Strategies for Thriving in Yoga Retail Business

Integrating retail into your yoga studio can be a challenging move, but enhancing your students' experience and boosting your revenue are strong reasons to have a thriving retail space in your yoga studio. As someone deeply immersed in the yoga and retail worlds, I’ve seen firsthand which strategic retail practices will turn your yoga retail space into a thriving market that benefits your students and increases your revenue.

Every yoga studio is unique, and so are its strengths and weaknesses. While some studios may already excel in certain areas, others might find room for improvement. This guide introduces 12 proven strategies to help you navigate the complexities of yoga retail. You don’t need to implement all these strategies at once. Instead, focus on the areas where you see the most potential for growth.

Whether you’re just starting out with a few basic items or looking to refine and expand your current offerings, these strategies provide a roadmap to success. From understanding your market to staying ahead of trends, each strategy is designed to help you make informed decisions that align with your studio’s values and goals.

The 12 Strategies for Yoga Retail

Implementing these strategies can help you build a robust yoga retail storefront that complements your yoga studio. Focus on the areas where you need the most improvement and gradually integrate other strategies as you grow. Here’s an overview of the 12 strategies that can help you thrive in yoga retail:

1) Understanding Your Market

Knowing your students is crucial. Take time to observe what they use and wear during classes. Pay attention to their questions about props and apparel. If students frequently ask where to buy yoga clothes or which mats to use, it indicates they trust your recommendations and might prefer purchasing directly from your studio.

Also note, do your students prefer to use their own yoga props? Do they use your studio mats? What about their preference for yoga clothes? Do they want to represent your studio’s brand?

Example:

At Bhakti House Yoga Studio, I noticed many students asking about stickers for their water bottles. We are a community based yoga studio which people want to display their affiliation with. Recognizing this interest, I designed and had stickers made.

While stickers aren’t something you’ll make a lot of money on, this kind of observation helps tailor your retail offerings to meet the needs of your students.

2) Starting Small

Starting small with essential items like mats, yoga blocks, yoga straps, and a few books is a practical way to test the retail market without significant financial risk. These staple products are often forgotten or needed by students, making them easy to sell.

Begin with a limited selection to manage inventory effectively and gradually expand based on demand. Asking your students directly what kind of yoga products they would be interested in can give you an idea of what to stock if you’re starting small.

Pro Tip:

Initial Investment: Set a budget and stay within that budget to test the waters.

Track Sales: Use a simple spreadsheet or notebook to monitor what sells best.

Feedback Loop: Ask students for feedback on the products to refine future orders.

3) Building Your Brand

Creating branded merchandise is a powerful way to build your studio’s identity and community. Items like T-shirts, hoodies, and hand towels featuring your studio’s logo or a unique slogan not only promote your brand but also foster a sense of belonging and loyalty among your students. 

Branding Checklist:

Logo Design: Ensure your logo is clear and versatile for different products.

Quality Materials: Use high-quality fabrics and printing techniques.

Limited Editions: Introduce limited edition items to create exclusivity.

4) Pricing Strategies

Setting the right price for your products is crucial for maintaining profitability. A good rule of thumb is to mark up clothing at least double its cost. For instance, if a shirt costs you $20, sell it for $40 or more. This ensures a healthy profit margin while remaining competitive.

Additionally, take advantage of bulk purchasing to lower costs and increase your profit margin. When purchasing wholesale you’ll be expected to purchase multiples of the same item to receive the bulk pricing. You will likely pay shipping costs as well which should be calculated into your profit margin.

Pricing Example:

Item	Wholesale Cost	Retail Price
Yoga Mat	$45	$90
T-Shirt	$10	$20
Water Bottle	$8	$16

5) Unique Offerings

Differentiating your inventory by stocking unique items can make your retail offerings stand out. Avoid products that are easily found in local stores or online giants like Amazon. Instead, focus on unique and high-quality items that resonate with your students’ preferences.
One great way to do this is by having local and handmade goods. A great way to enhance your yoga studio community is to sell goods that your community has made such as handmade malas and pottery.

Example:

One of our most successful products at Asivana has been handmade malas (prayer beads) sourced from a local artisan. These unique items not only align with the mental and spiritual aspect of yoga but also support local businesses.

Unique Product Ideas:

• Handmade jewelry
• Local artisan yoga accessories
• Exclusive apparel lines

6) Trend Awareness

Staying ahead of trends is essential for keeping your retail offerings relevant and appealing. Regularly update your product range with the latest in yoga and wellness products. Focus on sustainable and organic items, which are increasingly popular among yoga practitioners.

Trend Tracking Tips:

Industry Publications: Subscribe to yoga and wellness magazines or follow sites like Asivana.

Yoga Festivals and Conferences: Attend industry festivals and conferences to see new products.

Social Media: Follow influencers and brands on platforms like Instagram for trend insights.

7) Inventory Management and Tracking

Effective inventory management is essential for maintaining customer interest and ensuring profitability in your yoga studio's retail operations. Staying on top of inventory helps you make informed decisions, avoid overstocking or stockouts, and keep your product offerings fresh and exciting.

Key Benefits of Inventory Management

Accuracy: Reduces human error in inventory management, ensuring you have precise data on stock levels.

Efficiency: Saves time with automated tracking and reporting, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.

Insights: Provides data-driven insights for better purchasing decisions, helping you understand which products are popular and which aren't.

Inventory Management Tools

To streamline your inventory control, utilize management systems that track stock levels and automate processes like pricing and scanning. Tools like MindBody and Square can make inventory management more efficient and effective.

