The Childrenswear Association (NCWA) is expanding the remit of its new B2B marketplace to include suppliers of school accessories, footwear and plain clothing.

With many independent childrenswear retailers stocking product beyond children’s fashion, the B2B marketplace can place relevant schoolwear suppliers in front of new business.

Products suitable for the B2B marketplace include school bags, water bottles, stationery, hair accessories and school footwear. Also, plain clothing items such as outerwear, polo shirts, sportswear, socks and tights.

Commenting on the B2B platform is NCWA chairman, Mark Barnett. “We are very proud of our new B2B digital platform, which is an investment on behalf of the whole childrenswear industry.

“For brands and suppliers, it offers a cost-effective way to showcase products to a wider audience as part of a trusted destination for B2B sales. Retailers, meanwhile, will have access to 24/7 ordering, whether that be forward-order, in-season stock or end of lines.

“It is time to embrace the easy, convenient and flexible nature of digital B2B sales; especially during these periods of social distancing.”

How the B2B platform works

Every brand has autonomy over its B2B store and fully manages its ordering system. At the same time, they benefit from the authority of being under the NCWA umbrella and the added exposure that comes with being part of a wider marketplace.

Brands also curate their B2B store and control who accesses it. Every brand can provide a taster of its product offer and convey its ethos with an introductory ‘about us’ page. Access to prices and ordering is only permitted with the brand’s approval.

Once a brand approves a retailer, they can view the full collection. The retailer then places an order, which is emailed directly to the brand for confirmation. It is for the brand to set individual payment terms and delivery times for each order.

Prices to sell on the B2B platform start from just £250 for NCWA members and £500 for non-members.

The NCWA’s work currently ranges from giving expert advice and saving its members money to lobbying on the industry’s behalf and running briefings on all aspects of childrenswear. It also owns CWB Magazine, the UK’s only trade title dedicated to the children’s fashion and schoolwear sectors.

You can join the NCWA if you are a retailer, agent or manufacturer. Associate membership is also open to suppliers to the industry and overseas companies. To learn more about membership, please click here.

Brands wishing to enquire about selling on the B2B platform can contact michelle.payne@ncwa.co.uk for an information pack. Information packs are also available for retailers interested in registering to use the B2B website. Again, please contact michelle.payne@ncwa.co.uk to receive your copy. Some FAQs on using the B2B platform are covered in this article, too.

Click here to visit The Childrenswear Association B2B Marketplace. For further information on The Childrenswear Association, please click here.