Leading international trend forecaster Mudpie considers opening west coast US headquarters in LA.
Fiona Jenvey CEO of Mudpie comments: “We have considered both New York and Los Angeles for our US
Headquarters; we feel that the fashion industry in LA is key to the city’s economy which is well
supported by the LA Mart, The California Apparel Association and Fashion Business Incorporated.
Nearly 400 people attended our most recent LA trend seminar. The casual and active lifestyle in LA
also perfectly suits the Mudpie Brand. Our Mpd active trend book, contemporary casual trend book
for women and Casual and street trend book for men all do well in LA and will continue to be
represented by our valued partners in LA – the Fashion bookstore. The real winner in LA will be our
online service mpdclick.com which we are currently successfully selling via telesales from our
London office. It is our wish to share this success with the fashion community in LA by opening an
office there and providing opportunities for local fashion talent
The market in LA supports Mudpie with very strong sales growth since we started to manage
the market ourselves from London following the departure of our previous representatives. Mudpie
plan to bring new employment opportunities to the LA fashion district. Opening an office will
enable us to add to our 40+ creative personnel. Mudpie is very serious about design and believe
that an LA based design, research and sales office will strengthen our brand further. The office
will serve all States west of the Mississippi, provide creative input and content to both our
online service mpdclick.com and our trend books. The LA HQ is also very well positioned to support
our operations in Mexico which is becoming a very interesting market for us.
The European fashion press recently widely reported on Mudpie who confounded the flat
trading experienced by the apparel industry in 2010 by achieving nearly double the previous year’s
revenue with the majority of its growth coming from the company’s online service mpdclick.com and
its compatibility with new technology platforms such as the ipad.
John Gorman, Commercial Director at Mudpie plans to visit LA in February to speak to
potential partners for this very exciting venture. “I will begin by looking for LA real estate as
well as seeking partners to work with. The exact timing depends on finding the right people” said
Gorman. “Once we have retained the right senior personnel we will work with them to finalise
suitable office location. Gorman further added “The US HQ in LA is just the beginning for Mudpie;
our business plan will deliver substantial growth. As a brand Mudpie will sky rocket,
internationally Mudpie plan to invest in more sales offices adding both sales staff and creatives
in markets where we feel that there are opportunities for rapid growth.”
Source: Mudpie Ltd.
January 11, 2011
