Trendy boutique ‘bags’ overseas markets

The handbags and gladrags of a city accessories boutique are proving to be in vogue with European fashionistas.

Located in the stylish Devonshire Quarter of Sheffield city centre, CollardManson stocks jewellery, bags, clothes and perfume – and lists Zoe Ball and Kate Winslet among the celebrity fans of its own range of bags.

The boutique – which opened in October 2002 – now has designs on the European market, after receiving assistance from the South Yorkshire International Trade Centre (SYITC).

CollardManson manager Zara said: “Our shop has been described as a New York-style, urban and sparkly boudoir boutique and our customers tend to be those who want something a little bit different to what everyone else has – people with their own style who are individualists.

“The SYITC has helped us with funding in order for us to explore new markets.

“As a result, we were able to take a trip to Paris to attend Premier Class, a top-end exhibition for jewellery and accessories. Later on, SYITC funding helped us to take a stand at the following season’s Premier Class.”

Spain has become a particular focus of CollardManson’s export strategy following another exhibition – this time the ‘Bread and Butter’ exhibition, held in both Berlin and Barcelona.

Bread and Butter has a reputation for being one of the strongest and most popular fashion tradeshows of its kind in Europe. Manufacturers, stylists and designers attend the show to witness new developments, in particular in the street/sport couture style.

Said Zara: “We took stands at both of the shows and got a lot of good feedback, all of it very positive.

“These trade shows are all about obtaining more overseas customers and we achieved that. After attending both the trade shows we attracted customers from Spain and Germany and beyond – Italy, Russia, Kuwait, Australia and Dubai.

“Spain is a very colourful and very creative country and our colourful and leather bags, in particular, are popular with the Spanish market. Being part of the European Union, it is also quite a straightforward market to export to, as well.

“The help from the SYITC has been fantastic. It can sometimes be difficult to start exporting so any access to people who have the knowledge and experience that can help is invaluable.

“The financial side of exporting should not be under-estimated either. It can be expensive to go out to new markets and take staff to man stands so to access funding via the SYITC has been great.” 

SYITC international trade advisor Heather Guile said: “CollardManson have fashioned themselves a strong export strategy with guidance from the SYITC, so it’s rewarding to know their unique style is internationally popular and that the boutique’s beautiful bags and bangles are proving a hit with European fashion fans.”