I want to open an online toy store

[Anonymous]

It's always been a dream of mine to own a toy store, especially now that I have two LOs. I would want to sell exclusively handmade or small batch toys (mostly wooden and knitted items) and some handmade clothing as well.

Do you think there would there be a market for this sort of store in the DC area? I can't be the only mom around here that has the preference for these sorts of toys... or am I?

[Anonymous]

OP again just to clarify: I would begin online until I had enough revenue to open a brick and mortar store.

[Anonymous]

You need to open an etsy store.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's always been a dream of mine to own a toy store, especially now that I have two LOs. I would want to sell exclusively handmade or small batch toys (mostly wooden and knitted items) and some handmade clothing as well.

Do you think there would there be a market for this sort of store in the DC area? I can't be the only mom around here that has the preference for these sorts of toys... or am I?

This has been done - it's called Etsy.

No, I don't think there is a big enough market or demand to sustain a bricks and mortar store.

[Anonymous]

There are already a lot of online stores that sell that type of thing. What would make your store different or better? As the other poster said, especially if you are going to be making these items yourself, you should open an Etsy store and see how that goes. I'm not trying to dash your dreams, just being realistic.

[Anonymous]

I think there is demand, but I think the economics of the toy business are really tough.

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/33573.page

That said, there are stores around so it's not impossible.

You might want to take a look at what's out there now. I think the question is whether you can pay the bills with a toy store that sells ONLY these small batch items, or whether you will be forced to stock a lot of conventional inventory. A lot of people go to toy stores to complete a task (ie find a present) but they need enough selection to be sure they will leave with what they want. Some people are willing to browse the way you might browse for clothes. But are there enough to do that, or will you be forced to become a Kinderhaus or Tree Top Kids?

[Anonymous]

You can check out Nest in Clarksville- but I think it is also geared towards home and its success is likely boosted by it being part of a group of 4 eco stores situated together - shoppers at one are likely to be shoppers at the other.

[Anonymous]

You might want to check out the toy store on Lee Highway in Arlington next to Randolphs. Ask a local how many different stores have been in there in the last few years.

[Anonymous]

So I wrote a post at 10:04 that pointed out some risks. But I want to say that nearly any entrepreneur is going to get dire warnings that their idea is doomed to failure.

You should be aware of the risks, but do the research and see for yourself. I once heard eBay called a ponzi scheme by one of the best tech investors around. And Amazon? The brick and mortar stores were going to eat their lunch due to superior scale and market knowledge. And the brick and mortar stores? They could never go online because Amazon would kick their ass.

[Anonymous]

All children's products need testing certificates these days, so make sure all products are in compliance. Most handmade items are not legal to sell anymore. I have owned a toy store for 16+ years, but I would advise against opening an on-line store. It's too difficult to compete.

[Anonymous]

I don't want to burst your bubble, but I don't see how this type of brick and mortar store could make ends meet. I concur with the posters who suggest that you start on Etsy and see what happens.

[Anonymous]

As someone who had a retail business, I don't think it's going to work.

[Anonymous]

I had this same idea and did start an online store with inventory about 5 years ago. With the recession as a major factor, I can tell you that success is an uphill battle. We also wanted to start online and transition to brick and mortar, but now see that in this area that is nearly impossible from a financial standpoint. Also, the business is not sustainable focusing on handmade exclusively, there is etsy and other than that it is really hard to identify sources.

I won't say not to try, I am still in business and I am glad I have made the effort to do a dream job. I also have another job though and the store is not where I make money...yet!