Feedback Needed on New Party Supply Store to Open...

Character pans, candy making supplies, cake boxes, themed party supplies as well as solid colors to supplement.

I would like more selection in the popular themes for kids, especially boys, like Go Diego Go, Thomas The Tank Engine, Max & Ruby. More than plates and napkins, I shop for small inflatibles for the backyard, party games, some "wow" factor.

Hi D.,
That sounds exciting! I would LOVE to see a party store that specializes in "green" supplies. People are so concerned about the environment now (and I am particularly obssessed.) Party supplies normally are so disposable and create so much waste. ANd I have not found a single place in Tampa that sells recycled wrapping paper. It has to be ordered online at this point, so I think that would be a big draw.
I'm involved in a group for parents/educators (Environmental Improvement Force) that now has 115 or so parents, from about 35 schools, and we're all trying to make our schools more environmentally friendly.
I live in south Tampa, as do many of the people in the EIF - adn I think environmentally friendly party supplies and gifts would be a big success.
Please keep me posted! Good luck!
all the best,
L.
PS - And let me know if you'd like to join EIF. It's a nonprofit, nonpolitical group not quite a year old and we've been makign great progress! :-)

I would say the themes suggested. Make sure there is no other party stores in the area to make sure you have the market.

Hi D.--
Here's some ideas on your idea to open a party supply shop:
because it's all about having enough money to survive personally and professionally for about 3-5 years without net income from your store.
CALL SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) in Hillsborough OR Pinellas County and make appointments to talk with those who have been there--retailers, accountants.
CALL your city's office of economic development and ask about help for startups.
GO TO YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY and get the book on how to set up your own corporation. You don't always need a lawyer to set up a solely owned, but if it's a partnership GET A LAWYER. :>
CALL your local Chambers of Commerce--there's often a small business resource specialist who can help you find business resources.
CALL SBA (Small Business Administration) and ask how to apply for startup funding.
CALL an area COMMERCIAL BANK and ask how to apply for startup funding and establish a lending relationship that you may need to survive 3-5 years without net income.
TALK to your husband and family about what financial help and funding you can count on from them for 3-5 years.
RESEARCH what party supply companies and/or boutique-like stores are in your area and if you have not worked in such a store, GET A FT JOB there--buying, managing, assistant manaaging, stocking, cashiering, etc. and experience what it's like to make the personal and family sacrifices for the desired reward...and who the suppliers are to that store...and what their rent is, insurance, employee cost, in short ALL costs of doing business! Start learning all about this industry on the back of another store as similar to your concept as possible.
This is all "reality check" advice...not the most fun, but as you may assume, most important if you want your concept to be a business ($$$) and not a hobby (no $$$).
OR consider being a VIRTUAL STORE--open up a PARTY SUPPLY website with full e-commerce so you can operate out of your home/garage (if city zoning/neighborhood association will allow)and MAKE MONEY at a lower overhead cost than a store with retail hours...CALL AROUND to website design/development companies and find out HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST to open up a fully-functional website to sell party supplies and goods.
If after all this, you really want it, GO FOR IT! I believe that small business entrepreneurship is what made America great, and it will continue to do that... :>

Where in South Tampa? I frequent Party City on Dale Mabry near Kennedy. They have pretty much everything you are looking for, so stop in there and model your inventory somewhat after that store (though they probably have too much stuff!). To gain an advantage over them all you need is lots of parking, an organized, NEAT store and friendly, available staff. Those are the three things I hate about Party City and if there were a store that offered a wide selection with a pleasant shopping experience, I would go there over Party City any time! I hate the nonchalant attitude and having to stand at the balloon register waiting for a staff member to finish their conversation with other staff before they can help me. No hellos, thank you's or "can I help you".