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WHO WE ARE
• Fashion Biz was established in New Zealand in 1989 with a
view to supplying garments to the local New Zealand market,
originally importing woven shirts and polo shirts from Fiji.
• By 2000, the majority of Biz Collection garments were being
manufactured out of Asia.
• In 1998 an office and distribution centre was established in
Australia (Sydney) to penetrate and supply the Australian market.
• In 2000 Fashion Biz started a long-term association with Four
Seasons Textiles to distribute its range of products throughout
South & Western Australia and the Northern Territories.
• In 2007 the Australian head office and distribution centre was
opened in Melbourne, Victoria.
• Fashion Biz also has a showroom in Brisbane, Queensland, in
addition to its large, modern showroom in Auckland.
• In 2010 the Canadian head office and distribution centre was
opened in Vancouver, British Columbia.
• In 2011 Fashion Biz entered into an agreement with Amrod in
South Africa to distribute its range of products in that region.
• In 2013 a showroom and samples distribution centre was
established in Toronto, Ontario.
• Rapid growth and expansion has seen Fashion Biz become one
of the largest suppliers of apparel to the Australasian market.
• The International headquarters for Fashion Biz is in Auckland,
New Zealand where the team of directors, management and
the production team continually strive to supply the market with
new, innovative, quality garments at the best possible price.
Rapid growth and expansion has seen Fashion Biz
become one of the largest suppliers of apparel to
the Australasian market.
Of paramount importance is the quality of garments, maintaining adequate stock levels, and ensuring the latest business infrastructure is in place to enable us to offer and guarantee the best service to our customers.
WHAT WE DO
• Fashion Biz is a wholesaler of quality
uniforms, workwear and promotional
apparel (stock service and made-to-order)
to the New Zealand, Australian, Canadian,
Fijian and South African markets.
• We distribute through several channels
including promotional companies,
embellishers, uniform specialists and
retailers – we strictly do not target or sell to
end users.
• Of paramount importance is the quality
of garments, remaining at the forefront of
fabric development, maintaining adequate
stock levels, and ensuring the latest business
infrastructure is in place to enable us to
offer and guarantee the best service to our
customers.
• Fashion Biz has built up solid relationships
with manufacturers and distributors both
locally as well as in Australia, Canada,
Fiji and South Africa, ensuring significant
representation across the board.
DISTRIBUTION CENTRES / SHOWROOMS
AUCKLAND 11 Hautu Drive, Manurewa, Auckland 1062 7500 m2
CHRISTCHURCH 45 - 47 Montreal St, Sydenham, 8023 1200 m2
MELBOURNE 16-20 Salta Drive, Altona North, VIC. 3025 9000 m2
SYDNEY 11 Greenhill Avenue, Moorebank, NSW 2170 6000 m2
BRISBANE 210 Queensport, Murarrie, QLD 417 630 m2 (showroom)
ADELAIDE 1 Angus Avenue, Edwardstown, SA 5039 1500 m2
PERTH 20 King Edward Road, Osbourne Park WA 6017 1450 m2
VANCOUVER 7898 North Fraser Way, Burnaby, BC V5J0C7 5000 m2
TORONTO Unit 2, 15 Sims Crescent, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1A3 500 m2 (showroom)
OWNERSHIP, DIRECTORS & EXECUTIVE TEAM
• Fashion Biz New Zealand is owned by two family trusts and headed by two active directors who are
based at the Auckland head office and oversee the day to day running of the business.
• The directors each have more than 35 years experience in the apparel industry, specifically within
manufacturing, retail and wholesale.
• The business comprises several autonomous departments, each working closely with each other to
effectively and efficiently move the business forward.
CONTRACT PARTNERS
NEW ZEALAND
Fashion Biz forges strengths and associations with manufacturers who have the expertise to supply
specific requirement products in a ‘Just In Time’ delivery process to buyers whose procurement needs
require such a facility.
AUSTRALIA
Fashion Biz has a long-term association with Four Seasons
Textiles Ltd (Australia). With warehouses and showrooms in both
Adelaide and Perth, Four Seasons has since 2000 had exclusive
distribution rights to the Fashion Biz range throughout South and
Western Australia as well as the Northern Territories. Four Seasons’
contribution to our growth and reputation within the industry has
proved to be of mutual significance to both companies, and
ensures that Fashion Biz has significant representation across all
states in Australia. Right from the outset Fashion Biz recognised
the need to provide backup and support to its customers for its
products and services.
