5 Things to Know Before Buying wholesale custom wall sconces supplier

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit GREATON LIGHTING.

Grow Boutique Sales with Etsy & Online Marketplaces

Being an online boutique owner is fun and exciting. For many people, running a successful boutique is a dream come true. It does, however, require staying on top of consumer buying trends and taking advantage of today’s marketing tools. Online marketplaces, like Etsy, is one of those tools that can help you expand your audience and grow sales. So, let's delve in to the specifics. Why Add other Platforms? First and foremost, growing your brand in creative ways is paramount to making your boutique stand out. While the U.S. provides a large target base of consumers, the fashion industry is a very competitive market. Online clothing sales now make up 20% of all U.S. retail sales and in , online apparel sales reached $159 billion, a 15% year-over-year increase from . Capturing interest and expanding audience reach is more important today than ever. While using social media like Facebook and TikTok to conduct live sales is a great strategy for online boutiques, marketplaces are becoming a popular and lucrative way to reach more potential buyers. While there are many to choose from today, this blog will focus on Etsy, which offers easy entry, low commissions and exposure to millions of shoppers. Etsy is on Fire! Founded in , Etsy, Inc. is an American e-commerce company that began with an emphasis on selling handmade items. In however, this expanded to a wide range of categories, including jewelry, bags, clothing and home decor. According to Statista.com, millions of sellers use Etsy to sell their goods and products to Etsy's vast community of buyers. Etsy has become a go-to website for shopping and has a large presence of female shoppers. Who can Sell? Anyone in the U.S. 18 years of age or older can create a shop page, upload products and begin to sell. Etsy is not a warehouse; all selling is done by independent sellers like you, entrepreneurs with boutique products and apparel. It is both a selling platform to reach literally millions of shoppers and is also considered a search engine. Why Sell on Etsy? Today, online boutiques can tap into many online tools and programs to source and sell products – from using live sales features on Facebook and TikTok to joining fashion dropship programs like Bloom or Kiwi to source products. But growing your audience beyond family, friends and your local community can be challenging. This is where online marketplaces like Etsy can help as they allow you to tap into their large base of shoppers. Here is why we decided to highlight Etsy as one of the easiest marketplaces to start with:  Low start-up cost Large audience Personalized storefront (brand building) Free storefront Esty SEO (adding tags, titles, etc.) Integrates with Shopify Low seller fees or commissions What Does it Cost to Sell on Etsy? Creating a storefront with Etsy is easy and only requires posting at least one listing in the shop. Each product listing will cost $0.20 and the post will remain on your shop's page for a maximum of 4 months. The price of products is set by the shop owner, and Etsy takes a 6.5% commission from the total sales proceeds. That total includes the price of the product you list, as well as the amount you charge for shipping, gift wrapping or any add-on. If you do not have a boutique store running on Shopify, you have the option to open an Etsy storefront and manually upload product images and manage orders and shipping. If you do have a boutique store running on Shopify, you can easily set up an end-to-end integration between your store, Etsy and any drop shipper who is also on Shopify, such as Bloom Dropship. Below is an outline of how it works: Download the Shuttle App from Shopify ($15-$24 dollars per month) Create an Etsy storefront and link Transfer products, quantity, pricing etc. from your Shopify store Orders automatically come to your Shopify store Bloom Dropship automatically emails you the wholesale cost/invoice   Bloom Dropship will tracking numbers upon order shipment   Let's Wrap It Up Online marketplaces are a great way to reach more potential buyers. They can increase brand awareness and drive more sales in a highly competitive industry. We personally like Etsy with its easy entry, low-cost commissions and access to millions of active buyers, most of whom are women! Walmart, Poshmark and Google Shop are also growing in popularity, which we will explore in a separate blog. But don’t delay – Etsy is a great place to start! 

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

How I Quit My Job and Started A Boutique

In this blog we will look at the key elements that all successful boutiques share and unveil the most essential tool you need to launch your boutique. My path to boutique success started something like this: having finished college I immediately paused my pursuit of being an elementary school teacher and gave a try at my real passion, fashion and clothing.  I began by attempting to create my own boutique and after just a year I was fresh out of ideas and most importantly cash. Dejected, I decided to enter the fashion market by becoming the assistant brand merchandiser for TJ Maxx, eventually ending up as a head buyer for their juniors clothing department.  Working with manufacturers for those eight years and being behind the scenes at a multi billion dollar corporation gave me knowledge that elevated my understanding of how a successful business is run. Some of that knowledge includes the seven basic elements which we will touch on shortly. First let's begin with step 1 on how to launch your boutique. Register Your Boutique For federal use, you will need to set up your business as an individual, llc, s corp, or c corp.  Deciding which is best for you can be a difficult thing to navigate. Each has its own advantages, but I will save you the time and let you know that likely you will just start as an individual as this will give you the best tax breaks. IE. you can say you're working from home office, include your internet, electrical bills and many other items as federal tax deductions.  If you get a little bigger and starting hiring employees go ahead and start looking at becoming an S corp.   Create a Company Name This is everyones favorite part! Coming up with a boutique name. When you create a boutique name your welcome to trademark it but this is very unneccessary until your a multi million dollar brand. Make sure the name is unique as this will help you stand out against potential competitors and will give you the best chance of owning the .com URL and many social media urls. (Ie. facebook.com/yourboutiquename) Find Wholesale Clothing You need all the competitive edges you can get when starting a boutique and one of the biggest is sourcing low cost clothing.  With 20 years of experience I have located the sites where you can find amazing clothing at literally 50% off: FashionGo - Fashiongo is simply an online showroom that hosts thousands of USA vendors and suppliers. Hidden inside each vendor's page may or may not be a sales page.  In these collections you can score deals on styles that start as low as $5.00. You can also search and sort products by price, starting with the low prices. Scanning through these pages you will be sure to view many great deals a long the way. BloomWholesale - The next three sites are in a class of their own and I would turn them off-price distributors. These distributors have a unique business model that allows them to purchase in bulk closeout items from your favorite manufacturers and in turn list them at prices on their site for 50% off. Bloomwholesale concentrates more in mid-western styles, lot's of plus and missy look.  They have been around for over ten years and the trick with them is they release all of their merchandise on Saturday morning, which is where you can pick up all the best stuff. WholesaleFashionTrends - Like Bloom FashionTrends is also a closeout company that purchases largely from Fashiongo vendors at ultra low prices and offers them up on their site.  These products are usually last seasons items but with so much crossover between each seasons trends usually your customers aren't privy to this. Wholesale Fashion Trends offers a young contemporary look for that more chic girl whose looking for a sometimes sexier look. TashaApparel - Tasha Apparel is another young contemporary off price clothing vendor that specializes in that younger look for all types of demographics.  Attending shows is another great way to discover the latest trends and emerging brands that you can carry in your boutique.  We have a blog listing all the shows in the nation and continually refresh it with any new shows.  Before online wholesale vendor sites event shows were the primary source of acquiring wholesale fashion. Although they aren't as important as they once were for sourcing clothing they still serve as a key component to networking, which can serve you will in this tough industry. Designing Your Boutique If you are designing a brick and mortar store I will leave the design aesthetic up to you.  What's important is to make it unique and stand out from the competition. You will need a lot of DYI and I suggest looking at some youtube videos for inspiration and ideas. If your planning on solely opening an online boutique to get you started, my biggest suggestion would be to start with Shopify. What's great about Shopify is it has the largest app store and app's are a major key to success in marketing and analytics. Shopify comes with a lot of pre-built designs and some paid builds that are as impressive as any online ecommerce store you've visited. If you're interested in a $400 custom built site hit my girl up, and for my money she has the best designs for a low price and can walk you through how to use Shopify if you're unfamiliar with it. Marketing Your Shop This blog is always popping out a new article on the latest and greatest trends and marketing advantages you can take.  As an examples you can take a look at this post that was published last week that talks about the newest sales channels boutiques are utilizing.  With that said trends and where to sell are continuously changing and anything written now on this topic will likely change in one to two years.   Let's dive deeper into seven aspects of running your boutique that you need to study up on.  These are the core elements I garnered from my time at TJ Maxx and helped me find success on my second go at launching a boutique. The 7 Basic Elements  Market and Trend Analysis - Learning how to analyze season fashion trends, customer preferences and price points for different groups and demos. Manufacturer relationships and Sourcing - Negotiating clothing prices and best terms, developing an eye for quality fabrics that would elevate brand value. Inventory Management - Balancing stock and avoiding overstock while securing profits in strong economic times from not under stocking. Buying early trends and beginning flashy and effective sales sooner than your competition. Pricing Strategies - Always securing profitable margins and harnessing effective markdown strategies. Leading and managing - Managing people was the hardest aspect of my job and every year I understood how to do that better by showing strength and assertiveness and kindness when it counts. Financial Planning - A continual revisit of past effective strategies to enhance new ones and learning from the bad months of financial history. Competitive Edge - Comprehensively studying my competitors to learn what they are doing well. Copy the parts you can while enhancing your own vision of what you can offer your customers.  "At 28 years old I decided to quit my job and make a second go at launching a boutique." With very little capital I decided to focus on creating a business and product that was cost effective yet had something unique to offer customers.  At this time subscription boxes were doing really well. Companies like StitchFix were becoming huge and I decided to jump on the trend and make my own subscription box. I built a cute website on Shopify, shot some original photos in my rustic backyard and marketed it out on facebook.  In a matter of months it was a huge hit.  Family and friends were intrigued by this subscription box and loved the novelty of having items picked out for them by a fashion expert. This brings me to my #1 tip and tool if your serious about quitting your job and starting a boutique, and that is: #1 Tool - Jump On a New Trend Early The fashion market is like an ocean of waves and every so often a good wave comes a long and has the opportunity to sweep you up and take you for the ride.  But just like surfing, you must be aware, equipped with the skills to take advantage of the opportunity and a strong determination to hop on before your competitors do.  Every four to six years there is generally a new big wave, think internet boom, social media, flash sales, subscription boxes, fast fashion, drop shipping. Every season there are essentially smaller waves and these are fashion changes that occur every season, think floral, animal, game day, gingham, boho, maxi dresses, lace tops, etc.  The goal is to capitalize on these developing trends before other businesses beat you to it. In the world of fashion small businesses do just that and that is why boutiques make up a huge chunk of fashion consumer spending. In fact large department stores rarely capitalize on these trends because of their lack of ability to adapt.  Large stores concentrate on ease and ultra low price points to lure consumers.  This leaves a massive vacancy for small businesses and boutique to bust in and utilize new developing trends to generate sales. I'm writing this blog and the day is January 20th .  The last massive trend to ignite thousands of boutiques was drop shipping and live selling, but unfortunately this has deflated in the last year.  The answer to which trend will be the one you need to hop on is still yet unknown.  It's your task to find the next Tiktok and be always alert on clothing trends that will allow you to ride the wave all the way to owning a successful boutique.  So What's the Next Fashion Wave? My prediction for the next big wave is two fold, in-store experience and boho.  Post covid leisure markets cruises and camping resorts have exploded in popularity and I think we will see a continuation of these trends move across every consumer market. Within fashion the in-store consumer experience will be where women will decide to spend their hard earned savings. Unfortunately the online experience has been oversaturated by Temu, Shein and a host of others that have rigged the game to dominate the online boutique landscape with half of pricing and pictures that are ripped straight off of American boutiques sites.  Thus the importance to develop either in-house/garage/camper van boutiques for those on a budget or those with a solid budget, an aesthetic store front where shoppers can get royal treatment and royal clothing.  In terms of the next fashion wave, it's looking like Boho and animal is about to come alive again. This trend was ultra popular some ten year ago and as trends do, every decade they come back with a vengeance with a new twist. When you start your boutique on the back of a developing technology or trend, success is not ensured. You will still need to be versed in all of the businesses practices I mentioned previously to help foster and sustain momentum to keep surfing on. Thank's For Reading! If you would like to learn more specifics about licenses and costs to starting a boutique you can click here or visit the many blog posts on this website that will enhance your knowledge on what steps to take first. I encourage you to visit a fashion show near you where you can meet other boutique owners and vendors and come away with invaluable information and resources.  

