Looking to Fashion’s Future The future of fashion is digital. And while the cryptocurrency and the world of NFTs is still in the early stages of building and growing, crypto is fast becoming the way of the future for transactions, particularly with the younger crowd. How can you start preparing your own brand for crypto-readiness? The Rise of Digital Millionaires Crypto is fastest growing amongst Gen Z and younger Millennials, meaning the next generation of wealth and spending power will be found more and more online. Gen Z in particular are primed to be the next chunk of crypto millionaires a ..read more

The Importance of PR Public Relations does a lot of heavy lifting for a brand in terms of brand awareness and customer connection. A good PR strategy: Cultivates & maintains important relationships Keeps you on top of cultural relevance Applies cultural relevance to products Is fully time consuming Requires existing long-term relationships PR Agencies Working with professional PR agents can be an excellent investment of resources as a good agent can shortcut access to important people and quickly increase your social proof. When you are looking to hire a PR agent, though, make sure they ..read more

Carrying over from 2020 and 2021, supply chain issues continue to plague small businesses in 2022. While things look a little brighter for 2023, brand owners still need to adapt and adjust to the uncertainty of labor and production right now. The Big Issues When it comes to a shortage of production and shipping delays, things can be broken down into three main categories: Supply chain disruptions Scarcity of raw goods themselves Commodity costs increasing Those three together creates a triple threat wherein the materials become more expensive to buy and so eat into your margins, and many bus ..read more

For many small fashion brands, finding the right and manageable financing can be hard. While traditional loans may work well for some, they aren’t always easy to secure nor do they fit all needs. In 2022, though, brands have more o options than ever. Growth Financing With a growth financing model, the financer will plug into your store’s back-end to read business performance and understand your growth margins, utilizing that info to inject capital into your business. These companies finance brands that show this growth and if your business has DTC sales, you have proof of recurring revenue. Th ..read more

It’s no secret that 2020 and 2021 brought a new and extensive set of challenges when it comes to the entire supply chain. From manufacturing and production to shipping and delivery, it feels like almost every inch of the system encountered some kind of derailment. 2021 Challenges Continuing Into 2022 A lot of the issues that 2021 brought are, unfortunately, unlikely to disappear entirely in 2022. Brands and businesses should still expect some disruptions around: Delays in getting goods from point A to point B The ongoing labor shortages Prioritization needs Manufacturers still playing catch u ..read more

If you were one of the many business owners who secured a small business loan in 2021, the next – and most important – part is how you invest it. While any extra influx of cash is a good thing, being strategic with your funds will deliver you the best results. The Three Key Areas For any business to grow, you must invest in aspects of the brand that will allow you to scale, streamline your efficiencies and increase your revenue. When looking at the best places to invest, you should be considering: Production Marketing Operations Shoring Up The Fundamentals Your business needs a solid foundat ..read more

The past two years have brought undeniable change to the fashion retail landscape and, as 2022 looms large, it’s important to take a look at what the future will likely hold. The Supply Chain It’s no secret that supply chain issues have plagued this year. From delays in production to delays in shipping, flexibility has been the name of the game, and we really shouldn’t expect 2022 to be any different. We are forecasted to continue to see the same trends in delays, so it’s important to: Look into counter sources for manufacturing Diversify your shipping options Diversify your product assortmen ..read more

For international fashion brands, expanding a global footprint into the US market can open a lot of doors. With a hungry consumer base and an unprecedented amount of money put into savings, people in America are ready to shop. But what should you keep in mind as you plan this expansion? Planning & The American Landscape In 2020, Americans put an unprecedented $2 billion+ into their savings accounts. With experiences and the world at large shut down, consumers not only stored up money but a hunger to return to shopping. As retail makes a triumphant return, Americans are prime target consume ..read more

These days, investors are looking for both a sure thing and a unicorn. So, what does that actually look like for an independent fashion brand? This article outlines what to consider before getting funded—no strings attached. Check Yourself (and Your Track Record) As an independent fashion business, do you know what your track record is? And, not just the track record of your existing business—your track record as an entrepreneur, too.  Before you get started, know what you’re bringing to the table. Investors are looking to take on investment that comes from entrepreneurs who have had some ..read more

Once you have made the decision to collaborate with other brand owners or media influencers, you don’t want to spend too much time looking in the wrong direction. Being prepared is key and will make you feel more confident about pitching your brand for the first time. First impressions are very important for getting collaborations going that are beneficial for every person involved. Look over these tips so you are fresh and ready to start pitching yourself and your brand for collaborations with other artists and influencers:  Understand And Document The Heart & Soul Of Your Business T ..read more