Opening A Shop

[DarrenH]

Hi

My partner and I are considering opening a retail store.

Just after some general advice about where to get the best information, the best way of going about researching whether it's a goer or not.

The general idea is to sell party supplies, fancy dress etc, but with a very service side, e.g. help with event planning, baloon decorations etc.

Ok, it's over to you.

Cheers
Darren

[SillyJokes]

Pick your location very carefully as it is crucial.

Are you planning on opening in Northampton?

[DarrenH]

Hi

yeah it'll either be Northampton or Milton Keynes.

Milton Keynes is much better, but the prices are woooohooooo high!

Darren

[Eagle]

*
Drop in to your local Business Link for advice.

Good luck with the venture.

www.businesslink.gov.uk

:)

[gary]

I would recommend getting a commercial solicitor on board from the beginning so you don't get yourself stuck with a hellish lease. I was discussing this with a solicitor I met a while back and the things he came up with, the pitfalls, that people should look out for were endless! I know it will cost, but there's no way I would go ahead on my own now having heard all that. That's not to say it's not possible to do it yourself, but at the very least get a solicitor to look over the final lease agreement.

As far as research goes, I suppose you could just ask the views of people in the area where you plan to site your shop?