I am in the process of opening a store in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. My target customers will be women. I plan on selling things like hats, handbags, jewelry, shades, tee shirts, watches, etc… I may sell a few items for guys, but my main focus will be on accessories for ladies. I need help coming up with a name for it. I want a name that will spark interest & catchy but not too complicated. Here is what I have come up with so far:



Treasure Chest

Glitz & Glam

Precious Possessions

House of Style

Diva’s Closet



So which do you guys/gals like the most? Also please feel free to post any ideas for a name.



Thanks Brook

Glitz & Glam,Precious Possessions,House of Style and Diva’s Closet are some nice ones.
How about these for consideration: Divas' Den, The Beauty Stop, Angelic Accessories.

Treasure Chest: sounds like a dollar store.

Glitz & Glam: sounds too bling.

Precious Possessions: precious moments dolls come to mind.

House of Style: sounds more like a clothes store rather than an accessory store.

Diva's Closet: makes a positive mental picture and has a nice ring to it.

wrong place to ask what would be a good name to attack women shopper.
if you were opening a tool shop this would be the place to ask

I like The Diva's Closet the best. My 2nd runner up would be Glitz & Glam. Whatever you do I think you should eliminate House of style. Something about that doesn't sit well for me. Well whatever you choose best of luck with your new store. This is the Mrs. opinion my husband might differ, but I don't think he cares if I took the vote in this one.

treasure chest , that was a strip club i went to in california
glitz and glam ? i dunno about that

but i like divas closet , thats unique , hip to current trends .....i just like the feel of that ....of coarse ima little biased , every few days i find myself sitting beside a VERY beatiful woman thats about my age in a 2003 BMW 330i at the stoplight 1 block away from my house ...we apprently share a similar shedual ....on her car is a magnetic sign "diva shoes" ....every time i see the word diva i think of that woman ....

one day ill roll down the window and say "race you for phone numbers" ......

How about your user name "Swangin-&-Bangin"? Or is that something too racy for your store idea?

How about your user name "Swangin-&-Bangin"? Or is that something too racy for your store idea?

I like that

I guess my suggestion of "The Eager Beaver" is out then? :(

Seriously, how about something like....

"Sass and Class"

"24K but More Than Gold"

"Bling and Zing" (ok, too pimpish) :sneaky:

"Ritz and Bitz"

"Jewelery and More"

"Apparalls and More"

"Divas Apparalls"

"Divas Jewlery and Accessories"

"Divas Gold"

"Ladies Ritz and Glitz"

The possibilities are endless!! (and fun) :)

I voted for Diva's Closet too, Swangin'. Ralph has some good names in his list too.

It appeals to your target market, which will probably be 15-35. They ALL picture themselves as divas. They ALL demand special treatment.

But, they ALL have money, and they ALL are very independent-minded. Treat them like queens when they're in your store and they'll be back, I guarantee.

Good luck with this venture.

How about your user name "Swangin-&-Bangin"? Or is that something too racy for your store idea?

Here in the South, the slang term Swangin is a method of driving, & the term Bangin refers to playing loud music with speakers banging in the trunk.. Swangin & Bangin would be fitting for a shop that sold stuff for your car...

I guess my suggestion of "The Eager Beaver" is out then?

LOL, Do you know what product is actually called "Eager Beaver"?!?!:histeric:

I really appreciate everyones input, Keep it coming!!

Southern Style

This is fun.... :yup:

"The Particular Lady"

"The Particular Diva"

"Divas' Particular Accessories"

"Divas House of Class"

"The Divas' Bling"

"The Divas' Zing"

"The Beautiful Diva"

"Divas Essentials"

"Southern style Diva" (thanks Majax :devil: )

"Divas' Ritz and Glitz"

"The Sassy Diva"

"The Classy Diva"

"Sassy Classy Diva"

"Glamourus Divas"

"Diva of the South"

"Diva Southern Belle"

"Divas House of Sass"

"Divas' Glamour"

"Divas and Gold"

"The Sophisticated Diva"

"Divas' Sophistication"

"Divas' House of Style"

"Southern Diva"

"Divas' Treasure"

"Divas' Glamourous Treasure Chest" :histeric:

"Bangin' Divas" :sneaky:

"Divas' Chest a Bangin''"-ok, now I'm losing it!!! :shhh: :yawn: :histeric:


Stoney, you and I should open up a strip club. :coolgleam :p

Louise the hater

get a hat-on here

Southern Sensations

Southern Sensations


I think we have a WINNER!!! :thumbsup:

I like it!

