Would you honestly go?

Question

I am opening a childrens boutique within the next year. The space I will be renting has a conference room that I considered using for mommy and me classes, as there are none in the area. My question is, If a local childrens boutique in your neighborhood hosted a free mommy and me hour... with distinct age groups... would you actually attend with your children? Im asking this because I dont want to invest in transforming the room (putting in couches... safe play area for children... purchasing toys and such...) if people wouldnt take advantage of it. Thanks for your input!

I think i wasnt clear in my first asking.. these wouldnt be classes... just get togethers for moms to socialize and let their kids socialize as well! Although I loved the suggestion of having guest speakers, it would be quite the liability!

ok.. still not clear to some people I guess... Im not asking for business advice, but thank you! I have a full staff already, and this would be during business hours. Mothers would be responsible for watching their own children, and insurance is not an issue, that is quite covered. thanks again for the advice on the business side, but again, I am simply asking if mothers feel like they personally would attend something like this. thank you

Answer 1

I would go, it would give me the oppertunity to spend more time with my children and learn other things.

Answer 2

Sorry...as a mother of four I'd be hesitant to attend a mommy & me class in a retail establishment...it would make me wonder about ulterior motives the owner might have. When my kids were younger, I did participate in these sorts of programs, but only with trained and certified personnel through established organizations.

Even if you do end up with a lot of positive feedback (and I hope you do!), I'd be careful as a business owner about running something like this unless you first seek a proper liability insurance addendum and permits. I run a camp, and in my state there are quite a few very stringent guidelines on who can oversee programs such as these.

Sorry for the downer answer! :( Just be careful...it's an admirable thing you're considering, it's a great service to offer, and it should inevitably help your business and the community...just be sure to cross your t's and dot your i's along the way...

Answer 3

Sounds like too big an investment of your time and money. If you ran a playgroup, who would watch your shop? You would need extra help etc. which means more money out of your pockets. Also you have to take into account that you are liable for anything that happens in your shop so you will need insurance etc to run such an activity. Some book stores have story time but thatis during store hours and in the store where they have lots of personnel and the parents get time to shop around while the kids get stories, so they are in fact making moey for this. If you do it, great for you, but there is a lot of responsibility involved.

Answer 4

I would really have liked a place like that when my kids were babies. I think it really depends on where you live, and the area you are going to have your boutique in. I went to Mommy and me classes with all 3 of my kids. And it was great. I think your best bet is to do research for your area. Maybe run an ad in your local paper. Print up fliers where people can contact you who are new mothers or pregnant and give you their input. I think you have a great idea. But like I said it depends on where you live. And the need for a Mommy and me class in your area.

Answer 5

What kind of city is it? Small? Fairly Large? Is there a variety of different households. The reason I ask that is because single mothers like myself have to invest in full time daycare during the week to go to work and school. Its hard physically and financially for certain households. If I had help raising my son, youd bet Id be there. It sounds like a great idea. Good luck

Answer 6

I think I would. I have 2 small children 3years and 6 months. I live in the small town that my husband grew up in. I'm talking small-population few thousand. We have lived here since January and still I know no one. I went to open house with my oldest daughter (9) and another lady is in the same boat. I think it is a great idea for out of towners to get aquainted. As well as a place to go to have adult conversation (even if you do talk about your children)! Good luck!

Answer 7

That is a very nice investment. Be sure to put attractive pastel colored walls so that it will attract the kids. For if the parents doesn't want to go there and the kids wanted to, I am 100% sure that the kids will have the final say :) Go for it! Good luck :)

Answer 8

i think that is an excellent idea. i also think it will boost your business. i dont know if you are familiar with gymboree but they are a clothing store with infant and toddler classes accompanied by a parent. i paid $300 for six months of once a week classes. i definitely think their is a demographic for classes like this especially if they are more affordable. your main challenge would be advertising i would contact local pediatrician offices and see if they will let you post information and maybe even the YMCA. i say go for it and good luck

Answer 9

Sure!
You should also have guest speakers who will talk to the mommies about proper ways to breastfeed, potty train, even give baby CPR, along with baby massage - For those colic babys....I think it is a great idea.....Best of Luck !!!!

Answer 10

In opening a new retail business I recommend that you refrain from ANY speculative spending such as you describe above until you are established.

Answer 11

I might go to something like that... Is there some way you can do a local survey to see if mothers in your area would be interested?