I don't see how running a "mildly successful" shop would impose anything on the players or lore. Who knows, the community may spread word until your shop is THE place to go for crafted arms and armor. The only time it's imposing anything on anyone is if you outright say "Everyone comes here, even famous NPCS".
Posting a flyer in the forums is a great way to get started, actually. It gets word out, even if it's just to a few people, and those people will tell others or even offer to help you if you need a bit of a boost with something.
As for suggestions, I can't think of anything beyond what was hinted at above: Don't get too far ahead of yourself and claim that anyone who is worth knowing uses your shop. For all anyone knows, they may have their own suppliers and not need to go shopping.
Posting a flyer in the forums is a great way to get started, actually. It gets word out, even if it's just to a few people, and those people will tell others or even offer to help you if you need a bit of a boost with something.
As for suggestions, I can't think of anything beyond what was hinted at above: Don't get too far ahead of yourself and claim that anyone who is worth knowing uses your shop. For all anyone knows, they may have their own suppliers and not need to go shopping.
