Opening a Bridal Shop - Advice Please!

[Twirly]

Hi,

I'm new on here and looking for some advice about my business idea.

I have begun writing my business plan and have started contacted suppliers regarding wholesale prices but that's as far as I've got so far. I'm just not sure when the right time to progress with my planning would be.

I have a premises in mind, but at what stage do I actually go and look at it officially as it seems far too early at the moment but it may not still be available in a few weeks or months?

Also there is a big trade show coming up and I don't know whether to go to it or not as it is far away and will be a real hassle to get to right now, but I don't want to miss out on any opportunities. Is it too early anyway as one of the suppliers I've contacted has said I can make orders at the show, and obviously I'm not in a position to do much at the moment.

Apologies for sounding as if I don't have a clue - I'm in the very, very early stages at the moment and haven't even spoken to my business coordinator yet.

Hope someone can offer me some advice about the order I need to do things!

Thanks,

Twirly

[natasha]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Great to hear you've decided on taking the plung into self employment!!

I would suggest that you do attend the exhibition it will give you a great in sight into the "Bridal/ wedding world", are you talking about the Wedding show, London?

I am attending the beauty exhibition on sunday which is at excel and although i am not actively working in the beauty industry at the moment i still attend exhibitions and read trade magazines which helps me to keep up to date with everything thats going on in the industry.

Do you have any money to invest in the business yourself? Are you going to need funding?

With regards to the shop the above questions need to be answered first.

Best wishes

[Twirly]

Hi Natasha.

Thanks for the reply.

It is the British Bridal show in Harrogate I was referring to which is on 13th-15th March, so quite soon. I'm up in the North of Scotland and I have a baby which is why I described it as being difficult to get to the show.

I don't have much money to invest unfortunately but I should get some funding as I am under 25.

Still so new to all of this but I am determined to succeed!

Twirly

[natasha]

Ok so the thing to do now is,

• continue on with your business plan
• find out what funding is available to you
• find out how much the shop will cost
• set some targets- when do you want to start up etc

When i looked into getting a shop etci found out that you will have to pay up front rent maybe six months, plus you have to pay a hefty deposit, along with lots of other things, so make sure you find out all the costs involved in setting up a shop.

Do you have any clue about the prices of rent etc in your area?

Are you going to need to refurbish the shop? which can mean things like, security(shutters, camera's), fixtures and fittings, lighting, flooring, fire alarm systems, the list goes on....

Have you registered with business link?

How old is your baby? i have two kids one who's 5 and one whos one year, i know exactly what your saying about being determined to succeed, as i feel the same way to.

Good luck and i hope i didnt put a downers on your idea but i just want you to know whats involved.

Best wishes

[bb99]

Hi

I'd definitely go to the trade show - you will be able to build up some contacts and get to talk to suppliers etc

I know I keep waffling on about the US version of The Apprentice, but...

As part of your research, you might want to watch one of the Series II episodes of the US version of The Apprentice. Their task was to turn an "empty space" into a bridal shop, with the winners being those that made the most profit. It's not been broadcast over here yet, but PM me if you want a copy.

[ECI]

Hi there,

where about in North Scotland are you?

some of my clients organise regular wedding shows in the North of Scotland, and I may be able to give you a few contacts up here to get you going.

Stu

[bb99]

Surely all of Scotland is Northern!?

[ECI]

ooooh. and where in England is the city of Scotland?

[aztec]

bb99

what's ur email? want to see if you can share the apprentice usa series 2...

Scott

[Twirly]

bb99 - would love a copy of that show - sounds great and might give me some inspiration!

Stu, I am near Dundee, so any contacts you have would be fab! Thanks

[bb99]

Originally posted by Twirly
bb99 - would love a copy of that show - sounds great and might give me some inspiration!

Send me an email bb@confide.co.uk

[BBWdressseller]

It might also be useful to catch up on what is happening in the wedding world by using the www.hitched.co.uk forums. There are a load of hitchers in business (HIBs) there and I'm sure you would pick up plenty of tips.

I'd try not to be too forward and upfront with regard to your business on hitched, but you are allowed to be helpful.