How to get the attention of retailers?

[micki]

Our product is a particular type of lingerie solving a common problem amongst women. It already exists online as a custom made bra but we have thought of a simple solution that means it can be mass produced and sold on the High Street. We have been looking into department stores who stock a number of brands i.e. Debenhams, House of Fraser, BHS, John Lewis, Selfridges. The missing link however, is how to get the attentions of these retailers. I have looked into possible events/ exhibitions that meant we could get their attention, but I have had no such luck.

We are members of a number of enterprising networks- do you think that we will find contacts over time? Or should we be more pro-active in looking? I am writing to ask your advice- are there any events or networks that would get us closer to retailers? there must be some sort of closed purchasing exhibition or event. How do companies traditionally get the attentions of retailers?

Your response would be very gratefully received!
Thank you for your time,

Kind regards,

Michaela Ellison

[stuart]

Dear micki

Thanks for posting a question on the Mentor system.

Shell Livewires mentor scheme now runs through the forum. The forum has a large number of experienced users who can answer most of your questions.

You can also find a huge range of information on the website by searching for the topic you are interested in- you can find the search box on the home page. Have you also used the start a business toolkit?

Remember any information you find you can keep in your online briefcase.

To ask your question on the forum go to the home page and click on the forum link. The easy thing to do is copy the text you posted on the mentor page and start a new topic in the forum.

If you have a particularly sensitive question you can still email Livewire who will endeavour to answer (email- mentor@shell-livewire.org)