bank slip on your cell phone. In addition, you will find exclusive content and videos that help, a lot, in the growth of the business.
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Check more articles in our categories Fashion & Looks & Luxe et 90s Outfits.
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