modebranchen.NU no. 3 / August 2016 | Page 83

Q | Syversen is celebrating its 75-year anniversary. How have you achieved continuous success distributing accessories? On the surface it seems like a rather simple concept? A | Erik Syversen: The work culture in Syversen is the most important factor. All of us are dedicated to the work we do and have the ability to ERIK SYVERSEN adapt to change in a positive way. We have proved that we have the talent for finding and developing on new brands. Efficiency and seriousness play a central role as well. But first and foremost our success is due to our ability to base our work on customer needs and to build great and long-standing relationships and partnerships. Moreover, we are very skilled when it comes to socks, tights and underwear – both in terms of RASMUS PALUDAN product know-how and in our understanding of the industry and market. Our concept is not as simple as it may sound. Q | Rasmus Paludan – you are the sales Q | Erik and Rasmus – how do you see the multiple brands, which makes Syversen an manager in Denmark, Sweden, Finland and future for Syversen – where are the best the Baltic countries. What is the biggest possibilities for growth? to offer a very wide range of products with to you? right time. And that is not nearly as simple a difference each and every day! We are We offer a variety of socks and tights across than 10,000 line items in stock allowing us strength of Syversen’s concept, according right product in the right quantity at the A | Our passion and our dedication to make Q | You are the son of founder Knut ward, create new needs and wants and ideal single-source supplier. We have more frequent short-term deliveries. We sell the as it sounds. Syversen, and currently at the helm of the family company. What are the pros and cons of being a Norwegian family-owned company in a global fashion industry? always determined to push ourselves formake a difference for our customers. Our approach to business is the result of 75 years of hard work, which makes us an ideal and trustworthy business partner. Q | Will we see some exciting news from A | Erik Syversen: Syversen in the anniversary year? ry and chance has brought our offices and We will continue to develop our brands. If The physical location of the company is not of critical importance. A mix of histo- A | Rasmus Paludan: hed Syversen Internasjonal AB, a Swedish the launch of Oroblu Divine – Orublu has warehouse to Fredrikstad. We establis- daughter company, last year, which is set to operate as a customs warehouse, which will eliminate the minor challenges associated with Norway not being a part of the EU. I were to single out one thing, it would be developed some fantastic tights made with nanofibre, which makes for a very resilient sock with an extra soft feeling. It’s very A | Rasmus Paludan: Where there’s life, there’s opportunity… And where Syversen is – there’s life! So, basically, I’m positive about the future. With our strong portfolio of brands, we can reach a broad audience. I see growth opportunities for Syversen as a medium high-end supplier of small-sized items and a well-established supplier of strong international brands. Erik Syversen: We are always looking into new brands. We are contacted by companies that want us to distribute their products almost daily. We love the process of building up new brands. It cannot be ruled out that we will announce a new brand at autumn’s fairs. Our growth potential is huge. Especially in Sweden, Denmark and Finland. high-quality tights for women who seek the best of the best. MODEBRANCHEN. | ISSUE NO 03 JULY 2016 | 79