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

10 Sites to Sell More and Boost Boutique Sales in

It’s the new year, a time when boutique owners are reviewing last year’s revenue and planning new strategies for . Since the economic outlook and new shopping trends are key to sales strategies, we will take a look at how they are shaping up.  First, let’s take a look at the macro economy and then the specific online clothing market to get an idea of the economic landscape, or the health of the consumer’s pocket.   While price inflation in impacted consumer pocketbooks and discretionary spending, retail sales actually exceeded forecasts as the U.S economy grew 2.3%. And Fannie Mae analysts just adjusted their economic forecast up to 2.0% growth for , slightly down from as the graph shows below:                                                         Let's now look at how the online clothing market compares to overall economic growth. The U.S. apparel market generated $358 billion this year with ecommerce accounting for $145 billion (40.5%) of total apparel revenue. And from to , ecommerce sales rose by 70%. This graph shows the multi-year revenue numbers:           What does this mean for you? If you have a boutique with an online presence or if you're considering creating an online boutique, you are heading in the right direction. And today a plethora of tools exist to help source your boutique, such as Bloom Wholesale who offers trendy women's apparel or fashion dropship suppliers like Bloom Dropship, Salehoo, Modily, and Spockett.     If you are just getting started, drop shipping is an easy way to sell apparel without having to purchase, store or manage inventory. You only pay for what you sell, and the drop shipper sources all the products and does the shipping. But sourcing a boutique is just one aspect of the boutique business. Achieving sales success has more to do with understanding how consumers shop and where they shop. So, let’s look at some stats on online shopping trends:  Between to , experts predict an 8% CAGR for fashion e-commerce  Social media influences 32% of Americans in the clothing they purchase  Women’s apparel accounts for 68.5% of all e-commerce clothing revenue    80.7% of fashion e-commerce site traffic is from consumers using mobile devices  The jaw dropping facts are this: 80% of all fashion e-commerce traffic comes from mobile devices and 32% of Americans say social media influenced the purchase of the clothes in their closet. This graph shows mobile shopping percentages by retail category: Live Shopping Sites   Social ecommerce is the next great disruptor in the retail industry. A study from Aftership found that 34% of US consumers aged 18-34 make purchases through live shopping each week and this trend will be a key driver in the retail landscape and beyond.   What’s behind the explosion in social commerce? Free sites such as Facebook Live currently dominate social commerce. The platform saw 67.8 million buyers in while Instagram is predicted to see 45.3 million buyers. TikTok is predicted to see 35.8 million.  This interactive approach helps to build trust, drive sales and reach a wide audience. It is worth pointing out that while Facebook and Instagram offer lives for free, they do not guarantee viewers. Many boutiques combine free and paid sites to optimize sales, such as using Channelize along with TikTok live events. Regardless, live shopping is a growing trend you can adopt to enhance your online presence.    Toward that goal, below are top 10 live shopping platforms for apparel:  1. Videeo  Videeo offers personalized video and claims to boost customer engagement by 250%. It offers a mobile app wizard for iOS and Android devices and integrates with Shopify.  2. Skeepers  Skeepers offers the ability to host thousands of shopping parties and utilize social media to attract new customers. It also integrates with the #1 ecommerce platform, Shopify.  3. GoLive  GoLive combines livestream shopping with artificial intelligence and real-time analytics. Some of the brands that they have partnered with include Guess, Samsung, and LG.   3. Bambuser  Bambuser is focused on interactive live video streaming. According to their website, their average add-to-cart is 31%, while its chat engagement is 24%. split screen.  4. Amazon Live  Amazon Live is a free streaming app and available for U.S. sellers registered in the Amazon Brand Registry. It does require 3rd party apps to integrate with Shopify.  5. Facebook Live Shopping  Facebook offers new Live features on its Facebook Page to connect with your audience and sell items. It does require 3rd party apps to integrate into your Shopify store.  6. TikTok Shop  TikTok Shop blends live stream with eCommerce for a dynamic shopping experience and to reach younger, social media-savvy consumers. It does require 3rd party apps to integrate your Amazon and Shopify stores.  7. TalkShopLive  TalkShopLive offers live stream & home shopping with a built-in buying experience. With the TSL Seller iOS app, you can go live via your desktop and it integrates with Shopify.  8. Popshop Live  Popshop Live has an app for Android and iOS devices and includes an intuitive seller dashboard and producer tool for livestream and it integrates with Shopify.  9. Channelize  Channelize is great for hosting five events or less per month to an audience no bigger than 50. They integrate with Shopify and offer a basic free plan for live shopping.  10. Confer With  Confer has a basic free plan but aims to offer you the features to link a high-value customer with one of your reps or a virtual appointment. It integrates with Shopify.  Live Shopping is growing fast with a variety of options to help online boutiques expand their audience reach by tapping into large numbers of ecommerce shoppers. But it's not just live shopping that is trending. Online marketplaces are also driving online sales.  Top Marketplace Sites  Online marketplaces can offer online boutique a way to expand business. Marketplaces have become a platform to reach more audiences in the shortest possible time and maximize conversion and sales.  If you are a fashion retailer selling through your online website and looking to generate more revenue, online fashion marketplaces can be a great option to grow your sales. The biggest benefit of online marketplaces is convenience. No matter which platform you use to start your e-commerce journey, you don’t have to get out of your comfort zone.   From starting, organizing, and managing to delivery, everything can be done from anywhere you live or even if you shift. Not only can you access it, but also you get client support in case of an emergency.  Here are the top 6 online fashion marketplaces:  1. Amazon Fashion Marketplace  2. Etsy Fashion Marketplace   3. Walmart Fashion Marketplace  4. Facebook Fashion Marketplace  5. Poshmark  6. ASOS Marketplace  In summary, the ways in which consumers shop online is always evolving. Live shopping and online marketplaces are gaining speed and giving online boutiques an opportunity to expand their customer base and grow sales. Integrating these shopping trends and sites into your sales strategies will be paramount to success, as is building loyalty and repeat purchases with personalized shopping and incentives.  Growing U.S. ecommerce numbers support that online boutiques are heading in the right direction and while will have some inflation trade winds, leveraging TikTok and other sites to tap into growing Gen Z online purchases is a real opportunity. Livestream sales reached $50 billion in and are estimated to grow by 36% in the next three years. Add it all up and it’s time to jump on board! 

Boutique Blog – by Jolie S

How Can I become a Manufacturer?

Looking to start your brand and become a manufacturer? Let's take a look at the 5 simples steps to launch your brand. 1.) Register Your Brand Like with starting any business, the first thing you need to do is file paperwork with the state and federal agency to register your company. You can head to this link to learn more about which type of company you should register for, but chances are in the very beginning your will be a sole proprietorship in the very beginning. If you feel you have an incredible name and you don't want anyone to steal it you can also trade mark it. Whether you trademark or not you will also need to create a DBA (Doing Business As) you can usually just file in the newspaper that your business is a DBA with so and so brand and this is usually good enough to bring to your bank so that the checks assigned to that DBA can also be deposited in your personal bank account. 2.) Design With everything registered you will need to create designs. I'm sure you already have a concept but how can you turn those thoughts and imagination into the real thing? Adobe Illustrator and Photoshopare still the top two design softwares utilized by designer to create their designs. Once you have your jpegs or pdf's there are many sites out there that offer easy printing solution on all things apparel. Custom Inkand many other similar websites allow you to take a simpel PDF design and apply it to shirts, sweaters, socks, etc. and that is a great way of jump starting your brand. If the designs are something more intricate then you will need to find a manufacturer. 3.) Finding a Manufacturer Back when I was young you had to know someone to get a China manufacturing connection. These days you can head to Alibabaand find hundreds of willing suppliers to manufacturer your products. The immediate issue you will run into is minimums. Minimums is a term that simply refers to the amount of units required my the manufacturer to create the product you want to make. IE. if you have an idea for a pair of shoes and you want to manufacturer 10 of them for your store, think again, you will likely need to start with 240 pieces to even get any Alibaba manufacturer to work with you. There in lies the issue with manufacturing, yes people have lots of great ideas and designs but do they have the finances and sales distribution to go with it. 4.) Financing Finding someone to finance your start up brand is insanely unlikely, 100% of the time most brands start from self-financing. Thus you will either have to save up a lot of money or get a small business loan to start your brand. Now that money has entered the arena, you want to make sure you are going to be successful and not put the rest of your adult life in a money pit of debt. That's why reading step five will be crucial because before you put a penny into any of your designs you want to be sure that you will sell it and there is a customer for it. To finish off with point four on financing, so long as your credit is good and you are in good standing with a bank there is a possibility of getting a small business loan that will more then be enough to produce a couple manufactured items. 5.) Who To Sell Too? Most manufacturing is a process of risk aversion. IE. brands create a product and produce that product with close to 100% certainty that it will sell, they do this by working hand in hand with the buyers or retailers who want this product produced for them. The retailers have certainty because they have expensive buyers and analytics that tells them how much to bring in and what. So how can you find buyers for your products or work with retailers? That's really an open ended question and hard to answer. Out in the world are trillions of dollars being transacted on a yearly basis. It's your job to pick the market you want to infiltrate and understand everything about it. Like who are the buyers, sellers, brands and what is being offered currently that you can adjust or enhance. On simple terms imagine you walk into a clothing boutique and simply ask them, how can I make you more money? Their response is if I have cheaper or better products then I could possibly excite more customers. Now ask yourself if you did that to 20 boutiques and found a way to excite them with a product you are brining in and get a commitment to purchase (purchase order) then this would be a great place to start for your manufacturing brand. The good news is, is that you don't need to travel around your state searching for 20 boutiques. You can meet hundreds in one place at Fashion exhibits. Build your products and brand, set up a booth and get those purchase orders! This is the key to the success and yes it will take some up front costs and investments for the prototypes, booths and workers to get this ignited before ever landing that first purchase order. Best of Luck!

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

7 Ways to Launch Your Sales This Holiday

With just two months out from the beginning of the Holidays it's time to start prepping! In this blog let's explore five strategies to help take your boutique to new heights this Holiday Season. 1. Curate a Holiday Themed Collection This is probably the funnest strategy and the easiest.  It involves browsing through all your favorite vendors and snapping up some holiday themed tops to blend together and comprise your boutique clothing line up with.  I'm sure there are many patterns, colors and themes in each holiday season but what we want to do is curate it down to your favorites and bring a collection of that into your store.  Promote this collection via your socials with themed reels and imagery that goes hand in hand with the collection and Holiday season.  Utilize these items for special promotions and discounts.  Customers love Holiday presents to use these themed pieces for giveaways to attract customers to your store and site. 2. Ramp Up Your Socials! One of my favorite social media strategies is encouraging your followers to dress up in the attire then they purchased for free giveaways. This user generated content is gold in the marketing world. It makes all the other non-buyers want to be a part of the group. Time to collaborate with influencers! Dish out some free clothing or money with ex bachelorettes or other influencers to get that swell of customers to come your way. Truthfully hashtags almost never provide those extra clicks you hope for but in the holidays strategic hashtags work more than any other time in the year. So be sure to finish those posts with some trending hashtags. 3. Holiday Christmas Party With any Holiday Christmas Party people will need Christmas sweaters. Let's combine the two and have a Christmas party at a boutique selling sweaters! No month throws more parties then the Christmas month of December.  Get out the appetizers, free giveaways, party games and decorations and throw your community an awesome party. 4. Provide Personal Shopping Experience Boutiques have to separate themselves from brick and mortars like Target and Ross and the best way they can do that is by offering a personal custom tailored experience for your customers.  This involves offering tips and suggestions on what party outfits to where and when to bring out the mini dress, etc. Another lovely strategy I love to employ in the holidays are personalized discount codes. These especially work on repeat customers; you can surprise them with emails or even physical letters inclusive with a discount code lettered in their first name. 5. Holiday Marketing Campaigns Try to beat out your competition by starting early on the release of Holiday collections and discounts. Before I was in the retail space I use to think that you had to release a Holiday item just weeks before that Holiday occured; boy was I wrong, the key to a great retail store is releasing Holiday items some 1-2 months before the Holiday occurs. That goes for Spring released, gameday, 4th of July and any other celebrated event with themed clothing. The reasoning is that even though customers don't purchase when you release they still review the items and keep it in the back of their minds for when they eventually do purchase. Get those emails out early with mailchimp or constant contact and start getting some eyeballs on those Holiday styles. 6. Fashion Show Ever been to a fashion show? They are super fun and you can make them a whole community experience by encouraging both young and old to attend the show and possibly partake in showcasing some fashion.  In the past I have tried both Halloween custom contests and Christmas crazy sweater contests. Why not throw these same parties and transform them into a fun community attended fashion show. 7. Collaborate with other Businesses The local church, hardware store and restaurants are just a couple suggestions of businesses that you can collaborate with. Bundle your gift cards, joint discounts, buy one here get 10% off there, are just some suggestions on how two businesses can work together.  Feature each others products by creating a special showcase area to present perhaps some restaurants goodies or other products from neighboring businesses and have them do the same. That's it for our seven holiday tips, if you have any feedback, suggestions or questions feel free to get in contact with us!

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

8 Fashion Trends from Fall Preview (Updated)

Fall season hasn't arrived but the clothing has, let's take a peak at the trending styles. Fresh off Summer buying, we barely turn our heads and suppliers are releasing their Fall previews! It's hard to believe when we're amidst 100 degree weather what the reigning trends for Fall will be, but so far let's take a look at what's were seeing. Top 8 Trends in Fall 1. Game Day Game day apparel offers an amazing opportunity for boutiques in those "wild about football" parts of the country to score some sales.  Most college students are on a budget so they don't have the money to buy the overpriced copyright sweaters and apparel that the universities release and that is where boutiques can step in and provide some affordable and more fun options to adorn and support your favorite football teams. If you are one of those fortunate boutiques to be nestled in Tennessee, Alabama or Florida, you cannot go wrong with stocking your shelves with some game day apparel.   2. Puffer Vests   Puffer quilted vests were a hot seller last year and that usually means it's good for another year.  You cannot go wrong with stock up on affordable quilted vests in a variety of customers. This sporty piece can be adorned with just about any fall or winter outfit. The puffer vest in this image is a quilted woven but I would expend to see some more textured vests that could include ribbed design, cotton materials and other materials that are trending for the season. 3. The Color Green Every year there is always one color that rises about the rest. Of course black is usually the #1 color picked but so far we are seeing a lot of forest green being purchased. I think its finally the year camel and rust get overtaken, we'll see! If Green is to stay a strong color then I would expect Burgundy or Maroon to be a strong color as it pairs well with green. In the past couple seasons we've been seeing a surprising amount bright and colorful colors in the beginning parts of Fall. I would be cautious with these colors as you could get burned. The problem is these exotic colors are fun and some customers really want them but then out of nowhere they drop in popularity and everyone switches to the dull Fall colors and you are left with shelves full of long sleeve colorful tops that you won't be able to sell for another 365 days. I was recently quoted about my top picks for the Fall color palette in the article Predicting Fall Décor Trends: What to Expect This Season. You can read through that article to see what other leading designers in the space are seeing and their predictions.    4. Plaid Oh look at that! I puffer vest and plaid, we've got ourselves a winner. Plaid has been ultra strong the last two years and I expect it to do very well this year.  Plaid, like floral is one of those trends that you really never lose on. So be sure when your doing your Fall and Winter buying to stock up on some unique takes on this classic trend. 5. Henleys Henley's are making an early run as the latest up and coming trend. Buttons of some variations are always going to be a winner and it looks like the sleek and sexy button henley will be our Fall winner of . If this trend breaks out look for this henley trend to be adorned across not just tops but sweaters and dresses.  6. Big Florals Florals have been the #1 trend for the last three years and just like 7 years ago when they were the #1 trend the trend peaked when the floral turned big. Looks like its not different this time around as overly large floral prints are trending really well the last couple weeks. You cannot go wrong with florals as they are a classic print that will never stay long on the shelves of any boutique. Expect to see this trend a top tops, dresses and sweaters like the one images above. Ditsy florals are a great addition as well and they sold great in summer season. Ditsy however is usually more attributable to Spring and Summer and Floral if done in the fall and winter usually has a more toned down look or in the case of big florals is a unique perspective on the classic trend. 7. Stripes Two Fall trends were no were to be seen in Fall/Winter, that being stripes and camo. One of those is making a return and it's not camo. Stripes are a classic design and are usually always making a strong place in the season. However I would limit your stripe purchasing to large color block type stripes like the ones imaged above. Anything outside of that is untested at this point and not a necessary buying risk.  Expect this trend to be on tops and dresses but it worth noting that a good stripe dress can be highly desirable. Look out for this trend to gain in traction and make an even stronger push come spring. 7. Bows Bows made a strong push last season being adorned by bows, tops and jewelry. We're seeing even more bows at the start of this fall season. The verdict is not out at Buywholesaleclothing wether this will continue to be a strong trend so buyer beware on this one.  The problem with these random trends that come out of nowhere is that as quickly as they appear they disappear and vanish. Bows is by now means a classic trend so if you are not confident about this trend and your not getting inquiries from customers I would steer clear of this trend.   Early popular fall trends that emerge in July and August don't always stick around but thats also why they are usually tamed down trends like henleys, plaid, etc. As the Fall season carries on and we get into September you get to see the real unique trends that are specific to that year and season. One that that does emerge soon and stays that way is usually color. Since we're seeing a lot of green this year its safe to say that rust and camel will not be so popular as it once was and a new blend of colors around the greenish hue will do really well for . That concludes the five strong early trends were seeing for , happy shopping shoppers!

