bira introduces its FAB new fashion division

Fashion Association of Britain

Independent fashion retailers have a new rallying point and focused business network – the Fashion Association of Britain (FAB), a division of the British Independent Retailers Association (bira).

FAB is the only UK trade association dedicated to furthering the interests of the independent fashion retailer. FAB will provide its members with specialist advice, as well as providing news and views from the sector, representation and special offers..

It will be launched at Pure (Olympia, February 12-14) and Moda (NEC, February 19-21), and it will also have a presence at the IMC menswear buying show (February 5-6). FAB will welcome existing and prospective members to its dedicated lounge at both Pure and at Moda.

Veteran industry commentator Eric Musgrave is working with the FAB committee to help achieve its objectives and grow membership. He says: “Being independent doesn’t mean being on your own. Across my 30-plus years in the fashion business, I have been keenly aware of the advantages of independent retailers coming together to support and assist each other, while learning from the experiences of each other. With the current debate about the future of the high street and the changing face of retailing, this is the perfect time for FAB to bring the sector together and represent its views and speak up on its behalf. I am really looking forward to meeting existing FAB members and bringing in many new ones to this excellent organisation.”

FAB is a division of the British Independent Retailers Association (bira), which was formed after the merger in 2009 of the British Shops & Stores Association and BHF Group. The BSSA itself came into existence when the Menswear Association of Britain (MAB) and the Drapers Chamber of Trade of Great Britain and Ireland (DCT) joined forces in the early 1990s, so FAB draws on a long and distinguished heritage of working for the independent sector.

For independent retailers interested in FAB, bira is offering a special low joining fee for prospective members signing up at the IMC show, Pure and Moda. For more information, email info@bira.co.uk or the new website launching in February www.fashionassociationofbritain.co.uk

Quotes

  • Alan Hawkins, bira CEO comments “This is one of the most fabulous opportunities for retailers, it will be a change for us to focus on an industry, which although will be challenging in the current climate, represents an area of real growth for the organisation.”
  • Bruce McLaren, Chairman “I am proud to help play a small part in this exciting venture, the trade needs this initiative.  We’re already a substantial body with over 1,000 fashion related retailers in membership, but we know there are so many more we could be helping.  I’m passionate about having a vibrant support for the trade, which will champion our independent causes and seek out the best deals on services on our behalf to boot.”
  • Sarah Golden, bira Marketing Director “One of the biggest challenges for a sector as wide-ranging as fashion is communicating effectively both within the trade and to Government and the wider population.  We’re providing the platform for a diverse community to come together on the important issues that are common to all those concerned with independent fashion retailing, find solutions and develop new opportunities.”
  • Bob Jarrett, bira’s membership director commented “so far we had had a great response from members, and I’m delighted Eric is as excited about the new association as we are.  He’s well respected with a tremendous depth of industry knowledge, and his passion for independent fashion retailers will add weight and influence to our members cause.”
  • Deborah McMinn, Tudor Williams, New Malden “FAB gives a new opportunity for like-minded fashion independents to work together to find solutions and develop new opportunities for the fashion industry.”
  • Sally White, White Boutique, Narberth “The most exciting thing about the launch of FAB is a dedicated association to support my business and meet like-minded businesses.” 
  • Robin Percival, Brand Partners UK, “FAB provides a knowledgebase and a wealth of retail experience to contribute towards or draw upon and most importantly the meeting of minds is inspirational. The independent fashion sector has regained one voice and one direction for the future growth of individuality and difference in independent retail.”

Important dates

  • IMC Show, 5th - 6th February at Whittlebury Hall, Northamptonshire - Retailers welcome to the FAB stand and drinks reception.
  • Pure London, 12th - 14th February at London’s Olympia – Retailers are invited to the FAB Lounge in the grand hall. 
  • Moda, NEC, Birmingham, 19th-21st February – Retailers are invited to the FAB Plaza.

Interview Opportunity

The Fashion Association of Britain: Why 2012 is the year of opportunity for fashion independents.

  • Eric Musgrave discusses with members of FAB, the new body for fashion indies, why taking a united stand has to be the right approach for 2012. The FAB panel will also reveal where they are spending their buying budgets this season. Contemporary stage at Pure London – Sunday 12th February – 4pm
  • Deputy Chief Executive of bira, Michael Weedon, will be talking about protecting and strengthening Independent Retailers on the Contemporary Stage at Pure London at 3.00pm on Sunday 12th February.

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