No, not a sports league draft! Instead, I got the draft of the Letter of Intent for my the potential space for Zoe on Friday! When I saw the title of the email, I prayed, took a deep breath and then opened it. As you would expect, I had several questions, comments, additions, and changes. I made those to the document and sent it back to the broker at around noon. No word from him yet but I expect to hear more on Monday. It was scary reading it at first but as I started to think about it and apply what I've learned working at Commercial Real Estate companies, I began to feel more comfortable and confident.
Last night, I also sat down with the illustration of Zoe Girl and with Lisa's portfolio from her website and wrote down all of the thoughts and ideas I have about the future of Zoe Girl. I sent those to Cori in a bit of a free form manner with the question "Am I making any sense? Can you artistically determine what on earth I'm try to say here?" If anyone can, she can!
As I wait to see what will happen with the leasing process, I'll be continuing to contact wholesalers next week. It is a rather challenging conversation at this point, since I don't know yet when I'll need to purchase stock but as long as I get on their lists and approved, that is a big hurdle. It is a lot of fun to "Shop for the Shop!"
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Pinching myself
Yes, some days I honestly pinch myself because I can't believe that I get to focus on things like fashionable illustrations, window displays, and fall trends. Although I am ashamed to say that I fought God's urging for a long time, I'm so glad He put this dream in my heart and kept nurturing it, despite my stubbornness.
Yesterday, I mentioned that I would have more information on Zoe Girl. Cori got in touch with Lisa (the illustrator who I mentioned in Tuesday's post) and Lisa is delighted to work with us. We have several options to choose from, all of which I've been mulling since reading Cori's summary of their conversation.
A) We could buy the rights to the illustration we are calling "Zoe Girl" and perhaps have some slight changes made to her. This would mean that I could use her in an unlimited fashion and she could not be used anywhere else (she has been used twice before on one time deals in publications).
B) We could have Lisa design a new Zoe Girl! And buy the unlimited rights to her.
C) We could have what Cori calls the Paper Doll option (I love it!) on an ongoing basis - having the illustrator make changes to the existing artwork (clothes, bag)
D) Have new illustrations done for particular seasons (taking our Zoe Girl and putting her into different scenes).
Now I need to decide what to do! Or in what stages I'd like to do things! Zoe Girl (and all of Lisa's illustrations - her corporate and journalistic clients are all household names) is so dynamic and fun! Zoe Girl is truly iconic! (I think my maternal pride is showing)
Yesterday, I mentioned that I would have more information on Zoe Girl. Cori got in touch with Lisa (the illustrator who I mentioned in Tuesday's post) and Lisa is delighted to work with us. We have several options to choose from, all of which I've been mulling since reading Cori's summary of their conversation.
A) We could buy the rights to the illustration we are calling "Zoe Girl" and perhaps have some slight changes made to her. This would mean that I could use her in an unlimited fashion and she could not be used anywhere else (she has been used twice before on one time deals in publications).
B) We could have Lisa design a new Zoe Girl! And buy the unlimited rights to her.
C) We could have what Cori calls the Paper Doll option (I love it!) on an ongoing basis - having the illustrator make changes to the existing artwork (clothes, bag)
D) Have new illustrations done for particular seasons (taking our Zoe Girl and putting her into different scenes).
Now I need to decide what to do! Or in what stages I'd like to do things! Zoe Girl (and all of Lisa's illustrations - her corporate and journalistic clients are all household names) is so dynamic and fun! Zoe Girl is truly iconic! (I think my maternal pride is showing)
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Contractor Walk Through
Sometimes, things happen faster than we think they will! Last night, the broker contacted me to say that the contractor could meet us at the potential space for Zoe's home today! Since the location has underground parking (with spaces specifically reserved for retail customers), I decided to try the underground parking rather than the street parking. It was a clean, well-lit garage with easy access to the ground level stores.
As usual, I got there a little early and I grabbed a green tea and sat in Starbucks, watching the people and traffic. Once again, I'm pleased with the energy and clientele of the area. Just before time to meet, I walked down the street to pick up a menu from the Chinese restaurant located at the site.
The broker and the contractor were a little early and we immediately went into the space. I was very pleased with the contractor all the way around - he was knowledgable, pleasant, and organized. These traits are very important to me in all things Zoe. (Jim asks me every day "Did you fire anyone today?" He knows...)
