NMBS has worked to strengthen and develop its workwear category following the decision by Dickies to exit the UK merchant market at the end of March.
Dickies represented circa 50% of NMBS workwear category in both turnover and volume, which left NMBS with a big gap to fill on both fronts. Due to the unexpected sudden announcement from Dickies, NMBS’ current portfolio of workwear suppliers did not have the capacity to replace the volume in the short term.
On the back of this, the buying group’s main priority was to ensure it’s members had the opportunity to choose an alternative workwear supplier via NMBS. To achieve this aim it was quickly identified that NMBS would need to add to its current suppliers within the category and have added five new workwear suppliers. Castle Clothing, Helly Hansen Workwear, Mascot Workwear, Regatta Professional and Snickers Workwear have all joined NMBS in recent months.
The new suppliers enabled NMBS to meet its other aim, which was to cater from entry level to high-end workwear products, so its members would have a solution to every tradesperson’s requirements and would never have to miss out on a potential sale.
Baljit Singh, NMBS Trading Manager – Lightside, says: “NMBS Members who stocked Dickies have had to evaluate their workwear offering, and look at which NMBS suppliers can fill any product gaps.
“At NMBS we’ve been working hard to facilitate our members requirements. As well as securing these five new workwear suppliers for our members, we have been actively contacting our members to make them aware of all the options. We will also be running a ‘Meet the Supplier’ event for the workwear category on the 30th and 31st March, to allow our members and suppliers an easy way to engage with one another.”
Any member who would like to learn more about the workwear category should contact Baljit Singh, who will be able to share his knowledge and experience.
