Each fortnight Ragtrader touches base with a brand previously profiled in the magazine to see how it has evolved in the intervening years. This week Tracey McEldowney caught up with Deanne Mayocchi, managing director at Maiocchi.
What were the key issues or challenges for your company five years ago? And now? We started with little practical experience or capital, which was a real challenge, and it's been a steep learning curve ever since.
What was your range like then? And now? We did a much smaller range that was perhaps geared towards a bit of a younger market, we now do a much bigger range that is aimed towards a broader market.
How many stores did you have five years ago. How many today? If any? We didn't have a store five years ago, but opened our first retail store in fortitude valley four years ago, and opened an outlet store 18 months ago.
What was the retail climate like for your sector five years ago? How has it changed? Retail can be tough, but we have found that by concentrating on our niche market we have grown a loyal customer base who love the quality of our garments and the fact that they are locally made.
:What was your approach to marketing five years ago? And now? Five years ago we didn't really do much in the way of marketing, but now that we are more established financially we allocate a budget for marketing each year.
How many staff did you employ in 2001. How many now? In 2001 we employed a full time machinist and a part time pattern maker and did everything else ourselves. Now we employ six full-time and three casual staff year round and employ extras as necessary.
:What was your approach to technology in 2001. How has it changed now? I try to avoid technology when possible but do succeed to its necessity.
What has been your most significant achievement in the past five years? Managing to grow the wholesale and retail business each year and managing to pay ourselves a reasonable income. What has been the most difficult challenge you have faced in the past five years? As above.