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

Start A Boutique On A Budget

You've always wanted to launch your boutique but don't have the cash. This blog will explore all the ways we can accomplish this dream while not breaking the bank. Looking for a super simple approach to making a bustling boutique biz? This blog post won't make you instant rich, you will need a ton of dedication and years of work for that, but what I can do is tell you the easiest way to start a boutique and do it on a budget. In fact if you follow the five steps I've outlined below you could possibly find yourself with that boutique you've always dreamed of by the end of the week!  Step 1: Building Your Store On A Budget The first and most foundational step in starting your boutique is building your online store. This will be the hub of your business where customers can browse and purchase your products. Here are two great options to consider: Shopify: This platform is a favorite among small business owners due to its affordability and extensive app integrations. Shopify offers numerous themes and templates that you can customize to fit your boutique’s aesthetic. Additionally, it provides a variety of tools for marketing, inventory management, and customer support. CommentSold: If you want a more specialized solution, particularly for boutiques, CommentSold is an excellent choice! This platform offers features like your own branded app, seamless integration with Facebook and TikTok for live selling, and robust inventory management. While it might be a bit pricier than Shopify, (I think it starts around $299/month) the specialized tools can provide a significant advantage in growing your boutique.    After choosing your platform, you’ll need to decide on a plan that fits your budget and future growth. With a solid plan in place, you’re ready to move on to the next step. Step 2: Designing Your Site With your store platform selected, it’s time to design your website! A great looking site (click for example) is essential to attract and retain customers. Here’s how to achieve a high-quality design without spending a fortune: Purchase a Pre-Made Package: Many platforms like Shopify and Commentsold offer an affordable, pre-designed templates that you can customize. These templates are often professional and visually appealing, providing a great starting point. It's usually very easy to create these websites with the packages, just a couple clicks and you've got a beautiful layout. To learn more click here. Customize with Images: To make your boutique stand out, use high-quality images that represent your brand. If you’re working with a limited budget, consider using free stock photo websites or even taking your own pictures with a smartphone. I've seen many websites gather up some friends and shoot on their Iphone, these images come off both professional and geniune. The goal is to create an inviting and user-friendly website that reflects the style and vibe of your boutique. Keep it fun, clean, and easy to navigate. Step 3: Including Products Now that your store is designed, it’s time to stock it with products! Since you’re on a budget, dropshipping is an ideal solution. This method allows you to sell products without holding inventory and they also provide the support and help that you will need when creating a boutique. Here are some recommended dropshipping partners: Bloom Dropship: This service provides a wide range of fashion products along with product images, marketing materials, and syncing options. It’s an excellent choice for fashion-forward boutiques. Ave Shops: Another great dropshipping partner, Ave Shops offers some great product, stunning images, and marketing support that will make your customers think you are a million dollar venture. They have their own app that syncs to your shopify and is super easy to use. You can view a more comprehensive list of dropshippers here.  Using dropshippers not only minimizes your financial risk but also saves you time on inventory management. With a variety of products available at your fingertips, you can curate a unique selection that aligns with your boutique’s brand. Step 4: Getting Sales At this stage, you have a beautifully designed store and a cute boutique products.  The next challenge is the most difficult task, sales. Here’s how I got about capturing sales: TikTok Reels: TikTok is blowing up and I hear rumors some women are selling upwards of pieces on a single viral video. You can try to get a viral reel but creating energetic and fun reels that showcase your products in a unique way. To achieve this try using the latest trending music, some popular hashtags, and or doing the latest dance! The goal is create something that people want to watch. Tiktok will reward this effort by sharing it with new potential customers. Read my blog about how to go viral on Tiktok. Social Media Advertising: Although this can be pricey, putting a small budget aside for targeted ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram can add huge benefit. These ads are very effective in reaching your specific customers. If ads are too expansive I would suggest making a live show on facebook, here's how to do that.  Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with small influencers or you can start with trying utilizing your friends and family to try on a haul of your latest items. Keep experimenting with different strategies to see what works best for your boutique. Eventually something will stick. Step 5: Taking Care of Your Customers The final step in building a successful boutique on a budget is excellent customer service. Happy customers will return and recommend your boutique to others. Here’s how to ensure great customer care: Follow Up: After a purchase, send follow-up emails thanking customers and asking for feedback. This shows that you value their business and are committed to them. Handle Issues Promptly: If a customer receives a damaged item or has a problem with their order, address it as quick as you can. Offer up a solution such as replacements, refunds, or discounts on future purchases. Engage More with Customers: Be being responsive on social media and through you will give the service your customers can't get at department store. Answer questions, acknowledge compliments, and handle complaints gracefully. Building a community around your brand can significantly enhance customer loyalty. By focusing on customer satisfaction, you will not only build a positive reputation but also encourage repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals, both of which are super important for growing your boutique. Remember, the key to success lies in careful planning, creative marketing, and exceptional customer service. With dedication and the right strategies, your boutique can grow and flourish, even on a shoestring budget.  Happy building!  

Boutique Blog – by Krystal W

The WAR Against Temu - How Boutiques Can Have A Fighting Chance

How boutiques can have a fighting change against the global mega cheap corporations. - By Anna M.  There's a new name causing significant ripples: Temu. Temu is known for their rock-bottom prices—so low that they reportedly lose billions every year just to undercut competitors like Amazon. And it's working, Temu is fast approaching a 100 billion dollar company.  Chinese online giants like Temu and Shein are undercutting prices in a way that’s dramatically impacting not only Amazon but the entire clothing boutique industry. As they capture a significant market share, many boutique owners find themselves grappling with shrinking sales and a pressing need to redefine their value proposition. The Collapse of the Traditional Boutique Market This isn't the first time the clothing industry has been reshaped by plummeting prices. It wasn't long ago when Big box stores like Macys, Walmart and Target once disrupted the boutique market by offering a wide variety of affordable clothing, drawing customers away from smaller shops. Following them, Amazon, Ebay and other mega online retailers further reduced the role of mom-and-pop boutiques with their vast selections and convenient shopping experiences. Despite these challenges, boutiques have always managed to survive and even thrive by focusing on one critical aspect: the shopping experience. Providing a compelling, personalized experience has kept customers loyal, fostering a connection that large retailers often struggle to replicate. Authenticity: A Boutique’s Secret Weapon Even as Temu and Shein flood the market with cheap fashion, boutiques can still provide customers with a unique experience and a personal touch that most consumers crave. Here are five way that can help boutiques stand apart from mega cheap competitors: Elevate Customer Experience: The authentic personal touch has always been a hallmark of boutique shopping. From personalized styling advice to remembering a customers name and preferences, boutiques offer an experience that can't be matched by Temu and others. Putting the effort into exceptional customer service can turn a casual shopper into a loyal client. This means you need to train your staff to be attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in helping customers find what they need and bring to life a memorable unique shopping experience for each person that visits your store. Curated Collections: Unlike the cheap China stuff from Temu and Shein, boutiques can focus on specific boutique products that they can't easily find. Game day attire, embellished risky apparel, screen prints and ultra trending jewelry and accessories are things customers can’t find elsewhere that can make your boutique a destination.  Social Media: Utilize platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to connect with your audience. Reels, fit videos, and live videos feeds can showcase your products and draw customers in.  Utilize these platforms to provide styling tips and give customers a peek behind the scenes. Be sure to be consistent with your promotions and live feeds, I prefer to set up a specific schedule so my customers know and look forward to the next launch. Consistent engagement through stories, posts, and interactions with followers will definitely foster a loyal online community that translates into in-store visits and viral posts. Host Events and Workshops: Creating pop up events or online workshops can draw customers to your boutique. These can range from fashion shows and styling sessions to DIY(Do it yourself) workshops. If you give out you will get back. These events are great for the community and will embed yourself for years to come as a staple retailer of the community.  Build an Online Presence: We've talked about that many times on this blog and while real in-person experiences are invaluable, a strong online presence is still essential in today’s market. Make sure your website is visually appealing and welcoming. Offer exclusive online deals that they can't find anywhere and make sure your website tells the story of your boutique, family or your journey.  Innovating for the Future Despite the pressure from cheap retail giants like Temu and Shein, the boutique industry has proven its resilience time and again. Embracing new technologies like Commentsold and social media sites can help keep ahead of others. Make no doubt bout it, the landscape of the retail market will keep evolving, but through all of it strong, personal connection with customers will always be your key to surviving. Let's Learn from the Past Looking back at the evolution of retail, the boutique sector has always faced improbable challenges. When Walmart and Target began to dominate with their fast fashion and affordable clothing lines, many predicted the end for smaller boutiques. However, social media came around and the ability to connect for free with friends and family and share products and services offered a lifeboat to the boutique. Now with Temu and the recent rise of Amazon and other e-commerce giants it seem like the end is again near for physical boutiques. The convenience and breadth of online shopping attracts millions of customers their way yet we are seeing post covid an emergence in brick and mortar sales as customers who have been cooped up in their homes for two years are desiring personal shopping connections. Leveraging Local and Ethical Brands Another significant strategy I see on the horizon for boutiques is to capitalize on the growing consumer interest in sustainability and ethical fashion. China is hell bent on creating cheap clothing with cheap labor and non sustainable practices but shoppers are increasingly concerned about the environmental and ethical implications of their purchases. Boutiques can stand out by offering products from brands that prioritize sustainable practices, fair trade, and ethical sourcing. This not only attracts a dedicated segment of consumers but also builds a brand image centered around social responsibility. Enhancing Your In-Store Experience Creating an authentic and inviting space can significantly boost your boutique. This might involve getting creating and spending some good hours and money on your store layout. Concentrate on sensory experiences such as music and scents. Also antique furniture goes a long way! Providing an environment where customers can relax, explore, and feel valued can transform a simple shopping trip into a cherished experience. Community Engagement Building partnerships with local businesses can also provide a boost. Collaborations with local churches, artists or partnering with coffee shops for events will draw in eager customers and create a sense of community. Engaging with the community not only enhances visibility but also it's just a fun thing to do! Utilizing Technology  Try your best to stay on top of the latest tech that you can add into your boutique.  Tools such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems can help track customer preferences and purchase history.  Additionally, implementing Shopify augmented reality (AR) apps in online stores can allow customers to virtually try on clothes, bridging the gap between online convenience and in-store experience. A little too extreme for you? Just giving examples no need to try them all. In conclusion the retail landscape is and will always be in a constant flux, and while Temu and Shein present some serious challenges with unspeakably low prices and their endless amount of products, boutiques still possess unique value that these giants will never have. Examples of these values are personalized service, curating unique collections, leveraging social media, and hosting in-person engaging events.  The boutique industry has weathered many storms in the past and now is no different. Stay true to your core values and embracing new opportunities and let's keep trucking along! For inquiries reach out to me at 

Boutique Blog – by Jolie S

Top 3 Latest Ad Strategies for increasing ROI

Return on your investment is a phrase you will hear a lot in the business world. Let's explore what ROI is and how to achieve it. It's never been more competitive online to create just about any business. As social media has grown and boutiques are looking for cheaper solutions to start a boutique, the market has not been spared by this heightened competition. It's super important to concentrate on ad strategies and getting a profitable return to distance yourself from competitors. When you're talking ads you're also talking ROI. Return on investment or (ROI) is the key term to focus on when creating an ad strategy. It's a simple term that probes whether you are getting a profit on your investment. Let's explore three top strategies to unlock the latest advertising trends and how you can get a profitable ROI. Top 3 Ad Strategies 1. Use Data to Make Smart Decisions Data is super important in advertising. It helps businesses make better decisions and improve their campaigns to get more return on investment (ROI). Here’s how I would use data effectively: a. Use Advanced Analytics Tools: Tools like Google Analytics or Facebook Analytics help you understand how they interact with your ads. Without these details you're truly clueless as to what is generating your sales. These tools can show you who your audience is, track sales conversions and teach you if your ads are profiting. b. Do A/B Testing: This is common lingo I hear from the ad agencies these days. It means comparing two versions of an ad to see which one works better. Perhaps going into an ad you have several ideas and imagery you want to use. What you can do is test all of them by pairing them and executing an A/B testing. This will allow you to eventually deduct which ads and imagery are the best performers.  2. Use Multiple Socials to Reach People Nowadays, you can’t just rely on Facebook or Instagram to reach your audience. People use different platforms if not all of them, so you need to adopt a multi-channel marketing approach. Here’s how: a. Cross-Channel Integration:  Did you know you can post on every social media at one time with one post? That's right, there are several programs and companies that will do this for you. This means coordinating your advertising across different platforms like social media, search engines, , and display ads to create a consistent brand experience and save a lot of work.  b. Retargeting: This lets you show ads to ladies across different channels after they’ve interacted with your boutique or didn't finish a purchase. Use tracking pixels, cookies, and customer data to deliver personalized ads that match users’ interests, increasing the chances they’ll convert. 3. Make Content Personal and Authentic People don’t like generic ads anymore, they just don't work. They want ads that feel personal and genuine. Here’s how to make your content stand out: a. Segment Your Audience: Group your audience based on their demographics, interests, purchase history, and behavior. Concentrate your messages that address these groups specific needs and preferences. b. Use User-Generated Content (UGC): I love this one. All it means is using content created by your customers. This could be reviews, pictures and social media posts that you can showcase on your socials and site. Try to encourage your customers to share their experiences and use this content in your ads to build trust and credibility. Wrapping It All Up To succeed in today’s digital advertising world, businesses need to use data smartly, advertise across multiple channels, and create personal and authentic content. By doing this, you can grow your boutique business, beat the competition, and achieve long-term success!

