Opportunity

Problem

A fashion boutique that caters specifically to busy professional women living in Los Angeles is needed. She likes boutique fashions and would like a place where she could get services that are compatible with her busy life. She has cash to burn and a job where she can’t get ahead without dressing the part.

Solution

De Kliek offers services such as Style Assessments and personal shopping to customers in-store and via personal appointments.

Market

According to research, women tend to be stressed and have limited time to shop for clothes. They also want help choosing the right styles and clothes. There are bound to be errors in clothing choices with over 61,000,000 U.S. women aged 25-54 shopping for apparel annually worth $34 billion.

Concurrence

Direct Competition:

• Fish
• Fred Segal
• Girl and her Dog
• Margaret O’Leary
• Dress
• Rabat
• Riki
• Susan of Burlingame
• The Grocery Store

Direct Competition:

• Abigail Morgan
• Ambiance
• eLuxury.com
• Her
• The Designer’s Club
• Yoya Boutique
• Other LA Boutique Retailers

Why Us

De Kliek stands out because it offers services other companies don’t, such as style evaluations, alterations, personal shop, and custom ordering. This is available during store hours, or by personal appointments. Customers will have the opportunity to speak with Style Concierges, who have extensive experience in the image and fashion industry. De Kliek’s innovative Style Assessments and educational emphasis in helping women develop their personal styles will enhance our reputation as a truly unique boutique.

Expectations

Forecast

• Start-up costs include inventory for the first month, and are estimated at $117K. Finance including working capital includes the owner’s $40K, family members $45K, an SBA loan for $90K and a family investor $45K.
• Annual gross sales are forecast to rise from $650K+ in year one to more than $1M in year three, with approximately 10% coming from customer-specific orders. These sales forecasts are three-quarters of the average for benchmarked Los Angeles boutiques. Net profits are expected to be approximately 6% for 2007 with a 5% reinvestment in growth initiatives.

Financial Highlights for the Year

Finance is required

For us to get started, we will need 175000. The owner will pay 45000, and the investor will give it 40,000. There will also be a SBA Loan of 99,000. The investor and the loan will be repaid by year 4.