CYBERSPACE — Dubbing itself a “virtual tradeshow all year long,” IntimatesMarket247.com has launched as an online platform for lingerie buyers to shop from a selection of manufacturers.
According to founder George Hardy, he along with other industry vets with a combined 40 years of experience in the industry, created IntimatesMarket247.com following a brainstorming session about landing new retailers for a lingerie manufacturer client.
“Trade shows were noted to be a valuable resource to both retailers and manufacturers, but they were expensive and only held a few times a year,” the company says. “Trade publications, industry newsletters and blogs were also deemed very good tools to use, but they were published sporadically, and weren't necessarily geared toward getting actual products into stores.”
Hardy told XBIZ he saw a need for more communication between retailers and manufacturers besides trade shows or phone calls from sales reps. There had to be a better, more consistent and cost effective way for manufacturers and retailers to communicate with each other, he said.
According to the company, IntimatesMarket247.com is dedicated to the $18 billion industry of intimate apparel, lingerie, activewear, swimwear, hosiery and costumes. It’s the Internet gateway for manufacturers and retailers across the world to reach out to each other and communicate 24/7.
“The Internet proved to be the answer,” he said. “Retailers can search by brand, product category and price ranges. They can see just one item or all items in a category. Again, very easy and intuitive for all.”
Retailers can register for IntimatesMarket247.com for free and can view vendors and products, as well as write orders through the site. Manufacturers register and subscribe for free with upsell options and IntimatesMarket247 uploads their listings that includes images and a company bio. Brands can be featured on its homepage and in email blasts to retailers. Hardy likens it to a “trade show on the Internet.”
“My favorite comment was ‘Why didn't someone think of this before? It's a no brainer and everyone loves it,” he said.
For more information, email info@intimatesmarket247.com.