"Sensational Diva"

ok, I'll stop with the "DIVAS." :(

Sweet Diva's Closet

:coolgleam

Since I'm a guy, any answer I come up with would likely be the opposite direction you should take.... or, in other words, any name I come up with you should definitely pass on!

OK, I just asked my wife and my 17 year old niece, they both liked Glitz & Glam.

one day ill roll down the window and say "race you for phone numbers" ...... You should do it and report back to us immediately with the results.
"Divas' Chest a Bangin''"-ok, now I'm losing it!!! :shhh: :yawn: :histeric:
Stoney, you and I should open up a strip club.
Hey guys i'll get in on that action. Ralph wuz up with the name:histeric: ?
But here is one for you to consider: The Pleasure Hole

Here in my neck o' the woods, there is a locally owned chain of really good steak/seafood restaurants with lounges - the are called the Library (there are four, so there's the Library I, Library II, etc).

So you can say, "Honey, I'm going to the Library for a few hours.." and it sounds like you're studious. :)

On that same vein, how about "The Grocery Store"...

Woman: "Honey,I'm going to the grocery store to pick up a few things.."
Man: "Ok, have a good time. Get some chips..."

Here in my neck o' the woods, there is a locally owned chain of really good steak/seafood restaurants with lounges - the are called the Library (there are four, so there's the Library I, Library II, etc).

So you can say, "Honey, I'm going to the Library for a few hours.." and it sounds like you're studious. :)

On that same vein, how about "The Grocery Store"...

Woman: "Honey,I'm going to the grocery store to pick up a few things.."
Man: "Ok, have a good time. Get some chips..."

Now that is a great idea!!!!! I also like one that Ralph had suggested - Divas Essentials!!! The grocery store is my favorite. You could even get away with leaving the kids at home with the husband to go to the grocery store. I couldn't imagine having a store like that. Of course you would have to sell some milk and chips just for a little cover up for the ladies to act like they really went. That way the scam last longer.:banana:

So many choices and good info!! Thank you all for your responses. Today I will be going to register a name, get a tax ID it, open a new merchant account in the business name, and register a web address.

So many choices and good info!! Thank you all for your responses. Today I will be going to register a name, get a tax ID it, open a new merchant account in the business name, and register a web address.So, you're going to keep us in suspence with your final decision? That's too cold brother!

All our input and we get no lovin in return..... :crying:

Glitz & Glam

Sounds like something that would spark the interest of women between the ages of 13 and 45 that enjoy shopping for the stuff you described. I really think that this is the market you are focusing on and I think the name describes what you are selling and is flashy and exciting.


Precious Possessions

This is a nice name that I like but it makes me think of older women (35 to 75 age range) so it may not spark that interest in younger women.


House of Style & Treasure Chest

I don't like as much as Precious Possessions but they are still good names. Unfortunately I think they are already used, but maybe not in the line of business that you are getting into.


Diva’s Closet

Sounds like a cheap women's underwear store, like Freddrick's of Hollywood type of cheap, or a Victoria's Secert ripoff. If I saw that name above a store, I'd expect to see some "easy" women walking out of it. And start taking bets on how long it would take to get them in bed. Sorry if this description offended any one that may like cheap and easy women.

Diva’s Closet

Sounds like a cheap women's underwear store, like Freddrick's of Hollywood type of cheap, or a Victoria's Secert ripoff. If I saw that name above a store, I'd expect to see some "easy" women walking out of it. And start taking bets on how long it would take to get them in bed. Sorry if this description offended any one that may like cheap and easy women.

So does that mean that "Stytches 4 Bytches" and "Clothes 4 Hos" is out of the question? :hide: ;)

Stoney and I are opening up a chain of stripclubs and they will be called.......

"The Tropical Beaver" :thumbsup: ;)

ralph i didnt get the last memo , we need to get those tax forms in soon ...

are we going to fold this into my corporation or will this be a limited liabilty corportation/International joint venture ? if so ill need other items for importation and exportation of "inventory".....

we will also need to consult the zoneing of areas for possible branch/franchise sites , ive had my eye on a morge for awhile now ...

also i cant operate anything in tampa if it involves alcohol or lap dances (damn ordinace)

limited liabilty corportation/International joint venture Ah, Mike, I believe that's Limited Liability Company......:shhh:
:leaving::hide:

whoops ...sorry i mixed a bit too much "jeasus juice" in my coke tonight LOL .....

all bets are off now kids ....

