Starting a children's shoe 'shop. business

[Pollyoliver]

Hi,
I am thinking about starting a children's shoe shop business. I have identified a real gap in the market where I live and think that it would work. I would be looking at high end European shoes - ones that are not readily available other than in a handful of independent shops or on the Internet.

I cannot afford premises so thought I could do it by way of friends 'hosting parties' and I could take along the stock. I will be able to properly fit the shoes (if necessary) as I shall go on a short training course. If this works, then I can hopeful build the business up and earn enough to have a shop.

The problem is I have no real idea how to go about it. I currently work part time and intend to keep my job to help build up the business.

I have found a few trade fairs to go to but other than that, am not sure how to approach how much stock I would need etc etc

If any one could help me and give me some advice I'd be very grateful.

A local soft play cafe (affluent area) recently devoted one end to being a shoes concession, but a year later it's closed down - presumably because while the shoes were good quality (cheapest was Clarks), they were more gendered than other shops, only pink and patent black and glitter for girls, navy blue and black for boys!

If you're near Wimbledon it might work.

"I have found that these brands offer narrower fittings"

Now that is worth knowing. DD has narrow feet and we often struggle to find shoes that fit. Although, no shoe shop where we live would stock those brands. (money being a factor)

I know the shop LucyEyelesBarrow means, on Sharrowvale Road. It is in a very affluent part of Sheffield (I deal with social deprivation statistics at work and I gave a feeling that S11 Hallamshire Ward is only beaten by Kensington and Chelsea for disposable income), very 'Boden and Bugaboo'. The shop is across a small, quiet road from a primary and v close to a nice park, so it practically has a captive audience. It is in a row of fairly specialist independent local shops in a residential area. I'd say that you'd need all these factors to make a specialist children's shoe shop work.

I don't live in Sheffield anymore, but near Holmfirth. We go to an independent shop there that stocks several brands (including Clark's and European stuff ). The ship is a bit like stepping back 50 years in time, but they are brilliant at fitting, which is why we go there. Brilliant fitting beats unusual colours for me.

Holmfirth isn't that far from me BikeRunSki. What is it called?

Bunbaker - Wagstaffs. They have branches in Holmfirth, Honley and Lindley (Huddersfield). V old fashioned, but excellent service.

funkylilfeet is a tiny children's shoe shop run by a qualified podiatrist stocking a great range of shoes - might be worth a browse. She also stocks and fits paediatric shoes for children who have Downs and gets people travelling quite a long way for her services. It's a lovely shop - low comfy seating, toys, has Joules clothes, separate area with a games console etc.

But I would only buy shoes in a shop, not sure I'd take the children to a hosting party nor sure either how much profit you're going to find in that??

Personally I wouldn't spend that much per pair but I would be interested in the personal service at home though. Especially when I think back to the hell We used to give our mum when we were shoe shopping as children.
My daughter is only 10 months and I bought her first pair of shoes properly on Tuesday from clarks but I must admit that was only because they have a good sale on she doesn't absolutely 'need' them yet but is just taking first steps.
I worked in shoe shops for years (independent) and I think the very key thing you need is to make sure you can have a sale or return basis for all your stock. You also need to negotiate to be able to order single pairs as how annoying would it be if somebody wanted to buy the one size you didn't have.
However, most companys have a min 8 pair order and this will be a full size range so you'd have to look into it.
My gut feeling is that unless you are in a very affluent area, or have one to travel to nearby to toddler groups, pre schools, fairs etc then I just can't see you getting enough business.
Have just thought aswell that if you're ordering stock from European companies it may take a few weeks for stock to get to you By which time the customers child's feet may need remeasuring ie more hours for you

Interestingly, despite what I said about folks round here unlikely to spend a lot on European kids shoes, a shop offering just that is opening in my village next month. Could be pricey, maybe not ( several brands shown on their ads), be the handiness of being able to go 200 yards down the road and be properly measured may well outweigh that. Be interesting to see how they get on.

I am planning to get DS's next shoes from the independent in the next town, next time. I am sick of Clarks for boys, just because they are dull and poor value, all scuffed after one wear by a busy boy. I had some hand-me-down Primigi shoes for him that were barely worn and they were so sturdy, they were great.