How to open a children's shoe store and become the market leader in this area? Trade in children's goods, including footwear, has its own specifics. What recommendations will help create an attractive and profitable store, loved by children and their parents - read in our article.

Are there any prospects for trade in children's shoes?

It seems to many that it is not difficult to open any store from scratch, especially for children. However, more experienced businessmen will not agree with this point of view. Organizing a successful trade in children's goods is much more difficult than it seems. The children's store requires a special approach.

To stay on the market in conditions of ultra-high competition, you need to come up with something that compares favorably with competitors.

There are departments with children's shoes in almost every "adult" shoe store and, of course, in huge children's hypermarkets. However, this does not mean that this direction of trade is unpromising. Vice versa, narrow specialization can help achieve high quality goods and trade, present an extremely wide range and individual approach.

Demand for children's shoes is high. In addition, for several years, when children grow especially quickly, they have to buy shoes two or three times a year. The children's footwear trade has very good prospects if the entrepreneur is willing to put in the effort and be creative.

Narrow specialization can help achieve high quality goods and trade

How much money to invest

An approximate business plan for a shoe store with calculations can be found on the Internet, but in any case, it will have to be adapted to your situation. The main items of expenditure will be:

• rental of premises (from 60 to 100 thousand rubles, the cost depends very much on the region);
• repair and decoration of the premises (if necessary, 50-100 thousand rubles);
• commercial equipment (showcases, a table with a cash register, sofas for fitting, mirrors (50-100 thousand rubles);
• purchase of the first batches of goods (about 200 thousand rubles);
• working capital for the first months of work (50 thousand rubles);
• security system (about 10 thousand rubles);
• remuneration of employees (3-4 employees with a salary of 15-20 thousand rubles).

Thus, to open, an amount in the region of 700 thousand - 1 million rubles is required. This relatively small investment, which will pay off in about 8-12 months of work and possibly faster.

What to expect profit

Due to the high competition in the children's goods market, do not expect high profits in the first months of work. Practice shows that it takes 4-5 seasons (a year and a half) for most entrepreneurs to recoup their investments and prove themselves. During this period, you need to constantly adjust the approach to sales, update the range, and collect feedback.

How to choose the right store location

There are several good options for the location of a children's shoe store.

1. New microdistrict, where young families buy apartments . Children's shoes within walking distance from home will be very popular with young mothers. It is important to correctly assess the number of young families in the microdistrict and its size.
2. Near nurseries, kindergartens and schools. The idea of ​​buying a new pair of shoes on the way home from kindergarten or school is also a great idea for many parents, as it saves them a lot of time. In addition, unlike microdistricts, children's institutions will not run out of potential customers in a few years.
3. In the mall where there is a zone of children's attractions and entertainment. Many families go to shopping malls on weekends where they can buy the necessary goods, play games and have a bite to eat. A specialized children's shoe store fits in well with this pastime, and the popularity of shopping centers will ensure a steady flow of customers.

You should not expect high profits in the first months of work

Requirements for the premises

The premises of the future children's shoe store should have several characteristics. Firstly, its area must be at least 70 square meters. Secondly, need for zoning: trading floor and places for fittings, cash desk, warehouses, room for staff. Thirdly, the store should be bright, cozy, possibly decorated for children.

The area of ​​the premises should allow three or four families to be and choose goods at the same time. It is necessary to organize several places for fitting that do not interfere with each other: comfortable sofas with shoe spoons and mirrors.

Formation of the assortment

It is not easy to open a shoe store from scratch: reviews show that For good sales, you need to form a rich assortment. For a specialized children's shoe store, this is the main competitive advantage. The number of goods should significantly exceed the range of hypermarkets. It is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. Hypermarkets sell literally everything from shoes to strollers, which allows them to offer only a limited number of models. A specialized store should exceed this figure by at least 2-3 times.

It is necessary to purchase goods from several manufacturers: domestic, foreign, well-known and only beginners. Models in most sizes should always be in stock. All goods can be conditionally divided into two varieties: seasonal and off-season.

Seasonal items are associated with the season: warm boots in winter, rubber boots for autumn and winter, light sandals in summer. At the end of the season, it is imperative to carry out a sale of all old models. During the season, on the contrary, prices should be kept higher.

Off-season shoes are the ones that a child needs all year round. These are sports sneakers, sneakers, shoes, ballet flats (for replacement shoes in the kindergarten), slippers. For the little ones, a variety of booties is a must. The newest and most popular models should be placed closer to the entrance, the least relevant - deep into the hall.

