Ep/025: How A Simple Uniform Problem Led To My Newest Business Venture!
"This three-month run isn’t just about trying to make immediate sales; it’s a real-time learning opportunity. We’ll be able to see which products draw people in, how they respond to our customization options, and what language they use to describe what they’re looking for."
LISTEN NOW
In this special episode of Storefront Strategies, I take you behind the scenes as we prepare to launch Box Brand—a unique, community-driven retail shop offering custom merchandise with a personal touch. This episode marks the start of a new chapter in the podcast, where I’ll be sharing the real, unfiltered journey of opening and running a brick-and-mortar business.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[00:01:00] The Origin of Box Brand: Discover how the idea for Box Brand was born from a need for custom uniforms for IT Central, and how it evolved into a standalone business with a creative focus.
[00:03:00] Researching the Market: Learn how competitor analysis and customer surveys helped shape Box Brand, even though there wasn’t a directly comparable local business model.
[00:05:00] Testing the Concept: Explore the reasons behind our decision to take a 3-month lease in the St Giles Centre as a “test run” to gauge customer interest and gather feedback.
[00:09:00] Setting Up the Shop: Hear about the hands-on work involved in preparing the unit—from painting and flooring to sourcing fixtures and creating an inviting space.
[00:11:00] Wearing All the Hats: I share the realities of balancing roles as a business owner, from graphic design to social media management and everything in between.
[00:12:40] The Importance of Adaptability: Get insights into why staying flexible and treating each day as a learning experience is essential in the early stages of a retail business.
Key Takeaway:
Starting a brick-and-mortar business is both challenging and rewarding. From market research and customer engagement to the hands-on work of setting up the space, each step teaches valuable lessons in adaptability and resilience.
Join the Community
Be part of the Box Brand journey and connect with other brick-and-mortar business owners! Join our Facebook group, Grow Your Brick-and-Mortar Business Success, for behind-the-scenes updates, discussions, and support.
Additional Resources:
For hands-on guidance in building your own business foundation, check out our free workshop, “Plan Your Business On One Page”. This workshop provides a step-by-step approach to creating a Business Model Canvas and action plan tailored to your goals.
Be sure to subscribe to Storefront Strategies for more actionable insights on building a successful brick-and-mortar business. And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review!
Join the Conversation:
If you’re looking for more insights into building a successful brick-and-mortar business, join our Facebook group: Grow Your Brick-and-Mortar Business Success. Connect with other entrepreneurs, share your experiences, and learn tips for growing your store.
Don’t forget to subscribe to Storefront Strategies for more inspiring stories and actionable tips from successful brick-and-mortar business owners. Please leave us a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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Get in Touch:
Have a question or want to suggest a topic? Email us at hello@leemidlane.com.
Special Thanks:
Special thanks to all our listeners joining us for this journey. Your engagement and feedback fuel our mission to empower each business owner to succeed.
Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions, expert interviews, and actionable advice tailored for bricks and mortar entrepreneurs. Let's build strong foundations and thriving businesses together!
