The UK has been out of the European Union for almost a year now. How have brands and retailers coped, and are there any prospects for improvement in the year ahead?
This was the question being asked by journalist Megan Tatum recently, when we spoke to her about the experience of Glencroft as a small fashion retailer facing the challenges of a post-Brexit world.
Megan, who was writing for the leading fashion industry news outlet, Drapers, asked us what fashion retailers can do to mitigate the changes caused by Brexit in the year ahead, and how retailers can leverage the opportunities of future international trade deals.
Here’s what we had to say:
“We have always tried to source locally, manufacturing most of our range in the UK, particularly Yorkshire and Lancashire. Not only does it reduce the miles that goods have to travel, but it also avoids a lot of cross border delays.
“There are still some components in our range, such as buttons, which are imported, but if companies manufacture more of their products locally, this will mitigate delays, not to mention allowing firms to become more sustainable whilst supporting local business.”
“For items manufactured in Europe, a good relationship with manufacturers is key.”
The documentation requirements are complicated and businesses will incur incorrect duty payments if documentation is wrong – or even if it’s correct, as we’ve found with some couriers!
“A good relationship with suppliers means you can fix these issues as a team. We speak to our suppliers in Portugal regularly by phone, and when it’s safe to do so, we’ll also pop out and see them in person.”
How can retailers leverage the opportunities of future international trade deals?
“The introduction of IOSS in the UK to facilitate retail trade to Europe tariff-free, will be vital for cross-border ecommerce. All retailers should be registered for this, by speaking to customs experts or your local business groups or the Department of International Trade. We expect our retail trade to Europe via our website to double with IOSS.
“We believe that being different is vital for any clothing brand.”
“Standing out from the crowd will always lead to loyal customers who will be more willing to understand your position or any delays, and will be more prepared to wait for the products they really want.
“Building up that loyal customer base takes time. In our experience, being honest and trustworthy and creating products that are unique and sustainable, are key to achieving this.”
You can read the full article online here.
