After building a successful career in wholesale working for brands such as Camilla and sass & bide - I was unfortunately made redundant from my position as global sales manager at Tigerlily on April 20 due to COVID-19.
Eleven days later on May 1, I started my own agency.
I was approached by two brands which have traded well during this pandemic with an established retail business and wanted to utilise my skills and network to expand into wholesale.
Since officially launching Watson Agency in May, I have been busy processing indent orders for delivery in June as well as ATS orders for current stock.
I have also been approached by a number of brands who are interested in our services, as well as retailers who are interested in our consulting service.
There is an opportunity within retail right now for the right product, right price and the right delivery window – which our brands are catering for.
Considering we are not operating out of a stand-alone showroom and conducting business digitally, the brands I’m representing (and myself!) are thrilled!
The brands Watson Agency is currently representing are LMND (apparel) and Amavi (accessories).
Both brands are Australian, have seen success in a direct to consumer model and were yet to expand into wholesale.
The brands we currently represent are hitting the sweet spot within the wholesale market.
Products LMND and Amavi offer are relaxed and simple, well made, price pointed and are quick to market.
Our agency is adapting and diversifying the traditional wholesale model.
Due to the effects of COVID-19, most retailers simply don’t know what their business is going to look like in six months time so placing indent orders that far in advance is a risk.
The brands we partner with are led by experienced retailers with great understanding in design and development of E2E process.
This shortens productions timelines which enables Watson Agency the ability to go to market and react to wholesale customer demand faster.
Our agency is currently showcasing LMND’s Winter20 collection which will deliver in July through our virtual showroom.