Retail buying group Leading Edge Group has launched a dedicated lingerie buying group to help tackle the tough retail market, and challenges specific to the independent specialty sector.
The Leading Edge Lingerie Group, headed up by general manager Margarita Ivanchenko, aims to restore profitability and market share to the independent specialty sector via a series of products and services available to members who join.
Group benefits include an “exclusive range of high margin products on offer only to members, offering a distinct point of difference”, as well as an in-house professional marketing team to assist in presentation, promotions and advertising on a group or individual basis as an optional service.
Ivanchenko said members would also have the opportunity to “engage in a community of like minded retailers”.
“Retail is changing rapidly. Poor sales and discounting wars have put our industry under a lot of stress. Leading Edge is not about interference and not about conformity. We are about opportunities that a retailer chooses to access according to what suits. We stay behind the scenes, and it’s the retailer member who decides on the level and nature of the involvement with the group,” she said.
Retailers will also have access to cost saving opportunities in every area of their business, according to Ivanchenko, including, bank fees, insurances, telecoms, shop fittings, office supplies, travel, marketing and marketing distribution. Leading Edge Lingerie will also have a team negotiating new offers every day.
“Retailers will also enjoy the benefits of a stronger independent channel delivering better sales results. Independents will prove to be a distribution channel that adds value rather than one that constantly erodes margins and brand values. And, suppliers get the added benefit of on time account payments, so less stress and better cashflow.” she said.
Ivanchenko has previously worked in the lingerie industry for companies and roles such as David Jones buyer, Intimate Apparel, apparel division manager for Supertex and Merchandise Manager at Bras n Things, before opening Lin & Barrett Lingerie, 16 years ago.
Leading Edge Group is Australia’s largest buying and member services group, supporting over 1350 independent retailers, across 11 product specific groups. The group has over 20 years experience in operating specialist member services and buying groups for independent retailers.