#1 Get noticed
This,
you would think, is something that you are already doing and, in some
ways, this may be correct. However, to build a must-go fashion
boutique, you need to be seen in the right places by the right
people.
This
is about becoming elitist but about being pickier with where you
advertise and how you promote yourself. Look further afield and see
if there are any other opportunities that you could hook on to, to
raise awareness of your fashion boutique.
#2 Partner with a fashion blogger
The
online world is full of potential partners and fashion bloggers are
great people to get to know.
Spend
some time looking around online to find the bloggers whose audience
are your customers – and then start to make contact.
Remember,
the partnership should be a mutually beneficial one; the blogger gets
to promote certain fashions or item on their blog, and you get to
reach a wider and bigger audience. Match this with some great
discounts of customers who find you through the blog and everyone’s
a winner!
#3 Tell a story
All
too often, clothes chops are bland and boring. Littered with
mannequins with poorly fitting clothes, mostfashion stores are row upon row of items on hangers.
For
a moment, look at the interior of your store – what’s the
backdrop? Does it show the clothes off, or does it do nothing?
How
are your clothes arranged? Is it a logical order – tops grouped
together, and then trousers etc.? Or is it more exciting?
Change
your store around. Pair things together that you wouldn’t normally
do, make suggestions, make it more on-trend and different. Make it
quirky.
#4 Mingle
In
effect, by teaming up with fashion bloggers you have started to
mingle – but online – now you need to be super-brave and mingle
offline, with real people!
Why
not host an evening event at your store (or more than one)? When
there is a season change, there is undoubtedly some new fashions and
trends making their way to the high street. Encouraging people to get
the latest fashions before anyone else is a great way of bringing
people into your store and creating a buzz about it.
It
doesn’t have to be a fashion show, just an opportunity to see what
you have and securing a lovely discount for buying on the night, and
a further reduction when they buy again within the next month etc.
There are all kinds of ideas and any on-trend fashionista loves an
evening of shopping, with a glass of bubbly in their hand too.
#5 Get online social too
Fashion
bloggers, invite-only shopping events and now, social media events
too! Consumers are not only online on your website (hopefully!) but
they will also be more than likely active on social media too.
As
your following increases – and to boost following – online
competitions or discounts are a great way to interact with fans and
making your fashion boutique the place to go.
#6 Listen and talk…
We’ve
talked a lot about mingling and conversing with people but it is
important you monitor the conversations too. Check out what people
are saying online – what are they loving about the new season and
what are they not keen on? Thus, as you trawl around for wholesale
clothing, you can nab the best for your customers.
#7 Offer solutions
You
know how you see something fashionable and think, I
couldn’t wear that, I’m too small/tall/busty/hippy etc.
why not offer solutions to people but suggesting how some of the
latest styles could be worn?
You
can do this with a display in the shop, a window dressing or photos
posted online on your website or social media.
Running
a fashion boutique is a great business to be in. With a few tweaks
here and there, your place could be the place to go!