“A mobile boutique? What’s that?” That is usually the response we get when we tell people what we are starting with The Fashion Mobile. I tell them basically it is a store inside of a truck. It’s like a food truck but we sell merchandise instead of food! How’s that for something new?!
We picked up the truck last Friday and I have to say that I am pretty pleased with how it turned out. I was very nervous about how the color would look. We picked the color from a swatch that was only about 2″ x 4″ long. And there are no do-overs if we didn’t like the color. But it turned out better than expected. The finish is semi-gloss too so it looks super shiny!
Right now we are busy getting the inside of the truck ready. I put in the flooring yesterday. I used some peel and stick tiles that are supposed to be ebony marble. It looks pretty cool. We also picked out the cabinets. We want to give it that “walk in closet” feel. They’ll be white and will have cubes, shelves and a hanging area for clothes and dresses. I also bought the materials to make the walls behind the cabinets. We’ll be putting wallpaper on here to make it look nice and finished.
We also made an old frame into a cool looking mirror so when you try on a shirt or look at jewelry you can see how hot it will make you! There is still a ton to do to get ready for our first event. We’re still getting merchandise in so that shouldn’t be a problem. I just hope that we can sell it!
We’re posting events as soon as we know about them so check the events page so you can find out where we’ll be. Gotta get back to working on the truck now. Talk to you later.
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi
Enjoy reading about your mobile boutique. I am doing the same thing in Boston and I am trying to figure out the interior lighting system. Did you figure your lights out yet? Can you help me to get this together? I am looking at Inverness.
Thank
Jude
Jude,
Good luck with your truck in Boston! Our truck did have 2 lights inside that are traditional light bulbs. I added some LED battery operated lights also but it still is a little dark in there. I am planning on buying some larger LEDs. This place http://www.millsupply.com has everything that you would need for a step van parts, lights, etc. Good luck with everything.
Hello,
Your truck is amazing…Did you build the steps or did you purchase it?…Can you also provide information on the types of permits you needed..I have a jewelry & accessory company and I am thinking about going mobile…Thank you in advance & God Bless
Hi congrats on the biz!
I hope it is thriving!! Did you buy a truck and then guted it yourself? Did you do all the install by yourself? Any ideas on who to contact to do this type of work?
Thank you
Katie
Thanks for reaching out. The truck was gutted when we bought it so we started with a clean slate. I did all the installation myself. If you are serious about getting into this business and want help with purchasing a truck let me know. I could find the truck and finish it for you.
Can the inside walls of the truck be painted and if so did you try to paint iy? What made you build the walls out instead of painting them ? And what kind of paint could be used? Tell me how did you come up with those steps for the entrance and exit . Thank you for your reply.
I put plywood up inside for the walls. Don’t paint the metal. Since the walls are wood they are easier to attach cabinets, paint, wallpaper to. I built the steps and railings myself. Any good carpenter could do this in less than a day.
Do you need a special driver’s licenses to drive a truck that size?
Nope. It’s just like driving a Uhaul when you have to move. Just your regular drivers license.
Great site. I’ve been looking for a truck almost 2 years. I found a few, but in very poor conditions. I need to find one, very inexpensive and I am also in need of information on how to transform it who can do it at a good price. Starving designer…in the process of the re-invention.
Thank you.
A great truck will cost a lot. Find something serviceable and do as much as work as you can yourself. Look on Craigslist and other classified sites. Good luck.
Hi…I love your idea actually it wasn’t after i saw your truck that i until today I acted on my dream … I have a lot of questions in regards to setting up the back for display and storage….. If I could please ask you for any guidance and help it would be greatly appreciated
Read the article on how to start a mobile boutique and read all the comments first.
Hi, you are very helpful, I’m in the process of getting my mobile boutique started and I wanted to if it would be a problem purchasing a step van that is not diesel, if it is an older model? Do you find that this business is tougher since you are not in a huge city such as; Los Angeles, NYC, or Miami? I’m curious because I live in a city not heavily populated in the midwest and I do not plan to travel much with my truck.
My truck is old and gas powered. Should be fine if you keep up the maintenance. Business is tough but it is also what you make it.
Good luck.
Thank you for answering my questions, many blessings to you and your business!
LOVE your comment section here. Lots of great information. My husband and I just purchased an old step van and are in the process of remodeling it. The question I have is how do you get the plywood to stay up on the side without nails or screws penetrating the sides of the truck??
I furred out the walls with wood and glue then attached the plywood. Plus some L-brackets screwed into the floor to secure it all.
Good luck!
Thank you so much for your reply
It’s really appreciated