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.
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
Connect with Us:
Main Street Matters Podcast:
Website: www.mainstreetmatters.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetmatters1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/main-street-matters
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MainStreetMatters_MSM
Host - Terresa Zimmerman:
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Betrayal: Weekly
Betrayal Weekly is back for a brand new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack. And make sure to check out Seasons 1-4 of Betrayal, along with Betrayal Weekly Season 1.