Fashion app Bezzu provides a whole new shopping experience
A NEW fashion app called Bezzu is helping independent retailers in Wexford stay relevant and keep their businesses thriving, as already 17 stores in the county have signed up to app, which is available to download for free on Android and iOS devices.
The application enables customers to easily connect with retailers from hundreds of independent fashion and lifestyle stores in Ireland and the next step for the application is to move onto the global market.
The Wexford-based retailers that feature on the application to date include Amy Jane in New Ross, Candy on South Main Street, Wexford, Si Jolie on North Main Street, Wexford, as well as Gorey’s Jack Dunne & Sons on Main Street and Place Ladies Fashion and Ruby Rouge on Esmonde Street in Gorey.
The launch of the new website and application was brought forward due to the uncertainty faced by retailers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘Bezzu’s mission is to help small, independent retailers to compete with online fast fashion giants, and deliver a positive impact within their local communities. For every €100 spent in a local store, €68 goes back to the local economy,’ said Lauren Murphy of Bezzu.
‘Given the horrific impact that the Coronavirus pandemic is having on local retailers who have had to close their physical stores, we decided that we would launch a lot earlier than planned in an effort to help them survive during this extremely challenging time.
‘While improvements are being made to the platform daily, retailers who join Bezzu will find a free and easy way to list, display, promote and sell their products online, a process that retailers who are holding stock at their homes can safely fulfil without having to physically interact with customers or store colleagues,’ she said.
From here, Bezzu hopes that other retailers will come on board and join the 440 other Irish businesses signing up on www.beezu.com.
The highly personalised app offers fashion lovers a streamlined experience to explore, shop and share products from independent retailers in Ireland. There are more than 8,000 products available to purchase, with more being added to the platform daily.
With headquarters in Dublin, Bezzu aims to connect fashion lovers everywhere with the best independent boutiques, with the goal of guiding shoppers away from ‘fast fashion’ to unique and individual fashion choices.
With an interactive map as part of the application, this allows consumers to find local retailers, their exact address and opening hours.
It is hoped that the shop by location feature will encourage users to visit stores close to them when the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
‘In the future this will help to increase footfall, or if not in the vicinity, to purchase products from the store online instead. Either way, the app helps to raise the profile of smaller independent retailers at absolutely no expense to their business,’ said Lauren.
She said fashion lovers will enjoy having a virtual stylist to customise their shopping unique experience, while the more the app is used to make purchases, the more accurate it becomes at recommending the perfect pieces to complement your own style.
Going forward, Bezzu aims to create a social community network within the app, where users can find and share style inspiration, wish lists and reviews.