COMPANY PROFILE 15 LALAGE BEAUMONT T: +44 (0)20 7548 9977 Www.lalagebeaumont.com I do watch the trends. Passing fads are not important, but changes in proportion and styling trends are very important. What sets you apart from your competitors? We find most of our competitors (including the very top brands) are looking to cut costs, which inevitably results in poorer quality. We look to do the opposite; we are always looking for ways to make our bags even more beautiful, by improving everything from components to manufacturing. What are some stand-out moments since the company launch? Opening what was then our second boutique in Beauchamp Place and then much more recently seeing our beautiful boutique in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. How are you finding the current climate in the UK? Is it affecting business? The loss of tax-free shopping has had a devastating effect on our business. Additionally, many customers are more cost conscious and take more considered decisions when they make purchases. How do you view the future of independent retail? I think independent retail is more important than ever. Many department stores these days are no more than landlords, and it is often very difficult for customers to get any good service. The high streets are lined with the same shop chains in every location, which is boring for the shopper. Independent retailers give high streets character and make shopping interesting, offering the opportunity for customers to find beautiful and unique products. Rents and business rates are both huge obstacles, but surely there will finally be a total overhaul of business rates? Are you active on social media? How is this important for the business? Yes, Instagram particularly was initially very important in establishing the handbag business and continues to be. Do you have any advice for new businesses starting out in the world of gifts? Don’t expect immediate success. It’s great if it happens, but it may take time. What can we expect in the future from the company? We are hoping to grow our online business considerably in the next couple of years and alongside that we hope to open new boutiques in different parts of the world. To celebrate our 20th Anniversary, we have launched the Lalage Beaumont Jacquard Collection. A capsule collection of totes smaller relaxed bags and tech pouches made using subtle logo designed Jacquard fabric but trimmed in our beautiful Caribou printed calf leather, there are two colour palettes either taupe with beige or black with tan.
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