It is enough to replenish the product range once a month. After a few seasons of work, it will become apparent that some categories or firms are selling better. They will need to be emphasized: expand the range, duplicate the size range. Conversely, models that sell worse should be ordered in smaller volumes or removed from sale altogether.

At the end of the season, it is necessary to carry out a sale of all old models.

How the right atmosphere will help increase sales

One of the features of a shoe store for children is the need to maintain a comfortable environment inside. Most children really dislike long shopping trips. This means that you need to create an environment that will be pleasant for them. For example, pick up a special playlist with children's songs.

Maybe, it is worth installing a TV and broadcasting cartoons and children's movies. Trying on shoes should be fun, perhaps with special baby shoe spoons. It will be very useful to have toys, coloring books, puzzles in the store.

The main goal is to make the stay and shopping in the store a pleasant and memorable event for children and parents. A trip for shoes to you should be associated in a child with a holiday and a game, and not with endless trying on different pairs of shoes, stuffiness and boredom.

Employee Requirements

Usually women sell children's shoes. The main requirement for sellers in this industry is not experience in trading, but the ability to find a common language with adults and children. A good employee should be friendly, be able to please the child, captivate him and at the same time know the assortment perfectly, quickly select the right models and convince parents of the need to buy from you.

The success of the entire enterprise depends on how well the sellers work. Children do not like strict, gloomy and serious people. The seller should please them at first sight and captivate them with purchases. It is advisable to remember regular customers, to be interested in the quality of previously purchased shoes.

Salespeople are usually paid based on sales success. The salary consists of a minimum fixed part and a percentage of completed sales. Practice shows that such a principle of wage formation increases the interest of employees and, as a result, helps to achieve sales growth.

The seller should like them at first sight and captivate them with purchases

Franchise work

Currently, several children's shoe stores of the All-Russian level sell franchises. How profitable is it to work under someone else's brand? At first glance, it seems that it is easier to buy the right to use a popular name, get professional advice and assortment rules. It is likely that the franchisor will take over the purchase and supply of goods. This is very profitable: along with the franchise, the entrepreneur will receive a full set of instructions for opening a store, working with staff, and so on.

On the other hand, the cost of opening a store will increase. In addition to all the funds for the premises, equipment and the purchase of the first batches of goods, you will need to pay an initial (lump-sum) fee. In addition, monthly you will need to pay a percentage of your profits and report to the copyright holder.

There is no children's shoe store on the Russian market that would be known to all parents and would guarantee high profits in the first months of operation. That's why it is more logical to invest in the development of your own brand, independently arrange supplies and service.

Is selling children's shoes online profitable?

An online store allows you to significantly reduce the number of costs: paying rent, utilities, salaries to employees. However the specificity of children's shoes is such that few parents decide to buy them without trying them on. Therefore, a "real" store is needed.

On the other hand, it will be useful to make a website in addition to physical trading. There you can also organize the sale of goods, for example, at reduced prices. It is useful to tell customers about the rules for choosing children's shoes, products that are presented in your assortment, different models of shoes and other useful information. Place a forum on your site where customers can ask questions about products and communicate with each other.

Conclusion

The trade in children's shoes is a specific line of business that requires a combination of pedagogical and marketing talent. Narrow specialization in the sales of only one type of product allows you to significantly improve the quality within your direction, thoroughly study the market, and cooperate with a variety of suppliers. When organizing a children's store, creativity and a sincere desire to provide children and parents with the best choice are necessary.

Buy shoes

Children's shoes are essential goods. After all, children grow up, and they constantly need to update their wardrobe. In the season, the baby needs at least one, and more often 2-3 pairs of shoes. Therefore, an entrepreneur can open a children's shoe store and successfully develop his business. How to open a children's shoe store from scratch and whether it is profitable, we will tell in this article.

I would also like to add information to the article on how to choose a supplier of children's shoes. You can buy shoes of one brand, then it is probably more logical to conclude an agreement with a manufacturer of children's shoes, but it is better to trade with several popular brands of different price categories. And what shoes to buy more, what less to buy, you need to proceed from the area where the store is located. If you are in a residential area on the outskirts of the city, then it is better to take more (but not all) cheaper shoes. And vice versa. A boat for demanding buyers with money will go better in the center. If in your city there is a wholesale store for children's shoes with various TMs, then it is often easier and more profitable for a boat to buy from him. This will reduce the cost of logistics. In addition, you can see the product before you buy it. And in case, nevertheless, the product turns out to be defective, return it as soon as possible. But when opening a children's shoe store, few people have extra money.

