Hi all, well here's a bit of background and an update -
We have run a Hotel in Blackpool with my Mum for the past 2.5 years (and met lots of lovely Mumsnetters ). We decided at the end of last season that we didn't want to be Hoteliers anymore so we sold the Hotel.
Unfortunately the sale fell through so we decided to live in the Hotel and once we have sold all of the extra beds etc.. we will apply for change of use and it will just be a huge house. It works well, there is more than enough room for all of us and we don't have a mortgage.
DH and I still wanted to be self employed (Mum has a decent job now) so we decided we wanted to open a shop....
This is where we are at the moment -
We have found an empty shop in an out of town location, still busy and close to a bank and Tesco express. We've managed to negotiate a new 5 year lease (with break clause just in case) it is all with the solicitors at the moment. I have been buying stock - we will be selling ex highstreet/chainstore womens and girlswear, there is a shop similar the other side of town that is always busy but is poorly laid out and a bit of a jumble sale so I know that the concept is viable and the markup on the items is good.
Hopefully we will have the keys to the shop soon and will be able to start the refit etc... It's going to be a steep learning curve I need an overall colour scheme, dummies, learn how to dress the windows, get a sign, a till, buy the right stock.... the list is endless
Anyone else started from scratch or have knowledge of this type of retail? - Any advice or good ideas appreciated!! I am excited about the project but it's also pretty scary!!