Zip Zap Zoop seamlessly blends European and Indian styles
Zip Zap Zoop recognises the needs of modern-day parents and appreciates their dedication to their children's well-being. The brand strives to simplify their lives by offering a seamless shopping experience, allowing them to procure outfits for various occasions with just three clicks. In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, Founder & CEO Ashmika Sadh discusses the evolution of children’s fashion industry and meeting their diverse fashion preferences.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the creation of Zip Zap Zoop and its association with Shilpa Shetty Kundra?
The inspiration behind the brand was multifaceted, with the pandemic playing a significant role in shifting focus from B2B to B2C opportunities overnight. Leveraging our manufacturing strength allowed us to swiftly adapt and tweak our products to meet evolving demands. Additionally, recognising a major gap in the kids' market, where children are increasingly asserting their preferences in clothing choices, served as a key motivation. Shilpa Shetty's involvement has been invaluable; not only is she a co-creator of the brand, but she has also personally selected some styles and remained actively engaged in the process. As a mother for over a decade and now a new mother, her perspective aligns perfectly with our mission, adding depth and relevance to our offerings.
What sets Zip Zap Zoop apart from other kids' clothing brands in the market?
As a clothing brand, what sets us apart is our control over manufacturing. You would not find most of our designs elsewhere, such as on popular platforms like Pop Scotch or First Cry. Additionally, we distinguish ourselves by blending European and Indian styles. Years of exporting have shown that European styles resonate in India, but Indian preferences also matter. Our diverse styles cater to everyone, showcasing our expertise in manufacturing and global fusion.
How do you cater to the diverse fashion preferences and individuality of children in your clothing line?
What we offer are T-shirts tailored to a child's interests, be it aviation, football, or tennis. For boys, expressing themselves through hobbies is the key, with options like football-themed sweatshirts or chessboard designs. Girls, on the other hand, often express themselves through fashion, like pink or white dresses adorned with polka dots. Positive quotes, such as ‘Generosity is my style’ adorn our clothing, encouraging a positive mindset. We aim to empower children to embrace their interests and express themselves authentically through their clothing, fostering positivity and self-expression. Whether they dream of being astronauts or simply love space, our clothing allows them to wear their passions proudly, all with a positive outlook.
Could you explain how your clothing brand simplifies the shopping experience for mothers?
A busy mom can easily find what she needs at Zip ZAP Zook's T-shirt or dress section, whether it is a pink dress or a green T-shirt for her child's birthday. With just two clicks, she can check out and be done, making shopping quick and convenient.
Can you elaborate on your commitment to transparency in the manufacturing process and how it benefits the brand and customers?
Our manufacturing process stands out for its transparency; we meticulously trace the origin of every fabric and button, ensuring that customers trust our brand. We welcome and act on customer feedback, continuously striving to improve. Ethical sourcing is paramount, with 80 per cent of our fabrics being sustainable, including recycled polyester. Prioritising comfort, we ensure cotton touches the child's skin or apply anti-static treatment to polyester items.
Zip Zap Zoop emphasises eco-friendly and ethical sourcing. Can you provide examples of the sustainable practices implemented in your products?
Our fabric, primarily cotton, is 80 per cent sustainably sourced, simplifying our entire process. We prioritise eco-friendly practices, utilising chemical-free prints and dyes to minimise environmental impact and water wastage. Recycled polyester is crucial, as traditional polyester is harmful. We limit the use of viscose to 10-15 per cent, sourcing surplus fabric to reduce environmental harm, rather than creating new viscose fabric.
Could you describe the fashionable and functional aspects of the clothing silhouettes you offer for children?
Our brand offers an extensive selection of clothing items tailored for both girls and boys, ensuring that every child finds something they love. For girls, we provide a variety of options such as dresses, jumpsuits, skirts, tops, and T-shirts, allowing them to express their individual style. Similarly, for boys, we offer a diverse range including T-shirts, shorts, and more, catering to their preferences and needs.
Furthermore, we understand the challenges teenagers face in finding suitable clothing options that balance style, comfort, and functionality. Therefore, we are expanding our offerings to include clothing for teenagers, addressing a gap in the market and providing fashionable yet comfortable choices for this age group. What sets our clothing apart is not just its aesthetic appeal but also its functionality.