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

The 5 Best Dropshipping Clothing Vendors

Finding a great USA dropshipper is essential to running your boutique! There are several US dropshippers that I use to supply my boutique. Top Best 5 Drop Shipping Vendors 1) Bloom Drop Ship  Bloom is an awesome dropshipper, they are perfect for giving you that clothing look and imagery for that authentic midwestern boutique look. Bloom’s pictures and models are similar to what you would say from Mint Julep, Chic Soul and other top tier boutiques. However Bloom is my number one because their clothing sells the most and this is likely because their prices are lower then the other two drop shippers I use. Bloom has a turn key service and even can build you a website for a couple hundred dollars, and its not too snazzy! The team is headed by former clothing boutique owners and knows what they are doing.  Bloom is one of the last remaining dropship vendors that charges a subscription fee of I believe $99. Unlike most dropship vendors who have gone free Bloom has decided to keep their product and images to just the select few who want to work with him. This is great news if your looking for exclusivity, which in the long run will ensure lasting growth and unique quality products versus going with stuff that everyone else has access too. Other benefits are they carry tons of Judy Blue (my customers eat this up) and they only carry clothing that comes in full size ranges including Plus Size. 2) Boutique Simplified Boutique Simplified is one of the original boutique specific drop shippers. When I say boutique specific I am describing the drop shippers that are the opposite of the China junk, bad picture and odd sizing drop shippers like Aliexpress, Oberlo and others. Instead these fashion drop shippers are catering to the women who want to make an authentic looking American Boutique. Boutique Simplified provides a mix of great models, good brands, tech packs, multiple weekly launches and many unique and useful perks that make selling their clothing easy. They are not quite as robust as Bloom nor are their pictures as good but they are still a great option. Update: Boutique Simplified has gone free and they use AI photos but still provide great reels and the clothing isn't too bad for the price. I think they are still a good addition to any boutique. 3) Trendsi Trendsi is a free app (yay free!) and they do a good job of utilizing the China stuff and reframing it so that it can sell on your boutique site. Their downside is that yes, they do sell China stuff, which is likely why it’s free. But at the end of the day literally everything comes from China anyways so the quality isn’t too bad and they offer something like 100 new items a day that you can sync to your site and sell seamlessly. I know I said I don't like China stuff but if thats your game then I have to at least offer you the dropship vendors that provide it. Trendsi has all the latest and greatest tech to provide you the latest trends coming from China.   4) Avenue Shops Avenue has been a trendsetter for dropship vendors for the last couple of years. They utilize some awesome tech and highly professional images to set themselves apart from the competition. As of recently they are also free for anyone who wants to work with them.  They ship out of USA and do a good job of 24 hour fast shipping. Avenue is one of my favorites to work with and if your interested in dropshipping clothing for your boutique this is a vendor you must look at. Based out of Utah, Avenue has four weekly launches that include a bunch of awesome boutique products like denim, tops and dresses and does a good job of carrying Small through 3x. So what is there not to love about Ave? As mentioned they are free, which I think is awesome but unfortunately everyone uses them so some customers have reached out to me and asked why my pictures and products are also posted on other sites. This isn't always a great conversation to have and one I try to avoid, but this is all part of the territory when your working with free dropship vendors. 5) CommentSold Known for their websites and fancy tech engineered for the small boutique, the vendor Commentsold now offers a dropship catalog for a monthly price of around $250. This is quite expensive but the good news is its an all in one package that includes a website, app and other fancy tools that help you sell on multiple social platforms like Instagram and the booming TikTok. I really don't have many bad things to say other then the platform provides a ton of Chinese stuff and doesn't tell you exactly that it's China stuff.  Commentsold doesn't actually sell its own merchandise though, it's really just a host for people like Trendsi and Ave, who also sell their products on this platform. Commentsold is growing fast and taking on host providers like Shopify. In fact a lot of women I work with have dropped their Shopifys for a commentsold site and have done reasonably well. That concludes my list and I hope this list of dropship clothing vendors helps! Although there are several other drop shippers I think that these five will provide more than enough products and resources to boost your boutique. A couple tips I would suggest is to utilize Tik Tok, Facebook Lives with commentsold and instagram reels. Some of this is obvious stuff and some you will have to look up and learn more on how to capitalize on the marketing features offered to boutiques. And also stay away from China dropshippers, (you can tell they are China when the head's are clipped in the images,) these dropship vendors supply cheap clothing but it doesn't have a label and comes in Chinese bags and wrapping and is a total buzzkill for boutique customers who are shopping with you because they don't want to shop with Amazon. Best of luck! 

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

8 Tips for Launching a Boutique During a Recession (Updated)

The retail market and the economy post covid has taken a nose dive. Retail discretionary spending is at an all time low and it looks like a new normal has arrived. Let's take a look at ways we can save and still expand your boutique. In the face of economic challenges, entrepreneurs often find innovative ways to thrive, and the clothing boutique industry is no exception. In this blog post, let's explore a strategic approach to launching and sustaining a successful clothing boutique during a recession. 8 Tips To Launch Your Boutique 1. Define Your Niche Boutiques need to stand out and it's your #1 job to find the right route to make that happen. To stand out you can try things like creating a boutique niche and develop a compelling story. I've seen boutiques find success on concentrating on targeted themes like game day, plus size, young and hip, steals and deals and more. Understanding your target audience and offering something unique—whether it's in style, pricing, or customer experience—will set the foundation for a successful venture.  Understanding your target audience can be a surprisingly difficult thing and you can check out this blog that gives you 5 ways to identify your audience for more help. 2. Build Strong Relationships with Wholesale Vendors Wholesaler Vendors play a pivotal role in the success of clothing boutiques. Establishing strong relationships with wholesale suppliers can lead to better pricing, favorable credit terms, and a reliable supply of inventory. Companies like Entro have a facebook buying group, this is where you can establish relations and score some deals that you otherwise wouldn't get. It pays to do your research and go the extra mile with the vendors that you will be closely working with.  You can meet in person with wholesale distributors at fashion events, these events like Magic in Vegas, Offprice Show, Dallas Market host hundreds of the top vendors around the country and most of the time are attended by the manager and owners of the brands. If you are willing and outgoing, try your hand at rubbing shoulders with the owner and buying them a drink as it could be a lucrative partnership!  3. Explore New Product Lines Keep trying new things! Every year new trends occur and some vendors can be better than others at spotting those trends and cultivating them into their seasonal designs. For instance game day has been really popular this year as the rise in college sports continues. Unfortunately branded college apparel is super expensive, just look at Kentucky University site to see $40 tees and $80 sweaters, and Kentucky is no exception.  With these ultra high game day pieces as they are boutiques can swoop in and offer up some trendy game day pieces customers who want to support without breaking their bank. It's new trends like these that offer you a fresh start every season to collect some new customers. 4. Strategize Your Vendor Selection Some boutiques stick with a few vendors and some too many. I say choose vendors that align with your boutique's values and customer preferences and don't worry about having too many or too little brands. Look for vendors with a reputation for quality, reliability, and ethical business practices. Building a strong network of vendors ensures a steady supply chain and minimizes disruptions, even in challenging economic times. 5. Build Up Your Online Presence Building an online site is the cheapest and most effective thing you can do in a recession. Online shops are a way to connect 24/7 with customers and can be completed in all under $100/month. Even if you have a brick and mortar store incorporate e-commerce into your boutique's strategy helps you reach a wider audience. Read my blog on how to build a great custom website here. Utilize social media platforms on your site to showcase your inventory, customer RL(real life) photos and directly engage with customers.. 6.Leverage Social Media Marketing Get ready to harness the power of billion dollar social media platforms and promote your boutique to the world. Utilize platforms like Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, and Pinterest to showcase your clothing lines, share style tips, and engage in conversations with your audience. Try collaborating with small influencers to extend your reach and build brand awareness. Perhaps you can offer them free samples in exchange for a quick review. 7.Create Smart Financial Planning During a recession, every penny counts. Create a detailed budget that includes all aspects of your boutique business—from inventory and marketing to operating expenses. I find it's better to go less on purchasing clothing than more. Try adopting drop shipping into your store to provide the same trendy pieces while paying no costs on the merchandise or storage.  Try to limit the number of employees you have and hire family and friends that are willing and able to help you build your boutique. Offer them incentives and perks for working with you if you can't afford them the big salary. 8. Customer-Centric Approach A successful boutique thrives on satisfied and loyal customers. In crisis financial times like these its best to invest in direct relationships with loyal customers. Make sure that you keep your core group of customers because surely as the economy worsens you will lose a lot of new and periphery customers. Provide exceptional customer service, personalize shopping experiences, and actively seek customer feedback. Implement loyalty programs and promotions to encourage repeat business, turning satisfied customers into brand advocates. Successfully navigating a recession in the clothing boutique business requires a strategic blend of niche targeting, strong wholesale relationships, and effective vendor management. By diversifying your product lines, optimizing your online presence, and maintaining a customer-centric approach, your boutique can not only survive but also thrive in challenging economic times. Remember, adaptability and a commitment to quality are key ingredients for long-term success in the boutique industry. Best of luck! Anna

Boutique Blog – by Guest

6 Tips for Buying Wholesale Inventory for Boutique Owners

Guest blog post provided by Hubventory Buying wholesale inventory is one of the most important jobs of a boutique owner, and it can also be one of the most fun! However, not having a game plan can result in overstock inventory and uninterested customers. Reduce the risk of having leftover inventory with our 6 tips for buying wholesale inventory.  Always remember, buying wholesale inventory is about INVESTING in something that you are going to turn around and make a profit. Let's get into our 6 tips for buying wholesale inventory!  1. Know your customers If you don’t know your customers and who you are buying for, how can you serve them correctly? One way to get a better insight into your customer is by doing customer interviews or surveys. Some good questions to ask include:  What are your customers’ needs, wants, and desires? What are their pain points or frustrations? (Is this something you can offer a solution to? Customers will pay to have their problems solved.) What sizes do they need? What fit, feel, and function do they need? What colors do they love? Remember, just because you love it doesn't mean it is what your customer is looking for! 2. Know your options There are so many different options for boutique owners wanting to buy wholesale inventory. The first option to buy wholesale is from online marketplaces such as Hubventory. Buying wholesale on Hubventory can be beneficial as you can connect with new wholesale brands and shop for your retail business, all from the comfort of your couch!  Hubventory isn’t your average wholesale marketplace. Hubventory was created by the industry, with your business put first. Enjoy easy Shopify integrations & uploads, collaborative inventory planning boards, personalized feeds, honest pricing, instant member savings, and education all on the platform Learn More about Hubventory Another option to purchase wholesale is by attending a tradeshow market in person. Which is better, you ask? We suggest a marriage of the two. There are benefits to both in-person and online wholesale shopping. Going to an in-person market can offer inspiration, relationship building with vendors, and you’ll actually be able to see and feel the quality of the apparel. Major markets can be found in Chicago, New York, Dallas, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Las Angeles, Nashville - just to name a few! Remember to keep your customers in mind from tip #1. It’s easy to walk into a market or log onto Hubventory and get sidetracked by everything they have to offer. Go in with a plan and your customers in mind.  3. Understand your vendors sizing Nothing is worse than getting excited about an online order only to find out that the sizing isn’t correct. Make sure your customers don’t experience this with your boutique. It’s up to you to provide the right resources for your customer and knowing your vendors sizing is a key step in this process. 4. Understand Prepacks Vendors will most often pre-pack their items. These are packages of one item based on size runs. Common pre-packs include 2-2-2 (2 small, 2 medium, 2 large), or 1-2-2-1 (1 small, 2 medium, 2 large, 1 extra-large). It is up to you to make the best decision with these pre-packs. If you have a number of XL customers, it wouldn’t make sense to order a 2-2-2 pre-pack. Likely, if your customer base is primarily small-sized, it wouldn't make sense to order a 1-2-2-1 pack. Lot’s of numbers here, but this is a crucial part in making sure you aren’t left with overstock and buying what your customers actually need.  5. Keep Minimums in Mind Another important thing to keep in mind before purchasing from a vendor is minimums. Each vendor works differently, so make sure you ask about this. Some brands require a minimum dollar amount spent, while others require a minimum number of pre-packs bought. Is this something you can afford, or is it just that one sweater you fell in love with? The majority of the time, it is not worth it to break the bank to meet that minimum requirement for that one item. This is a huge red flag and will result in leftover inventory.  6. Price for Profit  It is easy to get caught up in a pricing bubble while wholesale shopping. When you are shopping around, the first thing you should ask yourself when you find something is ‘what will my customer pay for this?’ Once you’ve decided on a price, and only then, turn that price tag around. If the wholesale price is justifiable and can offer you a good ROI (return on investment), you’re good to go! If there isn’t a gap between your ideal retail price and the wholesale price, it might not be a good option.  FREE DOWNLOAD - More Tips on How to Buy Wholesale There is a science to knowing how to buy wholesale clothing for your boutique. There are plenty of apparel markets and online vendors you can go to, but knowing where and who to buy wholesale clothing from is key. This free download will go over the key tips for buying wholesale for your boutique. I want more tips!  We hope you loved our article on 6 Tips for Buying Wholesale Inventory. By shopping wholesale on Hubventory, members can take advantage of fair pricing and even member discounts on top brands! Sign Up to Shop on Hubventory now! 

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

Why Staying on Top of Fashion Trends is So Essential for Boutique Owners

It’s not always critical for chains and larger retailers to follow these trends, but this is not the case for boutique owners. In fact, staying on top of fashion trends is one of the most important factors in being a successful boutique owner. Continue reading to learn why staying on top of fashion trends as a boutique owner is so essential.  Top Reasons to Stay On Top Of Fashion Trends Following Fashion Trends Will Improve Sales If a boutique is not following fashion trends, then beginning to do so may lead to drastically improved sales. Your boutique’s image may not be based on certain styles, which may mean that you avoid current trends alltogether. While this is understandable, it could be hindering the growth of your boutique.  Following trends does not have to eliminate unique style of boutique. In some cases, you may be able to stick with the general theme, and then follow the trend of current styles. Of course, this will not always be the case. However, carrying some trendy clothing options is still a good idea. It could attract new customers who will come to the boutique for the current trends, but this can also lead them to browse other wares as well.  Follow Trends to Compete with Other Boutiques Realistically, boutiques need to follow fashion trends to some degree in order to succeed - unless they have control over a particular niche which keeps people coming back. If boutiques were to continue to always try to sell the same or similar clothes, they are bound to fail in the long run. When customers come back in to see the same or hardly different items, it tells them that they don’t need to bother coming back. They already know what is there.  In other words, you will quickly begin losing customers to competition that are carrying newer and more relevant inventory. Staying on top of what is popular and having those types of clothing or products will be key to staying relevant in the sea of boutiques. Don’t Completely Change Your Business Model When you adopt trends, it does not mean that you have to remove what you normally sell. This will push away regular customers. The idea is to do both! The current niche and customers will remain the same, but staying on top of fashion trends will help to attract new customers as well. You do not have to cut off your old business inventory and model to grow and embrace trends.  How to Stay on Top of Fashion Trends If you haven’t tried to stay on top of fashion trends before, then you may have no idea where to start. Fortunately, there are several great sources that you can look to for what is trending in the industry.  The first and probably most informative of these sources is often social media. Social media will show trending fashion hashtags, reveal what everyone is talking about, and show how popular current trends are. This information can easily be used to figure out how you can apply current fashion trends to your boutique. This will also inform you about what you need to change. Vogue and other fashion-related magazines can also be great up-to-date source for trends in the fashion world.  If you would like to go more in-depth about tracking trends, then you can even use Google Trends to find out what people are searching for. You can also receive alerts related to these keywords. It is up to you how far in depth you’ll go to stay on top of trends. However, all of the above are great methods to locate current trends.  Use Social Media to Your Advantage As mentioned above, social media is one of the best places to find out the current fashion trends in . Not only this, it is also the best place to promote your offerings and any new trendy inventory.. Social media is one of the most powerful tools that a boutique can use to grow their business. It lets you put yourself and your products in front of a massive audience. It also helps you find the right groups who are interested in what you have.  This is Not Fast Fashion The idea here is not to follow fashion trends in the ways that fast fashion brands do. This is actually impractical. You want to stay on top of trends to see if anything you sell is potentially trending.  You can bring in inventory that aligns with some of the current trends. This does not mean you keep swapping trends in-and-out like fast fashion does. Fast fashion brands tend to sell cheap clothing that does not last long, and this is something you should avoid. You want to continue to maintain high-quality products, with some attention on trends that could bring in an entirely new customer base. High-quality products that will feel fresh for current customers, and new ones-alike.  Looking for Quality Wholesale Options for Your Boutique?  If you are a new boutique, or looking to change your wholesale source, then BuyWholesaleClothing is here to help. We know how difficult it can be to find and choose a trustworthy wholesaler. This is why we put out resources that will make this process easier.  Our goal has always been to help boutique owners find accessible, affordable wholesale options to source their products from. Whether you are just beginning, or are looking to change sources, we hope that we can answer your questions. If you would like to see more from us, you can enter your on our site and join our mailing list.