Children grow up fast. This is especially noticeable in shoes - boots, boots and shoes, bought just a couple of months ago, can now be cramped. In turn, this means that there is always a demand for high-quality and inexpensive goods for babies. Entrepreneurs may view this in a different light. And right now we invite you to learn how to open a children's shoe store.

Step 1. We create a legal framework

It is believed that the most successful option for a children's shoe store is to open an individual entrepreneur. First of all, this is due to the peculiarities of accounting and taxation provided for this form of ownership.

Another question that is often asked by those who are interested in how to open a children's shoe store: "Do I need to issue special licenses to work in this area?" Our answer is no, it doesn't. However, absolutely all products must be certified.

Among other things, before starting work, you will need to obtain permission from the State Fire Inspectorate and SES.

Step 2. Choose a room for a store

How to open a children's shoe store from scratch? One of the most important tasks that you will face is to attract the maximum possible flow of customers. In a highly competitive environment, this is not easy. But a competent choice of premises, one way or another, is a kind of guarantee of future success.

What criteria should be guided by when choosing it?

1. It is best if the store is located in the city center or in a residential area, on a busy street.
2. When compiling a business plan for a children's shoe store, many aspiring entrepreneurs try to save on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe outlet. But opening a store with a large area (from 80 m 2) is profitable. In addition to the trading floor itself, you will also need utility rooms, a warehouse and a bathroom.
3. You don't have to spend money on expensive designs. The main thing is that the store looks neat and tidy.

There are peculiar "chips" that will help you make your store a favorite place for young buyers and their parents. For example, it can be bright racks and drawings of cartoon characters. Or a large TV on the wall - during the fitting, the children will not be capricious and cry. And you can dream up and dress up sellers in funny bright costumes.

Step 3. We are looking for suppliers

Thinking about how to open a children's shoe store, it is better to immediately find reliable product suppliers. The best option is cooperation with 4-5 partners. If there are few suppliers (only 1-2 companies), you risk becoming heavily dependent on them. That is, in the event of force majeure, you will not be able to offer your customers anything.

The most preferred option, no doubt, is direct cooperation with manufacturers. In this case, you save a lot, because all wholesalers take into account their own margin anyway.

Step 4. We plan the assortment

Now is the time to talk about what exactly you will be selling in your store. There are many options, but we will consider the most popular product categories:

• slippers;
• demi-season shoes and low shoes;
• sneakers, sneakers and other footwear for outdoor activities;
• summer sandals and shoes;
• half boots and boots;
• boots;
• booties;
• Czechs;
• a variety of accessories and shoe care products.

The products that will be presented in your store can be targeted at different age groups - for children from birth to 12-15 years old.

In order to attract more customers, you can organize promotions and sell discounted models of past years or seasonal shoes.

Step 5. We buy equipment for the store

If you are interested in how to open a children's shoe store from scratch, you should think about where to get all the necessary shop equipment.

The basic set of equipment must include:

• shelves for shoes;
• racks;
• showcases for related products (accessories, children's toys, shoe care products);
• mirrors;
• fitting chairs;
• rugs;
• cash machine;
• table for registration of goods;
• computer.

It is important that the store has not only benches for kids, but also comfortable soft sofas for adults. Try to choose furniture in colorful, bright colors - your little visitors will definitely like it.

In general, to purchase all the required equipment, you will need about 200-300 thousand rubles.

Step 6. We are looking for employees

If you have already decided on how to name the children's shoe store, have found a suitable premises, completed all the documents, concluded contracts with suppliers and purchased the necessary equipment, you can proceed to the next stage - recruitment.

First of all, you will need trained consultants (3-4 people). Among other things, they must possess such qualities as neatness, politeness and love for children. Each of the consultants should know well the part of the assortment for which he is responsible, and be ready to tell clients about the manufacturers, the subtleties of care and the materials for the production of shoes that this or that company uses. Therefore, the entire range should be divided between employees by category (summer, classic, sports, etc.).

In terms of pay, the proven option is piecework wages with a fixed share. This option is beneficial both for the store owner and for the employees themselves - sellers are always sure that they will receive an amount no less than the guaranteed part, and at the same time they have an incentive to increase sales.

In addition, you will need the services of an accountant, a cleaner and ancillary workers. At the first stage, you can take over all the functions related to management. Over time, when business processes are debugged, it will be possible to think about finding a good manager.

Children's goods is a very profitable segment of the trade. Many entrepreneurs, especially women, choose this niche due to the constant demand for goods. In this article, we will talk about how to open a business selling children's shoes and what methods to promote it in your city.

