Had an idea for online store. Where to start?

[wellhellodolly]

I've had an idea for an online store selling specialised clothes (don't want to go into too much detail atm). I'm from a marketing/PR background and think I can really make a go of it as I'm pretty sure there's a market for them but I just don't know where to start.

My DH is a web expert so I can get the website designed but I've got absolutely no idea where I can get the clothes mass produced.

Obviously this store is in the very early stages and I am in the midst of doing a ton of research but could do with pointing in the right direction in terms of actually getting my designs reproduced.

For manafacturing it's cheapest to use a factory in Bangladesh or Thailand.... You'd need to take a trip out there and view factories/discuss deals etc.

In the meantime I'd team up with a pattern maker/clothes designer and get samples made of the items. Not sure what is specialised about them, whether it's the overall look or something that you can 'add' to an item but realistically you will get it made in this country at a considerable expense in order to prove it's feasible. Maybe get enough made to canvas small boutiques/approach a chain/have a small webstore.

If there's demand then investigate overseas manafacture. Dont expect to make any money from it until this point though.

Thanks for your reply.

When I say specialised, it's aimed at the bridal market.

I think I need to sit down and work out a strategy but I guess i need a starting point really ie start with the clothes and the accessories will follow.