I'm thinking of opening a clothing store in either Bristol VA or Bristol TN (Johnson City: buying)

[shante101092]

Originally I was planning on opening a young women's boutique and a children's boutique, but now I'm really debating this due to all the expansion going on in Bristol. I'll post pictures of the type of ladies clothing we offer, and with the children's clothes, think of Mud Pie or Matilda Jane style.

What do you all, the public, think? Is it something that this area is looking for? Already has? Or wouldn't work?

Thanks in advance!!

[Ted Bear]

Originally Posted by shante101092

I'll post pictures of the type of ladies clothing we offer...!!

How big is "we" already? How many stores? What kind of volume? What sort of locations?

I am the antithesis of "retail", but am a seasoned businessman. Take that into consideration in my comments.

Shi, shi; foo-foo, or whatever you call it is going to be a hard sell in this area. There is a certain limited market. You will have to get the numbers (demographics) and see if it is big enough to support your sort of store.

Broadly speaking, you need to be in one of the new malls....the Falls or the Pinnacle--pick the one where Belk is locating so you get the benefit of their traffic draw, and you will have probably a ten year life cycle. That is the only way you are going to get enough traffic past your door to make a go of it.

But...the cost to locate there is higher than an empty storefront in one of the local "cities". Hence my questions about what sort of volume you are doing now, which translates into buying power, which means even with higher rents, you MIGHT be able to maintain your margins if you are buying in sufficient quantities.

Do your homework. Run the numbers. Are you well capitalized? See if it might work, on paper at least. If you think it will, give it a year to see if it flies with the local audience.

Old expression: Leap and the wings will appear. You don't know if you don't try. But be warned, it will not be easy. This is a small (tiny?) tough market with fickle tastes.

[rccrain]

Downtown might work as well. Coco Lily / The Wooden Hanger is in downtown Kingsport. I'm not sure if anything similar exists in Bristol or Johnson City. I suppose there is a market. You may want to consult the local chambers of commerce.

[sprintuser2014]

This might work in downtown Kingsport with the recent turn around of the downtown area.

[PINKYLEE123]

It looks junior and the things you can get from china for about 10.00 and if that is what it the sizing will be totally off - most people would rather go to forever 21 - cause most of the young people shop in johnson city.

[rccrain]

I don't think that's the market the OP would be going after. IMO she would need to target young, affluent women and mothers.

[Serious Conversation]

Originally Posted by rccrain

I don't think that's the market the OP would be going after. IMO she would need to target young, affluent women and mothers.

Not really the market of the Tri-Cities. Johnson City would be the best hope for what market there is.

[rccrain]

You might be surprised how many there are - doctors, professionals, business owners, etc. Between the affluent and those pretending to be so, the success of such a business should be at least reasonably attainable in Bristol or Johnson City. JMO

My only worry about Kingsport would be the already established competition.

[jabogitlu]

To me seems like your market is either downtown Johnson City or Abingdon. Not sure why you've chosen Bristol, but it does seem to be a very random pick, based on your market.

[Tennesseestorm]

... because Bristol is between Abingdon and Johnson City.