The Kardashian Guide To Opening A Fashion Boutique
Reality TV gets a bad rap for supposedly being mindless. But for fashionistas building the courage for opening a fashion boutique, a large dose of Keeping up with the Kardashians is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Multimillion dollar bank accounts, an insanely large fan base and a worldwide franchise – the Kardashians have created a modern day financial and social powerhouse. And love ‘em or loathe ‘em, you can’t deny their entrepreneurial flair.
They built their empire entirely from scratch, and it all started back in 2006 with a small boutique called Dash. The sisters have talked openly about how they initially struggled to make money, but fast forward 10 years and they now have an online boutique and Dash stores in three of the US’s biggest cities.
Anyone wanting to build their own super-successful fashion empire would be hard pressed to find more suitable role models. So if you’re looking to glean some words of wisdom, feel free to spend a lazy Sunday rewatching your favourite Kardashian episodes, notebook in hand.
If that’s not exactly your idea of fun then you’re in luck, because we’ve also summarised their winning formula in a quick three-step guide. Take a look.
Step 1: Start small
When the Kardashians first started out they didn’t have the flashy Land Rovers they’re known for now, so they had to ensure that their shop was within walking distance from their house. Take their lead and consider practicalities, like size and location, when finding your first premises.
Besides being close to a busy high street and having plenty of parking for all your customers, you also need to find somewhere you’re going to love working. Don’t be afraid of taking your time and use an online search database of shops to rent to whittle down unsuitable options.
Step 2: Build a brand
What sets Dash apart from its many competitors is that it sells a lifestyle; the Kardashian’s glamourous, dramatic, champagne lifestyle to be exact. You may not have a reality TV crew following you around but you do have the power of Kim’s best friends – Instagram and Snapchat.
Remember you’re building a brand not just opening up one small shop, and it all starts with you. Have a cohesive style and carry it through the shop, your social media and your wardrobe.
Step 3: Branch out
From dresses and shoes to makeup bags and hair products, the Kardashians aren’t afraid of branching out with their fashion ventures.
You might be working on a smaller scale than them (to begin with) but you should also diversify when and where possible. It’ll always be a risk, but it could also help you find an untapped product or market to take your business to the next level.
So there you have it. The Kardashian secrets to running a successful and stylish boutique in three steps. Bear them in mind when you launch your own boutique and you’ll be giving Dash a run for its money in no time.
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