The How To Open A Boutique Book - why I wrote it

As an owner/operator of a successful retail boutique I was asked over and over again, "what is the secret to your success"? I never really had time to answer that question.

I would always say things like, "being prepared or ample due diligence" but I never really had the time to go into any detail. I looked at book stores for literature I could recommend to people but I never found anything at all that could hold any water.

I even let would-be boutique owners interview me for an hour or two so that I could explain to them how to open a boutique. But I would just become frustrated.

How could I possibly teach someone everything I learned in business school plus financial forecasting, buying procedures, lease negotiations, staff training and all of the millions of possible scenarios that can happen in a store in one or two hours? I couldn't. it was impossible.

I always knew I would write the How To Open A Boutique E-book but when I was running my store there was just never the time. I wrote it over and over again in my head but I never really had the time to sit down and make it a reality.

Montana River

In 2001, after a decade of owning and operating the most successful and beautiful women’s boutique in Tarzana, California, my husband and I decided that we wanted to move our two small children to a less crowded place and raise them with land and horses.

Together we made the very difficult decision to sell my store and relocate from California to Montana. I remember the day I closed escrow on my store. I just cried and cried. I did it for all the right reasons but I do still miss it very much.

Moving to Montana was a wonderful decision for me and my family. It turned out to be an excellent decision for my How to Open a Boutique E-book as well.

Once I moved, I had all the time in the world to write, and write is what I did. I completed the Original How To Open A Boutique Step-by-Step E-Book Guide in one year. (See the December 2007 Edition >>>)

I filled it with absolutely everything I know about retail planning and owning and operating your own store. I truly believe it will help you tremendously in your quest for store ownership.

shopper buying clothing in a boutique

I am a very immediate person and I want to get started on things right away so I figure everyone else is too. That is why I sell the Open a Boutique Step-by-Step E-book as an IMMEDIATE DOWNLOAD >>>.

I want my clients to be able to download the E-Book immediately and begin fulfilling their dream of opening a boutique. Why wait when you don’t have to?

I recommend that you download your E-book Now and then print out a copy to use as a reference guide to read over and over again as you do your own research, shop the markets, search for lease space, etc.

If you still need additional consulting >>> or want me to attend your first market with you, I am now available for that too.

I want to say thank you for visiting my site at www.openaboutique.com If you are serious about opening your own store, I hope you will allow me to share all of my business planning and retail store opening experience with you.

Sincerely,
Laurie Bennett

2007: I write the Second Edition of the How to Open a Boutique E-Book

Over the years, of course things change and probably nothing changes faster than the fashion world. That is why I have spent the last year writing a fully revised edition of my How To Open a Boutique E-book.

As the market changes, we all need to be ahead of the game. My revised guide is packed with tips and ideas to ensure your success when you open a boutique.

To keep abreast of what is happening in the fashion world, I continue to attend market week once a year at different venues. I love the Magic show in Las Vegas (www.magiconline.com). The Los Angeles apparel mart is also a favorite of mine for sentimental reasons. And the Las Vegas GLDA gem and jewelry show is another one of my annual visits.

I love accessories and jewelry (great price points and mark-up) and the GLDA show really helps keep me up to speed on the fashion jewelry markets. And now when I attend the show, I can enjoy them on a different level.

In effect, I now study the overall market and the fashion industry in a much broader sense. I use this to update my E-Book and continue to teach my clients everything they need to know and more about opening their own successful boutiques.

Fashion changes aside, there are also business and real estate changes as well. Real estate prices and leasing rates change, usually in an upwards fashion. Expenses increase, technology changes, sales representatives move their showrooms and change the lines and so on.

Visiting the markets allows me to stay on top of everything so my How to Open a Boutique eBook 2007 update is state of the art for my clients to enjoy.

Jewelry		Lingerie
Apparel		Handbag
Bridal		Wedding
Maternity		Kid’s Wear
Shoe		Sports Wear
Sneakers		Gifts
Children's clothing		Clothing store
or whatever type of retail store you can dream up

cards type

Hi Laurie!!

I did it! I DID start a boutique! I don't know if you remember me from a bit ago asking every question in world about your book and your experience in running a boutique...

Amy C - Atlanta, GA

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Hi Laurie!!

"Hi Laurie, I ordered your guide to opening a boutique quite a while ago but am finally getting close to opening a boutique. I wanted to thank you for all the wonderful, easy to read information that I was able to gain from it. It's been a wonderful guide for me. Thanks again! "

Tammy K

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