RETAIL REHAB WEBSITE

Independent retailer Rachel Perkin has launched a website giving support and advice to independent retailers. Visit the site at www.retailrehab.co.uk to find tips and advice on how to tackle the challenges indies face as well as employment and branding advice. The site also has a blog which you can access to find out practical advice. The site is free to use!

TRAIN TO GAIN

I have recently been looking into ways in which i can help my customers with their businesses and i heard about a website called http://www.businesslink.gov.uk./

It is set up by the government and offers help to businesses by giving instant accessible and clear information. They also run 'workshops' in which you or your staff can go on for free! I found the IT and e commerce and the sales and marketing advise very helpful on here. A friend went to one of the workshops and came back with great ideas for the company they work for and highly recommend it for small businesses who are looking to utilise the Internet as a opportunity to expand the business.

LITTLE ASOS TO LAUNCH

The question i have been asked repeatedly the last few weeks is...'what is your position on supplying the internet?' This is no surprise as ASOS announce they are to launch a branded kidswear section this month. Brands that have been listed in the press include Diesel, Tommy Hilfiger and Toby Tiger.

ASOS was established in 2000 and has grown to become the UK's largest independent online fashion and beauty retailer. The website is aimed primarily at fashion forward 16 - 34 year olds and attracts over 4.5million visitors a month and has 1.88 million registered users. (source asos.com 2009)

Along with this Tesco are rumoured to move into the branded market as part of a relaunch of its clothing website next year.

NEW LOOK CWB!

The new look CWB magazine landed on my desk this week and what a transformation. The magazine is now tailored to the diverse and evolving childrenswear market, with the latest in fashion as well as news, views and interviews with professionals in the childrenswear market. This edition has all the information you need on the trade shows taking place for the childrenswear market as well as a stock page for stores featuring products you can get in store straight away from differet labels. This is a must read for all buyers in the childrenswear industry!

To subscribe call 01484 846069 or email subs@ras-publishing.com

BUBBLE LONDON AW09 18-19 JANUARY

Don't forget to visit Bubble London this weekend (Sunday 18th and Monday 19th January). Entering into its first edition since being acquired by Moda it is set to become a regular event in buyers diary's! 70 new brands will be showcasing at the trade show for AW09 along with VIDAKIDS brands MOLO and BRIGHTS AND STRIPES.

For more information on the trade show visit www.bubblelondon.com

PRESS RELEASE SCOTCH SHRUNK WINTER 2009

I am proud to present Scotch Shrunk Winter 2009: a rich diversity of styles, materials and colours. Expectations were high but we are sure that the Scotch team have met them! This collection has more details than ever and will keep suRprising dai in and day out. As always Scotch have mixed different inspirations to create the unique Scotch DNA. For more information on the Winter 2009 collection contact us at head office.

Don't look back.........

Have you booked your AW09 appointment yet? Thinking of taking on any new brands? For many the answer is aagghh NO can not think about that yet! As i am calling through the list to book peoples appointments i am hearing a reluctance to take on any new brands for the next season due to the economic climate and it being to 'bigger a risk' and people considering cutting back on their offering to customers in store! However i have been reading a lot in trade magazines about how not taking on anything new is in fact the risk. If your business is just repeating what it has always done how is it moving forward......for AW09 we need to be brave and try new things to get customers into the store!