How do I get my collection into shops and various retail outlets ?

[passion4fashion9]

Hello again guys,

So I have another question:
When a label like Gucci makes their fall collection, how do they distribute it. If they have their merchandise in stores, do they distribute the collection increments (every two weeks) or do they send out the full collection to the stores that are interested in the purchase? Does the label categorize what will come out at which point? So for example, if the label makes 22 designs of jeans for the winter collection, do they say 2 will come out this time, 2 will come out this time etc.? Or is that left up to the retailer? How does the process work? I really hope my question is clear =

Thanks in advance

 

[gius]

I'll tell you what happens where I work
The representative of our clothing company will attend trade shows sseveral times in a year and it's there she gets buyers interested and orders on our products. They bring samples of the new collection as well as catalogue/lookbook.

 

[passion4fashion9]

Thanks, so how often do the trade shows happen

 

[gius]

It's funny, I seem to see her leave all the time.. every month, for a few days, which is too often. I don't pay enough attention, so to be safe I would guess she leaves once every two months? Anyway it is up to you and your market. There are many kinds of trade shows: it's product-specific. Trade shows can happen throughout the seasons and there are also for example event/holiday-specific fairs such as for Christmas, etc. And then there are the international ones in Paris, Florence, NY, etc. which are for the spring and fall seasons.

I added a sample calendar in this thread:
Trade shows around the world

 

[passion4fashion9]

Thanks guis I really appreciate this it is so insightful. But I have another question. What about when retail stores have their own line and thats all they sell like Le Chateau or Aldo. Do they get the whole seasons collection from the Le Chateau manufacturers or do they get new stock shipped to them at a specific time? I just recently started working for a retail store that orders stock from other manufacturers, but I was just curious to know how it all worked with stores that manufacturered their own items.

 

[gius]

We're a fairly small company, nothing close to producing like Le Chateau (who have several of their own stores around the country). For us, we create new products all the time or whenever we have new ideas. It's not always per season. We just make samples of the new design, perfect it if there are any mistakes and then we start producing it. Then it goes straight to the store's stock.
I do notice on Marni's online shop, their new collections come in separate amounts. Like the whole fall 2008 collection wouldn't appear in one day, but rather over the whole season... and now their resort collection's coming in, little by little. My impression is that it keeps the customer excited and on their feet, new products coming in all the time

If you work behind the scenes at the brand you work for, maybe you could eavesdrop or ask someone who trusts you My co-workers are very talkative, and they often ramble about things, so I usually don't need to ask lol

 

[dazzling85]

I think they come out when they are ready for delivery or things will be (behind the scene) set for begining of sprig, mid spring to end of spring. Your aim is to always let people want your customers to be back and buy new things throughout the year

 

[dazzling85]

How do I get my collection into shops?

I started my first collection.

1. Are there deadlines on when my collection has to be ready to show buyers?
Ex, buying is starting soon or ended in March, can I still show my collection to shops for fall?
2. How should I approach? What if I would like to sell my collection also online as net-a-porter or brownsfashion?

Any help would be great

 

[BetteT]

I merged these two threads because they a similar in nature ... how to sell your collection to the retail market.

I don't know about timing, but that was addressed a bit, above. I have heard that new designers just go around and show their samples to boutique owners ... it's a good idea to call ahead first, to make sure the owner has some time set aside to concentrate on what you have.

But most designers use sales reps and showrooms to sell their collections to shops and bigger stores. And then trade shows have been mentioned ... where the buyers come to see what's out there.

So ... in addtion to this thread, you should read these ones, too:
All About Showrooms and Sales Reps
tradeshows vs experienced sales rep
Tradeshow tips + etiquette

 

[dazzling85]

Thank you BetteT. I do have connections as to some buyers of few boutiques etc but I just wondered if there was a timeline since they have odne their buying