<< back to News

Set Yourself Up

08-12-2008   


Decided to launch your fashion business on a large scale? Or been working hard at home? Yet feel the ever growing need to expand, well it's very important to find the perfect business premises this may sound a bit daunting but if now is the right time for you it simply has to be done. It makes no difference whether you're seeking a design studio to work in or a shop to promote and sell your fashion designs, remember selecting premises involves making a serious and long term commitment, will the premises suit the ongoing needs and possible changes of your fashion business? Will you be comfortable there? The store which may look really impressive today but will it still be capable of attracting attention at the end of your lease? Just how easy can you escape a lease which has become rather a problematic? Exactly how much should you spend, and what should you expect from your landlord or letting agency?

 

Property, how do I find it?

There are listings available in local newspapers, on property websites, and in property-specific print publications. Commercial letting agencies are listed in the Yellow Pages and will be happy to provide you with their lists. But choosing the right piece of property can be rather more complicated. Every new business has to keep a close eye on its finances, but money isn't the only thing you should be concerned about when choosing your perfect premises. It's always a great idea to draw out a reasonable maximum amount you can spend (this should include ‘back up' for potential mistakes and errors) you must stay close within your budget this is why you worked one out in the first place, don't ignore it, stick to it! Its also tempting to jump at the first cheap deal that comes your way think it through first before deciding to go for it. Generally going through a letting agency is the safest way to rent, as you can be sure everything is above board, but private landlords are not always a bad choice – they often offer cheaper deals and they can be less intrusive. If you do deal with a private landlord, or if there is anything you feel uncomfortable about during your negotiations, speak to a lawyer about it – a bit of money spent now can save a lot in future!

Design Studio…

 If you're looking for a studio, you'll need premises that you're happy to spend long hours working in. A basement studio may be cheap and you may figure you can't make it bright enough with artificial lighting, but you probably won't be too pleased being cooped up in there throughout the daylight hours, and maybe missing out on day light during the winter season. As your dealing with clothing it's important to find premises that are dry and well ventilated, to ensure avoiding the risk of moulds and infestations which will damage your fabrics. You'll also need plenty of electrical outlets to support your equipment, a store for fabric and/or finished garments, and lots of large space to move around in.

Shop…

If it's a shop that is in question the same applies, remember that a shop is no use to you unless it attracts customers, and not every available place will do that. When it comes to choosing a shop, location is the most vital and indeed essential part so includes some serious thinking over. It must be the right kind of area and one with your aimed fashion customers close by. Make sure that you're in the right kind of area for customers seeking your kind of clothes and make sure the premises you choose can be made to look appealing to them.

fashion set up




<< back to News