Despite tough times for retailers, 30 year old Miranda has opened her sixth North Island store since launching Evolution Clothing five years ago in her home town of Mount Maunganui…
Miranda Cobb is the owner, buyer and designer for Evolution Clothing, a boutique store that offers the latest fashion trends from clothing, bags, shoes and accessories.
Despite tough times for retailers, 30 year old Miranda has recently opened her sixth North Island store since launching Evolution Clothing five years ago in her home town of Mount Maunganui. With two young children and over 25 staff Miranda is one busy lady!
Q&A WITH MIRANDA
What is Evolution Clothing’s point of difference?
We ensure that we offer the latest fashion forward pieces with a high level of individuality at affordable prices. It is important for us to really focus our business so we have a point of difference and a reason for customers to return.
We are often ahead of other significant fashion brands in bringing the latest trends to the New Zealand market. I travel overseas to source the new trends and each store stocks no more than five of the same item, our regular clients are always popping in store each week to ensure they don’t miss out on any new arrivals.
Below: Thread likes these garments from their website…
Why has Evolution Clothing grown so quickly?
Definitely our above points of differences have given us a competitive edge, we are also extremely customer focused and ensure every woman that enters our stores has a positive fashion experience. Our in store customers stylists are there to offer our customers all the help they need and want while still respecting their boundaries, this has played a huge factor in the success of our business.
We have a very strong customer base and communicate to our customers regularly through direct emails and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/evolutionclothing. We have an online boutique www.evolutionclothing.co.nz which is used by our customers to purchases items if they are unable to pop in store or if they do not live near one of our six boutique locations.
It’s hard to believe we’ve just celebrated our 5th birthday, it is an exciting milestone for us and proof that despite the economic climate a woman’s love affair with fashion is stronger than ever!
Below: sequins and studs.
I hear you recently visited the UK, what’s happening over there in terms of fashion?
I was so pleased to see that we are following the UK trends but with our own point of difference. I expected to be overcome with fashion envy but that was not the case. I felt excited about what we offer at Evolution Clothing and the fact that our pieces are just as cutting edge as anything I could find in London.
Below: The monochrome trend, done in two very different ways.
How do you balance travelling, running a business and being a mum?
Hard work! I’m a meticulous planner – I carry a note book around with me everywhere I go and make lists. I get up at 6.00am and plan my day, which normally starts with getting the kids off to school and day care (with my husband’s help), then I go to work and make more lists! I have one strict rule. when I’m with the kids I’m with the kids and when I’m at work I’m at work.
A day’s work can vary from sourcing new product, designing footwear, jewellery and clothing, meeting with head office staff and looking for new locations for our next stores.
Have you always had a passion for fashion?
Yes, my passion for fashion started at a young age. My mother taught me how to sew, so I would make all of my clothes, I even made my pet lamb outfits when I was 5.
How did you know where to start?
Product knowledge is imperative. I studied a fashion design degree so I have an understanding of all aspects of clothing from design, fabric, and construction to quality control. This background knowledge helps reduce the risk involved as I can identify any problems with the clothing quickly and efficiently.
Below: Jumpers perfect for everyday with jeans.
What’s next for Evolution Clothing?
We’re going to carry on sourcing the latest fashion styles and we are always looking for more store locations.
Visit Evolution Clothing at six locations in NZ. See www.evolutionclothing.co.nz for details.
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