Iniobong Stacey Young, Chief Executive Officer, ROSEVELT EXCLUSIVE OUTFIT is a Management graduate of the University of Port Harcourt, an all men store for corporate dudes. In this interview with African Travel Times, Lawrence Jaja, she bares her mind on the journey so far. Excerpts:
How old is the business?
The business is 7yrs old, though officially launched in 2018 and ROSEVELT EXCLUSIVE is an all men’s store.
Are your clothes made locally or imported?
Presently, all of our materials are imported.
From which country or countries?
We import from Turkey, Dubai, Italy and United Kingdom.
How difficult was it starting up?
Wasn’t quite difficult, I already had the flare for men’s fashion, I started on a small scale, but immediately I noticed prospects, I decided to go full scale.
Do you intend to start local production?
Yes, I have considered that. We have the materials available; Cotton materials/ Polyester for the shirts, and some wool materials for the suits, I will see how that goes and the demand too. We have competent and skilled tailors to do that and I am considering it seriously.
Do you have a place where people can come and visit to see some of these materials?
ROSEVELTOUTFIT is located at No. 67, Omasi Road, Bende Junction, Rumuomasi, Off SPDC Visitors Gate, Rumuomasi, Port Harcourt.
A man once brought some locally made shoes & sandals made of raw leather and it looked fantastic too
What is your plan for expansion?
We have two outlets in Port Harcourt already and still looking to having more, especially other states.
Growing the business also requires finances, how has it been?
It’s on turnover and has not been bad. Nigerians are fashion lovers so we are meeting up by God’s grace but one has to be constantly ahead of fashion trend at all times so their expectations are met.
Sexual harassment selling only men’s clothing, how do you handle it?
Well, I encounter them always for those that get to meet me one-on-one and all my sales representative are males, except for few girls. Whenever that happens, I just tell them it’s strictly for business in a polite way and many of them understand!
Without doubt, it’s expected of men to admire a beautiful lady and sometimes harass, it’s left for the lady to play with her business or take it seriously.
Your marketing strategy?
Marketing strategies of course through publications, making use of telco services, social media and the traditional boutique and flyers.