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Natascha van Ree from EK Fashion is fully immersed in supporting the independent fashion retailers in her portfolio. And that involves more than up-to-date figures and seamless logistics. The passion for this beautiful profession needs constant nurturing. “There’s only one place left in our corner of Europe where fashion retail truly comes together. Where we meet twice a year, exchange ideas, and find new inspiration. Modefabriek plays a crucial role in keeping the added value of our beloved retail sector high,” she says.
Between meetings, Natascha outlines the challenges facing retailers today. What’s happening in the market? What’s on the minds of retailers? And how does she look ahead to the upcoming edition of Modefabriek? As the leading service partner for fashion retail in the Netherlands and an enthusiastic Modefabriek participant, her perspective is always valuable to hear.
“NvR: Over the past three years, developments have moved incredibly fast, and often not in favour of independent retailers. To withstand the pressure of globalisation, from parallel imports to cheap online goods and large international players, we need to strengthen our added value. That starts on the shop floor: passionate, knowledgeable staff make all the difference. Invest in your team, bring them to Modefabriek, give them knowledge and inspiration. It helps them feel part of the industry and keeps them proud of the work they do.”
We recently read that French luxury conglomerate Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy took a remarkable strategic step during their annual Métiers d’Excellence Virtuosos ceremony by spotlighting the craft of retail staff. And for good reason: successful retail requires more than desirable products. Customer experience is another field where you can truly excel.
NvR: “Exactly! And that’s where we all carry responsibility. I recently heard that fashion and retail studies are struggling to attract new students. Interest among the next generation in pursuing fashion retail is incredibly low, while it’s one of the most rewarding professions out there. Yes, it’s hard work, but it’s wonderfully diverse and deeply meaningful to help people dress well. So entrepreneurs: bring your teams to Modefabriek and let them rediscover the joy of working with people and with fashion.”
There are, of course, plenty of positive examples. Can you name a few? What are they doing well?
NvR: “Absolutely! Take Bahlmann Mode in Dordrecht. The company is 140 years old and now run by the third generation. It’s not a big store, yet every Monday they spend half a day creating Instagram videos and shoots, and they do it really well. The entire Bahlmann team attends Modefabriek. It helps them understand what they’re part of, where things come from, where we’re heading, and how driven our industry is. I’m a big advocate of this, more retailers should do it.”
“Arthur & Willemijn, founded in 1978, has since grown into five stores and a webshop. Today, the next generation is at the helm: son Sander and his wife Willemijn, a fitting coincidence. Their mission remains the same: helping women discover how beautiful and unique they are with the right clothing. Their motto says it all: BeYouTiefull!”
Good clothes really do elevate a person. That remains the core of our industry.
NvR: “People are open to new things. We’re having an excellent season in womenswear. September was fantastic, and October too, largely because, for the first time in several seasons, a genuinely new fashion image emerged. Dark brown and burgundy dominated. Hardly any black sold; brown and burgundy were impossible to keep in stock. Whenever something truly new appears, such as the rise of tailoring a few years ago, people love it.”
Her conclusion couldn’t be clearer: “If we want to compete with the big global players, we must keep investing in expertise, attention, and craftsmanship on the shop floor. That is where independent retail truly stands out, something you won’t find at fast-fashion chains. So, bring your team to Modefabriek this winter. We’re ready for a great new season!”
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