Image
Colombian Swimwear sector is growing fast, and it is also becoming recognized worldwide by the colorful designs, the high-quality materials and the flexibility of Colombian providers. Many companies have opened stores in countries like the US in the last few years, and others have started business with famous boutiques around the world.
One of these successful companies is Piexoto, who distributes swimwear in more than 5 states of the US. Piexoto has taken advantage of the FTA Colombia has with the US increasing the company's competitive costs. PROCOLOMBIA, spoke to Mauricio Esquenazi, President and Creative Director, whom gave us an overview on how much the FTA has helped the company to develop.
1. What does your company do? (main activities, clients, size)
Piexoto designs, manufactures and distributes swimwear. We have clients among the e-commerce majors, specialty stores and boutiques. These are a few of them:
- E-commerce majors - Shopbop, UrbanOutfitters, NastyGal
- E-commerce swim majors - SwimwearBoutique, SouthBeachSwimsuits, ShopMiamiStyle
- Specialty Stores/Swim stores/Boutiques - Jessie Boutique, Nikki Beach worldwide, PescaTrend, GoneBananas, among others.
2. Has the Free Trade Agreement changed your perception about the USA? In what way?
The Free Trade Agreement has made it very easy to import and distribute our products in the US. Having no duties allows us to keep our prices reasonably low, allowing me to give clients a better price, which turns into more sales for them as well. This has become our competitive advantage and the way we have been able to break into the market.
3. Are you currently selling in the US? Which states? When and how did the business start and with what products?
Yes. Piexoto is selling products in 8 states: California, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Nevada, Hawaii and Texas. I launched Piexoto in 2012 with women's swimwear.
4. Why is USA an attractive market for your company?
The US is a huge and diverse market. There is a lot of money to be made here. A lot of different people, looking for different things. It is a fashion capital that can catapult you to the world. Most major department stores are in the US and have bought offices in the US too. In the US you have good sales and good exposure too.
5. What would you tell other American buyers that are considering Colombia as a possible supplier?
Colombia offers innovation, quality, price and timely deliveries. Products can be imported in as little as 2-3 days. Minimum orders are not high and easy to accommodate. Quality and innovation is on point. The price is competitive for the value of the product being received. And Colombia is known for being a sexy/trendy country - and who doesn't want sexy?
