Best place for small retail business? (profit, visa, register, cost)

[Figment 07]

Victorian theme. I would love to be in a busy historic district somewhere

Eureka Springs, Arkansas?

[Northsouth]

Originally Posted by Figment 07

I hope you will let us know what you decide.

I was serious about the fudge sideline, by the way. On Mackinac Island, merchants refer to tourists as "fudgies" (affectionately) for good reason.

So no matter where you end up relocating, display a pretty sign offering small free samples of your fudge (or divinity, or some other tempting, not-too-messy confection) and people will pop in for a wee treat. Then you have a golden opportunity to charm them with your friendliness and your other merchandise -- and turn window shoppers and sidewalk strollers into customers.

$$$

Not just any fudge, though. Your fudge needs a name that ties into your theme. For example, if you find an exceptionally smooth, non-grainy recipe, you might call it something like "Victoria Velvet Fudge". Something dark and different. Available exclusively at your upscale Victorian boutique.

Have you done this before? You have some really excellent ideas. My love for all things Victorian began back in the late 70's when I was selling Avon. I was underage, but my stepmother had a friend that allowed me to do it. I went from house to house on my bicycle and did pretty well. They had a limited edition bottle of perfume from 1979..."Trailing Arbutus" which I thought was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I still have it to this day, and it epitomizes the Victorian era bottles.

Anyway, your ideas and suggestions reminded me of all the fantastic ideas I had when I first opened my dream boutique. I was planning to serve tea and dainty morsels....even hiring a young lady to dress the part, greet and serve the customers. "Dressing the part" idea comes from my childhood also...I participated in and dressed for the old homes tour in the town where I grew up. I'm so grateful for all of your suggestions on locations and marketing ideas. I will be more than happy to let you know what I decide. I can't wait to get started on researching these locations. You may see my questions popping up on MI, GA and now AR forums. Thanks again!

[Figment 07]

Originally Posted by Northsouth

Have you done this before? ... Thanks again!

You're welcome! No, I've never opened a shop, but I like to imagine what is possible for others.

I found another interesting (and probably more affordable) option today and thought of you:

Berkley Springs, West Virginia.

[WILWRadio]

Hello:

I believe you'd find a market for your shop in a number of places in New York and New England. Lots of Victorian homes in these areas and people love to spend money on antiques and other "artifacts" to put on display in their older homes. Saratoga Springs, NY comes immediately to mind as a good place for a business of this nature. Litchfield County in Connecticut would also be another place you would likely find a market for your products. And perhaps the Finger Lakes area of NY would also provide you an opportunity to reach the right market in the form of vacationers from the New York City area.

[mrdude]

have you considered e-commerce? since you have a small, targeted, market you will be limited to a small percentage of the population. the best way to increase your customers is to basically increase the population you're available to.

i'm not too sure about what types of things you are selling, but if it is items that are shippable (not too large, heavy, or fragile), and do not have to be touched or smelled, then it could possibly give you the revenue you need to stay afloat.

[Buckhead_Broker]

I agree. I developed shopping centers for years and saw all kinds of businesses fail due to high overhead, limited marketing budgets, excessive inventory, you name it. I think the internet would be a good way to run/supplement your business.

[Tek_Freek]

http://tinyurl.com/yvr8fa

A location that might surprise you. This is a link to the businesses that have been successful.

On the other side of town is an area that is being brought back with some unusual businesses. It's working pretty well.

http://tinyurl.com/3e5yab

[Teafortu]

Hello Figment 07!

In a thread posted some time ago about where to re-locate a Victorian merchandise shop, you came through with some excellent advice for the person who was searching for an answer. I too sell a Victorian themed product, and your answer has proven very helpful to me too. I will take your advice.
I am curious as to what the nature of your occupation is; you must be in marketing or retail.
Thank you again your help!

[Steve Bagu]

With any RETAIL business a person would need to check out a area with any possible competition.

Also would there be a need for the items to be sold.

I would NEVER open a wagon wheel business in a area where there are NO wagons. Common sense.

When deciding to move to a different city/location I drove up and down the streets to see the local competition that I would be dealing with and checking out the possible clientile in the neighborhood.

Worked for me. I was in the Retail/Repair trade and knowing my quality of work and expertise did not worry about the existing competition.

I had one for 8 yrs...sold it...semi retired for 3 yrs...came back with another for 9 yrs and then retired for good. So it can be done.

When opening up for the first time...competition may check you out without your knowledge to see the NEW guy in town and what to expect.

Big word is LOCATION...LOCATION...LOCATION.

Steve

[sunsprit]

I'll agree with most of what Steve posted here ... but the BIG WORD is "COST ... COST ... COST".

Cost addresses the issues of location. If you have to pay too much to get into where you need to be to do the business volume at the price point you need to do, then you don't have a viable business.