Tech Every Modern Clothing Store Needs

Thinking of opening up your own clothing store? On top of purchasing your inventory and general equipment such as clothing rails, there could be a few pieces of tech worth investing in. Some of this technology could be necessary for providing good quality service to customers, while other gadgets could be useful for helping you to organize stock and keep accurate accounting records. Meanwhile, other pieces of tech could be important for keeping your store secure. This post delves more into some of the specific tech you need to run a successful modern clothing store.

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POS system

Traditional cash registers with physical buttons are now largely a thing of the past. Modern cash registers are typically attached to POS systems – these are touchscreen monitors that use software to help digitally record sales information. Such systems can also help you keep track of stock, as well as link up with accounting software in order to automatically calculate how much tax you owe. 

It’s worth taking the time to compare POS systems. Some POS systems are designed specifically for fashion retail and could be a good choice when setting up a clothing store. 

Card readers

It’s become the norm for retail outlets of all sizes to accept card payments. This will require you to invest in a card reader. It’s worth accepting both credit cards and debit cards. Most modern card readers can also accept contactless payments and mobile payments. Some are even portable, allowing them to be used around the store. 

When choosing retail payment processing services, make sure that they are compatible with any POS technology you are using and that they are linked up with the right accounts (accepting credit cards will require a merchant account). 

RFID readers

RFID readers are devices that are used to scan RFID tags. These tags allow you to digitally keep track of every item of clothing that goes in and out of your store. They are a more advanced version of barcode scanners – instead of having to directly scan the barcode, an RFID tag simply has to be within close proximity of the scanner. Most RFID readers are wireless allowing you to use them at the counter or around the store.

As with choosing the right card reader, it’s important to choose an RFID reader that is compatible with your POS system. Some store owners may prefer a barcode scanner as it can be cheaper, however, RFID readers tend to be more convenient.

Magnetic scanner alarms

A useful device to detect and deter shoplifting, magnetic scanner alarms are able to alert you if someone leaves your store with an item that has not been paid for. They work by picking up barcodes or RFID tags. 

Of course, if you are using RFID tags within your store, make sure to use an alarm compatible with RFID tags. If you are using barcodes, look for an alarm that is compatible with this technology.

CCTV cameras

Another useful form of security technology to consider for your store is a security camera. These can be placed inside or outside of your store to record evidence of various types of customer crimes such as shoplifting, vandalism, or personal injury fraud. They can even be used to monitor employees and prevent activities like stealing from the cash register. These cameras typically link up with software that you can view at any time on a number of devices.

Security camera picture quality can vary – it’s important to find a camera that is fairly good quality. You can buy multiple cameras if you would prefer to monitor different parts of your store. There are security companies that can install these cameras for you.

Desktop/laptop

It’s useful to have a PC on site that you can use for admin tasks like accounting, ordering new stock, creating rotas, and marketing. Laptops have become the most popular option because they are portable, allowing you to use them around the store or take them home with you if you would prefer to carry out work there.

It’s worth investing in a good quality computer as it will last longer. For business purposes, you generally don’t need anything too powerful. 

Phone system

Finally, it’s worth having a business phone that you and your staff can share. Phones with portable handsets are the most useful option as you can use them around the store. It’s possible to buy multiple handsets and even set up an internal phone system for calling other employees within the store (however this is generally only necessary for larger stores).

You can compare handsets online. If it is just you running the store, you may find that a cell phone is all that’s necessary. 

