Want to be my focus group? *

[phorsenuf]

Ok, so I think I am going to proceed with my store. I'm going to focus on K-cups, tea, spices and unique kitchen items, like funky aprons, cool looking cheese boards and such.
I'm trying to decide what would be the best location. Ideally a mall would generate a lot of foot traffic but rent can be pricey. Plus people may not want to make a trip to the mall just for coffee (or would they).
So, if it was a store you would shop at what would be the best location for you as a consumer.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

What am I shopping for and who? Me or my kids? I will probably be an other because it depends.....I will wait for your description.

 

[Dax]

I seem to go into more stores when at an outside mall over an indoor one, plus outside ones seem to be the new "in" thing

 

[AKL_Megs]

Do you have any "downtown" areas in any cities/towns/villages in your area? Many of the cities/towns/villages in my area do, and these funky, quirky stores do SO WELL!

In general, it seems they suffer in indoor malls, and go unnoticed in outdoor strip malls.

Best of luck to you! I'd come in for some K-Cups and a funky cutting board!

 

[Ciao Mickey]

Ok, so I think I am going to proceed with my store. I'm going to focus on K-cups, tea, spices and unique kitchen items, like funky aprons, cool looking cheese boards and such.
I'm trying to decide what would be the best location. Ideally a mall would generate a lot of foot traffic but rent can be pricey. Plus people may not want to make a trip to the mall just for coffee (or would they).
So, if it was a store you would shop at what would be the best location for you as a consumer.

I like outdoor shopping malls. The particular store I want to visit would be easier to get to than in a big mall.

Good luck with your new venture!

 

[phorsenuf]

I seem to go into more stores when at an outside mall over an indoor one, plus outside ones seem to be the new "in" thing

I like outdoor shopping malls. The particular store I want to visit would be easier to get to than in a big mall.

Good luck with your new venture!

Around here there are basically 2 types. The strip kid that has about 6-10 stores and then the ones that have an "anchor" and 20+ other types of stores.

Do you have any "downtown" areas in any cities/towns/villages in your area? Many of the cities/towns/villages in my area do, and these funky, quirky stores do SO WELL!

In general, it seems they suffer in indoor malls, and go unnoticed in outdoor strip malls.

Best of luck to you! I'd come in for some K-Cups and a funky cutting board!

Thanks. There are several downtown areas but they are further away whereas the mall and/or other storefronts are about a mile away.

I plan to have an online store as well. If all goes well that is.

 

[ProudMomTo3Boys]

If I am purposely going for that kind of stuff I would prefer it be in a strip type of mall. Closer parking, no crowds, just being able to get in and out or do a bit of bowsing without it taking all day.

 

[ncmickeyluvr]

I think a Downtown area would be good. Our downtown area is really thriving with lots of unique little stores.

 

[wdwiala]

I voted for inside mall.

Not sure if this is the best choice but we actually do have a kitchen store in the mall with coffees and interesting items. It has survived for at least 10 years now. If your store were a mall store, my purchases would be impulse ones. Kind of like Bath and Body Works. I don't go to the mall to buy those items but I usually treat myself to something anyway.

 

[AKL_Megs]

Around here there are basically 2 types. The strip kid that has about 6-10 stores and then the ones that have an "anchor" and 20+ other types of stores.




Thanks. There are several downtown areas but they are further away whereas the mall and/or other storefronts are about a mile away.

I plan to have an online store as well. If all goes well that is.

We will be excited to see it when it's up and running!!! Good luck!

 

[Angelhalo]

If I am purposely going for that kind of stuff I would prefer it be in a strip type of mall. Closer parking, no crowds, just being able to get in and out or do a bit of bowsing without it taking all day.

Ditto. I hate going to indoor and outdoor malls because both have cruddy parking situations. I like a nice strip mall with a smaller lot. I don't feel like I have to drive around all day looking for a space.

 

[DAISY DUCK FAN!]

Ditto. I hate going to indoor and outdoor malls because both have cruddy parking situations. I like a nice strip mall with a smaller lot. I don't feel like I have to drive around all day looking for a space.

I also vote for a strip mall. Not having to spend all day at the mall or hiking from my parking space in another county impact my preferences.

 

[Singleminnie]

I like outdoor shopping malls. The particular store I want to visit would be easier to get to than in a big mall.

Good luck with your new venture!

Me too!

