City Goddess unveils AI-powered

App

Wholesaler City Goddess is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) with the launch of its new Fashion Boutique Chatbot app. The innovative tool will give buyers access to personalised trend suggestions, sales tips, smart product recommendations, styling advice and insights into social media trends from their smartphones. Created using cutting-edge AI technology combined with industry expertise, the new launch – set for release this autumn – will deliver a comprehensive suite of functionalities tailored to the unique needs of independent fashion retailers.

According to City Goddess, the app will “bring a new era of sales and profitability to the ever-evolving fashion industry.”

“We are thrilled to introduce the Fashion Boutique AI Chatbot application, empowering independent boutiques with the support they need,” says CEO Yathu Kanagaratnam. “Having closely collaborated with over 2000+ boutique owners, we deeply understand their challenges and are committed to equipping them with the necessary tools to thrive in a highly competitive market. Our chatbot app offers personalised recommendations and valuable insights to help boutique owners drive sales, maximise profits, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.”

Multi-agent pop-up showroom The Fashion Huddle returns to London

Following its successful debut last season, joint agency showcase The Fashion Huddle has confirmed it will return to London this summer. The pop-up showroom, based at Hammersmith’s Huddle, will present 70 brands from 11 leading UK-based agencies over a five-week stint. Buyers can visit the space from Sunday 16 July to Friday 18 August by dropin or appointment. During its opening weekend, free transport will be provided from Pure London and Scoop or buyers can walk to the venue from Olympia in under 10 minutes.

The concept is the brainchild of The Brand Ambassadors founder Lucy Walsh, who first teamed up with 11 other agencies for AW23. This season confirmed agents include Richman Boutique Brands, Middleton Green, Joanna Edwards Agency, Matrix and Ariane Kaiser.

Buyers will be able to browse the latest collections from key international designers such as By Malina, Sirens, Hope and Ivy, Second Female, Nooki, Enamel Copenhagen, Denim Studio, Carla Ruiz, Colour Nude, Ania Schierholt, Elemente Clemente and Sarah Pacini.

“With almost 100 brands under one roof, The Fashion Huddle is fast becoming the buying destination everyone’s talking about,” says Lucy. “Buyers should think of us as another trade show and ensure they plan enough time to see everything as there are so many brands. Walk-ins are welcome but we recommend pre-booking appointments based on how busy we were last season.”

Follow @the_fashion_huddle on Instagram for updates.

Harrogate Fashion Week organisers announce expansion plans

Popular trade show Harrogate Fashion Week will expand in size this summer to meet rising demand for exhibitor space. An additional hall will see an extra 1,600sqm of stand space added to the show, allowing buyers to source even more products and brands.

The event, which takes place at Harrogate Convention Centre, will also run for three days instead of its usual two from 30 July – 1 August.

Co-founder Wendy Adams said that while the expansion was a “big decision,” extra space was needed so it could cater for a number of new brands waiting to join its line-up.

Since its debut in July 2018, HFW has become a mainstay on the fashion trade show calendar. Today it offers one of the latest ranges of womenswear and occasionwear brands under one roof in the North of England alongside footwear and accessories.

Carol C Collections founder Carol Capener, who has exhibited at HFW since its very first edition, comments: “Our buyers are from all over the UK and love coming to Harrogate to write their orders. It is no longer just a ‘Northern show’ as we see customers travelling from far and wide. Who wouldn’t love coming to visit the beautiful spa town of Harrogate for the weekend? We can’t wait for the next show – and the first three-day show at that!”

Registration is now open via harrogatefashion.com