SOUTH AFRICA
Fashion Biz entered into an agreement with South Africa’s leading corporate gift and apparel provider
Amrod in 2011 to distribute its range of apparel into the South African market from 2012. Amrod has
offices in the main centres in South Africa including Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban and
employs more than 800 people across the country.
HISTORY
NAGSUN APPAREL (FIJI)
The organization came into existence with the establishment of Nagsun Apparel in 1981 by four
friends to supply garments to the local Fiji market. The company had eight machines and initially
only manufactured woven shirts. By 1984, however, Nagsun was the largest supplier in Fiji with a staff
complement of 150. Growth spurred the company to begin exporting to both New Zealand and
Australia under the SPARTECA agreement, and by 1989 Fashion Biz had been established in Auckland,
New Zealand, to supply the local apparel market. By 2008 Nagsun was 100% focused on export
markets in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Brazil, USA and UK. Two of the directors still play an active
role within the organization, each having over 35 years experience in the apparel industry, specifically
within manufacturing, retail and wholesale. Based in Nadi, Fiji, Nagsun Apparel currently operates
out of a 20,000 square foot facility and employs over 250 workers. It has a production capacity of
approximately 1000 woven pieces and 2000 knitted pieces per day.
FASHION BIZ (NEW ZEALAND)
The Auckland office of Fashion Biz was opened in 1989 with 2 employees, initially operating out of a
small rented property. By 1990 the number of employees had grown to 7 and the business was moved
to larger premises. By 1996 there were 17 employees, and once again the business had outgrown
the available space and was relocated. By 1998 the New Zealand business had quadrupled, the staff
complement had doubled, and Fashion Biz was expanded into Australia. At this point, a decision was
made to purchase land in Auckland and purpose-build a facility including a warehouse, showroom
and offices which would future-proof growth for at least 20 years. Building work was completed in 2004
and Fashion Biz moved into its current premises at 11 Hautu Drive in Manurewa which boasts a modern
showroom, 800m² of office space and a 7000m² warehouse which holds around 5-million garments
at any one time. The New Zealand operation has around 40 employees, with a small but vital office in
Christchurch. Fashion Biz prides itself in being one of the largest supplies of stock service and custom
apparel to the New Zealand market.
FASHION BIZ (AUSTRALIA)
The Australian operation kicked off in 1998 with 2 employees working out of a small warehouse
in Botany. By 2003 there were 29 employees, and the business moved to 1 3400m2 facility in
Moorebank. By 2005 the business had grown considerably, with staff numbers approaching 60,
and the directors made a decision to purchase a 19,000m2 plot of land in Altona, Melbourne.
The construction of a custom-built 6,550m2 facility was completed in November 2005, becoming
fully operational in January 2006. By this time there were 96 staff members and sales had climbed
to AU$30 million. At the peak of its growth the Melbourne office employed 111 people and 2008
sales exceeded AU$46 million. In January 2008 a fully integrated state-of-the-art WMS (Warehouse
Management System) was installed, and rollout to the rest of the group is underway. The Melbourne
warehouse was recently expanded by 4,000m2, effectively doubling the current storage capacity.
In November 2007 Fashion Biz acquired 20,000m2 of land in Sydney and subsequently built 3
warehouses on the site … 1 for immediate use by Fashion Biz Sydney and the other 2 to be leased out
in the interim. These will be utilised by Fashion Biz in the future, and is one of the ways in which Fashion
Biz is catering for future growth.
FASHION BIZ (CANADA)
In 2008 the directors made a decision to expand Fashion Biz beyond Australasia and the Pacific, and to
create a more global presence for the organisation leveraging the effects of the global financial crisis
on world markets against the strength and stability of the company. This decision was followed by 2 years
of intensive market research which culminated in the official opening of the Canadian headquarters of
Fashion Biz in Vancouver, BC in 2010. By 2012 Fashion Biz Canada had agents representing it across the
breadth of the country, and in 2013 a showroom and samples distribution centre was opened in Toronto
to facilitate customers on the east coast and central regions.
INFRASTRUCTURE, CAPABILITY & SUPPORT (NZ)
Right from the outset FASHION BIZ recognised the need to provide backup and support to its customers
for its products and services.
STOCK SERVICE
Our warehouse currently holds around 5,000,000 stock items at any one time. However, a process
is in place which monitors stock levels against actual stock held as well as predicted future stock
movements. This ensures that we rarely, if ever, run out of stock on any item.
MADE-TO-ORDER CUSTOM SERVICE
We have a full production department which oversees custom orders from concept through to
completion. This department includes a graphic design division which is available to customers to
create line drawings and mock-ups of their custom designs complete with logo design/placement
and colour-up.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
We have a fully staffed QC laboratory at our NZ head office which ensures that our products not only
comply with, but exceed their defined set of quality criteria as well as the requirements of our customers.
