French company, Louisa Bracq, was founded as am embroidery designer and manufacturer but after years of designing for other lingerie houses, founded their own brand. Arnold Perizonius, Sales Director, talks exclusively to Underlines.
Have you experienced cancellation of orders from retailers and/or etailers? How much of your SS2020 was delivered before the lockdown?
We were fortunate to have just a few cancellations world-wide. Unfortunately they were due to business closures. We have delivered 80% of our SS20 collection.
If you have not had cancellations or goods have been shipped, have you had to extend your credit terms to those customers who have had to close their frontline business?
We are trying to be as flexible as possible.
Have you been able to keep in touch with your own team (if they are not on furlough)? Have you any amusing anecdotes about everyone working from home amidst family, kids or animals?
Our production and logistic staff in France was in furlough. Office staff worked from home. We try to stay connected as much as possible; email, cell phone, what’s app and zoom are excellent tools under the current circumstances, although it is kind of funny when you see a cat sitting in front of the camera, blocking the view of your colleague.
Have you had to take the heavy decision to cancel orders to your own suppliers?
No we didn’t cancel anything.
How are dealing with developments for upcoming seasons – SS2021 or AW2021 Obviously trade fairs are now postponed to August/September…will you be able to have virtual showrooms with your customers?
Actually, I expect we will have no tradeshow at all this season. We are preparing visual showrooms and video presentations
Have you had opportunities to talk to professional bodies about your own situation?
There is some support from the French government if that’s what you mean. For our worldwide independent agents the situation differs from country to country.
With pause for thought during this crisis, do you envisage substantial changes in the way you run this post-Covid-19?
Yes in many ways, both on the design and production side as well on the distribution side.
What would you advise our partner retailers to do to survive this crisis?
We have shared experiences from our partner retailers. Each country offers different views. This can be very helpful. One thing that has become clearer is that for each retailer creating a customer community is essential. And you have to be on social media to stay in touch.
Has this crisis taught you any lessons that will help you to implement new strategies?
Yes all in line with what I mentioned before.
