Advice for new business

[poppy7272]

Hello All,

I'm considering opening a new retail outlet in Blackheath village and was keen to get some feedback from local Mum's as to what would be a good addition to what is currently available.

The two options I am considering are a greetings card/occasions shop or a babywear/accessories/maternnity wear outlet.

I'd really appreciate your thoughts or if there is anything else that would be worth considering.

Many thanks in advance.

Hi there,

I live in Eltham and often find myself wishing there was more choice locally for kids wear. I end up going to Next or Mothercare in the high street which never have my 5yr olds size in anything as it's a tiny store. I find the West End stressful with a buggy End and I'm not really into huge places like Bluewater although I'll go if I absolutely have to. Canary Wharf is the only place I go to regularly but I have to make sure I'm back this side of the tunnel for the school run so IMO no reason why you couldn't do well in Blackheath with a babywear shop. Good luck!!

I think between Sisters and Daughters and It's a Wrap, there's plenty by way of cards etc in the village.

I'd like to see a nice childrens clothes shop in the village. If the space was big enough a maternity/nursing line would be great also. Personally, the most I'd spend on children's clothes would be Boden prices, and that would be only every now and then - but there are plenty more Mum's with a better income in the area!!

Best of luck with whatever you end up doing.

Thank you ladies, I really appreciate all of your feedback.

Best of luck with your ideas. But I thought I'd mention that I think there's a kids clothes shop near the far end of Blackheath village, the end near Neal's Yard Remedies (No. 32). I could be wrong as it's only a fleeting glimpse whilst we drive past in the car. But it may be worth walking down that way to investigate. Also I think It's a Wrap also offer a limited clothing range for children.
But here's an idea...for free as us mumsnetters are like that...
How about something like the Green Baby franchise they have in Greenwich (Cutty Sark end)? I found that very useful to pop into when I had my two wee babies as they not only have organic creams/ potions, but also lovely baby clothes and accessories. Not cheap prices, but I'd say Blackheath folk could cope!
Good luck :-)

Thanks Acqua.

I did take a look up by Neil's Yard but didn't see anything. I will check out It's a Wrap as I wasn't aware of their clothing range. I've also noticed Raffles do some children's wear too, so I will have to be careful to bring something unique to the area!

I think an organic clothing range would be great and it certainly seems to be a trend growing among Mum's.

One other idea is targeting the gift buyers and parents shopping for special occasion clothes / shoes and accessories. I think it would be very difficult to compete with some of the larger retailers for everyday items. So we would stock mid-high premium brands that offer something a little more special and unique to what can be found on the highstreet.

Any further thoughts are welcome.

Thanks for your feedback so far.

Great idea - pls hurry up and do it
Personally I have found myself buying quite a few basics in Green Baby as it's a pain to schlep all the way to Bluewater just for a couple of bibs or vests so I think you could definitely stock some basics, but you are right that it shouldn't be a focus of the shop.
Special occasion stuff is tricky imo, I know lots of people who took gifts back to John Lewis and exchanged them for more practical options. Seriously - who has time to iron baby clothes? You should definitely stock some of this sort of stuff but you need to be careful how high end/formal it is. Lots of returns would cripple a small business and it's very difficult to compete with larger stores without offering gift receipts / exchange options.
I would love a baby/toddler shop stocking every day good quality baby clothes which are generously cut and reasonably sized and practical to put on and off. Gap is v mean with it's cut, trendy sometimes verging on chavy esp for girls, John Lewis can be v dull, Baby Boden stuff looks v nice but haven't bought any yet (I like to see stuff in person), Green Baby is really nice quality but difficult to mix and match stuff from there. eg: You put a top and trousers on and five minutes later it all comes off because the top has been vomited on and nothing goes with the trousers because they are an odd stripy colour.

I look back on presents I bought for other people now and cringe at how impractical they were - buttons down the back, that sort of thing. It would be really useful if stores did funny top tips to buying a successful baby present flyers etc.
Completely separately - I think a Cath Kidson shop would do really well in Blackheath - the full monty, not just the clothes.
Best of luck - would love to be starting a new business. Tons of fun.

Thank you GreenwichB, all really useful feedback and given me lots to think about!

I agree that it would need to be a mix of occasion wear and good quality basics that make great practical gifts or investment buys.

I think the emphasis of our offering would be to deliver quality, indivduality and practicality.

Where practicality is concerned I'd be really keen to engage Mum's to help with sourcing relevant stock and brands, because after all, you are the ones that know best!

Unfortunately I don't think Cath Kidson run franchises so not something I will be able to make happen!

Thanks again for taking the time to respond!