In a retail world where clothing racks are filled with the same looks, same fabrics, and same designs, it is a refreshing sight to enter a bespoke fashion store. If you are starting a bespoke fashion store, you’ll want to use the services of a business plan writer to help you position everything toward the shopper who craves originality and fashionable beauty in clothing. In the following paragraphs, we’ll outline the steps to take when starting this store and offer some tips specifically to strategically market bespoke clothing, as well.
Starting a Bespoke Fashion Store
The first step you’ll want to take when starting your bespoke fashion store is to include a business plan writer in the initial processes. This will save valuable time and energy in the long run, as a business plan writer will put every goal and objective into place, along with the operational steps of your company, the marketing strategies you’ll employ, and the financial plan and forecast for the future. Also include your plan for hiring employees to assist in the store, and select an onboarding course or other training to ensure the customer service in the store is excellent.
Next, you’ll want to determine the target audience for your store. You already know the shoppers who enter will probably be hunting for bespoke clothing; however, in case they are not aware, you’ll want to adopt signage that assists them in understanding the platform behind the concept. Study your target audience by observing potential customers. What are their ages and do they only purchase bespoke clothing? Do they have generous incomes or are they thrifty shoppers, looking for bargains? What are the age ranges of your customers? Form a demographic of your customers for marketing and planning purposes.
Visit all competitors in the area to discover who their customers are and what the stores offer that is unique or special in any way. Is the store large or small, bohemian in style or more traditional? What personalization do the stores offer? You’ll want to adopt a unique value and present elements of differentiation between your store offerings and those of the others. This will allow you to compete and overcome other offers that could threaten your viability in the marketplace.
After securing your location, evaluate what will need to be completed to form the environment and atmosphere of your bespoke fashion store. Use decor that harmonizes with the bespoke clothing you’ll sell and include areas for sitting, as well. Select the clothing for your store and choose dressing rooms that are roomy to accommodate all sizes. Purchase clothing racks, equipment and supplies to stock your store. Include a point of sale system that will accommodate your needs and those of the sales personnel. Purchase customer relationship management software to ensure an email list is built and contact information is included.
Ensure your employees are thoroughly trained in systems and procedures, as well as in excellent customer service. A bespoke retail store speaks to the enthusiastic customers of this fashion; the customers will want interaction on most parts of the clothing selection and buying process. For your customers; this is pure fun, and you’ll want to encourage that line of thinking across the board.
Because bespoke garments are unusual in nature and often one-of-a-kind, arrange exceptional pieces on low tables throughout your store. This would not be an ordinary display method, but your bespoke garments are different, so they deserve a unique display overall. Concentrate on showing clients the straight-cut line of pockets, textured knit of sweaters, and hand-tied buttons on a leather jacket. These features are those that are sought by customers who love bespoke clothing, so you’ll want to speak their language in return with these enticing offers.
At this point, it’s time to put your marketing strategies into play using social media to announce the launch date and include professional images of bespoke clothing and accessories. Use Facebook, Twitter and other platforms that will appeal to your demographic market. Your customers rely on visual messaging, so distribute flyers throughout area neighborhoods and business centers. Create a special discount for the first month of the launch. Create your company brand and use it throughout every element of the store, including price tags, customer bags, labels and storefront decor. Your store should be unique, carry flair, and display thoughtful images when represented in marketing campaigns.
With everything in place and your well-stocked bespoke store is composed and ready to open, you’ll want to make one final effort: open the door to welcome your customers inside.