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

5 Social Media Mistakes to Avoid as a Boutique Owner

If you're a boutique owner not using social media correctly you are putting your boutique in detrimental harm. Social media can help businesses reach more people, new audiences, and increase their customer base. However, there are also several mistakes that can be made on social media that should be avoided. For the best social media results, continue reading to learn about these mistakes and how to avoid them. Top 5 social media mistakes to avoid as a boutique owner. Neglecting or Not Using Social Media Enough as a Boutique Owner As mentioned above, not using social media enough can actually be detrimental to your botique. Social media can can help boost your reach and greatly improve visibility. Not using it is essentially throwing away the potential for new customers and sales.  As a boutique owner, you should be reaching out and connecting with people on as many platforms as you can. The more new eyes you can get seeing what you offer, the more customers you are likely to have. Plus, social media makes it easy for people to share posts with their friends and family. Referrals improve growth tremendously. Don’t Spread Yourself Too Thin on Social Media It is important to not spread yourself too thin as a boutique on social media. Yes, it is important to have a strong social media presence. It is a great idea to connect with customers across different platforms. And, it can be hard to manage multiple platform pages, especially as a solo boutique owner or small team. There is only so much time and effort that can go into boosting social media presence. It is a better idea to choose one or two platforms to commit to. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a situation where you have a low social media presence across multiple platforms. Therefore, potentially having subpar content because of time constraints.  Including Captions on Instagram and Facebook Picture Posts When posting photos of clothing on Facebook or Instagram, don’t forget to write a caption! This caption can be optimized by using keywords and hashtags that people continuously search for. This will lead to increased traffic on your post.  Also, just posting pictures without captions creates somewhat of a disconnect with customers. They may know nothing about your boutique or offerings. Captions are a perfect way to engage, connect with, and build relationships with current and potentially new customers.  Hashtags Are More Important Than You May Think Hastags can sometimes seem silly or unnecessary to some boutique owners who do not know their power. Actually, hashtags are one of the most highly used and common ways that people use social media. This helps to connect, relate, and thread posts together. To connect with fashion communities and show off your wares, hashtags are critical. It will help your posts show up in more searches, help customers find unique items, and strengthen your customer base over time. In other words, never forget to add trending hashtags to your posts, even if they seem silly!  Not Using Influencer Marketing Another huge social media mistake for many boutique owners is not using influencer marketing. If you’re unfamiliar with influencer marketing, lets talk about influencers first. An influencer is someone who has amassed a lot of followers on social media. People look to them for advice, lifestyle, engaging content, and more. The massive amount of eyes on these individuals make them great for showing off your products. There is typically be a fee that you will need to pay the influencer for their time. However, their promoted posts can often lead to significant sales for your boutique.  When using influencer marketing, it is important to connect with the right influencer. Do not use an influencer who has a lot of followers, but is not connected to fashion in any way. You’ll want to find an influencer who deals with fashion. This way, they will be able to get your products in front of people with similar interests. In other words, make sure you are marketing to the right crowd when using influencer marketing.  The Bottom Line of Social Media as a Boutique Owner   Realistically, if you want to survive and thrive as a boutique owner, social media is critical. It is where people go to find new styles, options, and stores to shop. Not putting yourself in front of an audience is a total waste.  Customers are constantly out there Googling “boutiques near me.” They are much more likely to visit your store when they have seen your posts. They’re more likely to check you out if they’ve connected with your store on these platforms. This is especially true if you are beginning as a boutique. You’ll need to get yourself out there and in front of people as fast as possible to begin receiving traffic.  Social media is far from the only thing to focus on when running a boutique. However, it is certainly an important factor that can be used to greatly grow your business.  Are You Searching For High Quality Wholesale Clothing for Your Boutique?   If you are a boutique having trouble with your wholesale options or would like to expand, we’re here to help. Our goal is to provide education on high quality, extensive, and affordable wholesale options. We understand that finding quality wholesale options can be overwhelming, especially as a starting boutique. This is why we aim to make the process as easy as possible. Feel free to browse our site to learn more about creating a boutique and finding wholesale options. We are excited for you to start building your business and hope that our content helps to answer your questions.

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

Where Do Boutiques Stand in a World Dominated by Fast Fashion?

The fashion world has consistently become more competitive and difficult to thrive in over the years, especially for boutiques. Probably the largest factor is how much fast fashion has continued to dominate the industry over time. We ask and answer the question on how boutiques can better thrive in this landscape of ever changing trends What is Fast Fashion? The core of fast fashion is to get clothing from design concept to store floors in as little time as possible. With traditional clothing, it can sometimes take close to a year for this process. Whereas in fast fashion, it is a matter of months. While this can seem like a great thing for consumers, it is actually detrimental to the fashion industry and in many other ways.  The major issue with this industry is that the focus is primarily on speed, which greatly takes away from quality. Fast fashion clothing is typically outsourced and produced cheaply in mass quantities to get it out as fast as possible. This leads to labor exploitation and cheaply manufactured clothes that will not last. Unfortunately, long lasting clothing is not even a concern. The idea is that people will simply buy the next round of fast fashion trends.  The Major Players in Fast Fashion Brands There are plenty of fast fashion brands and companies out there. The major players are the ones really influencing the industry and growing it. This includes H&M and Zara, which are the oldest companies operating in fast fashion. It also includes names like GAP, Forever21, Shein, Fashion Nova, and more.  Where Boutiques Stand in Fast Fashion Of course, fast fashion can seem like a difficult industry to compete with for boutique owners. How are boutiques supposed to keep up with major players? Companies who are able to get the newest clothing lines and styles in a matter of months? Not only this, they have the capital to keep rotating their inventory.  These options are often unavailable to boutiques. Fortunately, this in no way means that it’s impossible to thrive as a boutique in this fast fashion world. Boutiques possess benefits that fast fashion does not.  What Boutiques Have Over Fast Fashion While fast fashion has the advantage of cheaper materials and speed, boutiques also have their own merits over the industry.  Boutiques often focus on quality or high end types of clothing, which many people are searching for over fast fashion brands. This puts boutiques in an excellent position. This means potential to be the main source of clothing for those who do not like the fast fashion industry.  Boutiques often find their own niche type or style of clothing that many fast fashion outlets likely don't carry. Many customers are looking for these specific styles, and boutiques should aim to market and connect to these types of people.  Competing with Fast Fashion Brands There are a couple ways that boutiques can capitalize upon the fast fashion attitude. The first of these is to stay up to date and stock clothing trends. While this may not be desirable, it can help bring in customers that will also look at the other wares.  Also, many people may desire trends, but would rather purchase from a smaller business that will provide higher quality clothing. This is a void that boutiques should be ready and willing to fill.  Sustainability is Becoming More of a Concern In the modern era, people are becoming concerned with sustainability in many parts of life, including their clothing.  Customers are getting tired of clothes barely lasting a year or less. This causes them to seek options that lost longer, despite possibly paying a bit more. They want materials that are sourced ethically, without draining the planet of its resources.  As more people move toward sustainability, the more they will begin to shy away from fast fashion. This is not saying that fast fashion is on its way out. However, more people are beginning to consider the implications involved with this industry.  The Bottom Line The bottom line is that fast fashion likely isn't going anywhere anytime soon, and that doesn't mean boutiques cannot thrive. As long as they work to maintain trends, fill their niche, and provide high quality clothing - there will always be plenty of customers waiting at your doors. Plus, social media is a massive tool that boutiques can use to put themselves in front of their desired audience. It is important to consider fast fashion competition, but boutiques should not let it be the reason they shutdown either.  The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion One of the largest issues in this industry is the environmental impact of fast fashion. It continues to consume large amounts of power to pump out clothing as fast as possible. In turn, this creates large amounts of waste and pollution. Furthermore, many of these items are primarily synthetic, and there is no good way to dispose of or recycle them.  Looking for High Quality Wholesale Options?  It can be tough for smaller boutiques to find wholesale options that are a good fit. This is where we aim to help. Our site is jam-packed with content that can help boutique owners. Whether you’re a boutique owner, or are thinking of becoming one, we help you find high quality wholesale options. We invite you to check out our educational articles and blogs to answer your budding questions. For any further questions, join our mailing list for even more content.

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit wholesale custom wall sconces supplier.

Why Attending Fashion Shows Can Make You a Better Boutique Owner

Fashion Events are not only a blast to attend they can also be an invaluable resource that a boutique utilizes to flourish. Let's dive into what a Fashion Event Show consists of and which ones to attend. Using Fashion Shows to Enhance Your Boutique Fashion shows are large, collaborated events where multiple designers, vendors, and wholesalers get together. Fashion shows are what you would traditionally think of with a runway. However, there are also trunk shows and conventions with no runway, similar to an expo in a hotel conference room.  For reference, a trunk show is where vendors will have a small inventory stock available for purchase by those who attend the event. Historically inventory has been brought to the show in an actual trunk – hence the name. At any fashion show, designers will display their latest collections. Attendees will even have the opportunity to see collections that have not reached the market yet. Items brought to shows are typically available for sale at wholesale price.  Fashion shows can also bring non-fashion vendors, such as wine or champagne companies. All the promotion between each attendee provides the opportunity for max participation from all communities involved. In addition, every vendor will post the event on their social media and their company’s social media and share details through word of mouth.  Fashion Show Mall The Fashion Show Mall is a shopping mall located on the Las Vegas Strip. It was founded in and is an estimated feet from Cesar’s Palace. This mall hosts big-name stores such as Anthropologie, Tiffany and Co., and Nieman Marcus.  The mall is unique from others in the country in that it has a retractable runway in its center. In addition, it hosts free fashion shows often. Shows are Friday thru Sunday from noon until 5 PM, displaying various pieces sold at the mall. Since (possibly before, given its age and reputation), Fashion Show Mall has had a “first to market” strategy. This simply means it is a place for new brands to debut themselves in Las Vegas. The benefit to this is that Las Vegas has a high population of residents and is always boasting tourism. So you never know who could see your brand or when.  Even better, if you get retail space in this mall, your brand can be featured in the weekly fashion shows. Imagine finally getting that retail dream space, and then boom, your brand is discovered by a person (or people) that can put your name on the maps you wish to be on.  How This Benefits You So, how do all this fashion show and fashion mall talk pertain to you? Knowing about the different events in the fashion community is good to know for attendance purposes. Or, if you cannot attend but know someone who is, you can send your product with them. Then, work a business deal where they showcase, and you give them X amount of the sales from that show or some free outfits? Just an idea!  I digress. It is often said in various places that community is good. Two are better than one, and three cannot be broken apart. The fashion world is no different from this concept. As the idea mentions above, successful businesses require help from others. We are not meant to do life (or business) alone.  Marketing online has multiple benefits in today’s technology-driven world. Everyone is constantly posting on their social media, scrolling the internet, and they have an address. Additionally, marketing with people in your industry expands that opportunity even more. Networking with others in the fashion industry should be seen as necessary, not competitive. Think of fashion industry networking as having a mentor in the workplace that guides you as you grow as a business owner.  It may be evident that going to fashion shows provides networking opportunities for you between vendors, other boutiques, wholesale opportunities, and mentorship. In addition, some names in fashion have expanded their businesses through networking at these fashion events.  The Takeaway So, what are the takeaways for you as a boutique owner with all this fashion show talk?  One, network! Immerse yourself into the fashion community around you, be it locally, nationally, or globally. The market has space for us all. It is better if we help each other win, I.E., network, and exchange contact information at fashion events. (E.g., trunk shows, fashion shows, or even the Fashion Mall in Las Vegas!)  Two, try new things. What worked in the past may not work now. Or, what works for some may not work for your boutique. We all have different styles and audiences we intend to reach with our brands. No two things are consistently alike. Take ideas from the fashion community around you and see how you can implement them into your own business.  Lastly, do not say “no” to an opportunity. This ties into trying new things. You never know when an opportunity could be the break you have been hoping for in your business. Big or small, starting or having been established for years, take the options presented to you.  Each opportunity is going to teach you something. It will inevitably lead you to the right places because each option will teach you something new.  For example, Amy Hilton Designs got “the big break” from being found online by a local resort. The designer said “yes” to attending a trunk show without having done one before. From that one “yes,” a risky “yes,” I might add, she has a wholesale account with the resort. She also has high-profile and influential clients that loyally follow her brand.  Let's Network! I hope this resonates and encourages you! However, it does not mean your business will bud overnight. Remember, Rome was not built in one day. So take your time networking and trying new opportunities; the rest will flow. For more advice, contact us at Buy Wholesale Clothing!

