Topic: Can You Help Me, Please?

[Lauren S]

My youngest son has been made redundant twice last year (2007) and I suggested he started his own clothing business. Well luckily I was down town the same day a shop ad was posted for rent.
We only got the keys on 27th and have been prepping the shop (bit of a mess really) but a prime spot to attract tourists and locals too.

What I need help with is...
Do any of you good people have any useful hints and tips for starting up.
Any good sites for getting shop fittings, counters and display items etc
I know I can reply on you  :)

Thanks in advance
Lauren xx

[caroline7758]

Can't really offer any help, except the obvious- ebay, freecycle etc. But i wish him lots of luck and hope 2008 will be his year!

[asbean]

He could get in touch with his local Business Links, they are government sponsored and their aim is to help new businesses with advice, help, grants, networking etc. I have kept in touch with them over the last 10 years, and their help and advice has been invaluable.  (My business isn't retail, but they are there to help all businesses).  Great bunch of people too.

[lorna]

Lauren When young Lorna returned from America 1992 we set her up to carry out clothes parties, we went to London (bit far for you :)) to get things like hanging rails, hangers etc. I am almost sure husband got info from adverts in the Exchange & Mart
Maybe worth a look.
Good luck to your son.

[Lauren S]

I knew you would come up with some great ideas....THANK-YOU.  :D

[kenkew]

Seems to me that Market Stalls are a popular way to sell to the public as you move your 'shop' to new people each week.
Maybe also a rail for 'Nearly New' items, although the charity shops with their low rents seem to have that covered.

[Baccy Man]

Locally to you there are 2 companies to consider.

W.F.C.(Shopfitters) > Newton Abbot Shop Fitting And Retail Furniture
Tel: 01626 353802 - Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 2SN
 
Install Contract Services > Shop Fitting And Retail Furniture in Newton Abbot area
Tel: 01803 297822 - 30 Berachah Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3AX

Alternately you could order online from.
http://www.e-shopfittings.co.uk/
or
http://www.equipashop.com/

It would also be worth looking on ebay on the following sections.
Business, Office & Industrial> Retail & Shop Fitting
Wholesale & Job Lots> Business, Office & Industrial> Retail & Shop Fitting

[newbies]

I work at an accountants, and I would advise that either he gets himself a bookkeeper, or learns how to keep his books in good shape from the start.
If we get accounts, and they are a real mess, it takes time to get year end accounts sorted out, and this results in a big bill.  If they are nice to start with, the bill is less.
If he does his accounts once a week, or gets a bookkeeper once a month, he should stay on top of things.
Pm me if you need any more advice.
(Boring I know, but essential!)

[Barnowl]

Try contacting the Prince's Trust. It's there to help young people set up in business.

[Blue Bird]

I do wish your son the very best in his new adventure.  Charity shops always have too many hangers worth a try and also ask if they have any items that would help him that he be concidered.

Our local shop gets alsort offered that they cannot acept and just gets thrown away.

The recyle centre is then the place to check !!

Good luck   ;)