YouTube video (April 26, 2021) in which Sarah from the Boutique Hub recommends sourcing wholesale for boutiques directly in the LA Fashion District. She argues it’s a valuable use of time because the district contains 100+ blocks of vendors and often shows products before major wholesale sites. Practical advice includes bringing business validation (tax ID), wearing comfy shoes, having an open-to-buy/budget and discipline, taking photos and precise location notes, consolidating shipping with vendors, and optionally hiring a local LA buyer to navigate vendors and secure better deals. Closing note: many store owners source there monthly; Boutique Hub offers further retail/ buying resources.
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Hey guys, it's Sarah from the Boutique Hub and I am back today to talk to you about traveling to la, straight to the fashion district to find wholesale for your business. Do I think it's a good idea? I think it's a great idea. Why? Because there are over 100 blocks of places to shop. Fashion accessories, shoes, everything you're looking for for your boutique. You guys all in one spot. Often I'm going to tell you you're going to find things there before you're going to see them on a website. Definitely before you're going to see them on a major wholesale website. So do I think it's a good idea? Yeah, it's a great use of time. You can find amazing deals, right? It's all in one place. You're there, you're focused. But there's a few things you should know before you go, right? Just like any other wholesale buying, you are going to have to produce the proper documents that shows your legit business, right? Your tax id, basic information to show who you are, what you do and where you're located. They're going to want validation that's for your protection, just like it is at any major market. All right, next thing, number one rule, wear comfy shoes. You're going to do a lot of walking when you get there. Have a plan. I'm a big believer in your open to buy plan. Buying on a budget, right? Staying disciplined. As you are investing in your business, so go there with intention. There'll be plenty of time for discovery as well, which that's important. But once you've reached your budget and you've maxed out, if you're not very disciplined, then I'd say go home, right? If you're able to take notes and take pictures but not buy, you're better off for that. So what to start off with, guys? Go to wherever it is you get overwhelmed. If you're an overwhelmed shopper, when it comes to stocking your shoes or it comes to stocking your jewelry, start there first because you will be overwhelmed in a matter of minutes. There's so much to see. So my recommendation is if you maybe get stressed out buying jewelry, start there first, right? Then as you are roaming and going throughout the streets, if you see something that fills your need that you really like, guys, take notes of it, take pictures of it. Jot down exactly where you are located at the exact address because I guarantee you, you will have a hard time finding it again. Once you weave your way off of that particular block or that street, you're going to have a hard time finding it again. So either buy quickly, buy with intention, when you like it, go ahead and get it, or make really good notes or else you're never going to find it again. Second tip, consolidate your shipping. Have a discussion with those vendors right in those showrooms and just say, hey, look, I'm putting together major orders today and I'd like them all shipped back to my boutique. Can you work with me on consolidated shipping? Guys, there are vendors down there that do just that. They will take your purchases directly to a consolidated shipper and have them all sent back to you in one big package. It's a great way to save money. If you are new to the LA Fashion District, you've never been there before. I highly recommend that you hire an LA buyer. Why? Because they can show you the ropes. They know the vendors by name. They can get you the very best deals. They can introduce you to the right people with the right products for your store. What a better. There's no better way to start a relationship with vendors than that. So good shoes, good camera, good notes, have a budget. I don't recommend you carry a lot of stuff around because you're going to get really tired. Really, really tired. Talk about consolidated Shipping. Those are my tips for you. You guys, it is well worth it. I know many store owners that go out there monthly source for their store directly from the LA Fashion district. So guys, happy buying, happy investing in your business. Remember, time is money and I think LA is a great place to go source your products. All right, for more buying tips, inventory management tips, or just straight how to run your retail business, you know, check out the Boutique Hub. We are here to help, here to serve and be your eyes and ears in industry. Thanks, guys.