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

Everything You Need to Know About Running an eCommerce Business

E-commerce is only one piece of the pie when it comes to e-business. An e-business is running a company entirely through the internet. Marketing, sales, inventory, and payroll are business operations for any e-business.  The Basics That You Need to Know With the continuing use of technology, internet-run businesses are becoming increasingly popular. Even brands with storefronts have transitioned their businesses to include e-commerce sales.  Now let’s factor in how chaotic yet closed-off made the entire world. Some people have stopped wanting to go to the store and opt for the convenience of snail mail deliveries. Others have developed somewhat of social anxiety from being isolated. Lastly, some people have realized that for them, an online business helps them continue to focus on other areas of their lives that they deem essential to do so.  E-commerce is slowly beginning to run the world (if it is not already doing so). With this, your dreams of starting an online business are accessible now more than ever. Many people who have had their online business for years are now passing their knowledge and experience to others.  You now have the availability of gaining teachings online to start, grow, and run your own online business. There is a lesson for every market, be it the e-commerce business platforms mentioned above or something beyond that.  Three Best Ecommerce Hosting Providers Multiple e-commerce platforms to choose from to assist in running your online business.  First, there is Shopify. I am sure you have seen their logo on many of your favorite websites recently. Shopify allows you as a business owner to manage all aspects of your business from one single platform. This includes inventory, shipping (including drop shipping), a POS system for those pop-up shops, package tracking for the customer, and more.  Shopify has three different e-commerce memberships available for you to choose from. They range from basic to advanced, and neither costs more than $300 per month. Each membership is designed for the size and structure of your business.  Bonus: Shopify has resources for you to learn how to start and grow your business! You do not need years of experience to use this e-commerce platform.    Second, there is BigCommerce. This platform is best for bigger businesses, given its vast product search availability. However, it is also a good source for companies looking to have a brick-and-mortar plus an online presence and those who want to start an online store. BigCommerce allows you to design your website through customizable templates. You do not have to be the most technically savvy individual to use these templates. However, please note that only seven of the interfaces are free.  This platform also boasts many in your business community that design and develop. In addition, you can be connected to others in your field through the built-in partner directory.    Lastly, there is Shopwired. This platform is becoming one of the leading performers in the e-commerce industry. It is known for being easy to use, having powerful features, and excellent performance.  This platform is also available worldwide, like Shopify. Again, the pricing is similar to BigCommerce and Shopify, with a competitive feature set (as mentioned above).  Shopwired will give you the power to create quote requests, a trade account (or multiples), and bulk discounts. It truly excels in these B2B features!  How Do I Get Started? That may seem overwhelming even if you have already started researching your industry and making a business plan. I wanted to help alleviate some of that stress by giving you my top ___ starting points. Please note that the first step is the only one you should probably do before the others.  First, once you know what you want to do, pick your brand name. This is the most straightforward step. It is also the easiest way to get your brand to stand out above competitors. You want to ensure that what you are picking is not something that will get people to think of other brands over yours. With this, you need to make yourself a good logo. The logo, like the name, will help your brand stand out. Do not worry, though! You do not have to do this part alone. There are companies designed for this specific purpose.   Research your competitors as well. See what is working for them, what is not, and what changes you can make to your ideas to do your marketing and selling more effective.  Once you have developed a brand name and a logo and researched competitors, you should begin your business plan. This can be overwhelming. Research business models, and do not be afraid to ask for help.   Next, you need to figure out where and how you will source your product(s). Are you going to get them from a wholesaler? Are you going to make the products yourself? If not, will you be sourcing internationally, nationally, or locally? Will you choose to dropship?  Then, how are you going to market and sell your products online? This is where eCommerce platforms, such as Shopify come into play. There are more than the three named above, each tailoring to different needs and price points. No matter your business size, there is an e-commerce platform that will fit your needs.  Let’s Connect:  I think there is enough room in the online boutique business for all of us. I also believe we can learn from each other. I hope this blog has helpful information for your journey to starting your boutique! Connect with Buy Wholesale Clothing to learn more and ask any questions you may have!

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

Why Shopify Is Best For Your Boutique

Shopify is the #1 web hosting provider for retail, let's explore why and how it can help your boutique. What Is Shopify? Shopify is an eCommerce platform that simplifies all facets of running a business. This hosting supplier is not only for online businesses; any user can start and grow their business. You can use Shopify in person at a pop-up shop, on the web, on a mobile , at brick-and-mortar locations, and even on social media.  Shopify handles any tool a business owner needs for product management, inventory, payments, and shipping in one place. Blocking all of the capabilities eliminates the need to use multiple platforms.  Access is available worldwide from any compatible device with internet capabilities. It is cloud-based and hosted. Software upgrades, server upgrades, and maintenance are handled remotely. Shopify agents still address requests quickly.  Shopify allows you to personalize your websites, creating a unique shopping experience for your customers. From here, you can promote and sell your brand across social media sites and marketplaces. In addition, you can reach a wider customer base with customer engagement and marketing tools. Shopify has a messaging, inbox, and chat capabilities.  The app allows customers to check out quickly and track their order and shipment details. When in person, Shopify acts as a POS system. You can still track all inventories and sales from your device.  Growth tools on this platform include a logo maker, slogan maker, QR code generator, and more. You can also select and host your domain through Shopify. Shopify Pricing: Pricing of this service ranges from $29 per month to $299 per month, depending on the business owner's needs. The basic package is for businesses that are just starting and selling products in person now and again. The middle-tiered package (“Shopify”), priced at $79 per month, is the best for growing businesses that sell online and in-store. Finally, the highest tier package is for more prominent companies that need advanced reporting tools.  One significant difference in pricing differences is inventory locations. Shopify allows consumers to track inventory through their platform and where the list is physically located (e.g., a warehouse, if you dropship, etc.). In addition, you are allowed to track your inventory in multiple locations using your Shopify Membership. Shopify membership assigns inventory to a store, pop-up, or warehouse – anywhere you store your products. You can assign between four and eight inventory locations. The second significant difference is reporting. Each report will be detailed depending on the features attached to your plan. Note that the primary and standard plans do not calculate third-party shipping rates. Instead, they offer shipping discounts (77% to 88%) and labels. Shopify and Advanced packages give the option of USPS cubic pricing.  The last thing to note in Shopify’s membership pricing is currency conversions and taxes. The Advanced membership is the only one that allows you to calculate duties and import taxes and set prices based on each varying market. For example, if your business is located in the United States, but you are doing a pop-up shop in Paris, Advanced will assist you in setting the product price in euro currency. Again, this feature is only for the Advanced membership, which gears towards use by bigger businesses.  The Benefits of This Service: So, what are the benefits of using Shopify, and why does your business need this platform? The first is simplicity. Shopify blends technology and training to grow and manage your business. It allows you to go around the world with your business. If you prefer to stay in one location, you can do that too. This application takes all the guesswork out of building or running a business. It is one thing to have an idea. It is another to be given tools to generate success. You may not understand all the reports, but Shopify’s core system will teach you.  Maybe you have been running your business for years, and you are used to taking time away from your brand to do the behind-the-scenes work. Inventory management, pricing, shipping labels, running a POS system separately, and more. Shopify allows you to step into an era of ease for your business.  Second, the pricing is compatible with the services. If your business is just starting, then you know you may not have additional cash to put into a service like this. Or, maybe you are only able to invest in one of the many service platforms you’re your business will eventually require. That is OK! Shopify’s introductory package price makes this service assessable to any business. As your business grows, your membership can too!  Third, and probably the best benefit of Shopify, is that it is cloud-hosted and managed. You can take your business anywhere in the world. Worldwide promotion leads to growth. If you are the type that likes to work on vacation or vacation where you work, this will work for you. You can take this anywhere and still be able to keep up with behind-the-scenes functions, such as inventory management.  Lastly, Shopify allows drop shipping! For those that may not be familiar, drop shipping is simply outsourcing manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping to third-party sellers. Imagine that your friend owns a business, and they pay you to make, stock, and ship your product on their behalf. Drop shipping is great for first-time business owners as it gives them (you!) time to focus more on marketing. In addition, you can test products and product lines for little to zero risk while you grow your business.   We Are Here to Help! Because running a business online is now one of the best ways to do so, I highly encourage you to consider using Shopify. You do not need Facebook groups. You need your real estate (so to speak) and control over the content your viewers see (enter… the Facebook algorithms that inevitably “hide” your content from potential shoppers). We hope this information has been helpful in your journey. Please contact us at Buy Wholesale Clothing for more tips and tricks!  

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

Starting a Boutique For Beginners

Congratulations!! You have decided to open a clothing boutique. It’s a wonderful career for people that love clothes, love people, and love making people love their clothes. It is so much fun to provide options for people and try to meet their clothing needs at a reasonable price. But it requires hard work dedication and funds. There are many things you should consider when learning how to start a boutique. Our experts at Buy Wholesale Clothing want to offer information on a few of those less discussed topics here. The First Thing When Starting The very first thing you want to do is find your niche. Is it children’s clothing, women’s clothing, women's and children’s clothing? Will you also have jewelry, shoes, household goods, or anything else? Think about what you love to talk about with your friends. What do you love to put together? Your clothes? Your kid’s clothes? What needs do you see? What void can you fill? It can be hard to succeed in a small business if you provide the same product as everyone else. As you are considering how to start your boutique, concentrate on what makes you special? If you are selling the same items as other more established businesses, show how you can do it better. You sell women’s wholesale clothing, but you also do more. You have a knack for putting the singles together to create gorgeous outfits. Show some proof of that. Hang your creations around the boutique and put on mannequins. Take plenty of pictures to post online. This makes your skills something the other shops do not have.   How to Start an Online Boutique the Right Way. The best way to start preparing your online boutique is while building your initial inventory. You can place the items in stock and post the images online when you are ready. By building the databases simultaneously, you will not have to do the online work later. Some owners keep the most exclusive items for online sales only. That is not the most advisable approach. We suggest putting all items on sale at both venues and selling them to the first person with the funds to buy them. If you do not have room in your boutique for some of the items you want to offer, put a notation online. Something like “Viewable in Boutique upon Request” that way clients know to let you know they want to see it. Then you can bring it to the boutique from the storeroom. Find a Contact Management System that can do all of this for you. If you have planned to buy the basic program, adding the additional features will be worth it in the long run. Be sure everything you put online is the same as your on-site information. Use a lot of images, snappy titles, fun announcements, and other regular content. Set up a posting schedule, but do not try to post daily. This will be too much of a commitment. Try to post on a set day once a week. Hopefully, you will get followers looking for your post each week. Encourage your viewers to share and post comments on the posts. Read any comments and respond to them. Do not ignore your customers. The customer is not always right, but they always deserve the right to discuss their views.   Important Things to Consider When Starting a Boutique There is one very important item many entrepreneurs do not spend enough time considering. That is the boutique name. This seems so simple and fundamental, yet frequently not enough time is spent on it. First-time small business owners are sometimes hesitant to name the business a boutique. They are concerned it sounds uppity and expensive. So they step back and title it a “Shop” or a “Store” then they want to decorate and promote it as a boutique. This creates questions and confusion. It makes potential clients uncomfortable when they consider coming to your business. They do not know what to expect. You never want your potential clients to feel uncomfortable when thinking about your business. You want potential customers to be excited about visiting your boutique. Have them looking forward to seeing what you have to offer. This brings us to our next item.    Marketing Promoting / Marketing is the biggest thing you can and must do for the success of your business. This starts the first day you decide this is your goal and continues in some way every day from then on. We hope that your logo and name speak to you. They need to say what you want to project. Be sure to include your logo and name on literally everything. There is no additional charge online, so include it on all of your main pages. Include it in all of your printed materials. Be consistent, and keep the same basic setup. People find comfort in consistency. These details may seem small. But little details are what big companies study to get people to buy their products. That’s why the logos, headings, and main subjects should never change. There have been some major rebrand failures in big business. Try to get it right the first time so it won’t be necessary to do a rebranding later to get the look you always wanted.   Your company needs a website, a Facebook page, a Pinterest page, and any other popular social media site. You can create the original post and then copy it to each page so you do not have to create a new page for each site.    Visit buy wholesale clothing for more information about your wholesale women’s clothing boutique. Be creative, Be fun, and show your prospective clients what you can do. Don’t just post pictures of shirts and pants for sale. The lady across town does that. Do more, and do it better. You will win fans and become successful if you believe in yourself. Much Success!!  

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

Boutique Owner Dos and Don'ts

You dream of owning a fancy boutique. Selling women’s clothes, jewelry, shoes, maybe children’s clothes. You spend every Saturday visiting shops. Private label boutiques, wholesale boutiques, consignment boutiques, and shoe sales. You have already accumulated a fairly large inventory, and boutique ownership feels within reach. Here are a few Do’s and Don’t that you need to be sure you have worked out before you leap. Dos and Don'ts   DO: Find reliable wholesale suppliers to work with.  Wholesale Clothing Sites is our list of some supplies to use. DONT: Make supplier decisions based solely on pricing.   How Much Does a Boutique Owner Make? ZipRecruiter reports that the average annual Online Boutique Owner salary ranges from  $17,000 to $53,500. If you are also opening a brick-and-mortar store, you have much more potential income and expenses. Some reports indicate those earnings may be up to $100,000. But that will not happen the first year. Get enough financing to get you through the first year without making a profit. This also means without you getting paid as you will roll every extra dollar back into the business.   DO: Make realistic projections for sales and income DON’T: Expect to get rich the first year.   How to Become a Boutique Owner Succeeding as a boutique owner takes style, heart, dedication, and brains. It also takes money.  The initial investment varies greatly depending on the type of boutique you want to own. The location, initial inventory, and items you carry also affect your initial need. Comparative shop online so you can use legitimate prices and not guesses for the things you want. If you underprice your needs, you will not have enough money to accomplish your goals. If you overprice, you will be paying far too much in interest.   DO: Be realistic about the funds you will need to start up  and stay operational for the first 6 to 12 months.  See 5 Things Before You Start a Boutique. DON’T: Try to start up the business with less money than you know you will  need. Inadequate funding will cause underfunding in  marketing and other key areas.   1. Find the Gap, Make it Your Niche. Have you thought you would have done things differently at some of the boutiques you visited? You have a talent for coordinating outfits or matching costume jewelry with clothes. You need to identify the market holes around your business area and find a way to fill the gaps. You have to be able to do something better, fresher, faster, or cheaper than everyone else. Priced lower is not going to get you rich quickly. If a customer has been buying from one shop, they are not coming to you just to save $1. But if you can match up the shirt and pants, which surprisingly many women cannot do well, that will get you, clients. But you have to show that you can do that. Beautifully styled mannequins in your boutique or clear bright images online will show off your talents.   2. Give Your Business the Perfect Name, and Logo.  Think long and hard about the name you want for your business, Don’t feel you have to name every item you sell or every thought you’ve had. Keep it short and catchy. But make sure it says what you want to say. Then turn to your logo. Find a background or image you love. You need to be in love with your name and logo. It is worth paying a graphic designer to get this right.   3. Scout Your Location. Start looking at storefronts, available shops, and rental properties in the area you want to open. Check square footage prices. How much room will you need to do what you want to do? How much square footage will you have to have to start? Don’t forget storage areas, changing rooms, restrooms, and dead corners. You will need this information for your Business Plan also.   4. Develop Your Products, Lines, and Policies.  This is when you get into the specifics of the products you intend to have In your boutique or online. Narrow down the lines you plan to have, the quantities of each type, and how many will be on the floor simultaneously. Establish your system for pricing items. Cost x2 or whatever multiplier you intend to use. Include information about what happens when products do not sell. Is there a discount schedule, are they resold in bulk, or do they get donated?   5. Write, Edit, and Perfect Your Business Plan.  If you are going to approach a business lending organization, you are going to need a business plan. Even if you are using private funding, it is a good idea to have a business plan written out. There are a variety of templates online to choose from. It does not have to be complicated, but it needs to be a true representation of your projections. When indicating how much the boutique owner will make, it is realistic to put $0 for the first 12 mo. The financer will ask you if there are things they consider important that you did not include.   As you think about how you are going to become a boutique owner, learn all you can. Research the property in the area, find out about the product costs, and your location options. See our additional tips at buywholesaleclothing.org. The most important thing is to stay creative and stay dedicated. If you know you can succeed, find a way to do it.  