What a long day it has been.. I got all 4 things done today.
1. Went to the county clerks office to register the business name.
2. Went to the state comptrollers office to get a tax payer number.
3. Went to the Bank and open a business account under the business name.
4. Registered the domain name. (still pending)

I checked the availability of a www domain name for the business name I wanted to use before I left to go to the county clerks office, it was available. The reason I did not tell you all what I decided to go with, is because I thought that I should register the web address first. You never know who lurks in the forum. Someone may find it amusing to register the name I said I would use, just so I couldn’t use it. I has submitted registration tonight and the status is “pending”. In 24 to 48 hours it should be registered across the World Wide Web to me , but until then I won’t say what it is…

I will say this; I did decide to use a variation of one of the names Ralph came up with. Thanks Ralph!

I will say this; I did decide to use a variation of one of the names Ralph came up with. Thanks Ralph!

Oh my! I'm flattered! Thanks. Which did you use, "Bangin' Divas?" :sneaky:

"Variation" does that mean not word for word??

Actually, I'm going to bet that you might have picked "The Sophisticated Diva" or "Divas Essentials." Or possibly you mixed them to say something like "The Sophisticated Essentials" Just a hunch..... :thumbsup:

I liked Ians, Majax and Tom Devilles, and I think they were actually better than what I "threw around." :shhh:

Let us know...

I just got the email saying that the registration is complete.. drum roll please.........
After a lengthy process, and conducting several online forum focus groups, the name that I have decided to go with is.... "Essentially Diva" The website will be www.essentiallydiva.com (http://www.essentiallydiva.com/).
I chose that because not only could I name the store that, but that name could also be a brand. When I close my eyes and think about it, I could see a tag in the back of clothes that says "Essentially Diva".. The name also kinda sounds sexy to me...

You all are familiar with Lancôme Paris cosmetics commercials? I could see a Lancôme commercial with a model in it advertising my product name... (in a French accent say) "Essentially Diva, By Lancôme Paris". It seems to fit very well, it has a upscale/high fashion ring to it...

What do you all think? Be brutaly honest please...

"Essentially Diva"

Very cool!! Congrats!

I am all for your store.

Are you going to sell nice quality things or low priced necklaces and what not?

I'm curious what kind of watches you might sell for men?? Some nice mid-level Swiss, for example?? Possibly?

I Loove Gooold!

I Loove Gooold!


Gould?? Elliot Gould?? He was an ok actor for the 1970's. :p :devil:

Austin Powers!!! Gold Member :rolleyes:

I'm curious what kind of watches you might sell for men



Not sure what I will sell for men yet. My primary focus will be ladies! But if I see there is a market for men’s accessories I will try to source men’s stuff to.. As far as exactly what I will get, I don't know. It all depends on what I am able to get that I can move & make a little profit off of..



If there are any members in the wholesale business please pm me and let me know what products you offer..

Not sure what I will sell for men yet. My primary focus will be ladies! But if I see there is a market for men’s accessories I will try to source men’s stuff to.. As far as exactly what I will get, I don't know. It all depends on what I am able to get that I can move & make a little profit off of..



If there are any members in the wholesale business please pm me and let me know what products you offer..

I think it's true that men are not notoriously known for being good shoppers. I think women love to shop more. Evidence for this is that you can go to a thrift store and find brand new $1,000 suits on the rack for 50 bucks, and they sit there for a long time. Usually when a husband passes, etc. the widows end up selling these clothing items to the place and there are such bargains to be had for men! The same bargains cannot be found for women. (according to my EX.)

It might be good to have a few mens items, however, for example when a wife shops for her husbands birthday, and she is getting something for herself at the same time, etc.

Very Cool. Good luck with it. I really liked the supermarket one though:histeric:.

Sounds like a good choice. I wish you success and prosperity.

Best of luck

----------------
Update 11-22-05
-----------------
The name I went with was Essentially Diva.
www.essentiallydiva.com

The store is almost ready to open. The contractors finished this week
painting, installing crown molding, installing the slat wall, hanging the flat
screen tv, & installing the track lighting.
With them done, I am now on the home stretch!!!

Things that I still need to do..
Get the signage company to put the business name on the marquee outside
the store, & on the store window.
Setup the store fixtures.
Tag & price all the merchandise.
Display the merchandise.
Buy a mailing list and do a bulk mail marketing campaign.
Order T-shrirts.

Here is a link to the web site. There is not much up on the site yet. Once I get the store completely built out and open, I will then focus on the web site.
www.essentiallydiva.com

I will have one of these printed on the store window & T- Shirts made.
I haven't decided which one yet.