The contractor knows the City of Alexandria regulations and requirements well so he was able to look at the space with an eye for what the landlord will need to do versus what will be considered true tenant improvement. I talked to him about my general space requirements - flooring, walls, ceiling and ceiling heights, and walled off space requirements. We also discussed the egress regulations from the City.
He has asked the broker for a CAD or PDF drawing of the space (wonder if the landlord has Propidex?) so that he can identify where water, electric, and HVAC will be sourced. He will be preparing a line item quote for us so that we can have a clear understanding of what each component will cost. He believes that permitting can be done in less than two weeks (from the time we say "Go") and buildout should take 2 months or less. If we can get him the information he needs, he will get back to us Friday or Monday.
He also offered to introduce me to an architect that often does work with their firm and I enthusiastically accepted his offer. The broker has the Letter of Intent drafted and just wants to include the tenant improvement request. We also discussed the rent start and how we want that written into the lease. Of course, there are many options and we plan to ask for a certain amount of free rent. Much of it depends on how we define rent start. I prefer to do it from date of occupancy!
More on my ponderings about Zoe Girl tomorrow...very exciting news today!
As usual, I got there a little early and I grabbed a green tea and sat in Starbucks, watching the people and traffic. Once again, I'm pleased with the energy and clientele of the area. Just before time to meet, I walked down the street to pick up a menu from the Chinese restaurant located at the site.
The broker and the contractor were a little early and we immediately went into the space. I was very pleased with the contractor all the way around - he was knowledgable, pleasant, and organized. These traits are very important to me in all things Zoe. (Jim asks me every day "Did you fire anyone today?" He knows...)
The contractor knows the City of Alexandria regulations and requirements well so he was able to look at the space with an eye for what the landlord will need to do versus what will be considered true tenant improvement. I talked to him about my general space requirements - flooring, walls, ceiling and ceiling heights, and walled off space requirements. We also discussed the egress regulations from the City.
He has asked the broker for a CAD or PDF drawing of the space (wonder if the landlord has Propidex?) so that he can identify where water, electric, and HVAC will be sourced. He will be preparing a line item quote for us so that we can have a clear understanding of what each component will cost. He believes that permitting can be done in less than two weeks (from the time we say "Go") and buildout should take 2 months or less. If we can get him the information he needs, he will get back to us Friday or Monday.
He also offered to introduce me to an architect that often does work with their firm and I enthusiastically accepted his offer. The broker has the Letter of Intent drafted and just wants to include the tenant improvement request. We also discussed the rent start and how we want that written into the lease. Of course, there are many options and we plan to ask for a certain amount of free rent. Much of it depends on how we define rent start. I prefer to do it from date of occupancy!
More on my ponderings about Zoe Girl tomorrow...very exciting news today!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Zoe Girl
Cori has identified the illustrator and is making inquiries as to how we might reserve rights to Zoe Girl or have the illustrator design a Zoe Girl (or Girls) especially for the store. When Cori sent me the link to the illustrator's portfolio site, I was truly overwhelmed. It was as if Lisa Henderling had been drawing with Zoe in mind! Between Cori's gorgeous logos and Zoe Girl, I think we have a brand taking shape!
I'm continuing to work with the broker on the Letter of Intent for the space I mentioned a few days ago. We are working with a contractor to determine how much to request from the landlord for tenant improvements. I am approaching this with patience - if it is right, it will work out. If not, it wasn't the place for Zoe to be!
I'm continuing to work with the broker on the Letter of Intent for the space I mentioned a few days ago. We are working with a contractor to determine how much to request from the landlord for tenant improvements. I am approaching this with patience - if it is right, it will work out. If not, it wasn't the place for Zoe to be!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Size
One of the questions that is frequently asked of me as I apply to purchase at wholesale with the different designers is "What sizes do you plan to carry?"
What an interesting question...and one that is fraught with debate. Many of the complaints that I hear about boutiques here in the DC area is that they do not carry anything above a size 8. Now, if you have this conversation with my mom, who is approximately 5' 2" and slightly less than 100 pounds and who was a "perfect 8" (her words) back in the day, it makes you wonder what has happened to sizing over the years. She now claims that "nothing fits her" and that "things are too big". Yet, studies show that the average American woman is a size 14. And plus size models are considered anything above the normal sample size of 2 in the fashion industry.