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

5 Ways to Increase Traffic to Your Boutique

You are enjoying the entrepreneurial way of life. Owning a boutique is exciting, fulfilling, and stressful. It also can cost a substantial investment and takes a while to get your footing and start to see any profit. We’re going to show you a few ways that you may be able to increase your traffic flow and get more sales. 5 Ways to Increase Visitors to Your Store 1. Expand the Wholesale Boutique Items you Sell. Download our Top 5 Wholesale Clothing Sites, to see the clothes they offer, the shipping schedules, and the styles. A hip vendor in California may not have many clothes that your laid-back moms in Arkansas wear. Find the vendors that will work best with you and your clients. Then broaden your base a little. One of the best ways to increase traffic to your boutique is to have items that appeal to a broader base. You want your boutique to serve any potential buyer, but no one has enough room for that. Find your market, then stretch the edges a little. You can always purchase from another boutique if you need that item. That’s one of the reasons you want to make friends with other boutique owners. Unlike the big box stores that compete against each other, boutique owners love to help one another.    Fashion Shows are a great way to preview wholesale boutique items from different vendors. It’s also a great opportunity to travel with the girls and have some fun. You can check our List of Upcoming Fashion Shows to see what events interest you.   2. Starting an Online Boutique the Right Way. When looking for a way to increase foot traffic and sales for your boutique, a great way is to set it up online. You have already done all of the complicated parts to open this boutique. You can bring your items online at your pace, and increase your inventory at a pace that works for you.  The main things are these: An online store: like Shopify, Amazon, or one of the others Website if you do not already have one Facebook or Pinterest for posting pictures A good system for keeping up with inventory   3. Add Other Items For Sale If you are currently selling only women’s clothing, consider adding other wholesale boutique items. Shoes, jewelry, children’s clothes, and household items have proven to be traffic builders for some boutiques. The first thing to consider is how much room you can dedicate to one of these lines. Listen to comments your guests are making when in your boutique. Are they asking if you have jewelry? Or carry shoes? Listen to what they want from you, and see if you can add it. A glass case beautifully designed with sparkling jewelry is a real attention-getter. You cannot just base the value on how much jewelry sells out of this case. Also, look at the number of visits it increases to your boutique each day to look at the case. Then they may purchase other items while they are in the boutique.    4. Taking Marketing to the Max Most shop marketing has been done in print and only for certain occasions because it was so expensive. Now we can share concepts with the people that need them. Many people cannot look at a pair of pants and visualize the shirts that could go with them. Design that outfit for them. Try several different tops with that fantastic pair of pants you have for sale. If you can add shoes, purses, and jewelry, it will be appealing. If you don’t have models to use, be creative. Devise a way to hang them together, lay them on the floor, or in a glass case. Take several pictures, then select the best. Post them on Facebook & your website with a catchy title. Encourage sharing of the images to increase views. When starting your online boutique, be sure these images are on it. Beautiful jewelry photographs well. Develop a posting schedule and try to follow it. Don’t try to post every day, that’s too big of a commitment. Give yourself a little leeway and try once a week. If you can exceed that, it is a bonus.   5. Membership Program  Initiate a Membership Program for your current clients. Tell them they will receive advance notifications of sales, promotions, and deals. Make it easy to sign up, either a simple sign-up sheet at the counter or entry at check out. The CMS needs to be able to track this member’s purchases by address. This can give you reporting to assist you in your product tracking. You can do a mass to your members asking what products they would like to see added. Also, quiz them for suggestions and issues. This is a great way to get feedback from your clients. Read and consider the comments, don’t just ask for them then ignore them.  Along with your Membership Program, you may also want to initiate a Referral Program. Offer a 10% or so discount on the next purchase after a client makes a referral. The best program gives a discount to the referrer and one to the new client. The new client receives a discount on their initial purchase. The referring client receives a 10% discount on their next purchase. If a total of 20% is scary, give 5% to each. The point is too bring in participants so it must be enough to appeal to clients. Establish a way for this to be implemented. The least appealing would be that they have to come together for that initial purchase. This would be extremely difficult as your online business grows.    This brings to our attention again that you need a good CMS. You need a version that will perform the things you need it to do. You may have purchased a simple system, to begin with. Starting an online boutique may indicate you have to consider a step up to get everything you now need. If you use the features, this investment will pay off. We hope this information will be useful as you try to increase the traffic to your boutique. See us at Buy Wholesale Clothing for more information.  

Boutique Blog – by Jolie S

How To Start a A Boutique While Avoiding The Big 5 Mistakes

Below are the 5 EASY STEPS and 5 MISTAKES WHEN STARTING AN ONLINE BOUTIQUE  The boutique industry is flying! With an ever expanding tool set at the disposal of ambitious bright women, the boutique market has never looked better. Let's dive into some simple steps on how to start an online boutique.  5 Easy Steps To Create A Boutique Step 1 - Boutique Name and Logo Easily the funnest and simplest part of starting a boutique! If you don't already have a boutique name and need creative inspiration, try this boutique name generator Should I trade mark my boutique name? I would worry about that. Unless you choose a name like Forever 21 or Anthropologie, no one will be sending you a cease and desist letter anytime soon. However if you're still interested, head over to USPTO to learn some basics about trademarking. The right logo can do wonders, it can either legitimize your boutique or turn away potential customers. I would not advise whipping Microsoft paint and trying this yourself, rather head over to a site like Tailor Brands or Logo and they can make one fairly easy at a good price.  Step 2 - Incorporation and Permits To legitimize your boutique business you will need to register with state and federal agencies.  Start with this federal crash course by Legal Zoom on the differences between Corporations and LLC's. Almost all boutiques and small business register as an LLC and later become corporations if they grow in size.  You can register as a LLC here so you can start paying those taxes! You will also need to collect State sales tax, you will keep track of this and pony it over to the government come tax season. Each state has different ways of applying for a sales tax permit, a simple google search inclusive with your state will locate where you can register. Step 3 - Website Provider Building a website has never been easier with Shopify. Likely Shopify is already a familiar name and for good reason, it dominates the web hosting industry.  A long with being affordable and easy, Shopify has the most comprehensive application marketplace of any web provider. Why do I need apps? Apps or applications, allow you to integrate cutting edge technology that was once only reserved for legacy companies like Sears, Target and Forever 21. Shopify apps like Synclogic, can sync your Shopify website with drop shippers, allowing you to instantly upload products and sell right away. Shopify has easy integrations with companies like Comment Sold, a boutique accessory that can facilitate a professional consumer shopping experience on Facebook. If you already have a boutique name see if your domain is available on Shopify. Step 4 - Launching Your Social Media Channels If you want to make a dent in the online boutique market you will need to employ the use of social media to its fullest extent. Luckily you are probably on your way to becoming an expert on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, but here are some things to take note of: Facebook Live allows you to connect with your customers and a QVC like fashion. Showcase samples and sell product in a unique way. Utilizing Instagram hash tags can bring in a daily audience for free. Building a strong following with hash tags can be the equivalent of a $5,000/month google ad words budget. Connecting your Shopify site with social media can act as a megaphone sending out the showcase of new items as you list them. Step 5 - Ordering Wholesale Products There is no need to fly around the country attending fashion expos in order to purchase wholesale clothing. Today any item you could ever need to purchase is a click away. I have already gone into detail here on my preferred wholesalers like Bloom Wholesale, Fashiongo and Faire but I also want to make sure everyone knows the importance of attending at least one yearly in-person expo. Especially if you are just starting out, attending a fashion expo is enormously resourceful. You cannot put a price on the education you get connecting with successful boutiques in a three day meet-and-greet. You can find a fashion show near you by looking here.  But why spend your own money on purchasing clothing. Drop shipping wasn't always a viable option, it was once reserved for Amazon and Ebay sellers, but these days companies like Bloom Drop Ship and Boutique Tree (view complete list here) have changed the game. By providing boutique life style images, on point trends and mom and pop customer service, drop shippers have made making an online clothing boutique simpler than ever. If you're low on start up capital or just like the idea drop shipping, I fully support exploring this option. 5 COMMON BOUTIQUE MISTAKES   Mistake 1 - COPYCATTING There are currently over ten thousand boutiques in existence in the continental U.S. What are you going to provide that others can't? What void can you fill and how can you start to understand what your local retail market needs?  These are all questions that you need ponder as you begin to blaze your unique trail. Copycatting can only get you so far. Mistake 2 - POSTING JUST TO POST Developing a rhythm and schedule is one thing, but if your daily positing isn't packed with creativity and personalizations you are bound to lose grip on any followers you may have. Customers time is precious to them and if you want some of that head space you need to create engaging content. Mistake 3 - LOSING TRACK OF FINANCIALS You might wish you listened more in Econ class, but even if you didn't ace your business class we can all be successful entrepreneurs by making sure our primary focus is always on the bottom line.  Keeping track of your finances coincides with the most important thing I can tell you, "stay alive." What I mean by that is no matter what happens and how your first year or two develops, the key is to learn, grow and stay a float.  EVERY boutique I know that found success did not do so until years after their inception. Mistake 4 - DON'T PRICE TOO HIGH, WAIT..OR IS IT TO LOW? Pricing is key in both developing a trusting relationship with your customers and being competitive. There is no one size fits all pricing strategy for every boutique. You can find success in pricing ultra low or above average, the key is to determine what void in your market there is to exploit. The type of clothing you want to sell helps determine the price, be it fast fashion or high fashion there are already standard market prices you can work off by viewing competitors.  My personal suggestion is to price low but not dumpster dive low.  Everyone always loves a good deal. Mistake 5 - NOT ASKING FOR HELP I could say this another way which is don't be too confident or think the road to success will be easy. Not only will you need others suggestions and support but you're not going to be successful without it.   On my first business venture I literally had my Step Father, Mom and Wife all helping me with drive runs to the post office, answering emails and helping me pack. I simply couldn't have done it without them. Fortunately I was able to pay them back later in some amazing clothes :) That concludes my hot list of suggestions and tips on how to start an online boutique. If you ever have any other questions feel free to leave me an at  Best of luck! -Anna

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

LA's Best Wholesale Clothing Vendors for Your Boutique!

As a former boutique owner myself, I have been there, trudging through what seems is an endless amount of online vendors that either don't have the styles your looking for, the low prices or the quick shipping you will need to run a strong boutique business. Even google, who usually does a great job will populate half of its search results with business that aren't even located in the USA (common google, get your stuff together.)  Fortunately you've landed at the right spot and below I am going to curate a list of clothing boutique vendors that will provide you with the most important tool to be a successful boutique, great clothes. Terminology To Help You Understand the Market There are several suppliers that offer clothing and those include: wholesale distributors, manufacturers, drop shippers and wholesale showrooms. Let's go through each Wholesale Distributor: Distributors provide clothing sourced from other manufacturers. Distributors could be referred to as middle men. You might think these companies simply get a cut of the action by offering higher price goods, but this isn't always the case. Distributors offer unique benefits, like consolidating multiple brands in one shipment and offering cheaper clothing that they liquidate from clothing vendors. Only these sites seem to be the companies offering these unique lucrative deals. Manufacturers: Manufacturers or brands are the businesses that design and produce clothing.  Drop Shippers: Drop Shippers are specialized companies that purchase from brands a large amount of inventory and then ship these individually to your customers. Drop shipping has come a long way in the last ten years and offers an incredible opportunity to build a boutique with little to no capital.  Wholesale Showrooms: Have you ever attended a clothing show and walked the long aisles of brands soliciting their newest designs? Well that's what a wholesale showroom is but virtually. These companies and sites offer a place for boutique owners to view and purchase directly from all of their favorite vendors on one site. Top Ten Boutique Wholesalers 1.  Bloom Wholesale Bloom Wholesale is hidden gem. I friend told me about this site years ago as a place to find really great deals. Not only do they have some great finds but they ship fast and their shipping is capped at $9.95 for all shipments and orders.  Bloom is interesting in that they are one of only a couple companies that provide closeout deals. The bulk closeouts prices can be as low as $7.00.  Drop shipping is another service they provide, with drop shipping you can grab their pictures, sell the items and have Bloom ship them out.    2.  Mio Wholesale   Mio falls under the classification as a Distributor. Mio has been around for over a decade and their successful longevity speaks volumes to their great service.  The things I like about Mio Wholesale is you can get a lot of great brands and consolidate the shipping in one order, this will save you a lot of money and time. They only work with quality boutique brands and have great customer service. Price is moderate and discount codes are not offered. You get what you pay for with Mio and if you want to be sure to have a quality product for your boutique this is a great vendor.   3. Judson & Company   Judson & Company is family run manufacturer out of Alabama. They have been around since and they might hold the crown for the older manufacturer in our boutique industry.  I love Judson, they concentrate on all things accessories from hats, jewelry, scarfs, kimonos, bracelets, screen prints to some clothing. If your a boutique not maximizing sales with accessories then you aren't doing it right.  Their warehouse is in Alabama, so that central location means they can deliver wholesale items to your boutique sometimes within 1- 2 days! If you plan on brining in accessories to your boutique definitely give Judson a look.   4. Wishlist Wishlist Apparel is a young women’s contemporary manufacturer that specializes in staple classics. If there is a league of boutique brands, Wishlist might just reign supreme. They are one of the top brands in the boutique market and you can chalk this up to two reasons, quality and price.  Wishlist makes the top 10 list as the only wholesale brand  not because of special discounts, amazing customer service or any other perk but solely because their quality and trends are top notch.   5. KatydidWholesale   Katydid landed the last top five spot because they are an easy-to-work-with company that delivers great quality boutique clothing. Hear from them in their own words   "The apparel we offer is made for beautiful women who love to live life to the fullest. With so many styles at Katydid Wholesale, there’s something for everyone! We have the best women’s clothing for retail stores and boutiques of all sizes. Our women’s clothes and accessories are the perfect addition to help your customers fall in love with your store!"    6. Fashiongo FashionGo is likely the first virtual wholesale showroom to exist.  You might have seen FashionGo at a fashion event show or boutique gathering, they have a new partnership with the Magic show fashion event that makes them ubiquitous in the wholesale clothing world.  FashionGo is a marketplace that hosts thousands of individual wholesale vendors, brand and distributors. Since FashionGo is a one stop shop for everything what would be a reason not to shop with them?  Prices Prices can be higher shopping through FashionGo rather then going direct because of the commission fee's Fashiongo charges its vendors to use the website. Unless you go direct, there will always be a middle man :)   7. LA Showroom Like, LA Showroom is a wholesale marketplace that specializes in offering a huge assortment of wholesale clothing and accessories. They claim to also be one of the first wholesale marketplaces, so if anything we have them to thank for helping to radically transform the wholesale boutique industry. If you would like to register with any wholesale showroom is worth noting that you will need a business license, sellers permit and previous invoices with brands. Once you have all of that in place you can scroll through the endless pages of wholesale clothing vendors and distributors that will supply your boutique with more then enough goods to stock your shop.  Like Fashiongo, LA Showroom has commission fees charges to its vendors.    8. Faire The new girl on the block is Faire. This company is making waves in the wholesale boutique clothing marketplace by being the first site to offer 60 day terms. Their goal is to give the small boutique owner all of the same competitive advantages that a big box store like Walmart and Ross has.  Sounds great! But Faire has yet to convince and migrate a majority of the top USA wholesale brands and distributors to use its platform. The reason is simple, high commission fees. Faire has a high vendor commission fee. The cost of providing those wonderful benefits like 60 day terms for the boutique means the vendors have to raise their prices and thus you will pay more for the same clothing found on other platforms like Bloom or FashionGo. As it stands Faire has a large selection of wholesale clothing vendors and time will tell if their bet on 60 day terms is one that boutiques desire.     9. Wholesalecentral At Buywholesaleclothing my list of vendors and distributors is curated and condensed but if you're ever curious to see the whole list of wholesale vendors, Wholesalecentral has that for you. Wholesalecentral likely has every wholesale clothing and accessories provider in the world.  Not only can you browse the endless lists of wholesale suppliers but they do a great job of listing all minor and major fashion gatherings in the USA. In their words "Wholesale Central provides premium sourcing tools that help wholesale buyers find wholesale suppliers and products."   10. Orangeshine  Orangeshine is another great wholesale showroom on the market. It does everything right from attracting wholesale vendors and distributors with low commission fee's and provides an easy-to-use layout for easy boutique purchasing. There was a time when Orangeshine was my go-to wholesale marketplace because of its consolidated shipping. This was a great perk that only they offered but have since discontinued this great resource.  Why might you choose Orangeshine over FashionGo and others? This is their pitch.  "From an online marketplace with exponentially growing number of registered users, new users and purchases to professionally photographed product images while providing full customer service and order processing for buyers, we have everything you need to get your foot into the booming online business with minimal effort and costs."    Advice on utilizing online wholesale boutique sites There was a time not too long ago when everyone did their purchasing at fashion shows like Magic and the Off Price Show.  These shows still exist today but the advent of online wholesale shopping has made them somewhat obsolete for many.  With that said I always implore my ladies to go to at least one clothing expo a year and here is why. Attending a fashion show isn't really about purchasing clothing and perhaps it never was, its more about building connections and establishing relationships with not only the brands but also other boutique owners.  These invaluable relationships offer the support and advice you will need if you want to make it in this business.   

