I've always wanted a real life shop for What Katie Did. Well, my dream shop has come up in Portobello Road, London. It's affordable (just!) and although Richard is concerned for my mental health in taking on such a project (he also has to live with me at home!) it wouldn't be make or break for the company if it all went pear shaped. However, it is a very big and scary step and although I think we'd do okay, Richard is very sceptical especially as 3 of the shops we supply to in the UK have changed over to internet only in the last few months.

The shop is near the Westway so is a little away from the posh end, but in the middle of the vintage pickings.

What do you think? It seems that everyone is quite happy shopping online (especially in our alternative/vintage niche). I know my mother still goes to the high street that's a slightly different market! How often do you go clothes shopping in actual shops as opposed to online?

Any advice or commets would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Katie

Whilst I'm happy to shop online, I do prefer to go to a 'real' shop. It always great to try things on before you buy from the fit point of view, but also to see if the colour flatters and what the fabric feels like. Also, from the business point of view, I'm more likely to browse and buy extra things that catch my eye in a shop than if I'm online (where I will tend to buy the one thing I was looking for and nothing else).

let me give you a heads up sweetie-pie: you will have to use force to get me out of your shop when you open! I love What Katie Did so being able to try before I buy is just too tempting...I will have to change my mailing address to the shops one.

If you ever need a living model for the window...wink wink nudge nudge....let me know!

xxx

__________________
Khandie Khisses On MySpace

Well I think it's a great idea. I bought one of your corsets online a few weeks ago and although that was great and everything, I would have liked to come and try on a few (as a male performer, there are a lot of underbusts corsets that just don't fit my shape!) It would also be great to know that we could just pop in and get those last minute pair of stockings that always manage to ladder just before I get on stage!

Oh! Maybe you could stock little performer survival kits! Tit-tape, safety pins, spare stockings and suspender clips, little pair of scissors.

Anyway, I'm rambling now, but good luck with it, make sure you invite us to the grand opening!

BTW, I'm really pleased with my corset, I used it in Victorian Values Wednesday and Yesterday, and it worked great! Thank you!

__________________
Castlist - One Site To Rule Them All

Thanks for the thumbs up (and I'm glad the corset fits!)

We're about to head off to the hotrod hayride which has a burlesque show on Saturday night although I've no idea who it will be (Immodesty Blaize year 1, Gwendoline last year, so whoever it is they better be prepared!) but I'll spend the weekend working on Richard and convincing him that my stress levels can take it.

It goes without saying that MOB will be the first to know if anything happens...

Katie

That sounds great! I'm a corseter and I would love to own an old style corset shop in Nottinghill I'm so happy for you!

I actually never shop online, I always want to try on before I buy. I think especially with corsets its important to be able to assist people on the size and style. And, be able to depend on the right measurements. I always get nervous when customers want to measure themselves, since a lot of people pull it too tight or not tight enough!

Good luck with everything and I will definetely drop by to feed my lingerie-addiction.

XX

__________________
AnnaKarenina designs and corsetry
http://www.annakarenina-designs.com/

I'd go for it if I were you. portobello is a good area and if the numbers stack up it would be a good move. you've got a big enough following and name now for it to be viable
we had a shop in chiswick for 5 years in the 90's and only moved out when the rents went sky high but do miss it and it did affect business not having one (before web age) and am looking at one in Leeds atm so know where you are coming from

I hardly ever shop for clothes online as I never get the fit quite right. I've been wanting a real What Katie Did shop all along. Go for it. And if you ever need a sales assistant....; )

I wouldn't buy any kind of undies online - I'd always want to try them on in a proper shop. So I guess my point of veiw would be, go for the shop!

Love, Hugs and Strawberries,

Angel

I think its a fantastic idea to open a what katie did shop. You certainly have an established enough name to bring in the current customers, and it will help to extend your customer base with people able to just pop in of the street and see what you do.
Theres also the fact which everyone has pointed out that its so much nicer to be able to come in and try things on, see what suits and what fits best.
I live down in devon, but i would certainly make a point of coming to the shop on my trips to london as im sure many other people from across the country would do.
Good luck, hope all goes well,