Instagram Boutiques: How The Internet Is Changing Fashion Retailers

Social media is changing all sorts of things, from allowing people to connect with each other to how people shop. Businesses are starting to see how valuable social media platforms like Instagram are. Fashion boutiques, in particular, are being transformed in some of the following ways. 

Reduced Rent
Many fashion stores need to pay high rent prices to keep their merchandise in a building that is part of a shopping center. Location and amenities are important to retail and also real estate.  Sometimes, these rent prices are even higher if the boutique attempts to stay in a mall where fashion boutiques get the most exposure. This is no longer necessary now that fashion stores are using Instagram as their showrooms and doing quite well with that alone.  You can get away with a small warehouse that’s must cheaper. You’ll just need a backroom to prepare orders and keep stock organized.

Changes in Showroom and Back Room Maintenance 
A showroom takes a lot of effort to maintain; for example, someone needs to ensure it is always in good shape to create a positive shopping experience. Showrooms also need some good salespeople to help seal the deal, but all this takes money. The same thing for the merchandise these stores have to keep in stock, which can cost a significant amount of money since small boutiques need to have a back room for stock. A business owner needs to save as much as possible, and an Instagram boutique does not require a team of salespeople to handle things. 

Storage VS Showroom 
Instagram boutiques no longer need a showroom nor do they a changing room, but that does not mean they do not need to store their merchandise. Online fashion boutiques just need to keep all of their stock organized and ready for quick shipping. You can use storage units or warehouse space with things like stackable bins  to make sure the items they sell are ready to be shipped. 

Risk is Seriously Reduced 
It should be pointed out that many small boutiques take on all sorts of risks; for example, these companies are responsible for the wellbeing of their employees while working. These individuals are also responsible for the merchandise, which can be stolen at any time. Instagram reduces those risks since the need for employees is reduced, and interactions with people are not too personal any more. 

These are some of the reasons why small boutiques are using Instagram so effectively and why this social media platform has given small businesses an edge again. Big companies used to hold all the cards, but that is changing with the rise of the Instagram boutique and the digital world.

from Everyone's Blog Posts - Fashion Industry Network http://bit.ly/2TdU079