 

[nathalee81]

Ok, so I think I am going to proceed with my store. I'm going to focus on K-cups, tea, spices and unique kitchen items, like funky aprons, cool looking cheese boards and such.
I'm trying to decide what would be the best location. Ideally a mall would generate a lot of foot traffic but rent can be pricey. Plus people may not want to make a trip to the mall just for coffee (or would they).
So, if it was a store you would shop at what would be the best location for you as a consumer.

I think this is a really great idea. I was just telling my husband last week that I wish we could mix/match K-cups. I really want to try new flavors, but hate being stuck with 11 K-cups if I end up not liking the flavor.

Two things, though, that I thought about (and maybe you have already considered them, but just thought I would throw them out there). Have you checked about licensing and/or other issues of this sort with K-cups?

Also, have you considered just doing this on-line? Retail space where we are is so pricey-it could really eat into your bottom line. Setting up a web page is super easy and cheap. Also, you could use your home as your "office" and then any space you use would be considered a tax write off (or at least I think this is how it works). You would have almost no start up costs besides your web design fee/start up and inventory. The other good thing is if you end up not making enough money, it would be pretty easy to "close shop"-turn off the web page. However, it is difficult to get out of a lease (and can be costly).

I don't know, it's not like an expert or anything. Just throwing ideas out there.

Wish you the best of luck on your endeavor-it really is a great idea.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Location, location, location. I would go with the area with the most traffic for the target market you are going for in the rent district you can afford.

Good luck!

 

[shortbun]

There are two areas in my town where a specialty shop does well. There is this kitchy, rehabbed arts area where small galleries and small shops are everywhere and people shop there a lot. also, we have a combination indoor/outdoor mall that is so cool! It's huge with all the high end stores but lots of little known specialty shops too. Girl, I spent a lot of money at a tea shop right before christmas-new pot, lots of tea and equipment. My husband actually blinked when he paid the bill...but he never questions me. Gotta love him! Good luck with your shop! I voted indoor.

WHAT is a 'K-cup?" I've seen them mentioned here many times before but kinda thought it was some type of birth control.... OMG, it's a drink???

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would also suggest going to www.irs.gov and order the following publications which will probably help a lot.

334 - Tax Guide for Small Business (For Individuals Who Use Schedule C or C-EZ)
463 - Travel, Entertainment, Gift, and Car Expenses
535 - Business Expenses
551 - Basis of Assets
552 - Recordkeeping for Individuals
560 - Retirement Plans for Small Business (SEP, SIMPLE and Qualified Plans)
583 - Starting a Business and Keeping Records
946 - How to Depreciate Property

And also, if the time can be spared and at and minimal cost take a first semester Principles of Accounting course at a local Community College. Not necessarily to keep the books, but to get an understanding of what the business is doing.

Note that most small business fail within the first few years not because the owner did not know his subject but because they did not understand the accounting.

Mike (CPA Retired)

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Also wanted to add - look up the local chapter of SCORE. This is a free service and can be an invaluable source of information and advice for small business owners. SCORE is staffed by volunteers that are retired businessmen and professionals in their respective fields.

http://www.tampascore.org/

 

[LuvCuteBoys]

WHAT is a 'K-cup?" I've seen them mentioned here many times before but kinda thought it was some type of birth control.... OMG, it's a drink???

It's those little one serving things that you use in those individual serving coffee makers. I had no idea what it was at first... my first thought (and probably second and third) was that even a post-surgery Heidi Montag wasn't a K cup

 

[phorsenuf]

I would also suggest going to www.irs.gov and order the following publications which will probably help a lot.

334 - Tax Guide for Small Business (For Individuals Who Use Schedule C or C-EZ)
463 - Travel, Entertainment, Gift, and Car Expenses
535 - Business Expenses
551 - Basis of Assets
552 - Recordkeeping for Individuals
560 - Retirement Plans for Small Business (SEP, SIMPLE and Qualified Plans)
583 - Starting a Business and Keeping Records
946 - How to Depreciate Property

And also, if the time can be spared and at and minimal cost take a first semester Principles of Accounting course at a local Community College. Not necessarily to keep the books, but to get an understanding of what the business is doing.

Note that most small business fail within the first few years not because the owner did not know his subject but because they did not understand the accounting.

Mike (CPA Retired)

Thank you for that info. We've owned a very successful business in the past so we have plenty of experience.

Also wanted to add - look up the local chapter of SCORE. This is a free service and can be an invaluable source of information and advice for small business owners. SCORE is staffed by volunteers that are retired businessmen and professionals in their respective fields.

http://www.tampascore.org/

They are a great resource. When we had our previous business they were very helpful. I plan on meeting with them again as well as the SBA.