1. Speed Up Your Digital Switchover

It’s all the more necessary today to be able to sell online. The City of Montreal provides free support to guide you in developing a digital implementation plan. You can apply here. In addition, you can create your online store in a simple and inexpensive way with the services offered at the following specialized sites: Shopify, Wordpress, or Wix. You just have to get started. Digital also applies to social networks! Keep in touch with your customers and prospects, and encourage online shopping, by promoting social networks to communicate your offer during this period. It’s time to get creative: Improvise a virtual showroom, launch fashion challenges at home, offer contests or even integrate the purchasing functionality on Instagram. Facebook has also provided some tips for keeping in touch with your prospects and customers.

2. Introduce New Products and Services

Numerous marketing strategies have been implemented since the start of containment by stakeholders in the clothing industry. It’s not too late to get inspired. And why not put these strategies in place for the long term? Whether you have a website or not, you can use social networks or your newsletter to publicize your new customer services:

• The purchase of gift cards for future purchases in store or online;
• The possibility of pre-ordering your products;
• The promotion of certain products on your site;
• Reduction of delivery costs or even their free services;
• The continuation of your return and exchange policy;
• The creation of products specially dedicated to the containment and recovery period.

Discover more tips on the Shopify blog.

3. Improve the Visibility of Your Local Business

Among the initiatives that have flourished here and there, the lepanierbleu.ca website was launched in Quebec. This is a comprehensive directory of local merchants located across the province. Are you a local stakeholder? List your business here (French language). There are other initiatives such as : Ma Zone Québec (French language), Signé local (French language), Main street, or #Achetonslocal (French language). Take part in the movement of commitment and support for artistic and entrepreneurial culture initiated by Québecor: #culturedici. Through the “Buy in Quebec” campaign, QUB radio and Porte-monnaie wish to help local business owners by providing $10,000 advertising campaigns. Try your luck here (French language). Spreading the #modesolidaire movement is also an opportunity to increase the visibility of local brands. Encourage your community to participate by buying online, offering a gift card and sharing it on social networks with hashtag #modesolidaire. Finally, discover the great online Quebec fashion clearance sale. It’s possible to contact (French language) them to be referenced in the July and October sessions.

4. Provide Your Customers with Connected or Eco-Responsible Solutions

Montreal is rich in logistics solutions. Several start-ups (French language) offer their service, including smart storage lockers. Others, such as BoxKnight, offer local delivery to online retailers. You can find other companies on the PME MTL website depending on your location. You don’t have a transactional website or delivery system? The recently launched livraison arc-en-ciel (French language) project allows you to provide urban delivery service to your customers in Montreal.

5. Adapt Your Human Resources Management

Human resources management can be a real challenge during this containment period. You will want to consult the guide (French language) written by the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés. If some of your employees are still working from home, this guide will help you take a more humane approach to resource management. Videos on more specific topics are available here (French language).

And of course, ensure a safe return for the occupational health of your employees by consulting the Vestechpro Guide to Health Practices for Clothing Industry Employers for a Safe Work Environment during COVID-19.

We are committed to continuing to support you in your research and innovation projects during this period. We hope that these tips will help you to better understand the continuation of your activities. Do you want to innovate? Contact us!