01/10/2026
Three days of speaking with both existing and new retailers. This was .design fourth time exhibiting at and every season it feels like a masterclass in understanding retail and consumer spending habits but most importantly learning specifically about Pru’s customers and our brilliant retailers who are taking the risk to sell our products in such a difficult economic climate. This event has become as much about listening and learning as it is about taking orders.
I learn what sells, what moves more slowly and, most importantly, why - Influences over location, average spend, profit margins, where Pru fits within ethical and sustainability values, which other brands Pru is aligned with and the products, colours and styles people are buying. I also learn that I can’t please everyone, which has taken me a while to realise that’s ok too!
I feel there has also been a noticeable difference over the last year with conversations around sustainability and transparency with production - Every single retailer asked me what each product is was made of, where they are produced and why it costs what it does. There was also much more interest in my relationship with my manufactures which I could speak about all day!
I feel like a student again with the amount I am learning and absolutely love it!
