Episode 20: Beyond Competition: How Peer Networks Are Bolstering Independent Retail

Welcome to another episode of Main Street Matters, Terresa Zimmerman speaks with Fred Derring, a true champion of Main Street and principal of DLS Apparel Group. With over 40 years of experience working exclusively with independent retailers across the United States, Fred shares invaluable insights about the power of community in the independent retail space.

Fred Derring has been in the retail industry since college, working his way up through independent stores, department stores, and consulting before founding DLS Apparel Group. His passion for both products and people has driven his mission to support independent retailers across America.

Episode Highlights:

-DLS helps independent retailers gain collective buying power while maintaining their unique identity.

-Members share best practices in a non-competitive environment, visiting each other's stores to learn.

-One retailer generated $500K in wholesale through an innovative graduation suit program.

-Independent stores saw growth after COVID as shoppers discovered personalized shopping experiences.

-Beyond merchandise, DLS provides marketing tools, digital support, and e-commerce guidance and best practice.

-Getting customers in the door remains the biggest challenge for independent retailers.

-DLS is expanding into coffee table books and complementary accessories and categories.

Featured in this episode:

DLS Apparel Group works exclusively with independent retailers, across the US, but most of their clients are eastward. Based in NY, they also go from the West Coast to St. Louis, Chicago, and Dallas. They scout products domestically and internationally, host buying meetings, and provide comprehensive support services to help independent stores thrive.

DLS Apparel Group

Menswear Retailers Premier Buying Office

130 W. 57th St., Ste 5C

New York, NY 10019

Office 212.399.0750

Fred 917.699.1157

Virginia 917.509.6053

John 917.545.6887

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Host - Terresa Zimmerman:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/terresachristensonzimmerman