Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - January / February 2021

COMPANY PROFILE 129 When did you start up and why? We launched in 1993 and we still remain a family owned and run business. What challenges have you overcome since the company’s launch? There have been numerous challenges to the business since its launch, these include Mad Cow Disease, Brexit and, of course, COVID 19. As the business has changed, we have moved five times. Tell us about your product offering. We offer an internationally sourced collection of fashion accessories, which includes costume jewellery, scarves, gloves, hats, hair accessories. In 2020 we launched a collection of Italian made and styled cashmere blend ponchos and knitwear, which has been very well received by our customers. What are your most popular products? This season it has been scarves, ponchos, gloves and hats. People are spending more time outdoors and need to keep warm as well as looking fashionable. We have also offered a very wide selection of styles and availability through the season. Have any styles taken you by surprise with their popularity? The popularity of headbands have taken us by surprise this year. How do you keep your designs fresh and current? Do you follow trends? We keep in touch with designer trends and see this as our inspiration. We currently carry 950 individual lines and keep these refreshed continuously. What sets you apart from your competitors? We pride ourselves on offering an excellent service to our customers. How are you finding the current climate in the UK? Is it affecting business? It goes without saying that 2020 has been incredibly tough for everyone. Are you active on social media? How is this important for the business? Yes, social media is becoming increasingly more important. Do you have any advice for new businesses starting out in the world of gifts? Keep an eye on how long you hold on to older stock as it can have a negative impact on cashflow. Take time to speak to your customers – focusing on your customers is paramount to your success. What can we expect in the future from the company? We will continue to develop and expand our offering in readiness for when things get back to some sort of normality! ACCESSORIES BY PARK LANE Tel: +44 (0)1423 868 362 www.parklaneonline.com