Fashion Biz produces a full-colour high resolution print catalogue for each of its product ranges,
showcasing each product/style worn on a professional model as well as the various colour options and
sizes across gender (Mens, Ladies, Kids).
ON-LINE
Each product line has a custom-built web site to complement the catalogue, featuring secure access
for resellers using user-login functionality while allowing end users to browse the content. Logged-in
users have access to all relevant product information including an online ordering facility. Our online
ordering system links directly with our in-house accounting/ inventory system. This allows our customers
to access information on stock availability, etc. on-the-fly, allowing them to make instant decisions
while placing orders. Since all of our electronic systems are custom-built, we have the facility to allow
specific custom access to any customers with very little lead time, allowing those customers access to
any specific requirements and/or information they may require from us.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
A team of customer service consultants
checks and processes each order received
via our open-source ticket request system
– both online and by phone/fax. The
customer service department also liaises
with customers to solve queries and provide
any information that is needed, and works
closely with the warehouse pickers/packers
to ensure that orders are processed and
dispatched accurately and on time.
LOGISTICS
• Our supply chain has been designed specifically for receiving multiple containers, efficient upload
and storage within our warehouse, streamlined pick/pack systems and are capable of distributing
large and small volume garment orders. We have an automated WMS (Warehouse Management
System) and integrated ILS in our warehouses.
• Warehouse KPI’s are monitored regularly, including efficiency and accuracy to maintain the
appropriate balance for our customers. Our results are measured both qualitatively and
quantitatively against other supply chains to ensure we maintain a competitive edge.
• FBL has in place KPI’s to measure:
- Error Rate
- QA and reason codes
- Order turnaround times
• Regular review of cost of transport providers is undertaken to ensure that FBL is receiving market or
better freight rates.
• Investment in WMS technology provides rapid capacity increase capability due to short training
requirements on key warehouse functions ( Pick & Pack ). FBL operates in a market with fast turnaround
expectations and would be committed to providing outstanding service to Liondos/Subway.
LOGISTICS CONTINUED
• FBL’s role has been to supply confirmed ranges of garments
via our distributor network. Our commitment to those contracts
is similar to this supply chain tender/contract that is by always
having stock on hand to support demand. There has been no
termination from our distributor network for non-supply.
• FBL currently handles variations in demand with a high number
of customers in a demanding wholesale environment. FBL
has invested in technology that is quickly scalable with a
short turnaround to competency time which makes the latent
capacity able to be delivered quickly (days).
• FBL have developed in house skills in WMS management which
provides a paperless warehouse. Storage capacity is maximized
through dynamic product locating. The systems provides a good
balance between efficiency and accuracy through the use of RF
scanning technology with automated pick cross checking also
providing real time inventory transactions.
• Inventory reporting can be provided on a daily, weekly, or
monthly basis to help with forecasting repeat stock orders.
• This identical system is being rolled out across the Fashion Biz
organisation, and will soon be available in all of our warehouses
including Auckland. We currently dispatch on average 7,000
orders each month totalling around 120,000 garments which
translates to around 350 orders each working day totalling
around 6,000 garments.
RECEIVING
We receive on average 5 to 6 containers of stock each month
(a mix of 20ft and 40ft containers) at our Auckland warehouse.
Both inbound and outbound goods are handled by a highly
experienced team of 18 warehouse employees.
We currently dispatch on average 7,000 orders each month totalling
around 120,000 garments.
• Fashion Biz Ltd. partnered with Intertek Testing Services (primary laboratory) and with Qualspec
Testing Centre (secondary laboratory) to assess and ensure that fabrics are meeting the standards
of Fashion Biz. Fabrics not measuring up to standards are rejected, improved by manufacturer and
submitted again for re-testing.
• Fashion Biz Ltd invested in testing machineries imported from James Heal UK – making it possible
at any point in time to check and validate claims of fabric consistency issues in the areas of pilling,
abrasion, fastness to light and rubbing.
• Copies of test reports can be shared to client at any point in time.
• Our experienced and long standing vendors are also dedicated with regards to maintaining our
high standards. Their complex networking in their country of domicile is an advantage.
• Of our 12 main Vendors - 6 are ISO Certified, 2 are WRAP Certified and all comply with our own
Code of Vendor Conduct Agreement (based on international standards) In relation to disaster
recovery procedures, FBL has several methods of operation is place so as to minimize downtime
of supply, as follows:
- Disaster recovery at Vendor Level – Production job is moved to another vendor immediately.
