In April MUST HAVE store opens at Prospekt shopping mall. This is going to be the first time the brand enters a shopping and entertainment centre. The shop having the area of 140 sq. m. is created in a unique concept where all the visitors will be able to communicate with the salespersons in a warm and friendly atmosphere, talk about fashion, have some rest and pick up the models they like. Before, MUST HAVE used to make its sales online and in showrooms. Anna Kovalenko and Anastasia Dzuba, who are the establishers and co-founders of Ukrainian brand of MUST HAVE, are telling about their plans and expectations of MUST HAVE project implementation.

Anna, Nastya, you already have some experience of creating a successful online shop and showroom. Now you are entering into classic retail and opening the first shop at Prospekt shopping mall. What expectations do you have regarding this project?

We are very glad to become closer to the buyers and more accessible for wide audience. This is a good opportunity to make Prospekt shopping mall guests familiar with our brand at the same time making shopping more comfortable for our clients who live in this part of the city. We have the rosiest expectations, particularly, when judging from the excited feedback we get from social networks concerning the launching of the shop.

Prospect shopping mall is, first of all, a fashionable shopping complex where a lot of famous clothing brands are presented including those of Ukrainian designers. How do you plan to impress the customers?

We are going to have the most beautiful shop; our dresses speak for themselves. We are sure that the girls will appreciate the models’ universality – styles for every cause and occurrence, immense colour range. In our stock, we have over 1000 models – that’s why everyone can find a perfect dress. We offer the highest level of service because this is the pledge of good shopping.

Which MUST HAVE shop format are you opening at Prospekt shopping mall? What are going to be its features and competitive advantages?

Our showrooms show some cosy atmosphere, like in a personal dream walk-in closet. We plan to transfer this intimacy and sincerity of atmosphere into our new shop. Light walls, bright accents, convenience and comfort – we hope the customers are going to appreciate our girlish paradise. Speaking of convenience, we will have 10 dressing rooms, children’s zone and poufs for those who are waiting.

What was easier for your team, to launch a showroom or the first shop in the shopping and entertainment complex? What was new for you in this project? Could you please, share some of your experience?

Opening a shop is a new level and completely different investments. Unlike showroom, where we did practically all the way we liked it, a shopping mall has its own aspects we have to observe. We are glad to acquire such priceless experience for opening other stores. This applies to everything, top-to-bottom renovation, permission documentation, working schedule, peculiarities of working with our customers.

Every weekend at Prospekt shopping mall, we have Fashion Point – free stylist’s advice. Are you planning to join this project, as well as the other projects promoting fashion and style at Prospekt shopping mall?

We are always enthusiastic about the activities aimed at customers’ development. That’s why we will gladly think about having a joint project which is going to be interesting and educative.

What do the words “fashion” and “style” mean personally for you?

Fashion means how you feel and express yourself; this is your character and not the thing other people are imposing on you. Stylish people always feel comfortable and confident. You can take on all clothes and accessories from the latest collections of fashion brands, but, if these are not your things, there will be no glint in the eves and no distinction in your walk. Things must highlight your beauty and merits and not the other way around. Style is the ability to combine any items of wardrobe.

Do you agree that whoever buys MUST HAVE once is going to end up the brand’s fan forever?

Sure, MustHave is one of the most useful habits. We are addictive, and we are proud of our loyal customers. Life changes, there are other cities and even countries around, but our dresses remain and keep replenishing the wardrobe.

Prospekt shopping mall is, first of all, a family audience with kids. Do you plan to create the collections for moms-to-be and young mothers, as well as for little princesses who are also striving to be fashionable, imitating their moms?

We have our Family Look collection – the same outfits for moms and their daughters and little shirts for the sons. Moreover, in autumn 2015, we developed a special collection for pregnant and breast-feeding moms. We do not want to stop here, and we plan to develop these directions in the future.

In the shop, you will be able to have immediate contact with the customers. Which marketing, advertising and PR instruments, in your opinion, are the most efficient ones for your brand?

Word of mouth is the most efficient promotion instrument. When you are doing anything with love, it will necessarily find the response. People love to talk about beautiful dresses and wear them, and that’s why the best advertising is our customers. We also have active communication with our customers in social networks; we tell about MUST HAVE life, share some news and advice.

What does market “competition” mean personally for you? Are you ready for new challenges of 2016?

We are! Competition is a good thing! Due to it, we are developing and getting only better. In 2015, we actively developed our manufacture, which now occupies over 1000 sq. m. and employs 160 seamstresses. In 2016, we experience a brisk growth of retail networks – our plans include opening other 10 shops until the end of the year!

What would you like to wish to the visitors of Prospekt shopping mall?

More new dresses from MustHave!) And also – do not try to prove the obvious things! The beauty will always be noticed, kind words will be heard and kindness will be appreciated! Live like this, love the world, smile more often and come to us for a real piece of women’s happiness!