Emma Jackson’s Miss Moneypenny clothing has been a success story for well over a decade, but she recently took the step to move premises so as to increase capacity and open a studio shop.
YN: How did your business start?
Emma: We started doing markets in the early 2000s and were lucky enough to be asked to supply DDE (Durban Designer Emporium), which then evolved into The Space. We currently supply all eight The Space stores countrywide.
YN: Why did you choose this area to set up shop?
Emma: We moved last year so we could accommodate a studio shop and have more space. We moved from Enforce Park, Springfield Industrial side – the single-lane traffic was a problem and we had so many delays getting in and out of our complex. It was also too industrial, whereas this side of Springfield is more retail, which suits us better. It’s central enough for staff and customers to get to, but away from the chaos of town. We’re also close to Overport where the majority of our suppliers are.
YN: How did you find your premises?
Emma: Stroke of luck – found them online.
YN: Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
Emma: The premises gave us the opportunity to open a small boutique where we offer a personalised shopping service to our customers. We also have security, unlimited parking, and because we’re on the ground floor, it’s easy for deliveries, and we have a glass frontage for great exposure.
YN: Who are your neighbours?
Emma: Nedbank and Old Mutual.
YN: What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area?
Emma: They’re really competitive for an area that is so convenient.
YN: What is your shop footprint?
Emma: The shop is only a small part of our business. Our core business here is the production, so we do not have huge foot traffic.
YN: Do you have any expansion plans?
Emma: Not at the moment. We’ve just moved and expanded.
YN: Do you operate online as well?
Emma: Yes, check out our site: missmoneypenny.co.za.
YN: What’s your most popular item?
Emma: We specialise in plus-size clothing for the fuller figure, and, to be honest, all our clothes are popular. One of the most popular items is the printed dress (Miami) – we’ve done it in numerous prints and colours.
See for yourself:
031 2630276
info@missmoneypenny.co.za
Words: Anne Schauffer
Images: Supplied
