Is now the time to launch a quality women's footwear factory in the UK?"Ask the Expert
Spring 2010 buying session
For its opening session of Ask The Expert in July, Drapers is focusing on the Spring 2010 buying session.
Readers are invited to pitch their questions about the forthcoming season to the panel below. From essential insight into the must have trends across womenswear, menswear, streetwear and footwear to managing your buying budgets and maximising your buying potential, our panel of experts can give you their professional opinion on your issue. They can also advise which shows are best for each sector and how long you should spend at each show.
Email the panel at drapersasktheexpert@emap.com.
The Experts
Ask the expert questions
Property: Factory outlet vs Ad hoc shop
I have a small brand which we sell via wholesale with no own stores. I want to know how cost effective it will be to sell surplus stock via my own factory shop. Am I better off approaching an out of town discount centre or just opening ad hoc Sale shops on short term leases?
Property: Negotiating Price
Eighteen months ago I was looking for a unit in London’s Kings Road. Back then the cost of the lease with the rent was far too prohibitive. A similar property has now become available and the same agent has contacted me. I haven’t yet expressed an interest because I need some advise on how hard I should negotiate. Can you offer me some pointers?
E-Commerce: Web delivery options
I’m the owner of a small accessories boutique and have a transactional website. How flexible do I need to be with delivery options?
E-Commerce: Renting Email Lists
Is there any way of renting lists of email addresses for my target customer group which is 18-35 year-old men with high disposable income?
E-Commerce: Niche business
I have a lingerie boutique and most of my customers are plus-size. As a result they demand a lot of in-store service. Is there any point in pursuing an e-commerce strategy when my business is so niche and so service-driven?
Logistics: Japanese Buyers
As an emerging fashion designer I hope to take orders whilst meeting with key Japanese buyers later this years. I wonder if you are able to advise me of when Japanese buyers will expect delivery of Spring/Summer 2009 collections?
E-Commerce/Logistics: Delivery costs
I’m in the process of launching a transactional website for a value clothing high street retailer. We have in excess of 200 stores in UK.
E-Commerce: Web affiliations
I run my own young fashion brand website and have been approached by a couple of affiliate web operators such as Oh So You asking me join up to their sites. Is this something I should consider? How can I measure whether I am getting value out of these affiliations? Is there anything else that I could be doing to drive traffic to the site before going down these avenues?
E-Commerce: Setting up a website
I am currently bringing handcrafted jewellery from Africa in the UK and selling to shops. It has proved very popular and I have an almost 90% success rate. I myself have recently began selling at craft fayres, gift shows and music festivals and have done very well.
Property: Monthly rent
I am an indie. What’s the chances of me getting monthly rents? Anyone out there managed to negotiate this successfully with their landlord. Got to be honest, trade is a mess at the moment and this would be one less burden. Any advice appreciated.