Business Format

Why children's shoes? The answer is simple, children are constantly growing, and shoes for them are bought at least 3-4 times a year, while for the next season it is already small again and parents go for another pair of shoes or sneakers for the baby. The demand is very high, but the competition is not small, so only with the right approach you can get good results in the trade of children's shoes.

Here are some of the main formats of work:

- trade in the clothing market. Usually in such outlets they sell cheap shoes, but at the same time there is always a demand for this product. For an entrepreneur, this type of trade is the least expensive, since you can spend minimal money on rent and advertising.

- Renting a store in a shopping center. It is also a good option, especially if the shopping center has been operating for several years and has regular customers. In this case, you will also save on advertising.

- stand-alone shop It is more difficult here, because in order to attract customers, you will need to actively work with advertising, and this is always additional money. But if the product is unique or a store with a narrow focus, for example, only sports shoes for children, then yes, this trading format is quite suitable.

— sale of used children's shoes (thrift store). Also a wide niche, especially in times of crisis. The main thing is to work with goods that are not very worn out and offer discounts to your customers.

- online trading. Having your own website or promoting groups in social networks can allow you to make good money with a minimum start-up capital, especially for start-up entrepreneurs. You will be able to test the niche and get loyal customers. Over time, you can launch an offline store.

As you can see, there are many formats, you just need to choose the one that suits you.

Search for premises and purchase of equipment for trade

Before you open a children's shoe store from scratch, you will need to take care of the most important thing, namely the selection of a good place to trade. We already wrote above that with such goods it is best to rent retail space either in already promoted shopping centers or in clothing markets where there is a constant flow of customers.

The size of the premises for the sale of children's shoes should be from 25 sq.m. This area is the most optimal for demonstrating the main range of goods.

Of the commercial equipment, you will need, first of all, these are racks with shelves on which the goods will actually be placed. They come in both wood and glass.

Also, we need boxes for storing the entire range of sizes and a special stand for selling sports shoes.

Also consider that you will need to organize a workplace for the seller.

Range and suppliers

The business of opening a children's shoe store requires a very thorough analysis of the market and the compilation of a high-quality assortment of goods. People love to choose and your goal is to give them that choice. When analyzing competitors, first of all, you need to pay attention to the following main factors:

• product quality
• price segment
• stock availability
• Are there discounts and promotions?
• weaknesses in the assortment.

Your goal is to improve the assortment and provide the buyer with the most profitable and high-quality options in a different price range.

• winter shoes
• demi-season shoes
• sneakers
• shoes
• rubber boots
• baby booties
• Crocs
• slippers
• Czechs
• Summer shoes
• slippers and more.

From the additional assortment in the business of selling children's shoes, shoe care products and devices, socks and more can be presented. It is up to you to decide whether to put the entire range at once or start working with a narrow segment of categories. Much will depend on the initial capital, and sometimes this option is the most promising.

To find suppliers, you need to go to clothing wholesale markets and look for those suppliers with whom you will cooperate. So, for example, there you can evaluate the quality of the goods and agree on favorable purchase conditions.

There is also an option to search for sales representatives of large manufacturers of children's shoes in your region and start cooperating with them.

Advertising

Like any business, a children's shoe store requires investments in promotion to attract customers and form a base of regular customers. Here is a list of the main marketing moves that you can apply and determine for yourself whether it is profitable for you to use them or not. Over time, you will make the perfect "mix" of advertising, which will give the maximum effect on the money invested.

• advertising in local media;
• distribution of flyers with discounts
• banners around the city with a demonstration of the discount program
• Internet advertising. This includes search engine promotion and contextual advertising.
• promotion of profile groups in social networks. After all, children's clothing is one of the goods that are profitable to trade on the Internet.

At first, you will need to include in the business plan of your children's clothing store a fairly serious investment in an advertising campaign. Over time, word of mouth will work for you and young parents will recommend your store to each other, provided that you save a constant update of the product and its quality.

How much money do you need to start?

It’s not enough to say I want to open a children’s shoe store, you need to correctly calculate everything and take into account the entire sector of costs for organizing this business. Depending on the level of investments, store location and assortment, starting investments can vary significantly. But we give you a list of the main expenses.

• Room rental - $200 - $250
• Taxes - $150
• Salary to the seller - $200
• Initial purchase of goods - $12,000 - $18,000
• Purchase of equipment - $1000 - $1500
• Advertising - $450 (+ Internet advertising)
• Shipping costs - $60.

How much can you earn?

Everything will depend on the assortment, the choice of a place for trading, customer service and other factors. In our business ideas section, we indicate only the average markup on the goods, which in the case of children's shoes will be - 45% - 90%.

From these figures, you can estimate how much sales your store can generate profit.