Boots

Buy the kinds of boots that sell best in your store

Another constantly changing part of fashion, boots seem to stick to a basic form, even though they are usually expensive, if they are of good quality, and are often worn only a few months out of the year for most people.

Whether you want to sell work boots, leather boots, women's boots, men's boots, boots for snow or boots for rain, for smart consumers, the quality, comfort, and durability of the boots come first, with fashion a close second.

Select the right boots for your store by asking these questions:

1. Who shops in your store?

2. How much are they willing to pay for quality items like boots?

3. How often do you sell winter (or rainproof) items such as boots?

4. How often do you sell work gear?

 

Find solid investments in boots

Even if you're buying used (always a smart and responsible option) or discount boots, you can find boots that will last, and boots that won't. Steel toed work boots are a popular option among customers who work around heavy materials, but also among part of youth subcultures and the cautious average consumer. Leather boots (if you're okay with leather items) are usually pretty durable, although certain types cannot stand up to snow or rain.
Try: Well-known work boot suppliers like Dr. Martens (or Doc Martens) and Timberland offer steel toed work boots, industrial boots and hiking boots, but keep up with today's fashions, too. Timberland even offers custom work boots. Carhartt has been a long time favorite among construction workers. If you're looking for authentic British Wellington boots, for rainy areas or for the festival crowd, go with Hunter.

Find the same boots for lower prices

Now that you know the official prices for the boots you want, look for discounts.
Try: G&L Clothing are good suppliers of work boots, while Shopzilla, Wink and Zappos pretty much have everything. 

Add fashion to boots

Research what is in fashion now by looking at magazines or fashion websites. This may not influence what you buy directly (you might not want to splurge for that pair of Chanel quilted riding boots until you absolutely know someone will end up buying them), but it will let you know the shapes and proportions that customers will be looking for in boots. Tall and skinny boots will be in style one year, and (you can usually count on it) short and stout ones will replace them the next.
Try: Style.com lets you search for pictures of and articles on the latest trends in boots for women.  W Magazine is also easy to search.  Focus on Style's "Quick Fix" answers fashion questions up to the minute. 

 

• Push boots in the winter, but have boot options available in other seasons, too. What about boots for women with nylons? Some boots look best worn with short skirts, anyway.
• Decide on payment plan options and layaway early in the season, before cold weather kicks in.
• If your store is a physical location and not a website, make sure you have comfortable areas, low mirrors, size charts, shoe horns and disposable socks available for trying on and walking around in the boots you sell.

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