I am in the very early stages of developing a Natural/organic family store. My product line would consist of items that are ecofriendly and organic and useful to a variety of age ranges within a family. For example, I plan on carrying organic cotton products, homemade baby food making kits, a small assortment of herbs and natural healing products, all natural toys, breastfeeding products, ecofriendly cleaning products, etc. My question is, would you go out of your way (off the beaten path from Walmart or Target) to get these things and would you be willing to pay a little more? I know that given my product line, my prices could not compete with large retailers such as Walmart.
I am also planning to put the store near a soon-to-open Publix Greenwise. My thinking is that my store will compliment the Publix, since I won't be carrying food. However, we both will be carrying cleaning products and natural skin care lines. Do you think the Publix will turn out to be too much competition, regardless of our different product lines?
Any input would be GREATLY appreciated!
kaspears17
12-28-2007, 10:51 AM
i would definately go there and pay more. I'm not sure where the publix is going (or what a publix greenwise is, I assume similar to whole foods), but as far as location, I would locate in a upscale shopping center with other boutique stores, which is what you will be. that will draw the clientel you want - since green going mainstream you'll get the people willing to pay big bucks for quality stuff. so i would check out upscale boutiques in your area, talk to the owners, see what works for them.
ocanfield
12-28-2007, 01:03 PM
I definitely would go off the beaten path to go to your store! I think people are always interested in alternative places to shop...I know I am. I'd rather go to a small store and spend a little more...I cringe everytime I need to go to Walmart!!
In the future I'd love to open up a store just like you are doing...I'd love to hear how it goes for you!
Good luck!
fechera
12-28-2007, 02:09 PM
I already do that! I'm poor, but I hate Walmart (the evil empire) so much that I shop at my local health food store, my local co-op, and the farmer's market (all green, sustainability projects).
Knits on Earth
12-28-2007, 03:08 PM
I would and I do. there are stores like that round here.
greenMImama
12-28-2007, 03:13 PM
I would, I have and I will continue to. I love local, natural and organic.
You would carry cloth diapers wouldn't you, even if just a small selection(:
cyncyn
12-28-2007, 03:28 PM
Absolutely! There are several around here and they do well.
I would choose a more residential area with young families or a near a college/university, rather than a boutique or strip mall location. The rent can be lower (= lower overhead costs) and your customer base is nearby. I have had a great reception on my store from the neighborhood families. Maybe they could drive across town and save a buck, but many people appreciate being able to go a couple blocks and get what they need.
It will be tough to compete on prices with larger stores. They buy in huge quantities so can afford to offer lower prices. I would pick a couple product lines that you can get easily at a good price, and offer the best price in town on those items. That can help you with word of mouth and repeat sales.
I would also do a website along with the IRL store.
Great idea! We need more local stores selling green goods!
tracesmomma
12-28-2007, 07:41 PM
Thanks for everyone's input. Cynthia, I am completely clueless as to how to start a retail business, but determined to do so. Do you mind if I message you with any questions? Can I pick your brain a bit when I need to? I am in awe and love your cloth diaper store! I wish there were something like that around here.
rachellelaree
12-29-2007, 07:41 AM
I would DEFINITELY go!! I just wish there was one here in Winter Haven!!!
tommymommy
12-29-2007, 07:47 AM
Honestly, I would not go very far out of my way to spend more. I would spend more if it were close. Or I would drive farther if the prices were extra good, but the two factors together would be prohibitive to me. Besides, once you've been living green for a while its pretty easy to do it from a regular grocery store.
That said, green is so hot and trendy right now that if you work the boutique angle you will probably be very successful.
Best of luck!
Grrchurch03
12-29-2007, 08:01 AM
We have a store kind of like that, but it carries food, produce too as well as vitamins, bath products, cleaning products, natural diapers, has a bookstore and little cafe and everything is natural/organic. It is an awesome store and definitely has it's following. Not sure if they have anything online, but it is calle The Heritage Store and it is in Va Beach. I wish it was a little closer to me, takes about half an hour to get there and for the 1 or 2 items I usually buy there, most of the time it just isn't worth it, but I have a friend that I go with and we make a day of it once every month or so. It is right by the beach so they get all the tourists too.
Raquelita
12-29-2007, 09:28 AM
Well, if you don't know how to run a business yet I would do some courses and research beforehand - and I would advise you not to go too much into debt for it either. Save up to open your shop as much as possible.
Also, many of the grocery stores and big-box stores are incorporating natural/organic lines at good prices - so if I can buy them there when I do my other shopping, or buy my other goods online, I probably would not go to a little store, yk?
mama2cody
12-29-2007, 09:53 AM
We actually have a "green" store not too far from here. I haven't been yet, but would like to. They sell G-Diapers there, and I've contacted them about selling some cloth diapers too. I'm excited to go, and might go tomorrow. :mrgreen:
cyncyn
12-29-2007, 01:06 PM
Thanks for everyone's input. Cynthia, I am completely clueless as to how to start a retail business, but determined to do so. Do you mind if I message you with any questions? Can I pick your brain a bit when I need to? I am in awe and love your cloth diaper store! I wish there were something like that around here.
I am no retail expert for sure :lostit: I did not do a lot of location research or a business plan, heck, I've never even worked in a retail store. But I love cloth diapers and have been doing local advocacy through Miracle Diapers and the Real Diaper Association. So it all just fell together with my existing online shop. I had been running my online business for a few years and made a big jump last year to renting a studio down the block from my house. Then I happened to drive by a tiny storefront with a for rent sign....the rest is history!
Ask away; I'll share anything I've learned.
val01
12-29-2007, 04:52 PM
Nothing to add - but wanted to tell this mama - Hello from Norfolk!
Valerie
We have a store kind of like that, but it carries food, produce too as well as vitamins, bath products, cleaning products, natural diapers, has a bookstore and little cafe and everything is natural/organic. It is an awesome store and definitely has it's following. Not sure if they have anything online, but it is calle The Heritage Store and it is in Va Beach. I wish it was a little closer to me, takes about half an hour to get there and for the 1 or 2 items I usually buy there, most of the time it just isn't worth it, but I have a friend that I go with and we make a day of it once every month or so. It is right by the beach so they get all the tourists too.
Bridym
12-29-2007, 07:34 PM
I would.
But I am not sure having your store right next to another store who sells the same products is a great idea.
If people can get the exact same thing next door they will just buy it there if they are already getting something else there.
But if you can carry totaly diffrent products that the other store will not carry you will set yourself up in a really great location.