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

A Complete Guide to the Benefits of Wholesale Clothing

Everybody benefits from increased sales. When you increase your profit, you can invest more in the business, and you can make more new products. Your customers can buy more clothes because you have them at a lower price. Wholesale clothing sales can expand your market. You may not be a big name yet, but if you know how to manage your business well, you could soon become one of the big players in the clothing market. Selling online means you don't have to open an actual shop or showroom. With a simple ecommerce website like buywholesaleclothing, you can easily get whatever you want. Benefits of Wholesale Clothing for Your Boutique The list of benefits of buywholesaleclothing is endless. From being cheap to stylish, all your needs are catered for. It is easy to start a wholesale business. From designing your own catalogs to buying and selling wholesale clothes, everything is possible. You can save lots of money by starting a business this way. Many people who are planning to buy wholesale clothing opt for this option. Saving money on their investment makes it possible to buy a better quality of clothing, and you will then be able to resell it for a higher price. If you decide that you want to use wholesale clothing to sell in your store, you will need to make sure that you are getting the right kind of clothing. If your products are too generic, you will only drive away customers instead of attracting them. You should know what to sell and in what style your products are. To be successful in this business venture, you will need to use the right strategies and approach in choosing your products. Selling online and having your own clothing store brings lots of advantages. You will be able to earn money fast, be your own boss, and you can choose which products you want to sell. It is a win-win situation all around. All you need to do is choose the right wholesale provider, and you can start making money immediately! When doing business, you should always keep in mind the ultimate goal is to make a profit. If you want to have money even when doing small tasks, then you have to sell wholesale clothing. You don't have to worry about being a middleman or supplier. You can also decide which products to sell. It has thousands of reputable manufacturers and suppliers, so you can have a wide range of products to choose from. Everyone loves fashion. Most women buy new clothes every season. Some buy them for special occasions or to be worn on the beach. Wholesale clothing provides stylish yet affordable clothing. Many women are starting their own clothing lines to showcase their fashion sense. If you know where to find popular brands at reasonable prices, then you will be able to have your own clothing line in no time. Final Take If you're thinking about doing business online, it would be best to choose popular items from well-known wholesale clothing distributors. This way, you can be sure that you'll get more customers. And you will also earn good money if you know how to sell them. If you know the basics of making money through the internet, then you can start your own business with these tips. at  for more information.  

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

Everything You Need to Know About Buying Wholesale Dresses in the USA

One of the major advantages of purchasing wholesale clothes is discounted prices. In most cases, when you purchase items at wholesale, the prices would automatically be reduced due to their increased availability. One great advantage about this is you'd be able to buy dresses for your next occasion at a much cheaper price. You can use this money to add up to other things for your celebration. There are several advantages to buying wholesale dresses in USA. You would be able to save a lot of money when you're buying dresses. This is especially if you're buying dresses that are only suitable for the prom. This will save you from spending money on dresses that won't fit you. In addition to this, you won't have to worry about the quality of these dresses. Know the Benefits of Buying Wholesale Dresses Before You Purchase An advantage of buying wholesale dresses in USA would be its convenience. It's because you don't have to worry about the quality when you're buying wholesale attires. This is because you don't need to worry about its quality as the items are purchased in bulk. As a result, you'll be able to get high quality female attires without worrying about its price. As a result of this, you'll be able to purchase lots of items and still be able to save a lot of money. Two of the most common and popular benefits of buying wholesale clothes would be the low prices and the big discounts. Most people want to acquire fashionable clothing that fits them well. Because of this, it's really necessary to know the benefits of buying wholesale dresses, so they can maximize the value and savings they get from this kind of transaction. The most important advantage is the low prices you can get from this type of business. Aside from this, discounted items mean you have more choices on the style and designs of female attires. High Quality Items Another advantage of buying wholesale clothes is the high quality of the items that you get. You should always remember that quality doesn't come cheap. However, there are lots of advantages to buying wholesale clothes which would make it worth every penny that you pay. If you want to get the best quality, you need to ensure that you are buying from reputable sellers. This is very important because there are lots of sellers who are only after the profit and don't really care about the quality of their products. Great Styles Another advantage of purchasing wholesale clothes is that it offers you the chance to buy clothes in different styles, shapes, and sizes. This means you don't have to limit yourself to buying women's clothes. You can get jeans, shirts, and even hoodies, if you want to. This will give you a lot of options for the clothes you need. Final Take These are just a few benefits of shopping online for wholesale clothes. Remember that when you are going to shop online, you have to be extra careful because there are many scammers out there who are only after scamming people. You can check the credibility of an online wholesale directory by checking if they have a good reputation and getting access to legitimate sellers. Also, make sure that you are getting access to top quality and trendy clothing, so you won't go home empty-handed. These are just a few reasons why shopping online for wholesale clothes is a wise decision for people who are planning to start a retail business. For more information, feel free to at anna.buywh

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

A Complete Guide to Buying Wholesale Clothing in the USA

Wholesale clothing is becoming a popular business option for many people. There are many reasons behind its popularity and the high demand for it. People are looking to save money with the increasing prices of essential items, such as clothing. In order to save money, they prefer to buy wholesale clothes instead of retail clothes. Buying wholesale clothes means they get to purchase the same brand and style for a lower price than what they would usually pay. There are many benefits to buying wholesale clothing in USA. Some of these benefits include saving money. Since you can buy wholesale clothing in bulk orders, you will notice that you will be saving money when it comes to buying clothes. Most of the time, you will find that the cost of wholesale clothing is lower than that of retail stores. You can also choose designs and styles that you want to buy in bulk, which will help you save more money on the clothes that you buy. What are the benefits of buying wholesale clothing in the USA? One advantage of buying wholesale clothing in USA is that you can purchase clothes that you want to wear for a specific occasion. If you have a specific party or event that you want to attend, it is best if you buy wholesale clothes. Parents often buy wholesale clothing because they love the idea of giving their children cute clothes that they can wear to school. However, some parents have noticed that there are some clothes that their children cannot wear when they go to school, such as boy's clothes and girl clothes. These parents want to know what type of clothes that they can buy for their children to avoid situations that they might have to deal with when their children wear boys' clothes and girls' clothes to school. Some wholesale merchants also find wholesale suppliers that they can use to get the clothing that they need for their businesses. Wholesale suppliers can provide the wide variety of clothing items that you need for your business. The good thing about buying from wholesalers or suppliers is that they are found easily on the internet. There are thousands of online suppliers who offer different types of wholesale clothing products. You will surely be able to find one that can provide you with the clothing that you need for your business. Another factor of the popularity of wholesale clothing is because most individuals don't really care what the fashion trend is. Wholesale clothing is sold to the public knowing that people don't really care about what the fashion trend is. If you go to a flea market on Sunday, you will see people walking around in their designer jeans, t-shirts and other items bearing the trend that they want to wear. This is another reason why the popularity of wholesale clothing is high. Final Take Now, you can understand how the popularity of wholesale clothing affects people, especially the merchants. Because of the popularity of wholesale clothing, more people will buy the clothes that they need from the wholesalers that they have bought online. When they have so many of them, it will be much easier for them to earn money by selling these wholesale clothes. So, if you are looking for a good and reliable wholesaler or supplier, it would be better if you search online because there are tons of them that you can find.

Boutique Blog – by Anna M

5 Tips to Improve your Boutique Photos

Boutique presentation used to mean billboards, racks, wooden floors, cute hangers, etc. Things have obviously split in the last decade and now boutique presentation can also apply to your online aesthetics. When it comes to your facebook, instagram, or website the difference maker between a good boutique and a great one is the quality of the images. In this article we will go over five helpful tips to improve your online presentation by enhancing your product photographs. The 5 Ways to Improve Your Photos 1.) Variety Maybe you managed to attain a great model and backdrop but if you don't mix it up with variety of models and scenery then you can come off looking drab. People love effort and they notice it instinctively, if you go through the time to switch it up with indoor shots and lifestyle as well as mix in a couple different models this energy will pay off with your audience.  2.) Image Quality and Consistency When online sites first became prominent one would have to hire a professional photographer or purchase an expensive cannon camera. We are so fortune with and camera technology as good as it is to utilize these devices to create stunning professional images.  I have two tips when it comes to snapping away on your . One, be careful on overdoing it with the filters. My suggestion is to always use the least contrast filter and gear more towards warmer then cooler. When you've settled on the filter you like be sure to apply it to all of the images (at least for that season) and don't mix it up the next week with a different filter.  Secondly, lighting is still extremely important. I'm sure you've noticed outside shots have a certain depth and richness to them compared to inside shots, so if possible shoot outside (overcast days are the best or mornings) or in a well lit room. 3.) Still vs Life Style I am writing this in and at the moment life style is very much in trend. So grab your models, put them on a sidewalk and let them stroll down the town while you snap away.  Off model shots that are done on hangers or laid flat on wood are also really in right now. You can add accessories, flowers, hats to the image and this "Pinterest" style photography can come across professional and save you time and money versus shooting on a model.   4.) Model Fit Plus size has been doing really well the last couple of years. If you can get your hand on a plus size model this will drastically improve your sales.  When it comes to shooting your regular sizes you might think getting the average sized girl is the way to go.  Perhaps for some companies it is but it's still my experience that you will have the most success when shooting on a size small.  This doesn't mean you can't mix it up with model sizes. See what works for you! 5.) Mix up Accessories We talked a little about accessories and putting effort into your shots but really this deserves its own category. You can enhance each photoshoot by adding 2-3 different totes or bags as well as mixing up the bottoms with pants and shorts. Pay specific attention to detail and don't short cut on the accessories.  I guarantee you will have more success with your images if you concentrate on the accessories, background and model then you do on professional image quality. Best of luck!

Arteriors

C379

Founded by Mark Moussa in , Arteriors has become an incredible resource for various products, including luxury lighting.

By utilizing close collaborations with artisans worldwide, they create unique designs that go far beyond the trends of the time. From the streets of Milan to workshops in Guadalajara, their designers inject fashion and architecture into their pieces, which customers love.

Arteriors offers an incredible line of wholesale lighting fixtures, including:

• Pendants
• Sconces
• Flush mounts
• Table lamps
• Floor lamps
• Task lighting
• Outdoor lighting
• Vanity
• Pipes and chain

See More

Cal Lighting and Accessories

A420

Quality products, competitive prices, timely delivery, and reliable customer support are the four pillars that Cal Lighting and Accessories has upheld since .

Cal Lighting strives to stay ahead of the market, providing customers with the latest designs. Their overall goal is to provide the home furnishings, lighting, and hospitality industries with their product line that ranges from:

• Floor lamps
• Wholesale chandeliers
• Pendants
• Desk lamps
• Table lamps
• Tracking lights

See More

Craftmade

C496

There may be a lot of companies that offer lighting and fans, but there's only one Craftmade. Established in , they've grown to become one of the biggest multichannel suppliers in America.

Craftmade truly brings experience, knowledge, training, design, and dedication to the table to create the products of your dreams at competitive prices.

In partnership with over 40 factories, Craftmade offers modern to traditional wholesale lighting fixtures in an array of styles, including:

For more custom hospitality lightinginformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

• Chandeliers
• Flush lighting
• Foyer lighting
• Island lighting
• Mini pendants
• Table lamps
• Under-cabinet lighting
• Vanity lights