FBL has purposefully spread its manufacturing across 12 approved vendors – all of which comply
with our Vendor Code of Conduct – to safe-guard against individual factory supply interruptions
i.e. natural disaster, civil strikes or unrest, equipment issues. The new production is monitored from
start to finish ensuring that style/fabric quality is not compromised and the goods are delivered
on spec and with minimal delay. The actual garment specifications are also kept in 3 separate
locations (Subway, Liondos, and FBL) so cross-checking is always possible.
- Disaster recovery at Shipping Level – Should anything happen during shipping of goods, FBL is
prepared to take steps to initiate and prioritize a new production immediately. Air-freighting the
required goods to minimize potential delays in delivery would also be undertaken if necessary.
Any additional costs would be absorbed by FBL
- Disaster recovery at Warehouse Level – Any lost or damaged goods will be replaced at our
expense with the aim being to continue to service the Subway Uniform with little or no impact
at the franchisee end. Worst Case Scenario – Should any major event occur that would result
in extreme or lengthy delay (months) FBL/Liondos would collaborate with Subway to develop
an approved temporary alternative.
• In addition to the above points, FBL undertakes careful planning, inventory monitoring and control,
stock forecasting and realistic delivery timeframes (often incorporating a 1 week delay ‘buffer’) as
normal practice in our daily business to help safeguard against minor potential supply impact to
the Franchisee.
QUALITY CONTROL & ASSURANCE
• Please refer to Vendor Code of Conduct and QA/QC Manual.
• FBL (NZ) has fully operational functioning QA section employing 4 full time staff that provides
ongoing QA capabilities for FBL, as well as a fully equipped and staffed QC laboratory within the
NZ facility.
• Fashion Biz Ltd has instituted sound quality control system with all vendors producing and supplying
garments for FBL. Sizing consistency is controlled by frequent in-line inspections made possible by
vendor/ factory QCs starting from cutting section, sewing lines down to packing/ finishing sections.
Garments are measured against a final and approved garment specification sheet on critical and
non critical points of measurements.
• A copy of approved reference sample is being kept and maintained in vendor / production facility
where they can compare outright if bulk production is meeting all the requirements (styling, basic
construction notes, etc.).
• Lab dips are evaluated / approved under a D65 light source before any vendor / manufacturer
can proceed to bulk fabric production. Vendor is responsible in sending to FBL copies of shade
band for review and approval whereby FBL will set boundaries for the lightest and darkest shade
that deemed acceptable in a shipment. This will happen for every re-order.
• Fabric finish and quality are assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. Fabrics are evaluated for all
Colorfastness issues (washing, crocking, dry cleaning solvents, light, water and ageing test) against
Fashion Biz’ requirements.
SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM
• For Fashion Biz, care of the environment is a matter of day-to-day endeavour. We comply with all
legal requirements and, as a market leader, also seek to operate a proactive environmental policy
which rests on several pillars.
• We invest in our manufacturing facilities to keep the emission of harmful substances to a minimum,
and are stricter in this regard than required by law. We encourage our manufacturers to, where
possible, approach zero emissions and make maximum use of recycling and energy recovery
technologies.
• In addition to the tasks associated with developing new garments, technologies and processes,
our design team is also intensively engaged in research into and development of recycling
options. The recycling of used textiles, for instance in material off-cuts, plastic bags and so on, are
among our main targets. Our long-term goal is to gradually integrate principally organic fabrics
into our main production line so that every Biz Collection garment will be a certain percentage
principally organic fibre.
• In the long run, conventional agricultural methods need to be seriously reconsidered from health
and environmental standpoints. Fashion Biz is actively working alongside our suppliers to reduce
the negative impacts of cultivating crops for organic fabrics.
OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
• Step by step, Fashion Biz is analysing each phase of its production process to make it more
efficient and low-impact. At present, we are putting together a project that will recycle over 5
million plastic bags annually, as well as trialling fabrics made from organic products such as maize
and corn. We encourage our staff not to print emails and other documents unless absolutely
necessary, recycle office paper, our cardboard boxes are reused, and we are exploring many
other ways of becoming more resource-efficient such as using recyclable paper bags within the
organisation instead of plastic bags.
• When an organization truly cares about the footprint it will leave on the environment, it must embrace
the highest level of environmentally and socially sustainable choices from the top down. Our
commitment to the environment begins with our garments and continues through our customers
who, through choosing to wear our garments, themselves perpetuate the sustainability cycle.