Shoe Shop in Dalkey

Hi there,

A bit of consumer research, if you wouldn't mind helping out.

A friend is converting her premises to a shoe/accessories shop in Dalkey, can anyone let me know if they think this is a good idea or a really bad one?

Thanks

Too vague to comment, where is it located, what's around, how much is she spending. Where one shoe shop might fail another might prosper. If it's in the right location and run in a good manner and aimed at the right people then I think Dalkey is a thriving village that could sustain it.

Does she know the sector? Do suppliers have rebate systems (in otherwords can a larger shop undercut her and still maintain their margin)?

Why not? Look at the shops that have suddenly arrived in Glasthule village in the last few years. The type of people who go there also go to Dalkey so presuming the products and presentation are right I think it could have good potential. That said, I don't think it'll be quite like shotting fish in an barrel.

Coleen44 said:

A friend is converting her premises to a shoe/accessories shop in Dalkey, can anyone let me know if they think this is a good idea or a really bad one?

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Is her existing premises already located in Dalkey? If not, it may prove to be a very difficult and expensive conversion.

Why would anyone go to Dalkey for shoes? - There is not a strong retail presence in Dalkey: it is mostly convenience and food, so you will not get customers going to Dalkey to go clothes shopping. Also, I believe that specific purchase retail units have not done well in Dalkey historically. Has your friend looked at shoe shops in Greystones, Malahide, Glasthule which are similar in market positioning and demographic?

It's my opinion that specialised clothing retailers(ie shoes, hats, accessories, high end clothing etc) will only work in the smaller villages / areas around Dublin if they have a very strong USP (Unique Selling Point) this can be a particular brand or very good pricing or a certain clientele.

BTW I am not in the shoe business, nor am I retailer nor am I female! - but even as a man I wouldn't go to Dalkey to buy shoes - I'd go there for a pint or a meal but not shoes!

I'd say it could work but she should do her research and find out if it will work save her a lot of moeny if people wouldnt buy shoes there.

This proposal obviously calls for a proper business plan and some objective analysis and number crunching to ascertain whether or not the venture might be profitable/sustainable.