December 11, 2024

The UK’s largest creator, importer, wholesaler and distributor of clothing for major high street stores has outlined plans to “accelerate its e-commerce activity”. 

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Manchester-based Whispering Smith, which has offices in London, Amsterdam  and New York, is set to launch partnerships across multiple territories in the EU  and USA over the coming 12 months.

Already a worldwide leader in design, production and delivery, the firm is a third  generation global business which supplies top retail and e-commerce names.  Whispering Smith also has its own portfolio of brands, including Brave Soul, Good  for Nothing, Legacy Studios and Night Addict

The company has just launched a new B2B online platform via https://WhisperingSmith.com which enables retailers to instantly order fashion stocks to stores.

The growth plan comes as the company announces its annual results, which show  how the business has successfully navigated the post-pandemic challenges  affecting the sector.

Results posted to Companies House, show the business’ net result has improved  by £4.3m this year.

They swung from an operating loss of £4.7m last year, to a loss of £433k.

Commenting on the results, Sam Hill, the Financial Director of Whispering Smith,  said: “This is a significant turnaround and in line with our plan. We aim to return to  profitability in the upcoming year despite the retail economic backdrop remaining  quite challenging.

“Our focus has been to reduce the cost base and turn aging inventory into cash.  We are pleased to report an increase in cash balance of £3.9m and £13.9m of  current, on trend Inventory.”

Outlining the business’ planned next steps Mr Hill continued: “Our strategy to  become an omni-channel, multi faceted business is taking shape with effective  launches of multiple e-commerce strategic partnerships in the UK this year. We  intend to accelerate the scale of our e-commerce activity in 2024-25 where we will  see the launch of partnerships across multiple territories across the EU and USA  including Next online.

Mr Hill said the core purpose of Whispering Smith’s strategy remains to provide  consumers with the latest fashion trends across a wide pricing spectrum to suit all  budgets.

“From our UK and International logistics warehousing hubs, we are well positioned  to quickly serve our customers internationally,” he explained.

“Our product menu and depth of range is one of the most extensive around and  we will continue to design and invest in on-hand inventory so we can serve the  markets quickly with the latest fashionable products.

“Brave Soul brand continues to be the heartbeat of our business with the brand,  Good For Nothing and Legacy Studios are growing quickly and appeal to an  alternative consumer.

Earlier this year the managing-director of Whispering Smith told how the  company’s move to a new Manchester headquarters is evidence of the business  staying true to its roots.

Rohil Kumar said Whispering Smith, was set to write a new chapter in its legacy,  and wants to expand their team at its new head office on 274 Deansgate.

Already a worldwide leader in design, production and delivery, the firm is a third  generation global business which supplies top retail and e-commerce names.

Having outgrown its original HQ on Great Ducie Street, the business is now trading  from the heart of Manchester City Centre in a new five-storey, 23,688 sq ft  Deansgate base which it acquired for £6.35 million.

Commenting on the move, Mr Kumar said: “After occupying our previous premises  for almost 30 years, we realised that in order to keep up with Manchester’s ever changing landscape, we needed to relocate to the heart of the city. Our relocation  is a testament to our commitment to Manchester’s growth, and our investment  reflects this promise.”