Recently, a plus size model, Crystal Renn, was criticized by other plus size models and fans for dropping 15 lbs from her 5' 9" frame (she now weighs 150 lbs). But shouldn't we all strive for healthy (mind, body, and soul) rather than a predetermined number? I know healthy (and unhealthy) women of all shapes and sizes. We shouldn't be defined by a clothing size.
Back to the original question - I plan to carry sizes from 0 - 16 and look forward to adding to the wardrobes of many beautiful, healthy women!
What an interesting question...and one that is fraught with debate. Many of the complaints that I hear about boutiques here in the DC area is that they do not carry anything above a size 8. Now, if you have this conversation with my mom, who is approximately 5' 2" and slightly less than 100 pounds and who was a "perfect 8" (her words) back in the day, it makes you wonder what has happened to sizing over the years. She now claims that "nothing fits her" and that "things are too big". Yet, studies show that the average American woman is a size 14. And plus size models are considered anything above the normal sample size of 2 in the fashion industry.
Recently, a plus size model, Crystal Renn, was criticized by other plus size models and fans for dropping 15 lbs from her 5' 9" frame (she now weighs 150 lbs). But shouldn't we all strive for healthy (mind, body, and soul) rather than a predetermined number? I know healthy (and unhealthy) women of all shapes and sizes. We shouldn't be defined by a clothing size.
Back to the original question - I plan to carry sizes from 0 - 16 and look forward to adding to the wardrobes of many beautiful, healthy women!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Letter of Intent
Believe it or not, Zoe might be closer to having a home! After touring four spaces in Old Town Alexandria yesterday, one space has reached a point of "this may be the one"! The broker is preparing a letter of intent for me to review prior to us sending it to the landlord. The space is new and has not yet been built out and the landlord will provide a TI (Tenant Improvement) allowance. It has been empty for at least two years so I am hoping the landlord will be motivated. It is 892 square feet in size, which is perfect for me to start. Close by is a Starbucks (ah, Americanos every day), a restaurant, a dry cleaner, and soon to be a day care center and a nutrition center. There is also a specialty fitness center next to Starbucks. There is covered parking for the condominium dwellers and the retail visitors alike plus lots of on street parking. I am feeling VERY hopeful and excited!
One of the other spaces I toured was also new and not built out but was too large (over 1700 sq ft) for the store. We toured one space that I knew had housed a boutique previously. (one that had failed). I did not like the window lines and, when we went inside, there were dead "water bugs" (as the other broker called them - they looked like roaches to me) on the floor. Yuck. No thank you. The space was on two levels and very claustrophobic, even though it was completely empty.
The final space had been a spa/salon and was in a good location but the layout was so choppy and the parking limited. It was also on two levels and just didn't have a connected feel to it. It was charming and had potential but just not for Zoe.
I am continuing to hear from my potential wholesalers AND I got a quote from RTR for my bags, boxes, etc. following my visit on Tuesday. Things are starting to come together VERY nicely!
One of the other spaces I toured was also new and not built out but was too large (over 1700 sq ft) for the store. We toured one space that I knew had housed a boutique previously. (one that had failed). I did not like the window lines and, when we went inside, there were dead "water bugs" (as the other broker called them - they looked like roaches to me) on the floor. Yuck. No thank you. The space was on two levels and very claustrophobic, even though it was completely empty.
The final space had been a spa/salon and was in a good location but the layout was so choppy and the parking limited. It was also on two levels and just didn't have a connected feel to it. It was charming and had potential but just not for Zoe.
I am continuing to hear from my potential wholesalers AND I got a quote from RTR for my bags, boxes, etc. following my visit on Tuesday. Things are starting to come together VERY nicely!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wholesale Inquiry
Today, I have been following up with many of the lines that I hope to carry at Zoe. I am filling out the registration to purchase at wholesale/become a retailer of the line. It is really very exciting! The brands want to share a philosophy with you and I have been very impressed with their focus. I truly believe it is not only the clothing but also the experience and I want to provide both to my clientele.
I also had time to run to Best Buy to purchase the QuickBooks for Mac software (it was on sale this week). Have to take advantage of those opportunities!
Tomorrow, I will be participating in a formal tour of space in the Alexandria area. I am hoping to see that "fall in love" space!
I also had time to run to Best Buy to purchase the QuickBooks for Mac software (it was on sale this week). Have to take advantage of those opportunities!
Tomorrow, I will be participating in a formal tour of space in the Alexandria area. I am hoping to see that "fall in love" space!
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