How does technology play a crucial role in the development and growth of the company, and what specific tech initiatives are you implementing?
Technology plays a pivotal role in our operations, aiding in data analysis to understand customer preferences and sales trends. We utilise sophisticated software to analyse data on what sells and where it originates, enhancing our decision-making process. In today's landscape, fashion businesses are increasingly reliant on technology, evolving into tech-enabled enterprises. While our current focus is on leveraging technology to better understand our customers and streamline operations, we anticipate aligning more tech with our retail segment in the future. Our approach emphasises utilising technology for efficiency and improving customer experiences.
What trends have you observed in the children's fashion industry in recent years, and how has the market evolved to cater to changing preferences?
Our approach to children's clothing focuses on incorporating fashion elements that appeal them. Even simple dresses feature standout prints, embroidery, or other unique details to add flair. Girls enjoy accessorising from head to toe, so we ensure each piece has an extra edge to make them stand out. For boys, we offer bold prints that help them stand out in a crowd, whether it is a big dinosaur or elephant graphic. We also provide more subtle options for those who prefer a more understated look. Overall, our goal is to cater to children's evolving fashion sense by offering unique and fashionable clothing options that allow them to express their individuality.
In what ways does marketing and branding play a crucial role in attracting parents and children to specific clothing brands?
Indeed, marketing and branding are integral to our success. By establishing a strong brand identity and creating awareness, we aim to cultivate customer loyalty. Once customers are familiar and comfortable wearing our clothing, sales become more organic as they naturally gravitate towards our brand. Our ultimate goal is to build a beloved and reputable brand that customers consistently choose, eliminating the need for constant sales pitches. We aspire to create a brand presence where customers recognise and trust us, simplifying the buying process and fostering long-term relationships.
With the growing awareness of gender-neutral and inclusive fashion, how do you see this trend influencing the design and marketing of children's clothing in the coming years?
We have internally discussed the importance of inclusivity in children's clothing, particularly regarding body structure and sizing. Every child is unique, and our goal is to ensure that all children feel included and comfortable in our clothing, regardless of their body shape or size. This may involve offering options such as oversized or petite styles to accommodate different body types.
However, when it comes to gender neutrality, we believe it is a more complex topic that should be approached cautiously. While we aim to be inclusive, we acknowledge that discussions around gender identity may be better suited for parents to navigate with their children. Our focus is on providing clothing that allows children to express themselves comfortably and confidently, while respecting the individual preferences and values of each family.
Ultimately, we want to support children in embracing their uniqueness and feeling confident in who they are, without imposing external labels or expectations. Our commitment to inclusivity extends to celebrating diversity in all its forms, while also respecting the innocence and individual journeys of each child.
Could you share some insights into the challenges and opportunities that arise when designing and manufacturing clothing for children, considering factors like comfort, durability, and safety?
Indeed, sizing presents a significant challenge in the children's clothing market. Just like with adult clothing, children's sizes can vary widely, and a standard measurement chart may not always accurately reflect a child's individual proportions. This discrepancy becomes apparent when considering that a four-year-old may not necessarily fit into clothing labelled as size four.
We recognise that parents are often best equipped to determine their child's correct size, as they are most familiar with their child's body shape and growth patterns. One approach we are exploring is the option for parents to provide measurements, allowing us to assist in selecting the most suitable size based on individual needs.
Do you run any marketing campaigns to promote business?
We recently launched a campaign. Moving forward, our plan is to organise an event with numerous mommy bloggers and other individuals. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of what works, what does not and how we can improve. I believe it is essential to seek advice from modern mothers, who are highly involved in their children's fashion and activities, as they can offer valuable insights.
Could you elaborate on any upcoming initiatives or plans that Zip Zap Zoop has for the future?
Currently, our focus remains on short-term goals, such as building a strong community of mothers and engaging with them to understand their needs and preferences. While opening stores may be part of our future plans, it is not an immediate priority. Instead, we are dedicated to nurturing relationships with our customers and laying a solid foundation for growth. Our strategy involves setting achievable short-term goals that contribute to our long-term success.
