Trade shows and suppliers

[uptown]

Hi,

I'd really like to start an fashion e-store (before going bricks and mortar!) and have a good idea of the kind of things i want to stock, however sourcing them is proving a little difficult.

I've found some information on tradshows and wholesalers but can anyone recommend the best tradeshows or other ways to source stock?

Thank you

[maria102]

Hi,

I'd really like to start an fashion e-store (before going bricks and mortar!) and have a good idea of the kind of things i want to stock, however sourcing them is proving a little difficult.

I've found some information on tradshows and wholesalers but can anyone recommend the best tradeshows or other ways to source stock?

Thank you

I'm not sure how brands are at stocking online shops, as we have a bricks and mortar shop and are soon to go onine. What sort of labels have you been looking at?

[uptown]

I'd really like to stock more independent designers and labels rather than any major labels. I have a few in mind but need to find more to flesh it out!

There are a few bigger labels i would like to stock but like you said, I have found they will not stock online shops.

[maria102]

I'd really like to stock more independent designers and labels rather than any major labels. I have a few in mind but need to find more to flesh it out!

There are a few bigger labels i would like to stock but like you said, I have found they will not stock online shops.

Pure at Olympia (http://www.purewomenswear.co.uk/)is probably your best bet then.

[uptown]

Thanks! I just had a quick peek at the website it looks just what I was after!

[jdizon]

I'm not sure how brands are at stocking online shops, as we have a bricks and mortar shop and are soon to go online.

[urban33ltd]

Moda at birmingham is ok for some lines, its worth a look and free to register. If your serious it may be worth looking at going to Bread and Butter which will be in Berlin next, good place to pick up some contacts.

It is hard to get brands to believe in you, you need to make sure the website looks top dollar and that there is no signs of discounts as this puts some brands off.

Start of with some smaller brands who often will be happy to work with you, then build up from there. Don't expect to get everyone over night, as with a high street shop its hard work getting brand names to trust in you.

Also think, if you don't already, at getting Drapers magazine which has most of the info about shows in, plus their website is pretty good to. I went to their online conferences the other week and picked up a few contacts so might be worth thinking about for the future.

What sort of style are you going for?

Stu

[Burden]

Olympia trade shows are usually the biggest and as Maria said.. check our Pure and maybe for the more alternative side things like Edge

[KateCB]

it might be an idea to have a showcase area for up and coming designers.....your college or arts may have some young designers who are worth looking at - you don't need to stock the store, you offer 'designer, bespoke' garments....get your T&C's right though as you can't accept returns on bespoke goods unless you or the designer have made an error......if the customer orders from an image, and then doesn't like the end result, you don't want to be left with a drunken collar size 52" chest in dayglo orange on your hands!:)

[miiow]

Hi,

I'd really like to start an fashion e-store (before going bricks and mortar!) and have a good idea of the kind of things i want to stock, however sourcing them is proving a little difficult.

I've found some information on tradshows and wholesalers but can anyone recommend the best tradeshows or other ways to source stock?

Thank you

We can provide you stock garments like kids',children's,etc,. from China Mainland.
Plz if any doubts you can contact to us:
Email: sunny at miiowtrade.com
Thanks!

[deniser]

If anyone tells you they won't stock an online only store, don't forget that one of the biggest, with all the top labels, is pret-a-porter.com.

But as has been said, you need to convey a luxury image and not discount.

[maria102]

Moda at birmingham is ok for some lines, its worth a look and free to register.

I didn't see this before, but I don't think Moda is the sort of the thing the OP is looking for, it's really aimed at an older market. Our target age range is 25-45 and we didn't see one single label we would consider selling.