Starting an Accessible Luxury Kids Fashion Brand – Need Help with Next Steps!
My partner and I are in the early stages of launching a kids' fashion brand positioned as accessible luxury. We've made some progress but feel like something is missing and would love your insights. Here's what we have so far:
What We've Done:
- Product & Manufacturing:
Designed unique pieces (not just prints) for kids' clothing.
Pretty much secured a manufacturer in China for quality cotton and are considering Vietnam for luxury cotton in the future when we can afford it.
- Brand & Store Setup:
A simple Shopify store is live, but it doesn't feel professional yet (need help here!).
Packaging is sorted but we're still without a label printer.
- Marketing:
I have a marketing background, so branding and social media are ready to go.
We plan to focus on storytelling and creating a luxury but relatable image for parents.
- Launch Prep:
Social media accounts are set up.
Considering micro influencers partnerships (yet to execute).
What's Missing or Needs Work:
Professional Shopify Store Setup: It needs a polished, user-friendly design that screams luxury. Any tips for experts or tools?
Operational Gaps: Shipping and fulfillment feel a bit scattered. Recommendations for software or label printers?
Community & Hype: How can we build excitement pre-launch? Best strategies for growing an engaged following?
Scaling for the Future: What’s a smart approach to ensure scalability without overextending financially?
Where We Need Your Help:
Testing Our Products: How do we test our designs and price points with our target audience (parents looking for quality but affordable luxury)? Any advice for small-scale testing or pre-orders?
How many SKUs should we start with?
Customer Experience: What are some creative touches to make the unboxing experience memorable for parents buying luxury kids' clothing (other than just a thank you card with 10% off next order).
Sustainability: Are there simple ways to integrate sustainability into our brand without massive costs?
(Our packaging is biodegradable, another zip bag that's readable, 70% of our products will be 100% cotton and meaning to develop towards 100% of our skus. High chance we will incorporate thank you card that can planted with seeds in it)
We’d love to hear from anyone with experience in fashion, e-commerce, or small business growth! What would you focus on if you were in our shoes?
Thanks in advance for your advice—this community always has great insights!
PS: Not expecting everyone to answer everything, feel free to pick one that you have most experience in.