These top 6 struggles all retailers face may surprise you!
Boutique owners face many challenges, and these are the top 6 that ALL of them struggle with. This may surprise you. Sure, they worry the most about sales and moving inventory, but if the register isn’t ringing, a deeper issue must be addressed. So, are sales the problem, or is your foundation broken? Do you have the right team that is customer-facing? And are you buying the right inventory that people want?
As a consultant for boutique owners, I’ve noticed several common challenges they face, which often boil down to issues related to clarity and alignment. Here are the most frequent hurdles I see and how I help them overcome them:
Hiring:
Many boutique owners struggle with hiring because they aren’t clear on what roles they need or what those roles entail. Without defined responsibilities, they don’t know who or what they’re hiring for. I help them break down each role's specific tasks and goals, clarifying their expectations and aligning them with their business needs. Once they know the key roles, they can confidently bring in the right talent.
Social Media and Website Disconnect:
I see a need for alignment between their social media presence and website. These two critical revenue streams frequently don’t communicate or reflect the same message, confusing customers. I work with owners to create a strategic plan that ensures their branding and messaging are consistent across platforms. A cohesive online presence is essential for driving traffic and converting sales. While I am not a social media expert, I connect them with one, but I can help get the foundational work done so revenue goes up.
Inventory Management:
Owners need more precise direction regarding inventory, and many fall into the trap of chasing every cute trend without a focus. This results in a store that feels disjointed and needs a clear identity. I guide them in aligning their inventory with their vision and target audience. By focusing on their core values and what makes their store unique, they can create a more cohesive and inviting shopping experience for customers.
Entrepreneurial ADD:
Almost every client claims to have ADD, which I believe is part of being an entrepreneur—constantly juggling multiple ideas, fires, and challenges. But this scatterbrained approach doesn’t work in business. That’s why I teach them to build a team, delegate, and focus on what matters. It’s about getting out of the weeds and thinking like a CEO, not an employee. It’s a slight mindset shift that is HARD to do but brings HUGE impacts.
Vision:
The biggest challenge all of my clients face is a need for more vision. When I ask them about their vision for the company, most don’t have a clear answer. Without a vision, they’re constantly chasing random trends that don’t align with their brand. I help them reconnect with why they started their business and what they want it to be. This process involves tough conversations, but it helps get them back to the heart of their business, which leads to long-term success. It’s similar to a middle schooler who has no idea how to dress to go to school daily because they have no idea who they are!
Back to Basics:
One of the key strategies I use with clients is getting back to the basics. We refine their foundation, ensuring their website, social media, and customer relationships are strong. I also focus on helping them understand the importance of being known for something. A boutique can’t be all things to all people, and a lack of focus leads to a confused brand. I challenge them to align their ideas with their vision and stay true to what makes their business unique. What if McDonald’s sold fried chicken? We would all be confused! Be known for something!
“In the end, while helping them build teams, create vision, and drive revenue,
my goal is to remind them to focus on the basics constantly.
Success comes when they stop chasing trends and start building a business that’s true to their vision.” - Kristi Brocato
