How to Start a Children's Boutique Store in Destin, Florida
- 1). Pick a niche for your children's boutique. Since Destin is a popular tourist destination, try selling children's items made by Florida artisans, tourist shirts just for babies and toddlers, beach gear for kids or eco-friendly girls' sundresses.
- 2). Secure a venue for your children's boutique. Try leasing a space in HarborWalk Village, Destin Commons, Shoreline Village Mall, Shores Shopping Center or Grand Boulevard. Find a location that is near tourist foot traffic or a busy shopping center.
- 3). Name your children's boutique and register online for a fictitious name certificate (DBA) from the Florida Division of Corporations. The filing fee is $50. The certificate is required if you choose to do business under an assumed name in Destin, Florida. For example, if you want to name your business “Suzy's Kids” and your name is Suzy Wilson, there would be no need to file for a DBA. However, you would need a DBA if you wanted to name your boutique “Best Dressed Kids' Clothing”.
- 4). Obtain an employer identification number (EIN) online form the IRS and register online for a sales and use tax permit from the Florida Department of Revenue. These business documents are required to operate a retail boutique in Destin.
- 5). Open wholesale accounts with children's clothing, toy or accessory suppliers in your niche and purchase the inventory you need. You will likely be required to place a minimum order amount and provide your EIN.
- 6). Buy kid-friendly retail store fixtures for your boutique, such as racks, shelving and tables, as well as cash registers, carts and bags from a company such as Store Supply Warehouse.
- 7). Promote your Destin children's boutique by advertising in local newspapers, starting a promotional website or blog, and sponsoring local children's events, such as Uptown Station Movie Nights or HarborWalk Village's Red, White and Blue Celebration.
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