A question

[sazzledazzle]

Thank you to everyone who helped me decided whether to do the website or shop first.
I am in talks with a designer to do the website whilst I am looking for a retail space.
Does anyone have any advice on setting up a retail unit or does anyone run a shop selling home products such as lighting, kitchenware, art etc.

Thanks

[SanaerJewelleryCreations]

Maybe Caroline can give you some help....

she is number 89,on the members list,and she runs a shop called `the gift boutique`.....althought I don't know her,she is Irish,and so is bound to be helpful....

Adrian.

[Jayne]

Hi,

I have a sandwich shop etc. We have rented and bought shops in the past. If I can be of any help, just PM me.

Jayne :D

[Hayles]

Sorry to be negative but one big piece of advice I can give you is however much you think it will cost to set up and stock your shop, double it.

On the plus side, it's sooooo satisfying when you open the door for the first time and to sell your first item is.........wow!!

Hayles

[Jayne]

lol...that's so true Hayles, we learned that the hard way.

Jayne

[caroline]

Awww thank you Adrian!! Sazzledazzle I would be very happy to help you, pm me with any questions you may have. I have worked in manufacturing and distribution for 5 years, then owned a retail designer ladies wear shop in Ireland, a coffee shop for a short spell (long story!) and now own a shop and website in the UK and starting up another business soon also. So thats my experience of retail if you think I can help :0)

[Hayles]

Another thing to bear in mind when choosing the size of a shop is that you fill it up very quickly! I nearly cried when we got the keys for our second shop as it looked so much bigger than when we first looked at it as it was empty. I just couldn't see how we'd ever fill it up. We now spend lots of time changing things around to make room!

Don't forget about storage space too. All those boxes have to go somewhere. Also, your deliveries have to go somewhere while you're sorting them out.

Background music! Don't forget your background music! (You should get a PRS licence). Makes your customers feel much more relaxed than just an awkward silence. (Or you could employ Jayne.... she posts alot so maybe she talks alot too!! :lol: :lol: )

Hayles

[Jayne]

Very Funny...You'll be suprised, I'm really quiet normally. I just enjoy writing, not talking :lol:

Jayne

[caroline]

A lot of good tips here that I agree with. When we stocked out our shop it cost three times more than we thought it would, just to make it look decent. When you start opening accounts with suppliers a lot of them will look for payment up front. My advice is to keep it that way with as many suppliers as you can, therefore you know where you are regarding money.
If you do everything on 30 days and have a bad months takings, its very hard to get all the bills paid on time. Also, I don't know if it would apply to what you are selling, but we put all our most valuable goods in cabinets under lock and key to they won't be shoplifted.
Good luck!