Clothing Boutique Equipment Checklist

Equipment used in your boutique is a great way to enhance your brand’s message. While there are essentials that most stores will have and need, you can develop a theme in your boutique with the equipment selected and how it is positioned in the store. 

Your clothing boutique equipment checklist should consider the following groupings – the boutique itself, the shoppers’ experiences, making the sales, behind the scenes, and online support and sales. 

This is an exciting step to set-up your boutique to represent you and your brand. Using a checklist is a great way to make sure that you are ready to go on opening day and afterwards. Continue reading for suggestions on what to include on your clothing boutique’s equipment checklist. 

The Boutique Itself

• Signs 

In front of your store, you need at least one sign with your store’s name and its logo. This acts as an invitation to enter your store. It should give a passerby a sense of your brand. Adding another sign in your doorway with your hours of operation and an open or closed indicator would be appreciated by customers. 

• Mannequins and Displays

Utilizing mannequins is a great way to display your clothing. Seeing clothing on a mannequin can help shoppers readily visualize how your clothing will drape on a person. Mannequins are also an effective way to put outfits together for customers. Seasonal or special displays can be framed around what your mannequins are wearing.

• Racks and Shelves

All boutiques need a system of shelving. You can use your shelves to show many of the items that you offer for sale. While shelves are a functional means to store your inventory, they also should make your inventory accessible for your customers. How many shelves and where you locate your racking systems should be done to accentuate your brand image. Consider a mix of heights and widths of your storage and display system for a variety of products. 

• Hangers

Part of your racking system will include sections to hang your clothing items. Therefore, you will need hangers, which are available in many sizes and materials. Before purchasing hangers, get your racking systems. This might determine the size of the hangers you purchase. You need to decide if hangers will be noticed by your customers or if they are a practical means to provide choices of sizes and styles for your customers. That and your budget should be considered before purchasing hangers. 

• Security

Another component of the boutique itself is a security system. If your location does not already have one installed, you need to explore security system options that are available. A unit with cameras to protect from shoplifting should be considered. Adding an alarm system that will help protect your inventory should also be on your equipment checklist. 

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The Shoppers’ Experiences

• Mirrors 

Customers need mirrors so that they can see how great your boutique’s clothing and/or accessories look on them. You will need a variety of mirrors depending upon what items you are selling. If your boutique will offer accessories, smaller mirrors next to the display case with the accessories is recommended. You want to offer easy access to mirrors to help make a sale. 

In the fitting room, you need full-length mirrors for your customers. Position the mirrors so anyone trying on clothing can see the front and the back of the apparel. Consider having a full-length mirror near any clothing, such as jackets, which could be tried on in the main part of the boutique. 

• Baskets

Baskets or shopping carts are not a necessity for all boutiques. If you and anyone else working in the store will be assisting shoppers, you might not need baskets. As customers are holding clothes in their arms, the shop owner offers to place them in the fitting room. If this will be your approach, baskets might not be needed. Otherwise, explore different types of shopping baskets that will complement your boutique. 

• Seating Area

Sometimes the shopper’s companion is not as interested in shopping. So, offer a chair or two for a customer or their companion. This will make the shopping experience more relaxing. A seating area can also add ambiance to your boutique. 

• Fitting Rooms

You want your customers to select clothing that fits them well. Providing a fitting room is a perfect way to assist your clients in their clothing selection. Be sure you have a curtained or closed-off area so your customers can discreetly change. 

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Making the Sales

• Price Tags

Clothing will need either price tags or signs with pricing. Price tags can be a more tactful way to indicate your pricing. You can purchase a price gun to help track inventory and print price tags that can be applied to the manufacturer’s labels. 

• Check out Area

While store space and pricing per square foot is a premium, you need to set up a counter for customers’ purchases. This needs to be large enough to fold and bag their purchases. You also need room for the equipment that you will use to process payments. A spot to put hangers for reuse is also recommended. You do not want clutter. 

• Method to Process Payment

Explore different options for your point-of-sale processing. There are fees associated with using each payment system. In addition, you should have some type of cash box or cash register. When you are deciding on a payment system, also consider a method to track your sales and inventory. Some customers will want printed receipts; some point-of-sale systems include this. If not, a paper receipt pad will work!

• Bags

Your customers will need some type of bag to carry their purchases in. You can order specialty bags, but you need to add this into your cost of sales. Decide if this adds to your branding or not. 

• Gift Wrapping

Gift wrapping supplies should also be added to your checklist. This does not have to be elaborate, but it is a service you should offer. This can be a great way to advertise your boutique. 

Behind the Scenes

• Cleaning Supplies

You want customers to enjoy their shopping experience. A clean boutique will add to the atmosphere of your store. Add to your supply list materials to clean your store. You will need window cleaner, other spray cleaners, paper towels, mops or a vacuum at the minimum. 

• Waste Receptacles

Along with cleaning supplies, places to throw your trash are required. You want to maintain a clean and tidy boutique. Also, in addition to waste receptacles inside your store, make sure that there is a larger dumpster outside in which you can place your trash. 

• Steamer

Often when you receive your merchandise it is wrinkled. Before you put your clothing items on your shelving systems and hangers, the wrinkles need to be removed. Add a high-quality fabric steamer to your equipment checklist. Your passion for your store is shown in a detailed step like this. 

Online Support and Sales

• Internet Access and Equipment

You probably already have a laptop or use your Smartphone to access the internet. Make sure your boutique will have internet access. Consider a laptop or desktop for your business. You need it for your website, social media updates, staying current on styles, ordering your products, and perhaps an online business.

• Website

While this is not a piece of physical equipment, an internet presence is a necessity even if your boutique is exclusively in a physical setting. A website detailing location, hours of operation, and information about your products is a necessity. Think about adding social media account(s) that will showcase your business as well. 

• Online Business

A great way to expand your business is to offer your items for sale online. If you are going to add this option, you will need shipping supplies. A quality camera or hiring a photographer to take pictures of your products will be needed. Your website will need to be expanded to provide the ability to shop your store through the internet. Add boxes, bubble wrap, tape, shipping envelopes, and label making means to your list. 

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Related Questions

Do I need to have a break room?

You do not need a full room for a break room because that could be cost prohibitive. However, you do need a place where you have a cup of coffee or your lunch. You should have in the store a coffee pot, small refrigerator, and microwave at the very least. 

Do I need office supplies for my boutique?

Yes, you should stock office supplies at your boutique. In the store, you should find room for a filing cabinet, a printer, scanner, and shredder. Other basic supplies that you need in the office are pens, pencils, paper clips, staplers with staples, and scissors. 

Are floor mats needed in a boutique? 

Floor mats can help with cleanliness, store appearance, and your health. For your entrance ways, you should obtain industrial strength mats. These will help control floor issues when it is raining or snowing. Anti-fatigue mats should be located wherever you will stand often, such as the purchasing area and office space. 

To learn more about how to start your own fashion clothing line check out my startup documents here

Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a legal expert to address your specific needs.