Best of 2019: From the source

We’re all about bringing our readers insights from across the retail industry, and one of the best ways we do that is by connecting you with retail leaders in our From the Source interviews, which we publish each week.

Here are a few of our favourite interviews from this past year.

Andrew Fallshaw, Bellroy

A self-confessed product nerd, Bellroy CEO and co-founder Andy Fallshaw is riding high since recently securing investment for the leather brand, which is currently experiencing healthy growth in sales around the world.

We chat with him about his plans for the brand, the problem with discounting and creating a passionate community.

Athan Didaskalou, July

Athan Didaskalou launched D2C luggage brand July with Richard Li last year. In the six months to September, July sold 6000 suitcases and sales are projected to hit $5 million this financial year.

Here, Didaskalou discusses international growth, the state of the luggage market and entering physical retail.

Erica Berchtold, The Iconic

Erica Berchtold joined The Iconic in February, but quickly enacted big ideas to grow the business and make her mark.

We spoke to Berchtold about her plans to grow the business in 2019, what insights she is bringing from her bricks-and-mortar background to the pureplay retailer, and what she thinks businesses can do to better support women in leadership roles in retail.

Anna Carrabs, King Living

For 40 years, King Living has offered Australian customers quality furniture designed to last a lifetime. But now the retailer is expanding overseas and entering new markets.

Here, CEO Anna Carrabs reveals more about the brand’s future plans.

Marnie Goding, Elk

Fashion and accessories label Elk is truly an Australian success story. Founded in Melbourne in 2004 as a jewellery and accessories line, it has expanded exponentially into leather goods, knitwear, and men’s and women’s clothing.

Here, co-founder and creative director Marnie Goding talks about her vision and plans for the company.

Rob Godwin, Lovehoney

Online retailer Lovehoney is smashing perceptions of adult toys by focusing on female customers, encouraging positive sexual well-being and health and featuring people of diverse ethnicities, sexualities, body shapes and sizes in their marketing.

Here, director Rob Godwin discusses the growth of the sector and the challenges of operating in the adult retail landscape.