New online maternity wear store - waste of time??

[Woody31]

Hi all,

After spending a wonderful 14 months maternity leave with my DS I am now back into the throws of a 9-5 job and was thinking could I be doing something else with my time? Whilst dreaming about other work options I thought about setting up a new online maternity wear shop to compensate for all the frumpy, badly made and down right ill fitting maternity clothes I invested in when pregnant.

I would really like to hear your thoughts on whether you think there is a gap in the market for a new online store dedicated to stylish and well made maternity wear, nursing wear and new mum necessities? It would also be really useful to hear exactly what and where people bought their maternity wear from and what they spent? Please be frank and honest with any ideas you may have or if you have any recommendations for new business reading material or support.

Thanks in advance for your help and thoughts.

Woody.

Oh God, "hands off the bump" type tops really bug me. I wouldn't dream of wearing a slogan t-shirt when I wasn't pregnant so why do I want a slogan tent now that I am?

I saw a pregnant woman in her late 30s/40s in Mothercare carrying one to the till. It might have been a gift I suppose but I doubt it.

I have really struggled to find any well priced smart work/office wear.

Places like New look and next do a few "smart" bits but they are badly made and in grim fabrics (shiny nylon trousers anyone?).

So I think there is a gap in the market for that.

I think there should be a market for an online dress agency - buying up all those worn-once IO dresses from Nappy Valley and reselling them on eBay with good photos, guaranteed quality and useful sizing information.

Another vote for colours other than black, grey and camel!

KellyKettle Thank God I'm not the only one! New Look seems to love them - they have 14 different types on sale at the moment!

New Look

I think one of the biggest gaps is actually nice, affordable nursing wear. 99% is horrendous.

I think there's scope for quality dresses that aren't so 'demure'. The majority of those I've seem have been knee length or below (or would be on a short arse like me).

Not asking for micro minis but a few inches above the knee would be nice.