CANBERRA: UK womenswear labels Uttam London and Yumi are set to increase their Australian presence with retail stores and a dedicated e-commerce portal.
Australasian sales manager Andy Kempson said the company is on a waiting list to open its first site in the Canberra Centre shopping complex. Following its launch, the aim is to open four stores in Sydney and Melbourne over the next four years, he said.
In addition, an e-commerce portal servicing the domestic market is due to be launched in September, with approximately 50 per cent of each season's offer available.
The move towards retail is being backed by the company’s first Australian public relations drive, with its former UK publicist now in Australia to facilitate operations.
"The main thing is that the agents do an excellent job and the product sells itself, but we need more end-user brand awareness, through publications like Dolly or Shop ‘til you Drop,” Kempson said.
He said spring 2010 sales had seen a 13 per cent growth for Yumi and Uttam London and also for childrenswear lines Uttam Kids and Yumi Girls. “We grow by around 10 per cent per year in sales,” he said.
The brands are stocked across 182 independent accounts nationally and in New Zealand, with agents in various states. The company operates on an indent system, with two seasonal collections of around 70 styles offered each year.
The Uttam London offer is pitched at women over 30, with prices ranging from $80 to $160. The Yumi range is targeted slightly younger, with prices from $110 to $140.
Both lines feature vivid prints, embellishments and bright colour. An accessories line for Yumi has been introduced, with bags, tights and jewellery key pieces. The children’s ranges cost from $30 to $110.
In the UK, the company operates 11 retail stores. It has hundreds of wholesale accounts, with Germany, France and Spain its main markets.
It supplies to major department stores and high street retailers including House of Fraser, Topshop and New Look. The company has wholesaled in Australia for five years.
Melinda Oliver