Leading bridal software supplier Xedo Software has used its recent open day event to brief an audience of designers and retailers on the developments it believes will keep the industry buzzing in the year ahead, whilst bringing the two closer together with the latest update to its unique and innovative system.
Over 120 guests from across the business gathered at the Glasgow event, hosted by Xedo and partner company ACS Clothing, to discuss the big issues facing the bridal sector in 2012. Topics covered ranged from discussions on the latest trends in Menswear and Bridal to new technology, online plans and how software can help meet the challenges faced by retailers. It was a packed day and continued into the evening with a champagne reception and dinner at the city’s celebrated Supper Club.
“If one thing is clear from this event, it is that the bridal and formal hire industry has a lot to talk about. In what has to go down as one of our most successful open days to date the place was buzzing with discussions ranging from the latest fashions to Facebook, with the “debate” going on until late into the night,” said Xedo and ACS Managing Director Richard Freedman.
“There may be a lot of gloom surrounding the economy as a whole, but the overwhelming mood at this year’s event was positive and forward-looking.”
The invited group of wedding dress designers, bridal retailers and menswear experts were given the option of getting involved in a variety of informative sessions on the day, with breakout areas made available and staff from Xedo on hand to host demonstrations of the firm’s latest software and provide general assistance.
Attendees at the presentation on internet marketing were told that while many independent retailers have traditionally viewed the online world as a threat, with the right strategy social networking sites and search engines could prove to be the essential tools that will keep their business moving forward in the years ahead. In addition Xedo revealed their exciting strategy for helping Xedo customers prosper in the online world.
This included showcasing the upgraded Xedo bridal system which introduces a raft of improvements designed to help bridal retailers slash the time that gets swallowed up by setting up products, stock management, checking orders, invoicing and administration. Designed to incorporate feedback and suggestions from both sides of the industry into the service, the latest update underlines the company’s determination to deliver software that allows designers and retailers to connect and trade with maximum ease and benefit. By introducing a new level of flexibility through synchronising with the brand new Xedo Bridal Online (XBO) service, it provides retailers with instant access to their records irrespective of whether they’re on the shop floor, out at a wedding fair or even working from home using a laptop, smartphone or iPad.
”We had a fantastic time at the open day and it was great to meet other people and share ideas. We also loved hearing about what Xedo plan to do with both the web and with the new marketing module to help communicate with our customers and grow our business,” said Melanie Storer and Claire Jackson, owners of Wedding Belles.
The latest menswear trends show that while the popularity of grey formal wear continues to grow meanwhile, both designers and retailers must remain alert in what is an increasingly dynamic market. Latest figures from ACS show that choices have varied considerably over the last five years, with only seven of the top 16 waistcoat designs in 2008 still appearing in the 2012 order list.
Freedman added: “As an industry, we’ve got a lot to think about in the year ahead. Fashions have always changed, but now the way that people shop and do business is changing too, and across the wedding sector people are going to have to keep abreast of the latest developments if they want to maintain momentum and keep their businesses moving forward.”