Alex Malay Boutique – Chic Southern Style

The Mission Of Alex Malay
Alex Malay is chic southern style with a modern twist incorporating trendy flare with classic pieces that pop. It’s a game changer from what some may have limited southern fashion to be. Our boutique offers something trendy and classic for every lady who loves fashion. Alex Malay differs in that it can be challenging to shop for exclusive and limited edition items in a high end department store. At our boutique, we offer one-of-a-kind styles that fashionistas would love to rock at any time or occasion and still make a striking fashion statement. You’ll find Alex Malay in the streets, at a party, in the boardroom, on the beach, on a plane, and even at a soccer game.
Combined with my years of creative knowledge, fashion designing, fashion styling, fashion consulting, and beauty consulting, I have an eye for detail and beauty and the ability to communicate to my clients on a level where they understand. I teach them what works best for their body type and overall image objectives. My expertise has been sought out and featured in national publications, People Style Watch Magazine and Ebony Magazine. As an industry problem solver, I pride myself in always seeking new ideas and approaches to problems and constantly implementing new approaches and new ways to take Alex Malay to the next level.
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 The Heart To Inspire Humanity
Today, my dream is to reach and inspire ladies all over the world to be their own kind of beautiful, and express who they really are through fashion and beauty. I absolutely love when women feel good about themselves. Alex Malay also serves the young woman who is inspired by beauty, and who loves to look good and feel good, while being creative with her style. I wholeheartedly believe that when you look good, you feel good.
Giving back and making a difference because that’s what it’s all about. Alex Malay will be an inspiration to women globally to share their stories with one another by feeling and looking good. Fashion/style is a feeling and when women feel her best, she can conquer the world!
In the near future, I see myself and team traveling all over the world expanding Alex Malay as a movement, extending our reach and inspiring women to be their own kind of beautiful. In addition, open up several brick and mortar locations, offer style and beauty classes, and host seminars and events.
Alex Malay | www.AlexMalay.com | Instagram: @AlexMalay | Twitter: @ShopAlexMalay
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BEAUTY. TIMELESS STYLE. LOVE. CONFIDENCE. AN EXPERIENCE. These are the core essentials that make up Alex Malay!
The Foundation Of A Fashionista!
Ever since I can remember, I was a lover of all things beautiful and always had a sense of style. I was the one who stood out in front of the crowd, whether at church or a birthday party or any event. Although very young, I always loved various vintage styles, sequins, and feathers. I loved black and white Hollywood classics of flashy fashions and striking styles.
Born and reared in New Iberia, Louisiana, my love for fashion wasn’t accepted by everyone. I recall while in high school, my mom and I crafted some pink glitter Barbie heels that we worked on all night long. The next day I wore them with great pride, and was ridiculed by a lady. It hurt me deeply. I chose to get over it quickly and let it motivate me to go after my dreams. The biggest lesson that I learned from that experience is to always be your own kind of beautiful regardless of other people’s opinions.
The Birthing Of A Beauty Boss!
My entrepreneurial spirit was sparked from a long line of hustlers. My great grandpa was a serial entrepreneur who owned a pressing shop and a hotel and night club called “The Shady Rest.” My dad worked in the club as a teenager, and I remember him telling me that Ike and Tina Turner actually performed there live!
My dad was an entrepreneur also who owned a commercial floor cleaning company. I, along with my brothers all worked in my dad’s business, we had no other choice. I’m most grateful now because my lineage instilled a great work ethic and strong discipline at an early age. Nothing was handed to us, we were taught to work very hard for everything we had.
The Alex Malay name has great significance, as my mother’s family last name is Alexis. Alex was taken from Alexis and my husband’s last name is Malay. I combined the two names and made it a family name Alex Malay, that’s why the name is so important to me. Family is everything.
The Making Of Alex Malay
I knew that I was born and made to be an entrepreneur! Alex Malay came about as the result of the dissatisfaction of a regular 9-to-5 job. Daily I felt frustrated, restricted, shut down, almost imprisoned—and couldn’t be free to express who I was authentically, creatively not to mention fashionably. My desire was to show case my gifts to the world.
Therefore, I worked, saved and saved some more until I was ready to branch out on my own. Never taking out a loan, I decided to bootstrap from the bottom up to realize my dream. Sure, it took longer and was stressful at times, but I knew it was for a greater cause. The first year in business, I didn’t make any money. Yes, I became discouraged but didn’t let it stop me.
Through numerous sacrifices including giving up things that I really wanted and managed to stick it out even when everything else around me was whispering, give up. My faith played a huge role those many times when I had no earthly idea of how or when it was going to happen; it always ended up working out just fine.
ALEX MALAY BOUTIQUE – 1ST BRICK AND MORTAR LOCATION IN LOUISIANA AND MORE LOCATIONS TO COME!

Event Recap: Mdurvwa Pop Up Shop hosted by Teena Leone

On Sunday, June 9, 2013 I had the opportunity to attend The Mdurvwa Pop Up Shop hosted by Teena Leone (from Fashion for Breakfast) along with jewelry designer Deborah Mdurvwa and R&B Singer, Lil Mo.  The event was held at a local boutique (in Federal Hill, Baltimore) titled The Lovelace Showroom.

I had a great time at this event for a variety of reasons.  Number one, I love supporting other bloggers because we truly have a passion for what we do and understand the dynamics and hard work that goes into maintaing a website.  Number two, it was my first time visiting The Lovelace Showroom and I adore the “vibe” that’s in this boutique.  From chandelier ceilings to sequin drapes, this is my type of boutique! Lastly, it’s always nice to meet other fashionistas living in the Baltimore area.

Everyone who attended the event also had the opportunity to enjoy cupcakes, light refreshments, and music played by a local DJ.

I give the event a thumbs up and looking forward to the next event hosted by Teena!

 

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Just another fun day for Style Life Fashion!
 

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