What we love isn't always what sells

What we love isn’t always what sells

When choosing clothes for a boutique, I wish I had a crystal ball.

I look at trends, colors, fabrics, prices, and seasons. I try to imagine what parents will love, what they’ll find practical, pretty, comfortable, and different enough from what they see everywhere else.

But the truth is, you never really know.

I’ve seen a garment and immediately thought, “That one will sell quickly.” Then, it ends up taking longer to find a buyer. On the other hand, some styles I order with a little more hesitation sometimes become real favorites.

That’s the reality of running a small boutique.

Buying with your own tastes… without only buying for yourself

Of course, the world of Kaki Lilas greatly influences my choices. I love soft clothes, natural colors, small retro patterns, delicate details, and pieces that have something a little different about them.

But when I buy a collection, I have to constantly remind myself of one thing: I’m not just buying for myself.

I have to think about the tastes of many different families.

Some like neutral tones, while others prefer florals. Some are looking for something very practical for everyday wear, while others want a pretty outfit for a special occasion.

And that’s where things get interesting.

The prettiest thing doesn’t always sell best

A garment can be beautiful and still not work as well.

Why?

Because it might be harder to style, because the color may not match what people are looking for that season, because the price is a little higher, or simply because the customers haven’t fallen in love with it yet.

And sometimes, it all comes down to how the garment is presented.

A beautiful photo of a child wearing it, a complete outfit, or a new way to style it can completely change how a piece is perceived.

Price matters too

When choosing a collection, it’s not enough to find beautiful clothes.

You also have to think about what customers will be willing to pay.

As a small boutique, I have to balance the cost of the product, shipping, fees, quality, and the final price. I want to offer something beautiful and high-quality while keeping it as affordable as possible.

It’s a balance that isn’t always easy.

Customers teach us so much

Over time, we start to notice certain preferences.

We see which colors attract more attention, which sizes sell first, which styles appear most often in orders, and which products get the most reactions on social media.

But even with all this information, there’s always an element of unpredictability.

And ultimately, that’s perhaps what makes this job so interesting.

Every new collection is a little gamble.

I choose it using my experience, my intuition, and above all, a lot of heart.

When you see a new collection arrive at Kaki Lilas, know that it wasn’t chosen at random.

I look at so many styles before making my selections. I think about the fabrics, the colors, the comfort, the price, and especially the little ones who will wear them.

Is it soft?

Is it comfortable?

Will parents think it’s pretty?

Would I be happy to receive this garment myself?

Despite all that, there’s always that famous question: will you love it as much as I do?

And I never really know that until I show it to you.

That’s why your comments, reactions, and favorites are so important. They help me tremendously when it comes time to choose the next collections for Kaki Lilas.

Because deep down, this boutique is also built with you. 🤍