PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Gem has announced a new division called Gem Design & Sourcing, further extending the firm’s portfolio of retail services.
It is in part a replacement for Exspect, but also expands on that offering.
The firm stated that as of today, the Exspect business unit will be known as Gem Design & Sourcing (GDS), with the Exspect brand becoming a ‘product only label’ available to retail.
It says that Gem Design & Sourcing will be able to deliver retail own-label products that offer differentiation in design and quality. It can source and manufacture any type of product directly from its Far East facilities. Services include own-label accessories, niche product development, licensing to special products, and a number of product category opportunities.
GDS will be headed up by Mike Sanderson as general manager, who is experienced with own brands Gem has already placed into retail such as Icons, PWN and Exspect, and licence agreements with brands such as Ministry of Sound, Moshi Monsters and Hed Kandi.
Sanderson commented:“After six successful years developing the Exspect brand over many categories we felt it to be the right time to expand our offering, services, experiences and expertise to a greater range of product, brands and retail opportunities, under the new GDS division. The highly talented product and graphic design skills in the UK, coupled with the experienced and professional team in Hong Kong will guarantee a sleek and profitable cradle to grave solution on own brand, retail brand and licensing opportunities. We are really excited to extend our services to Gem’s loyal retail partners.”
The Business Development Team’s vendor strategy will continue to be headed up by Philip Munro, head of business development for Gem, alongside purchasing director Anthony Howarth, who will support through securing high quality vendors.
Gem believes that as a result of the changes, there will be "significant improvement in the visibility and flow of communication regarding all aspects of product pipelines, customer commitments, stock challenges, and exit strategies with a far more unified approach".
Munro said: “These are very exciting times for both Gem and more importantly, our customers. With the launch of the GDS division we are now able to further enhance the suite of services we offer our valued partners”.
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