Production team abroad
Two members of our production team recently travelled to India to visit our local suppliers. This is an important part of our business to ensure we’re delivering the best possible quality products for our customers. And what an experience it was. There’s nothing quite like seeing the people behind the product and spending time in the places where our designs come to life.
Travel notes from Vicky, our Merchandise Manager
Our suppliers were incredibly welcoming, generous and accommodating and it was a wonderful reminder of the strong relationships we have built over many years. They understand our customers, our quality expectations, and our brand values, which is something we never take for granted. The trip was a huge source of inspiration. Everywhere we looked there was colour, texture, pattern and design. From beautiful fabrics and product developments to entire showroom collections, it was so exciting to see new ideas emerging and to explore opportunities with potential new suppliers. Seeing the full scale of production and craftsmanship behind our collections always reinforces just how much expertise goes into every piece.
Of course, no trip to India would be complete without curry for breakfast, lunch and dinner. By the end of the week, we were fairly certain we had consumed enough spice to last until next season. Add temperatures reaching a balmy 45 degrees, and it was certainly an immersive experience. The journey between factories was an adventure all of its own. The roads are wonderfully chaotic with cows, scooters, trucks, tuk-tuks (which we were lucky enough to have a ride in…highly recommend!). At one point, we even found ourselves driving on a freeway into oncoming traffic, thankfully only briefly, and can happily report that seatbelts are highly recommend and that we both lived to tell the tale.
Between the bustling streets, stunning monuments, beautiful landscapes, and endless activity, there was never a dull moment. Every drive offered something new to see, making the trip as inspiring outside the factories as it was inside them. We returned with plenty of ideas, renewed appreciation for our supplier partnerships and a camera roll full of memories. It was an unforgettable trip and one that reminded us just how valuable it is to spend time with the people who help bring our collections to life.
On the move...
Vicky our Merchandise Manager and Chloe our Production Coordinator looking fabulous despite the heat and surviving the hustle and bustle of India’s streets in a tuk-tuk.
