Profit from a passion for fashion (Daily Mail franchise story | UK franchise opportunities)

Profit from a passion for fashion

By: Linda Whitney

DO YOU have a passion for clothes, shoes or jewellery? Then you could combine business and pleasure by selling them.

There are plenty of franchises in these sectors which require no experience of the clothing retail trade. But you will need enthusiasm for the products.

'Our franchisees have a passion for shoes and accessories, and it rubs off on customers,' says Lesley- Ann Simmonds, of Shoes Galore, whose 30 franchisees sell Spanish and Italian-designed footwear at parties in customers' homes.

The collection includes shoes, bags and belts from £19 to £89.

A mini-franchise package costs £1,900 including stock, or £4,900 which brings a larger package with more stock, a presentation kit and extra training.

Franchisors will train you in sales skills, but most stress that the hard sell is not required.

'Being a caring person is more important than sales experience,' says Pauline Sargeant, of Pauline May, whose franchisees take collections of specially designed clothes into care homes to sell to residents.

'Even the very elderly still enjoy choosing their own clothes, and many know exactly which colours and styles they want,' says Mrs Sargeant.

Pauline May clothing is British- made and tough enough to withstand industrial washing machines, and all items have name tags to avoid mix-ups.

Investment is £25,000, including £5,000 worth of stock.

Many franchises can be fitted around a family or another job to give you an extra income.

Richard Nimse, of Silverdaze, whose franchisees sell jewellery, says: 'It's flexible, so you can choose your own hours and start with a launch party at home for all your family, colleagues and friends.' Then you can sell the jewellery through parties in homes, or find your own venues such as school fetes, hospitals and offices. The £11,000 investment includes a portable display case with initial stock of plain and gem-studded items, plus training.

If you love glittery, colourful shoes, consider starting a retail business with UNZE, which is known for its high heels in vibrant colours and diamanté trim.

Khuram Saleem, of UNZE, says: 'You need a passion for our style of shoes, and the patience to enjoy helping customers to find just the right style for them.' The company is looking for more franchisees, ideally with clothing, fashion or shoe retail experience, to open more outlets in cities.

The total investment for an up-and-running store is £75,000 to £220,000, but if you already have an outlet and want to take on the UNZE brand, the investment can be between £50,000 and £150,000.

SHOES Galore, 01425 638 370; Pauline May, 01535 661 362; Silverdaze, 0208 949 7466; UNZE 0208 591 7111