«A cautious optimism prevails»
A cautious optimism among buyers of newborn clothing can be perceived. Maybe because most of them hope that between August and September, with deliveries for fall-winter, the situation regarding the global medical emergency will improve. This is the belief of Paolo Crespo, co-owner of the Crespo Rappresentanze agency, a point of reference in childrenswear and women’s clothing in Northern Italy and abroad, with headquarters in Rivoli (Turin, here pictured) and Milan.
«We have a selection of well-structured customers to our credit: a solid base that arrives in the showroom with a positive attitude – recounts Crespo -. Despite the difficulties, they clearly understand that in order to move forward it’s important to proceed with purchases, so that goods are in the store at the right moment».
«We – he continues – represent over 50 businesses and have noted that customers now have a targeted approach: they focus on suppliers of reference, those with whom they have been collaborating for some time now and with whom they have agreements that range from corner stores to special benefits that include discounts, returns, or seasonal replacements. In fact, there is the desire to extend collaborations, for greater tranquility in this critical situation».
Thus, emerging even more is the agent’s role as a filter and the ability to select customers of a higher professional level, while putting them into contact with companies of greater stability and a willingness to accept new conditions. All this without setting the role as a talent scout to the side: among the brands to keep an eye on, Crespo mentions Le Volière, synonymous with womenswear and teen mini-me proposals, which for the last couple years has been successful thanks to the collaboration with (and visibility provided by) Chiara Ferragni.
«We are working more than before, with greater initial preparations and we are keeping the showroom open all of the time: customers are noticing this and appreciate it». «In January, as well as in December – he adds – around 90% of buyers chose to view the collections in person». The digital showroom can be helpful, it allows you to get an idea of the collection and see the garments worn even in 3D, even if it is currently an alternative channel mostly used by brands already well-known to multibrand retailers and by on-going or basic garment proposals. It is not for the total look.
In the meantime, kidswear for fall-winter 2021 is also on show at Pitti Bimbo, which is presented in a digital format on the Pitti Connect platform, just two weeks from the start of the digital edition of Pitti Uomo that will continue until the 5th of April: Made in Italy and international brands have over two months to show their new collections to buyers and the press. At the same time, there will be a series of live stream presentations providing insight onto specific themes, while also introducing the activities of each childrenswear firm.
A trade fair rendezvous that evolves, and that is just waiting to be discovered in this new version now in its second running, even if the hope of Paolo Crespo is a return to physically meeting up in the stands as soon as possible, «where it is possible to perceive the mood, interact, and take in the many facets of the product: the colors, fabrics, creativity, wearability, and possible mixes».
e.f.
«We have a selection of well-structured customers to our credit: a solid base that arrives in the showroom with a positive attitude – recounts Crespo -. Despite the difficulties, they clearly understand that in order to move forward it’s important to proceed with purchases, so that goods are in the store at the right moment».
«We – he continues – represent over 50 businesses and have noted that customers now have a targeted approach: they focus on suppliers of reference, those with whom they have been collaborating for some time now and with whom they have agreements that range from corner stores to special benefits that include discounts, returns, or seasonal replacements. In fact, there is the desire to extend collaborations, for greater tranquility in this critical situation».
Thus, emerging even more is the agent’s role as a filter and the ability to select customers of a higher professional level, while putting them into contact with companies of greater stability and a willingness to accept new conditions. All this without setting the role as a talent scout to the side: among the brands to keep an eye on, Crespo mentions Le Volière, synonymous with womenswear and teen mini-me proposals, which for the last couple years has been successful thanks to the collaboration with (and visibility provided by) Chiara Ferragni.
«We are working more than before, with greater initial preparations and we are keeping the showroom open all of the time: customers are noticing this and appreciate it». «In January, as well as in December – he adds – around 90% of buyers chose to view the collections in person». The digital showroom can be helpful, it allows you to get an idea of the collection and see the garments worn even in 3D, even if it is currently an alternative channel mostly used by brands already well-known to multibrand retailers and by on-going or basic garment proposals. It is not for the total look.
In the meantime, kidswear for fall-winter 2021 is also on show at Pitti Bimbo, which is presented in a digital format on the Pitti Connect platform, just two weeks from the start of the digital edition of Pitti Uomo that will continue until the 5th of April: Made in Italy and international brands have over two months to show their new collections to buyers and the press. At the same time, there will be a series of live stream presentations providing insight onto specific themes, while also introducing the activities of each childrenswear firm.
A trade fair rendezvous that evolves, and that is just waiting to be discovered in this new version now in its second running, even if the hope of Paolo Crespo is a return to physically meeting up in the stands as soon as possible, «where it is possible to perceive the mood, interact, and take in the many facets of the product: the colors, fabrics, creativity, wearability, and possible mixes».
e.f.
