18 Having been around since 2000, NV Bags has weathered storms such as COVID and Brexit, and is continuing to offer handbags for every occasion. Here, founders Nicki and Andy tell us more… When did you start up and why? We started in November, 2000, after identifying a gap in the market for a range of synthetic handbags in multi colours with a great price point, retailing at £9.95 - £12.95. What prompted you to launch the business? I (Nicki) worked in the handbag industry with another company for 15 years since leaving school, and was given the opportunity of launching a company offering a range of synthetic bags that set us aside from competitors. Within a couple of years the business grew beyond my expectations and my husband Andy left his employment to join the business and help me take it even further. What challenges have you overcome since the company’s launch? Initially working with my husband! And juggling a young family with many trips away from home to promote the business at trade shows. In the later years it’s been the gradual decline of the High Street and more recently COVID and various shipping issues, not to mention Brexit. Tell us about your product offering. Since the launch of the classic multi coloured bags we have expanded the collection considerably. Firstly offering a range of Synthetic Fashion Bags under the Envy brand and more recently our new Woodlands brand, which offers ranges of more casual styles and fabrics. A few years ago we introduced a small range of leather handbags, which has now more than doubled in size and continues to be very popular. What are your most popular products? Our Multi Coloured Classics, which have been re-vamped since the early days, still continue to be very popular in a wide variety of retail outlets. We also introduced a matching purse into the collection which is a fabulous ‘add on sale.’ Have any styles taken you by surprise with their popularity? In Spring 2025 we launched a new range of Exceeding EXPECTATIONS
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