2. Introduction
• No local plus size boutique
• 30% of American people considered plus size
• Average size of a woman is 14
• Whole demographic of people left out
4. Context of Organization
•Small locally owned specialty business
•Sole proprietorship
•Inventory identified and purchased by owner
•Clothing influenced by Full Figured Fashion Week in
New York City
5. History of the Problem:
•Growing number of plus size shoppers in American
market
•Growing emphasis on unrealistic body types by
Fashion industry
•In Syracuse, struggling economy leads to emphasis
on chain clothing stores
•Chain clothing stores rarely target plus size shoppers
6. Importance of Project
•Not many trendy plus size stores in Syracuse
•Many options only online
•Many plus size stores are catered to older women
•Time consuming
•Very costly to start boutique
•Bad economy
•Underserved clientele eager for a market
7. Definition of Variables
• Whether Downtown Syracuse resurgence will continue
• Whether plus size market will retain significant market share
• Whether plus size market will remain underserved by national
retailers
• Whether plus size market in economically struggling area
willing to support specialty boutique
• Whether location away from main shopping mall can succeed
• Whether inexperienced owner can capitalize on market
trends
8. Research
•Primary:
•Surveys sent out to local Syracuse area businesses
•Surveys sent out to women in Syracuse, NY area
•Secondary:
•Business books
•Business articles
16. Financials
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Sales $100,000 $150,000 $250,000
TOTAL EXPENSES
$54,410 $55,610 $62,610
Income Taxes $4,991 $17,891 $44,603
NET PROFIT AFTER TAX
$40,599 $76,499 $142,787
Owner Draw/Dividends
$20,299 $38,249 $71,393
ADJUSTED TO
RETAINED
$20,300 $38,250 $71,394
Profit and Loss
17. Financials cont.
Pre-
Startup
EST
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Total Item
EST
Cash on hand $100,000 $100,000 $146,090 $240,980 $587,070
Cash Sales - $100,000 $150,000 $250,000 $500,000
TOTAL CASH
AVAILABLE $100,000 $200,000 $296,090 $490,980 $1,087,070
TOTAL CASH
PAID OUT
- $53,910 $55,110 $62,110 $171,130
CASH
POSITION
$100,000 $146,090 $240,980 $428,870 $915,940
Cash Flow
18. Summary of Results
•Yes, this business could succeed
•Rental prices are too high at DestinyUSA
•Downtown Revival that would be exciting to be part
of
•Critical issue is whether clientele could be convinced
to start shopping at a specialty boutique
•Starting online boutique first
19. Recommendations
•As of yet, no action has been taken
•Further research needs to be done
•Business classes with SBA
•Looking into loans and grants
20. Reflections
•I’ve learned….
•This can be done
•Starting a business is not easy
•It is possible to combine personal passion with a
business proposition
