Member Article

Sunderland business receives national recognition

THE continued success of Sunderland’s Designer Childrenswear has been recognised once again, at one of retail’s most prestigious awards.

The shop, at Derwent Street, was named Kidswear Independent of the Year by fashion industry bible, Draper, at its recent Independents Awards.

The latest accolade comes at a time when the company – which is also the UK leading online seller of designer clothes for children – is gearing up for its 35th anniversary celebration in October.

Designer Childrenswear and other independent stores in the city such as Aphrodite Clothing, which recently marked its silver anniversary, are seen as the key to reviving the high street.

Both companies are part of an initiative being spearheaded by Sunderland BID, which has brought together the city’s leading independents to work with national organisation, Save The High Street.

Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID, believes building a strong independent sector has a huge part to play in creating a vibrant city.

“Designer Childrenswear is a perfect example of a first class independent business which offers exceptional customer service, both online and in the store,” she said.

“It has an incredibly strong online presence but at the same time helps drive people into the city from all over the north who know that they can’t get the quality of clothes they offer anywhere else.”

The shop regularly attracts customers from across the UK, who make the journey because of the dozens of leading brands available.

Dionne Evans, e-commerce manager at Designer Childrenswear, said the company was constantly adding to its already impressive designer roll call.

“It is a year since we opened our bigger shop and this meant we were able to have brands like Givenchy, which is extremely selective about who they let sell their clothes,” she said.

“Our online business has gone from strength to strength, with customer ordering from as far away as the UAE and the USA, while the shop also continues to attract visitors from across the north.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sorted PR .