TEAM NAMIBIA recently held a retail networking event in support of manufacturers of cosmetic and beauty products to get shelf space in Windhoek-based pharmacies as well as duty-free outlets.
The event was organised by Team Namibia as a way of providing a platform for retailers to look for local suppliers during a very short space of time.
In addition, Team Namibia said the purpose of the event was to enable the manufacturers to get feedback if they failed to meet the requirements for stocking by respective retailers.
“The initiative is to help manufacturers to develop into sustainable businesses,” read a press release from Team Namibia.
Local pharmacies, including Olympia Pharmacy, Mitzi’s Pharmacy, Tauben Glen Pharmacy, Westlane Pharmacy, Tee Kay Pharmacy, Essential Health Pharmacy, Luisen Apotheke, International Pharmacy and City Pharmacy, as well as Paragon and Qatar Airways, had representatives attending the event, where they met manufacturers.
Exhibiting in the speed-dating style networking event were Ilotu, Desert Secrets, Ecoso Dynamics, Chrisla Essentials, Ousie’s Skin Care, Mediplants, Eden Manufacturers, Elmarie Thompson Incorporated, Kuti Oil and Lexious, who offered customer service training.
Manufacturers who participated at the event ranged from skin and hair care health products, perfumes, room aroma, skin care oils, devil’s claw skin products, medicinal powders, sanitary pads and cosmetic oils.
Representatives of retailers offered advice, and pledged to support local businesses by procuring their products.
“Supporting local producers will allow them to further evolve and develop their products. Retailers need quality, consistency and quantities, and these can only be achieved through market expansion,” said Jan Coetzee, the chairperson of Team Namibia.
“With an increase in production, local producers can also start benefiting from economies of scale and bring down their unit costs, which will further provide the scope for more purchases, as well as higher margins for our retailers”, he added.
Team Namibia said supporting local businesses is vital to creating jobs, and supports everyone’s efforts to work towards the reduction of poverty and the development of a sustainable economy.
Email: bottomline@namibian.com.na
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