Guest post by Jennifer Betts
The recent paradigm shift into the digital era has kickstarted numerous online ventures across the globe. Individuals are extensively using the internet to render business transactions. The web is being used to sell all sort of goods, products, services and whatnot. Online stores are an excellent way to earn money by sitting anywhere in the world.
For instance, the online clothing industry encompasses fruitful gains and profits. Selling clothing online is a very profitable business with a $90 billion-a-year revenue. Statista predicts that apparel and accessories online retail sector in the U.S. will generate about 138 billion dollars in revenue by 2022.
It is evident that the outbreak of the novel coronavirus has further elevated the online clothing industry. Buyers tend to shop from the comfort of their homes as they hesitate to step out and increase their chances of catching the deadly virus. As a result of this, online clothing stores faced an enormous increase in their sales and profits. It is apparent that the Ecommerce industry was growing fast before the outburst of the virus.
However, the pandemic pushed even more U.S. consumers online. this resulted in a contribution of an additional $105 billion in U.S. online revenue in 2020 and accelerating ecommerce by two years. Online sales hit $791.70 billion in 2020, up 32.4% from $598.02 billion in the prior year, according to Commerce Department figures.
There are numerous online stores which provide top-tier services to buyers. They possess top-grade products which are delivered to buyers right on their doorstep. Here is a list of some of the world’s top-class online apparel stores;
- ASOS
- com
- Dorothy Perkins
- Modcloth
- Zalando
- Tobi
- Uniqlo
- Rosegal
- Tom tailor
- Everlane
- Nastygal
- Loft
- Pacsun
- Mango
- Misguided
- Forever21
- Urban Outfitters
- Lulu
- Francessca
- Nordstrom
- Old navy
- Fashion nova
- Target
- Free people
- Madewell
- Gap
- Bloomingdales
- Bershka
- Anthropologie
- Next
- Boohoo
- Bon prix
Keeping in view, the unprecedented success of online clothing stores, many business leaders are now moving towards opening online apparel stores to make a rip-roaring career. However before starting an online store, it is of paramount importance to keep certain necessities in mind. let’s have a look at some of the best ways to jumpstart an online clothing store;
Choose your clothing niche
It is evident that clothing is a necessity which is required by almost everyone. One cannot live without apparel or clothing. However, everyone has their own style and fashion sense. They like to wear clothes which suit them or which they like. People prefer clothing which is comfortable, stylish and affordable.
Following that, while starting an online clothing store, it is gravely crucial to pick a suitable clothing niche. This may include choosing category of whether one wants to sell menswear, womenswear or children clothing. This is then further categorized into what niche one would pick to sell their clothes online. This can include formal wear, casual wear, party wear, sleepwear, costumes, themed clothes or basically anything.
One should always pick a niche which is high in demand so that the seller can gain maximum profits out of their business. In addition to that, your niche should be unique so that you stand out in the concentrated consumer market. Not to forget that in the verge of gaining sales, you brush aside the possibility of selling something you are not passionate about.
Create an effective and engaging website
Online stores and their success solely depend on the smooth working of their websites. Hence, it is important to build an effective website for your online store. It should comprise the necessary information about your clothing store. Make sure to make it engaging and user friendly. Further, it is important to ensure that you provide 24/7 assistance to your customers so that if they fail to place successful orders on the website, you are there to ease their complications. Having a good website build a good brand recognition.
It is evident that buyers and viewers will not like to use a poorly designed website. As an outcome, it is important to make your website look the best. This will help attract customers. Providing customers comfort and convenience should be a business workers top priority.
Build a constructive plan
To start any online business, it is important to plan your journey before-hand. A constructive business plan gives you the idea of what impediments or hinderances one may encounter on the road to success. Furthermore, building a constructive business will help in assessing the following necessities;
- Business operations
- Finance and accounting
- Marketing strategies
- Branding
- Technological innovations
- Customer services
It also important to select one of the four top business models for your online store;
- Print-on-demand
- Custom cut-and-sew
- Private label
- Dropshipping
Choose an engaging domain name
A domain is a network address which belongs toa particular domain. In plain words it is the identity of one or more IP addresses; for example, the domain name google.com points to the IP address “74.125. 127.147”. this helps internet users to find you on the web. Hence, it is important to pick an easy yet engaging domain name for your website.
A domain can be purchased through a store builder or directly from domain.com. Noteworthy is the actuality that a domain name gives your online store credibility. It helps you put on the same marketplace with large companies. it helps you build a constructive online presence. Furthermore, a domain makes your company looks forward thinking.
This is because it prevents you getting lost in the vast and competitive cyberspace. It should be noted that small business should pay special heed to pick the right domain name as it will help them in making their constructive space in the online consumer market.
Listed below are some effective websites which help you build online stores;
eWorldTrade – best overall B2B e-commerce platform. Standout strength: ease of use
Shopify – best for larger stores. Standout strength: sophisticated inventory system
BigCommerce – best for multichannel selling. Standout strength: social media integration
Squarespace – best for brand-focused stores. Standout strength: award-winning templates