Table of Contents
Have you got a passion for fashion, and do you have an understanding of dress sense? So, all that is left is to start your clothing line. Opening a clothing line is one of the profitable ways to earn money in the UK. There is no doubt why the textile and garment industry is one of the most booming industries in the nation. But, starting your own business requires additional research and work than just buying a domain and setting up a website.
But, no need to worry! In this article, we have created a complete guide on starting a clothing business in the UK and will tell you what steps should be taken to open a clothing store.
Let’s begin!
How To Start A Clothing Business in the UK- Guide
Whether you start your online business or set up your store, both require the same level of dedication. The company requires informed decisions and a series of legal activities.
Below are given ideas on how to start a clothing business in the UK.
1. Decide Your Business Model
The first step is to decide your business model. Your small business model will determine how you will monetize your textile business. Generally, there are three most accepted business models- On-demand, Wholesale Customization, Designing from Scratch.
In the on-demand business model, the owner buys the plane and blank clothes such as plain t-shirts and shirts, and then customized logos and designs are printed on them. This is an easy and pocket-friendly business model to start your clothing line.
The Wholesale Customization type model embraces buying clothing items in bulk and has them customized according to your needs in terms of designs, prints, and logos, using high-quality printing methods. However, this type of business model includes a certain amount of investment and has the potential for higher margins.
In the Designing from the scratch model, you start everything from scratch. Such as sourcing raw materials, creating your unique designs, and final steps involving producing garments either on your own or by the manufacturer. However, this model will require both your time and money. But the profit margin is also very high. Plus, you will have a brand that is 100% your own.
2. Limit Your Clothing Business
To start a clothing business in the United Kingdom, you have to start by narrowing down your research because a clothing business is full of ferocious competition.
It will not work out if you think about jumping into the market with only some generalized textiles to sell. Don’t forget; your competition is with some of the well-established clothing brands and lines.
That is why you have to modify your approach; only you can stand out in this competition.
The best way is to start with choosing an appropriate niche. The clothing and textile industry is vast, with various segments like kid’s clothing, men’s clothing, women’s clothing, sportswear, and many more.
So, among all these fields, you have to select one which you find interesting. By this action, you can target a specific set of audiences, and this will make the whole process simplified as by having a niche, you can focus better on your business.
3. Plan Your Budget Beforehand
For starting a clothing line, no such high budget is required. You can begin your clothing line in the UK with just £5000. Yes, you heard it right!
Initially, you can start your business on a small scale, and later when your business becomes successful and you have enough budget, you can expand your business.
You have to remember that the UK clothing business is very unpredictable. You can’t run your business exactly like your blueprint. So, you have to keep your business very flexible to save yourself some money, but then also you should not compromise with the quality of the product.
As I said earlier, in the beginning, you should take baby steps by keeping things simple. By doing this, you can fix figures in your mind and can manage the funds efficiently. The budget in a clothing business in Britain depends on the niche, size, target audience and location, and many more.
4. Have A Very Unique And Catchy Brand Name
Well, many of you who are reading this article should already have decided on a brand name. But if you haven’t, then it is time to do so. This point may sound very basic, but it is the most tricky and funny part of starting any business.
Having a unique and catchy brand name is very important because it will represent your business probably for a lifetime. And the brand name is the first thing the customers will hear when discovering your business offerings. So, it becomes essential to get this part because the first impression is the last and to make a long-lasting impression in the business.
For creating a unique brand name for your clothing line, you can consider some of the below give tips-
- First, make a list of all the words you are thinking about and mix them in different ways.
- Find the words that match your business concept and purpose.
- You can also personalize your name to fit your first or last name into your brand name.
Starting your clothing line is full of risk as the UK fashion industry is fiercely competitive and is filled with clothing brands fighting for attention.
In short, don’t think this to be your smooth road to eminence and fortune. But if you love this profession and want to be a part of this fast-moving industry, then you have a complete chance to succeed. Wishing you good luck with your business!