Software: Invest in reliable inventory management software to keep track of stock levels, sales, and reorder points.

Reports: Generate weekly or monthly sales reports to identify trends and make informed decisions about restocking and discontinuing products.

Sales Promotions: Run monthly promotions to clear out slow-moving items and make room for new products. Regular discounts can help maintain customer interest and prevent inventory from becoming stale.

8) Effective Displays

Creating attractive displays can significantly enhance your retail space and boost sales. Good lighting and mirrors make the area inviting and help customers see themselves using your products. Encourage your staff to wear and use the products you sell.

Display Tips

Lighting: Use soft, warm lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Mirrors: Place mirrors strategically to enhance the shopping experience.

Rotations: Change displays regularly to feature new items and keep the area fresh.

Dimension: Display products using depth and height to vary eye level while making smooth transitions with the eyes.

9) Customer Service

Excel in customer service by ensuring your staff is knowledgeable about the products and can provide helpful recommendations. A positive shopping experience can turn a one-time buyer into a loyal customer. Train your team to be friendly, approachable, and well-informed about the benefits and features of the products you sell.

Customer Service Tips

Product Knowledge: Ensure staff knows the details of each product.

Engagement: Encourage staff to engage with customers and offer assistance.

Feedback: Regularly collect customer feedback to improve service.

Be Clear: Clearly state your return policy and be consistent with it.

10) Online Sales

Expanding your reach by developing an online store for your unique products can open up new revenue streams. An e-commerce platform allows you to reach a broader audience beyond your physical location.

Offer products that are exclusive to your brand, such as handmade gifts, self-published books, or unique yoga accessories.

E-Commerce Tips

Platform: Use platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce to set up your store.

SEO: Optimize product descriptions for search engines.

Marketing: Promote your online store through social media and email newsletters.

11) Vendor Relationships

Managing supplier relationships effectively is crucial for maintaining a steady flow of products. Set strict order deadlines to avoid receiving seasonal items too late. Negotiate terms for small orders and return policies to maintain flexibility.

Find suppliers who can accommodate your specific needs without requiring large commitments. Sites like Faire can help you connect with vendors but make sure to take the extra step and start a professional relationship with them.

Vendor Management Tips

Communication: Maintain regular communication with suppliers.

Negotiation: Negotiate favorable terms and conditions.

Flexibility: Choose vendors who offer flexible ordering options.

Third Party: Use third party connectors like Faire to reduce time it takes to establish connections with vendors.

12) Moderation in Ordering

Ordering smartly is essential to avoid overstocking and maintain optimal cash flow and storage space. Build relationships with vendors that allow flexible order sizes and regularly assess your inventory needs. Adjust your orders based on what’s selling and what’s not to keep your stock levels in check.

Ordering Best Practices

Assess Needs: Regularly review sales data to inform orders.

Small Batches: Order in small batches to minimize risk.

Vendor Relations: Work with vendors who accept returns or have flexible order policies.

Common Items to Sell in a Yoga Studio

Understanding what products resonate with your students can significantly enhance your retail success. To give you a starting point, here are some common items that are popular in yoga studios:

1) Yoga Mats and Bags

• Flux Cork Yoga Mat
• Magnilay Yoga Bag
• Lots of options here

Read for more details: Yoga Mat Dimensions

2) Yoga Props

• Blocks
• Straps
• Bolsters
• Blankets
• Hand Towels
• Meditation Cushions

3) Clothing

• Leggings and Pants
• Tops
• Outerwear
• Headbands

4) Books and Media

• Common yoga books
• The Eight Limbs of Yoga: For the American Yogi
• Stories from the Lotus Sutra

Additional Tips for Yoga Retail Success

Continuously assess and update your product range based on sales data and customer feedback. Experiment with new product lines to keep your offerings exciting and relevant. This approach helps you stay ahead of market trends and meet the evolving needs of your customers.

Example

Every quarter, introduce a few new items based on current trends and customer suggestions. This keeps the inventory fresh and engaging for regular customers.

Host Promotional Events

Organize special events or workshops to showcase new products. Use these events to engage with your community, gather direct feedback, and create buzz around your retail offerings. Events can include product launch parties, yoga workshops featuring your products, or collaborations with local artisans and brands.

A real winner is doing a mala making workshop where participants actually make their own mala with a local artist that makes malas. Not only does this promote the crafter but it also introduces your products to students in a fun way. Some may not be interested in making a mala but still want one from the local artist while others might enjoy gathering with community members to make something meaningful.

Are You Prepared to Build Your Yoga Retail Space?

Enhancing your yoga studio’s retail offerings can significantly improve your students’ experience and boost your revenue. By understanding your market, starting small, branding effectively, and keeping your inventory fresh and unique, you can create a thriving retail business within your yoga studio.

Learn More About Asivana's Yoga Gear Wholesale for Yoga Studios and Yoga Teachers

Ready to elevate your studio’s retail space?

Check out the high-quality yoga products that Asivana offers for wholesale on Faire. We provide a wide range of items, from eco-friendly yoga mats to yoga props for personal or studio use, and even jewelry, perfect for your studio’s retail space.

Special Offer: If you’re new to faire, you’ll enjoy 50% off your first order and one year of free shipping when you purchase through Faire Direct. Plus, eligible retailers can benefit from 60-day payment terms, and you'll get free returns on your first order.

Don't miss this opportunity to stock up on top-notch yoga products that will delight your students and enhance their practice. Start building an engaging and successful retail space in your yoga studio today!