New accessories retailer bags a sales record
Since opening a flagship store in Melbourne's Prahran district late last year, wholesale and retail brand Ms Anna has defied retail doom and gloom predictors, doubling its distribution base from 50 stores to 100 stores nationwide and boosting online sales by 30 per cent.
Founder and managing director Anna Corosa said the store, which also supplies bags and accessories to Review Clothing, Live Clothing and Fat, has boosted brand awareness and allowed new and existing consumers to greater access products before placing an order.
"Basically more people are aware of us. We are finding the store is attracting both new consumers who have not heard from us before as well as attracting our existing customer base who would normally buy online or by phone."
Corosa said widespread industry claims that retailers would suffer through tough economic conditions this year were unsubstantiated.
"Fashion is something women buy during the highs and lows of the economy. We have really worked on our product offering to ensure value for money. More and more retailers [are] signing up, more online orders [are] being made in conjunction with the story opening."
Offering five collections targeted at differing price points, from $19 to $249, Corosa said she the company was in continued discussions with fashion retailers throughout Australia.
"The retail presence was an integral part of our growth strategy to consolidate what we are about into one location. Consumers who have purchased something from our retail store are now buying online for themselves and friends and vice versa."