Wilmslow online fashion business reports lockdown sales boost

Wilmslow based online fashion retailer, Sosandar, has reported a 53% increase in turnover in the six months to 30th September.

In the firm’s half-year trading update, Sosandar confirmed that despite reducing its marketing spend by 49% in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the firm saw strong sales from its existing customers, as well as a 26% increase in new customers, as shoppers moved online during lockdown.

The online fashion retailer, which has its head office in Wilmslow, also reported two record trading days in September, and a new monthly high in sign-ups to its customer database.

Sosandar also launched products on the John Lewis and Next websites over the last six months, and has since expanded the ranges available following promising initial sales.

Ali Hall and Julie Lavington, Sosandar Co-CEOs commented:

“We are delighted to have continued to demonstrate the strength of the Sosandar brand and agility of our model, growing our sales, product range and customer base during such a challenging trading environment.

“Our customer database, and their loyalty, is the backbone of our performance. The feedback from our customers throughout lockdown has been fantastic and it is clear that they love wearing Sosandar clothes, whatever the circumstances. Following the successful re-introduction of TV advertising and brochure activity in September, we will continue cautiously investing in marketing to underpin customer database growth throughout October and November.  

“Notwithstanding the continued uncertainty, we continue to believe that we can take significant market share within our demographic, particularly as the lockdown period escalated growth in online retail. We remain confident in what the future holds for Sosandar.”

The promising sales figures at the Wilmslow online fashion brand come following a reported 103% revenue growth in the 2019-20 financial year.

Sosandar was launched in 2016 by Ali Hall and Julie Lavington who previously launched high street fashion magazine Look, as editor and publishing director, and have a combined experience of over 35 years in the fashion industry. The brand was acquired by Orogen in 2017 for over £6 million.