Over recent months, The Childrenswear Association has been working hard on an exciting new project – The Childrenswear Association B2B Marketplace.

This new online destination for B2B childrenswear sales is designed to be relevant and of benefit to the entire childrenswear industry. For brands, it provides a cost-effective way to showcase products to a wider audience as part of a trusted destination for B2B sales. Retailers, meanwhile, have access to 24/7 ordering, whether that be forward-order, in-season stock or end of lines.

 

 

Here’s an overview of what the B2B platform has to offer and how it could help your business – whether you’re a brand, agent, or retailer.

 

 

Q: Who is the B2B marketplace suitable for?

A: The platform is designed to serve the entire childrenswear industry – brands, agents and independent retailers. It caters to both Childrenswear Association members and non-members, although members benefit from reduced prices.

 

 

Q: What will the platform offer in terms of product mix?

A: It features both UK and international childrenswear collections ranging from small, emerging labels through to leading global brands. The offer will be all-encompassing in terms of styles and age range, including babywear, kidswear, special occasionwear, footwear, accessories, schoolwear and nursery.

 

 

Q: Which brands have already signed up?

A: Childrenswear brands include Annafie, Blade & Rose, Kite, Lilly & Sid, Little Dots Company, Milon, Picture Book Fashion (A*Dee, Mitch & Son, MiTCH and Little A), Pigeon, Turtledove London, Little Lord & Lady and Neeva D London. Babywear brands include Blues Baby, Pastels & Co, Pompetitpom and Saffron Stars. This is alongside baby and toddler footwear from Early Days, Poco Nido and Inch Blue and children’s non-slip water shoes by Slipfree. Also available on the platform is kids’ outerwear brand Grass & Air and children’s gifts and accessories by Rockahula Kids. Plus, new children’s sleepwear, bedding and loungewear brand Luca and Rosa and children’s pyjamas from Kyly. New brands are signing up to the platform every week, so if you’re a retailer, it’s worth registering on the platform and checking back regularly.

 

 

Q: What are some of the key benefits the platform offers to brands?

A: It’s a cost-effective way to showcase collections to a wider audience. For those wishing to branch into B2B sales, the platform also offers a trusted destination and the authority of being under The Childrenswear Association umbrella as well as the added exposure that comes with being part of a wider marketplace. At the same time, brands have full autonomy over their B2B store and fully manage their own ordering system – the best of both worlds. An information pack with everything a brand needs to know about joining the B2B marketplace is available on request – just email michelle.payne@ncwa.co.uk to receive your copy.

 

 

Q: And the benefits to retailers?

A: The B2B platform, which is free of charge for retailers to use, offers 24/7 ordering and an easy, convenient and flexible way to do business. It also provides a cost-effective means to view a wide range of UK and international collections and discover new labels alongside current suppliers and established leading brands. Plus, retailers can buy to suit their businesses, whether that be forward-order, in-season stock or end of lines. Simply click here to start registering with the brands you wish to buy from.

 

 

Q: How do I sign up as a retailer to view a brand’s full collection?

A: Visit the ‘Stores’ page of the website, click on the logo of the brand you are interested in and register as a ‘New User’. Your request will be sent to the brand to authorise. Once approved you will not only be able to view the full collection but also place orders, which will be sent directly to the brand for confirmation. You can register to view as many collections as you like. An information pack is available for retailers with further information on registering to the B2B platform. Simply email michelle.payne@ncwa.co.uk to receive your copy.

 

 

Q: Do brands manage their own B2B stores?

A: Yes, brands curate their B2B store and control who accesses it. They can provide a taster of their collection and also convey their 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. Brands set individual payment terms and delivery times for each order.

 

 

Q: What are the costs for a store on the B2B marketplace?

A: There are three price tiers available. For Childrenswear Association members, the Bronze package costs £250 per season for 50 styles/SKUs; Silver is £500 for 100 styles/SKUs, and Gold is £1,000 for 200 styles/SKUs. This represents a 50% discount for members. Further information on price tiers is available in the information pack for brands.

 

 

Q: How can I access further information?

A: For further details on any aspect of the B2B platform, please contact michelle.payne@ncwa.co.uk. To visit The Childrenswear Association B2B Marketplace, please click here.

If you are a retailer and there is a brand you would like to see on the B2B platform, please let us know by posting in the comment box below.