Best place for small retail business? (insurance, finance, pay, advertise)

[Northsouth]

I live in SC, but am willing to relocate just about anywhere to make a go of my small business. Because of bad locations and lack of business it is temporarily closed, after moving it 5 times I had to take a break. It's an upscale ladies boutique and gifts with a Victorian theme. I would love to be in a busy historic district somewhere but I have to have lots of foot traffic to survive.

Anyone have any suggestions of where I could re-open and do well? It can be anywhere you have visited on vacation or where you live anywhere around the country. I have been told that sc and nc are two of the worst states to open a small business, and tenn being one of the best. Anyone out there done any extensive research on this subject? Thanks for your help!!!

[Rapture]

I'm curious to know where you got the information that NC & SC are two worst states to open a business?

Do you want to stay in the south? Are finances an issue when it comes to where you move to?

[Northsouth]

I've been frequenting flea markets is nc and sc since closing the business and I have heard this from everyone who I have come in contact with that has tried their hand at small business in nc or sc. If they weren't selling at the flea market, they were customers.

From personal experience, the taxes alone are enough to put you under. They tax everything...right down to a ridiculous 10.5% yearly tax on "business furnishings." My original bill for this was $900.00. I disputed it of course, but the tax bills keep coming for one thing or another and I have been closed for nine months.

Yes, re-locating is a financial issue but one I can deal with as long as I know the location will make me enough money to pay the rent, taxes, overhead, housing, insurance, etc. etc.

I guess it depends on what kind of business you have, but my information comes through real live people, not biased surveys or numbers. Not that I wouldn't welcome someone's input who has actually taken the time to crunch numbers and research the issue. I need to be well informed this time, mostly about location. You have no retail business without a good location...not for long, anyway. Thanks for any help you can give.

[williamsburgfan]

I think your type of business is VERY limited and may be the problem. I shop in upscale boutiques frequently - not one is Victorian - and that would be a negative for me.

I want true quality merchandise, contemporary and upscale. Since you have had to move 5 times have you been able to determine if your theme/merchandise is an issue with customers?

A place with a lot of foot traffic and customers who shop at upscale boutiques? Maybe Charleston - a tough market, but you might fly on King Street - much competition though.

[Figment 07]

Savannah, Georgia is one possibility.

Also, you might want to consider a place where your type of merchandise would be in high demand because the whole town is Victorian -- and loaded with well-heeled tourists in three seasons.

Beautiful Mackinac Island, Michigan (mackinacislandmichigan.com)

Mackinac Island is the truly "all natural" theme park of America. Limited to transportation of horse and buggy, bicycle or foot, surrounded by water, it has escaped the vast changes of time.

Its real Victorian image is preserved and enhanced by a small population of 500 permanent residents and scores of summer residents, maintaining bluff cottages in original state. Families, especially children, love their relatively new found "mobility", exploring the historic, natural beauty of Mackinac Island State Park, honored by National Geographic as one of the ten finest in America.

The calendar of events on Mackinac Island is highlighted by the Annual Lilac Festival, climaxed with one of the largest "All Horse Hitch" parades known. The American Bus Association has designated Mackinac Island's Lilac Festival as one of the nation's top 100 tourist attractions.

The residents are warm and friendly, even during the Island's brief but unique winter holiday and cross-country season. Prices are best in winter, spring, and fall, of course, but the enjoyment level never fails to put new perspective into the concept of relaxation.

When you step off of the Island Ferry Dock, you will be in a living Victorian village. Please cross streets on straight angles rather than diagonally and be aware of horses, bikes and people stepping off of carriages, enjoy the downtown hustle and bustle of the early 1800s but don't miss the beauty of the Island's interior and peaceful lakefront perimeter path.

If you like the idea, post in the Michigan forum and get feedback from the locals regarding Mackinac Island as your next shop location.

Oh, and you might want to sell fudge, too. The tourists can't get enough of it.

[Rapture]

I agree with the other posters. If you want to stick with that product then you should be located somewhere that people want that and are looking for it. Cape May, NJ would be great place for your store but then you have to deal with more competition because they already have stores like that. I've run several businesses and found that not only is location important but diversity in your store can make a big difference.

[Northsouth]

Wow! Thank you all very much for your responses. Yes, Victorian is a thing of the past but from your suggestions (which is exactly what I was looking for) there are markets for me and my merchandise. I am especially interested in Mackinac Island, MI...thanks Figment07. And I have considered and am still considering Savannah also. However, this is the first time I have heard of Mackinac Island and I will be doing some research.

I am not exclusively carrying Victorian items, which maybe I eluded to. The displays, decorations, etc. are but not necessarily all the merchandise. When I advertised, I had people coming from all over the state because they loved the Victorian era and came just to see my shop, but it did not fly for everyday small town shoppers. I can do fudge if I have to!! Thanks to all.

[Figment 07]

My pleasure.

Keep in mind if you speak to anyone about the island, it is pronounced as "Mackinaw". You might look into the Victorian Village of Ferndale, California as well.

http://www.victorianferndale.org/chamber

[Northsouth]

Originally Posted by Figment 07

My pleasure.

Keep in mind if you speak to anyone about the island, it is pronounced as "Mackinaw". You might look into the Victorian Village of Ferndale, California as well.

http://www.victorianferndale.org/chamber

Thanks for letting me know how to pronounce it. That could have been embarrassing. I'll check out Ferndale, also. Thank you so much!

[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.