Attire Accessories - Nov/Dec 2019 (Issue 79)

72 UNISA T: +44 (0)7872 534 343 W: huntedbrands.com all ages featured, and this allowed Unisa to show the range in which its products could be framed. What trade shows do you attend, and which ones work best for you? I feel like the trade shows in the UK are settling in to their own roles within the marketplace. We attend Harrogate Fashion Week (great for those northern indies), Moda (great for footwear retailers), the London Shoe Show (brilliant mix of brands) and Micam (great for the multiples and international clients). Each show serves a different purpose and is a great support to our London showroom. What have been the key milestones in the business? Separating the U.S. and the European arms of the business in 1989 helped us to focus on the European market and let us build on the success we were having. The launch of our own website has let us communicate the Unisa brand and has become a cornerstone of both our retail and wholesale business. Opening our London showroom in 2014 was also a great achievement. How do you view the current market, and what trends – in both product and business – do you see emerging over the current months? With the retail landscape shifting so rapidly Unisa has recognised the need to be flexible and nimble in the marketplace. To do this, we need to support our buyers by offering the best product range in the market and flexible buying options. We are also offering more styles than ever through our B2B system and have seen sales through our online portal double over the past 12 months. Seventeen per cent of our wholesale customers in the UK bought stock through the system over the past year, and we are hoping to be able to double that again this season. We also offer increased marketing support to raise brand awareness. Do you see the ethical market set for growth as consumers become more consciously-aware? Of course; it’s important that we hold ourselves responsible. For example, we now use 100 per cent recycled show boxes, and our carrier bags are 100 per cent recyclable. They are also PEFC certified (PEFC promotes sustainable forest management). What are your future plans for the business? To keep looking to do what we have always done. React to the market, look after your customers and keep moving forward. When was the website launched, and how does it support the business? It is the cornerstone of both Unisa’s retail and wholesale business. It allows us to present the brand professionally and is a great tool for wholesale buyers. In particular, our B2B system has been updated with • New warehouse and shipping system, resulting in bulk shipping times to be reduced from two weeks to seven days. Small orders are now shipped by UPS, two days from order. • New B2B site launched in February. • More stock of bestsellers and key fashion items. • Clearer product shots and colour cards. • Easier interface. • Ability to reorder from stock or to manufacture. • Marketing and product images will be available to download from the B2B portal. • Customer returns can be managed through the B2B, reducing the people in the chain of communication and improving decision times. • All documents and accounts information can be viewed online. • Credit card payments can now be made through the B2B. • Stronger social media presence.