African Store in Beaumont (Houston, Longview: buying, live, price)

[Silverbird55]

Husband and I are considering opening a store that sells African clothing, beauty aids for men and women, jewelry and other items from various African countries. Since there is a large population of African Americans in the Beaumont and Port Arthur area of east Texas, we thought this would be a perfect location for such a business. We would appreciate any feedback, thoughts and ideas as well as constructive criticism as regards business.
Thank you in advance.

[HookTheBrotherUp]

Originally Posted by Silverbird55

Husband and I are considering opening a store that sells African clothing, beauty aids for men and women, jewelry and other items from various African countries. Since there is a large population of African Americans in the Beaumont and Port Arthur area of east Texas, we thought this would be a perfect location for such a business. We would appreciate any feedback, thoughts and ideas as well as constructive criticism as regards business.
Thank you in advance.

I think you are making a mal connection between black Americans and African clothing. Sans the clothes, I think a store selling African goods can be viable, but not in the area you describe. Have you considered Houston?

I think you are making a bad connection between black Americans and African clothing; just because there are many black Americans does not mean they want African clothing. It would be like opening an African clothing store in the Third Ward in Houston.... there are many black Americans there too, but they are urban in nature, and dress the 'American' way.

Also, when I see an image of someone purchasing African clothing, I think of a metropolitan, highly educated person. Diversity. The area you describe does not echo of that to me. I don't live there of course, so perhaps I am way off there.

When I think of African clothing, I see nice colors, patterns and quality. The clothes to me look formal, or maybe it is just because I typically see these clothes worn by true Africans at church (Catholic). They really are nice to look at, but I don't see black Americans embracing them, if not as novelty clothing. I guess price would have a lot do do with it; the clothes I've seen do no look cheap.

Anyway, 'probably not what you wanted to hear... just my first gut reaction. Good luck.

[Silverbird55]

Thank you so much. We appreciate your honest. On reflection, you are absolutely right. The clothing we were thinking of would not really be practical in this area. The African clothing we considered would be better suited to the east coast, (New York City; Atlanta, Georgia; or Washington, D.C.) Perhaps even the west coast, Los Angeles - Inglewood area of California.

SilverPhoenix

[Nairobi]

Originally Posted by Silverbird55

Thank you so much. We appreciate your honest. On reflection, you are absolutely right. The clothing we were thinking of would not really be practical in this area. The African clothing we considered would be better suited to the east coast, (New York City; Atlanta, Georgia; or Washington, D.C.) Perhaps even the west coast, Los Angeles - Inglewood area of California.

SilverPhoenix

Just as well as Houston. If anything, though, the most popular, year-round items would be jewelry and head cloths. Typically, some black Houstonians wear the full African attire during BHM and around Kwanzaa (for those who observe it). It's much cooler during those times, so people are able to dress up more.

Houston has a significant African population, and there are already numerous African stores here. It doesn't hurt to have another one, though.

[SouthernBoy205]

Doesn't Houston have the largest Nigerian population in America? Open up a store there.

[DanielWayne]

Originally Posted by HookTheBrotherUp

I think you are making a mal connection between black Americans and African clothing. Sans the clothes, I think a store selling African goods can be viable, but not in the area you describe. Have you considered Houston?

I think you are making a bad connection between black Americans and African clothing; just because there are many black Americans does not mean they want African clothing. It would be like opening an African clothing store in the Third Ward in Houston.... there are many black Americans there too, but they are urban in nature, and dress the 'American' way.

Also, when I see an image of someone purchasing African clothing, I think of a metropolitan, highly educated person. Diversity. The area you describe does not echo of that to me. I don't live there of course, so perhaps I am way off there.

When I think of African clothing, I see nice colors, patterns and quality. The clothes to me look formal, or maybe it is just because I typically see these clothes worn by true Africans at church (Catholic). They really are nice to look at, but I don't see black Americans embracing them, if not as novelty clothing. I guess price would have a lot do do with it; the clothes I've seen do no look cheap.

Anyway, 'probably not what you wanted to hear... just my first gut reaction. Good luck.

I agree with this, and I am originally from the Beaumont area. I don't think there will be a market for it there. Houston, however, is a different story.

[Redlionjr]

Originally Posted by HookTheBrotherUp

I think you are making a mal connection between black Americans and African clothing. Sans the clothes, I think a store selling African goods can be viable, but not in the area you describe. Have you considered Houston?

I think you are making a bad connection between black Americans and African clothing; just because there are many black Americans does not mean they want African clothing. It would be like opening an African clothing store in the Third Ward in Houston.... there are many black Americans there too, but they are urban in nature, and dress the 'American' way.

Also, when I see an image of someone purchasing African clothing, I think of a metropolitan, highly educated person. Diversity. The area you describe does not echo of that to me. I don't live there of course, so perhaps I am way off there.

When I think of African clothing, I see nice colors, patterns and quality. The clothes to me look formal, or maybe it is just because I typically see these clothes worn by true Africans at church (Catholic). They really are nice to look at, but I don't see black Americans embracing them, if not as novelty clothing. I guess price would have a lot do do with it; the clothes I've seen do no look cheap.

Anyway, 'probably not what you wanted to hear... just my first gut reaction. Good luck.

Wow great way to generalize us as URBAN IN NATURE as if were some display at a Zoo. Like you're a zoologist on a safari analyzing the African Americanus behavior in the "wild".

But anywho, it's actually 2 African book,clothing stores in 3rd Ward one on MLK and another one on Almeda rd. I'd say if you want to be successful business showcasing African clothing don't just limited it to clothing. Diversify you're products. Accessories,jewelry,clothing,books,dvds,African health products,black soap, shea butter,etc.

I actually feel like Houston needs more. We only have one on the Northside that i'm aware of which is in Greenspoint Mall and it's a cool little spot.

Also like I stated if you diversify you're products there could be a market in Beamount for it. The reason why I state this is because there's a business owned by a Kenyan family in Longview, East Texas that's been in business since the early 90's. It's called African trumpet and it's right there in the African american dominated area of Longview. I know because my parents were friends with the owners and also help organized a grassroots organization to progress the southside community in the 90's. One of the main agendas was to open up more black owned/theme businesses in the community. But I think the African Trumpet started selling more items then just clothes because I don't see alot of people walking around with African clothing on in Longview. Accessories and jewelry is another thing. Buying books and dvd's that's African centered/ Pan African centered is also another thing.

[Nairobi]

Originally Posted by Redlionjr

Wow great way to generalize us as URBAN IN NATURE as if were some display at a Zoo. Like you're a zoologist on a safari analyzing the African Americanus behavior in the "wild".

Many non-black posters here do act like that and ATTEMPT to analyze our culture and mannerisms from their own skewed perceptions, but I'm not sure that's what HTBU was doing. If not a bit misinformed, he was simply offering his own personal knowledge of what he's seen, but openly admitted that he might be mistaken. Some of these other folks will do no such thing and insist that it's their place to teach us about our own heritage (or lack thereof...according to them). It's one thing I've come to hate about this forum.

[tstone]

Historic west side of Port Arthur may have potential, along Gulfway Drive. Will likely need some heavy security for your shop though.

[Silverbird55]

Thank you so much everyone. My husband and I have much to consider.

SilverPhoenix