When I work with small boutiques they just want small quantiities sometimes they don't even buy in ratio packs.

They are more inclind to go for something really new and different and want stock more quickly too. Bigger retailers want largre runs, normally you have to go through a massive approval process that takes for ever. They come and look at your factories and you have to go through a sealing procedure....you get fined if you are late and you can get fined for anyhthing that goes wrong. The big boys operate on discounts too e.g. prompt payment (why they call it this God knows as its normally a 30 day waiting time anyhow) and they also charge for sending the clothes into a distribution centre.

Little shops tend to be owner manager too so you get decisions made quicker.

And

could anyone tell me the difference between buying for a small fashion boutique and a large independant highstreet store? I am researching a project for my degree and would really welcome any suggestions!!!