
In the world of retail business, you surely have heard of the famous phrase “location, location, location” made famous by Baron Samuel of Wych Cross. Although e-commerce is at its peak nowadays, entrepreneurs can’t deny that having a physical store can significantly enhance your customers’ experience when shopping for your products. This is particularly true when you’re in the fashion industry.
Capitalising on an attractive boutique location can do so much in attracting customers and encouraging repeat visits. After all, nothing compares to the feeling of shopping in an actual store where you can personally touch, try, smell and see the items you want to purchase.
The location of your clothing store can make or break the success of your business. Whether you’re about to open a new pop up store in Mayfair or to move to a new location for your retail enterprise, here are some helpful hints and tips you can keep in mind when choosing a location:
• Choose an accessible area
Without an accessible and noticeable location, it could be challenging to attract new shoppers. Pick a building that can be seen from the local roadways and is easy to locate. Doing this will make it more likely that customers will see your store and choose to stop by.
The location should be convenient so that your clients won’t have difficulty getting there. If you can find a spot that’s near a bus station or subway, that would be preferable. Being close to public transportation makes your fashion boutique easily accessible to everyone. You also need to consider how easy it’ll be for your vendors and suppliers to deliver stocks.
The area’s accessibility is another crucial factor affecting your staff and business partners. Consider how easy or difficult it’ll be for them to get to and from work. Are there enough parking spaces for both your team and customers? Don’t forget to ask the lessor about utilities and other services such as rubbish removal and maintenance.

• Know your customers
Establish who your market is. These are the individuals who are most likely to shop at your clothing store. Identifying your target market is crucial in picking the best location to ensure higher foot traffic and better visibility for your brand. For example, if you’ve identified your customers as working professional women who are into timeless style, choosing a boutique location downtown or close to shopping malls and business districts makes sense so that you can attract the right demographics.
If your items are mainly clothes for the whole family, a residential neighbourhood might be a more lucrative location for your shop. You can also consider a nearby shopping centre where families and locals frequently shop.
• Consider the area’s safety and security
Once you’ve narrowed down your list based on the above factors, don’t forget to consider the area’s safety and security. You can research the location’s security history to ensure you’re not risking your business in any way. You certainly don’t want to wake up one day to find that all your goods have been taken away.
Learn about the facility’s security measures, such as video systems, alarms and security personnel. Ensure that the parking lot is well lit at night. You can speak to other nearby store owners or your lessor to get a more in-depth background check concerning the area’s safety and security. Don’t forget about fire safety as well. Are there any nearby businesses that could have a fire outbreak? Look around to get a feel for what might pose potential harm to your business.
• Don’t underestimate the competition
Check to see if the nearby businesses are suitable for your fashion boutique. As customers who shop for clothing typically visit multiple locations, put your clothing store adjacent to a shoe store, beauty salon, or jewellery store to attract customers from your target demographic. These establishments can help your boutique if they draw the same customer base as yours.
Locate places with a demand for clothing shops and little to no competition. Comprehensive market and competition research is the most efficient way to determine this factor. However, don’t presume that the current tenant mix will remain constant. Inquire with the lessor about nearby rival stores that might affect your business.
Final words
No matter how small or big your fashion boutique may be, choosing a location is still an endeavour that requires careful thought and planning. You want your investment to yield the highest returns possible. One way to ensure this is by choosing a location that’s accessible, highly visible, safe, secure and close to your target market.
References:
“Choosing a Retail Store Location”, Source: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/choosing-a-retail-store-location-2890245
“How to Choose the Location to Open Your Fashion Boutique”, Source: https://smallbusiness.chron.com/choose-location-open-fashion-boutique-10128.html
“How to Find the Right Location for Your Store”, Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/246322