A.
http://www.essentiallydiva.com/archive/diva_02.jpg

B.
http://www.essentiallydiva.com/archive/diva_03.jpg

Here is a picture of the store name in the building directory.

http://www.essentiallydiva.com/archive/Directory.jpg

Here is a picture of the shopping bags I have had made.

http://www.essentiallydiva.com/archive/Store_Bag.jpg

Here are some pictures of the store. (not completed yet)

http://www.essentiallydiva.com/archive/Store_window2.jpg
http://www.essentiallydiva.com/archive/FlatscreenTv.jpg

Let me know what you all think...

Good Luck. The pics and the website aren't working for me.

Looking good!

I think your tee shirts should match your logo at first. The name on the bag is a different style than the name you are planning for the shirts. I would think you should be consistent with your logo for repetitive recognition. Get your name out there with something that is instantly recognizable and identifies your store to the public.

Your logo should be on your website, bags, door and windows, tee-shirts, plastered every where! (In good taste of course)

Looking good!

I think your tee shirts should match your logo at first. The name on the bag is a different style than the name you are planning for the shirts. I would think you should be consistent with your logo for repetitive recognition. Get your name out there with something that is instantly recognizable and identifies your store to the public.

Your logo should be on your website, bags, door and windows, tee-shirts, plastered every where! (In good taste of course)

I agree about being consistent.. The bag I had made before I sat down with a graphic artist.. I will be changing the graphics on the bag when I reorder more.. As far as the T-Shirts are concerned.. I envision doing all diffrent kinds of T-shirts with the words "Essentially Diva" on them... The design & look of the t-shirts will be diffrent but the name is what will be consistent... I plan on sitting down with the graphic artist and just have him show me cool, girly, sexy ways to put "Essentially Diva" on a shirt... I want to establish "Essentially Diva" not only as a store to buy accessories, but also as a brand name..

Good Luck. The pics and the website aren't working for me.
Can you see them now?
If there is a problem let me know. I may need to call the web hosting company to report it..

I agree about being consistent.. The bag I had made before I sat down with a graphic artist.. I will be changing the graphics on the bag when I reorder more.. As far as the T-Shirts are concerned.. I envision doing all diffrent kinds of T-shirts with the words "Essentially Diva" on them... The design & look of the t-shirts will be diffrent but the name is what will be consistent... I plan on sitting down with the graphic artist and just have him show me cool, girly, sexy ways to put "Essentially Diva" on a shirt... I want to establish "Essentially Diva" not only as a store to buy accessories, but also as a brand name..There you go! That's why I think you should start with the logo you decide to go with at first. Once you are recognized as a name and have your logo recognized as well then you can mix it up with a fun variety.

One of the most improtant steps to prosperity for any small business getting started is public recognition.

You probably had to buy a ton of bags, too bad you couldn't get some stickers with the logo you decide on that you could put on the bags over the name.

Just a couple of thoughts.

It's tough starting out. There are so many costs here and there. Nothin is free and nothin is cheap! Everybody wants their piece out of you too.

Good luck to you! I hope it starts well for you guys!

The website is down for me as well.. I like the bag - looks really nice.. Keep us posted! I like what I see so far...

There you go! That's why I think you should start with the logo you decide to go with at first. Once you are recognized as a name and have your logo recognized as well then you can mix it up with a fun variety.

One of the most improtant steps to prosperity for any small business getting started is public recognition.

You probably had to buy a ton of bags, too bad you couldn't get some stickers with the logo you decide on that you could put on the bags over the name.

Just a couple of thoughts.

It's tough starting out. There are so many costs here and there. Nothin is free and nothin is cheap! Everybody wants their piece out of you too.

Good luck to you! I hope it starts well for you guys!

We are on the same page.. The first shirts that I order will be the same as the logo that I will use on the window of the store.. I had 2 sample shirts made, 1 with each logo that I am thinking about using.. They should arrive today.. I will post pictures of the shirts when I get them... I kind of think Image B is what I will be going with.. I have conducted an email focus group and most of the women liked image B better... Once I see it on an actual shirt I will know for sure.... Later down the road is when I will start to switch up the design and look of the t shirts..

You seem to know a lot about this... Do you have experience in starting a retail business?

You seem to know a lot about this... Do you have experience in starting a retail business?I've learned quite a few things that you shouldn't do from my Dad who had a small custom fishing rod building shop, bait and tackle. His was a tough seasonal business that eventually closed. Also, my Grandmother and her sister both had dress shops. I picked up on a few things through conversations with them through the years. I started my own small business (construction consulting, not retail related) and have learned the hard way about all the fun costs that you get to learn about! Some friends of mine have a small kid's clothing and accessory store, we've had a few conversations about that. The rest is just common sense that I have picked up along the way.

It can be very tough but if you have enough financial reserve and find the right combinations for your area it can be exciting, fun and rewarding.

