Designers & Agents, More Shipments
26 Mar
Last weekend I got the chance to check out the Designers & Agents trade show in LA. I had been in the same area twice before but I didn’t even know this existed! It’s about four times larger than the Brighte market, and it takes place at the New Mart and the Cooper Building across the street.
Sadly, I have to report that this trip was sort of a bust! All of those lines and I didn’t really find any that I would want to buy from. There were one or two clothing lines that caught my eye, and a handful of amazing accessories lines, but I doubt I’ll be carrying those any time soon.
And boy were those sales reps unhelpful! You’d think they would come prepared with line sheets or at least postcards for prospective buyers, but no. I picked up a whopping total of ONE line sheets and a small stack of business cards. Well, business cards won’t help because after a 2 hour drive back to Bako, I won’t remember anything I just saw. Also, out of all the sales reps I traded business cards with, only one emailed me with their line sheet. Well, she gets the gold star for the day.
The free bag was nice.
Last week I received three new shipments; very exciting! Here’s a first look at a few of the pieces. Above is one of my favorite pieces of the whole bunch, this top from Egoist. The camisole is built in so it’s one piece. And the bow is removable. It’s just so quirky, yet wearable, and it will go great with jeans.
A pair of shorts from Egoist and two skirts from Plastic Island. I’m so into these skirts, I might just have to keep one of both for myself. The photo does the black one no justice because it has this sort of brocade style print on it. Just wait until I get that professional photography!
WE OPEN APRIL ?? NOT SURE NOW 
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So all in all you think it was a waste of time? would you go next time? I cant wait until i get to that point. I am finishing up my business plan and starting to collaborate my master draft for someone to review before i make final edits. I have all of these things i want to happen, like NOW. Few questions for you, how did you start or find your funding, start up cost, etc. Also whats the size of your store? in total how long did it take you from start to finish? thanks for your time, good luck
Hey Kim,
Very cute top…I absolutely love it and how exciting that your store is opening in a couple of weeks.
My sister and I are planning on opening a brick and mortar boutique, hopefully by fall or next spring. We are still in the beginning stages of the idea. I have a friend of mine that introduced me to someone that use to own a boutique, which has been great b/c she has become my mentor. I would love to ask you a couple of questions as well to get different aspects, if that would be ok.
One question I have is: Instead of going to the tradeshows to get something specific, like high-end jeans that you know are already available, can I just call for a line-sheet and schedule an appt with the designer/reps to view the line and then make purchases? or, is it better to attend the shows?
Thanks for your help, and thanks for your blog!
Angela
Hey Alexis! I would probably go again, because I would think there would always be new lines popping up. Plus I wasn’t dead set on getting anything for Summer; it would be for Fall or something. So in the future when I have more money to spend on merchandise I’ll probably go crazy at these trade shows, lol!
Btw, my store is online online, so it’s quite a bit less expensive. I’m using money I saved up and my parents will probably invest in my boutique later down the road when I need it. I’m not completely finished with anything yet. I still have a photoshoot coming up in about two weeks and then I have to finish up the website, which will both take forever Im sure!
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Angela – Thats awesome that you’re planning a store! You can most DEFINITELY just call up a sales rep, visit their showroom and purchase from there. Trade shows, imo, are best for discovering new lines. But usually I do all of my purchasing straight out of the showroom.
Ah im so excited for april 15th now! I want to see your boutique so bad. Where did you go to have it designed or did you do it all yourself? I am tempted in a year or 2 to open an online boutique first, and then make it into a brick&motor store after i graduate college. Who knows what will happen though
&im in love with that cami & yellow skirt. you have awesome style darling!
Hi Kim,
Great idea jotting down you info.
I am ready to start a highend boutique but im lost can you please help me in finding some good suppliers? I really like your piece from Egoist but when i tried getting info online i wasn’t successful.
Thanks
Also please tell me where in New York City of Miami can i find some great linen clothing and polo’s.
Thanks a million
Pamela
^Hey Pamela! Egoist doesn’t actually exist anymore :/ they merged with another label. I would recommend going to fashion trade shows to find new labels that you like. In New York you can go to Intermezzo and Coterie. Miami, Im not so sure but there should be some good ones down there. But I mainly know the LA scene. I hope that helps though!