Madison Buyer Introduces Designers to Retailers and Vice Versa

Madison Buyer Connects Designers and Retailers

As designers, one of the hardest aspects of creating a successful business is getting people to recognize who you are. When it comes to being introduced to retailers specifically, it can be tough.  While learning how to pitch your product is important, figuring out a way to get the buyer to come to you is always a great thing.  Often, this is done through trade shows however, participating can be costly and is not always an option. Even when it is, not all retailers are able to attend them so you’re missing out on a lot of potential business.

Trade shows have traditionally been rather closed off experiences (until the WWD MAGIC/ Teen Vogue Blogger Lounge, that is) so, whether exhibitor or buyer, if you physically can’t get there, you miss out.  To me this seems like a rather silly way to conduct business in the year 2011.  And apparently, the masterminds behind Madison Buyer feel the same way.

Created as an online trade show of sorts, designers set up a profile and allow retailers to search them out through tags, location, style, etc all  from the comfort of their own office.  The idea is quite brilliant, actually.  How frustrating it must be as a shop owner, knowing that there is a world of independent, emerging, and even established designers out there that they (and their customers)  have never been exposed to.  And they need to be.

I felt incredibly lucky to meet the style savvy women behind this business while at WWD MAGIC last week. Their realization of a gaping hole in the fashion industry and their decision to take action, is much admired and appreciated. The potential for this business to grow and prosper is large. So my advice is this; take advantage of such a smart marketing tool, set up a profile, and help spread the word because the more we all talk about such an exciting new resource, the more effective it will be.

Nicole Giordano

Nicole is the founder of StartUp FASHION, an online resource and community supporting for independent designers around the world with building their businesses. A deep love for the craft of fashion paired with an adamant belief that success is defined by the individual, led her to found StartUp FASHION, where she helps independent designers and makers screw the traditional fashion business rules, create their own paths, and build businesses they truly love. More than anything else, she’s in the business of encouragement and works every day to remind makers and designers that they have something special to offer the world and that they can, in fact, do this thing!

5 comments
  1. Joanna Kinsman

    Thanks so much! I did apply with them in the event that I might get onto a list. I appreciate your help!

  2. Miss Kinsman

    Hi Nicole!

    I went to check out MadisonBuyer.com but it goes to a realtor site in Japan. I can’t seem to find these guys anywhere – did they go under?

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