I can't see the site. Everything else looks good though. Thanks for the update.

Congrats, Swangin'!!!

I remember thinking that "Diva" had to be somewhere in the name. It's one of those hot catch phrases that all the kids today stop and pay attention to!

Good luck with the new business, I have a great deal of admiration for the entrepreneurial spirit in you. Knock 'em dead!

congrats with the store brother and good luck. its lookin good!

All the pics and the site work now for me :thumbsup:

Essential Incidentals

Wow! Congrats man, I always wanted to be an entrepreneur too....just dont know where to start....good luck!

I have now completed the installation of the track lighting, flat screen tv, audio system, cash register, store displays, & priced all the mechandise.

I opened for business last week Wendsday - Saturday. I have yet to do any marketing, but business was good.

Here are some pics of the store now..

http://www.essentiallydiva.com/archive/Store0.jpg
http://www.essentiallydiva.com/archive/store1.jpg
http://www.essentiallydiva.com/archive/store2.jpg
http://www.essentiallydiva.com/archive/store3.jpg
http://www.essentiallydiva.com/archive/store4.jpg
http://www.essentiallydiva.com/archive/store5.jpg
http://www.essentiallydiva.com/archive/store6.jpg

How do you all like the T-Shirts?

T Shirt A
http://www.essentiallydiva.com/archive/Tshirt1.jpg

T Shirt B
http://www.essentiallydiva.com/archive/Tshirt2.jpg

What do you all think about the overall look of the store?
Which T-Shirt do you like most? A or B?

Thanks
Brook

Looks very good. I wish you all the sucess in your business.

It looks really cool Brook! My oldest daughter would go crazy in that store, she is in her first year of college and wants to be a fashion designer. All 4 of my girls would love to browse there..

I think the B t-shirt stands out the best to me. The real test is, which one sells best!

My wife says she likes the second one as well. She sees a few belts and things that are stocked in the dress shop that she is working at. :thumbsup:

2nd t-shirt is better. Hmmm, I don't know about the trademark though...Kind of detracts from the whole look of the shirt...:hmm:

Otherwise it looks great, and the store looks very good too...

Congrats!

Looks good, I like tshirt b.
From the looks of it though....theft may become a problem since theres trinkets right out in the open.

Best wishes on your new biz!

Shop looks real good. I like T-Shirt B. Good Luck with it.

hey its lookin pretty damn good ...

maybe i should open my own store .....The Grease Moneys closet ....

Well carry a full line of mechnics wear .....and tools , the rare speical ones ...

Thanks for all the support..
Shirt B is the shirt that every one seems to like. The shirts that I have posted were samples that I had made so that I could see the silkscreener's work, before I order 100's of them..

I am giving away a free T-shirt to customers that spend $25 or more..
I have ordered 100 of shirt B in 6 diffrent sizes. I have also ordered 4 more samples of shirt B in 4 diffrent shirt/text color combinations.

My wife says she likes the second one as well. She sees a few belts and things that are stocked in the dress shop that she is working at. :thumbsup:

I am always interested in price comparisons... Kev what belts and trinkets are at the dress shop that your wife is working at, and how much are they selling them for?

I am always interested in price comparisons... Kev what belts and trinkets are at the dress shop that your wife is working at, and how much are they selling them for?The belt under t-shirt B sells for $74 and the disk belt at the bottom of this picture goes for $34.

http://www.essentiallydiva.com/archive/store1.jpg

Hope that helps you some!

The belt under t-shirt B sells for $74 and the disk belt at the bottom of this picture goes for $34.

Thanks.. I have the belt under the T-Shirt priced for $45, and the other on under the bag for $15.. All the women that have come in the store tell me that I have really good pricing... I guess I do..

As long as;

1. Stuff sells
2. Customers are happy
3. You make a profit

It should be a great success!

PS. Oh, and you want to have a good time doing this!

With the name "Diva" over the door, people are going to flock in there and buy whatever you put on the shelves.

Happy Holidays! Best of luck for a joyous and prosperous season!

I hope so.. I am so anxious to get everything complete and make all the money I have invested back. Once I make the money back that I have spent to do this, I plan on reinvesting and opening another store in a different part of the metroplex, then a different city, then state, so on and so forth... In 5 to 10 years you guys may see me on "Oprah" or something.. Hopefully this thread will still be around then so that when I tell the story about how I came up with the name, I can shout out cadillacforums.com and Ralph... Ralph came up with the the name "Divas Essentials". I liked that, and came up with "Essentially Diva"... This just maybe history in the making!! Hopefully so..

PM me when you're ready to come to Memphis!