UKFT has published a new guide on opening a store and getting the best deal for UK fashion and textile companies. This is available to UKFT members – to access your copy email info@ukft.org.

There are a variety of things to consider when looking to launch your own store including location, customer catchment area, who your store neighbours are, rental agreements and much more. UKFT board members Patrick Dudley-Williams, founder of Reef Knots, and Simon Carter, founder of the eponymous menswear brand, share their tips on how to transition from initial ideas to launch day.

The guide covers:

• Why are stores important to a business model?
• How do you decide where to open and what should you look for in a store?
• The pandemic has hit city centre retail the hardest. How will that changed business strategies and is the change here to stay?
• In many international cities, stores stay open much later. Is that something to consider?
• What do you look for in a lease? What do you like to include and exclude?
• Once you have secured your lease, what kind of amount might you spend on a shopfit?
• How do you promote your store launch?
• Where do you find staff?
• What about shoplifting, security and insurance?
• What are some of the common mistakes you might make?
• What unexpected costs should you avoid?
• What might happen with business rates?

Not a member? For more details on membership click here  or contact info@ukft.org