Dress Shop Advice

[uamom175]

My daughter is an Alpha Delta Pi at the University of Alabama. I am considering opening a dress shop in Tusculoosa (near the University), which would cater to UA girls - targeting sorority girls. I hope to carry cute, affordable dresses along with greek merchandise. With all the different functions/occasions where sorority girls are required to wear specific dresses, I thought there would be a great need for this type store. I would appreciate any advice/opinions about my idea. Thank you.

[fantASTic]

...This seems more like a plug than an advice thread. Just FYI.

[uamom175]

NO, not a plug. I'm receiving counseling from Counselors to America's Small Business (www.score.org). They recommended I receive input from potential customers - thought this would be a good place to start.

[epchick]

If you carry Greek merchandise, don't you have to have licensing from the different sororities?

[Zillini]

My advice to anyone who wants to sell Greek or University related items is first get the proper licensing. Most Universities and GLO's are cracking down on unlicensed merchandise and the merchants who sell them.

Here's a thought...why not try asking your daughter and her ADPi sisters? Surely they'll know a thing or two about what's in these days.

[violetpretty]

Originally Posted by uamom175

NO, not a plug. I'm receiving counseling from Counselors to America's Small Business (www.score.org). They recommended I receive input from potential customers - thought this would be a good place to start.

Unless you plan to sell online, most of the people on GC are not your potential customers. I'd recommend sending out surveys to each of the chapters at Alabama.

[Bamamom13]

There already is Sassy Britches and Private Gallery that have reasonably priced and cute dresses and they are right on the strip.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by epchick

If you carry Greek merchandise, don't you have to have licensing from the different sororities?

She doesn't want to carry Greek stuff, she wants to carry stuff that sorority girls would wear.

I have an easy one. WHITE DRESSES. All year round. That aren't whory and are appropriate for ritual. (or should it be whorey?)

[WinniBug]

Originally Posted by 33girl

She doesn't want to carry Greek stuff, she wants to carry stuff that sorority girls would wear.

I have an easy one. WHITE DRESSES. All year round. That aren't whory and are appropriate for ritual. (or should it be whorey?)

I think she wants to carry sorority girl clothing AND some Greek merchandise.

[catiebug]

A-MEN!

Originally Posted by 33girl

I have an easy one. WHITE DRESSES. All year round. That aren't whory and are appropriate for ritual. (or should it be whorey?)

[Kansas City]

Don't forget appropriate white shoes. I had to try and find a pair this summer before convention and had extreme difficulties.

[AGDee]

There's a resale shop by us called Cinderella's Closet that only deals with formal dresses like prom dresses and bridesmaid dresses. I could see something like that being popular although the owner admits some times of the year, it's very very slow. But, for college students on a budget, being able to sell their own formal dresses there and then buy different ones.. it could be workable. Her shop is attached to a really good seamstress who does any alterations needed so they have a pretty good partnership there.

[Thetagirl218]

Originally Posted by 33girl

She doesn't want to carry Greek stuff, she wants to carry stuff that sorority girls would wear.

I have an easy one. WHITE DRESSES. All year round. That aren't whory and are appropriate for ritual. (or should it be whorey?)

Black dresses too!!!! It is so difficult to find a nice, black dress that is modest enough for sorority things, but doesn't make you look like a nun!

[rolltide14]

you should probably include fraternity stuff. somewhat like the shirt shop and the locker room