I'm in the process of buying inventory for a ladies boutique I plan on opening in the next few months. I currently live in the DFW metro area but am wondering if I should open this boutique in a small town or take the plunge in an upscale suburb of Dallas.

The competition in the Metro Dallas area is fierce and there are a lot of low-ball, cut-throat retailers that are barely surviving in this 'wholesale' mecca.

I will have handcrafted silver, gold and gemstone jewelry. Handmade natural soaps, candles, leather handbags, and some clothing, not much. I'm leaning more towards the small town with a population of approximately 100,000 people. I just want to get you guys' feedback.

Thanks for your input, it is greatly appreciated.

Have you tried starting a website and then going to myspace and sending invites to all potentially interested people in your area.. once you have a client base.. you'll know where to open the actual store front.

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Best of luck, DFW is a good market. I think you need to approach your decision based on the demographics of WHO you will be selling to, WHERE they live, and HOW you expect your customers to find you. I'm sure you've heard the LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION axiom. Unless you're selling over the internet or wholesale, you need to be where your customers are. Forget pure numbers, a small town of 10,000 means nothing until you determine WHO the 10,000 are, If most of the 10,000 are the wrong sex, income level, etc for your niche, I don't care if they grown to 10 MILLION it won't matter. Do your marketing and demographic homework, consult chamber of commerce and local government specialists etc. Don't be intimidated by competition since it's everywhere. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. If you do that, you'll be fine.

Obviously you'll be needing merchant services (credit card processing capability) before you open. That's our department. Please consult our website (see below) for useful info and tools (no hard sell) on that subject before you sign up anywhere. Thanks, and good luck.

All the best,
Barry G
AMS, Inc.
merchantservices-help.com
amspcs@juno.com

All the best,
Barry

I agree with Barry regarding doing your homework. What sets your products apart from your competition? Are your products unique? How are your prices?

Much success to you,

Foxxy Diva Fashions - www.FoxxyDiva.com
We help you look hot for less!

Wow, what an undertaking! I am also opening a shop (baby gifts) in the North Atlanta area. While searching for tips on store design, I came across this blog that really had some great startup info for retail shops. If you go to the blog, scroll down and read it from the first posting to the most recent. That way you have the full story. Believe me, it really takes a lot of research to make that kind of decision. I have been in businesses for decades but diving into the unknown is still risky.
In the blog at http://cutelittlestore.blogspot.com/ this lady offers some real insight to the ins and outs of opening a store. I have purchased her book today and look forward to reading it tonight.
While I am here, if anyone knows of a store designer in the Atlanta area, let me know--I just can't design it myself .
Thanks and good luck on your venture.

Julia
http://www.StorkandVeil.com

I would think the Dallas market will be tough to get started in unless you have a very unique approach to your business. There are lots of dollars spent in the area for your type products and there are lots of places to choose from. Make sure you have a back up plan or deep pockets. You might look to areas such as downtown Old Plano.

Ocha

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I've already opened my shop and it isn't in Dallas. I'm surprised at all the replies I have gotten on here. I don't have time to check in anymore as my boutique is doing rather well and I'm very busy.

Good luck to all.

Although location is important you can open your business anywhere because all we do in Dallas is shop.

Effective advertising is the most important thing right now. Be as creative as possible when it comes to your grand opening day.

Don't just use colorful flyers. Use you friends and family members too. Create a business image for yourself. Something people will remember you and your shop by.

Keep it simple and good luck!

If you need ideas contactme@tiffanyhannah.com we could probably be of use to one another.

Just my gut feeling! I would go with the small town shop. Is there a shop in the metro area where you can put your items on consignment to see how they move? d Luck !