The Edgars Journey to Successful Business Transformation

Interview with Sevious Mushosho, Group CEO, Edgars Holdings

1. EM) What were the key drivers (reasons) for the corporate transformation journey that the Group has been going through?
2. SM) We aim to reposition the business as the market leader in fashion through high quality and exclusive offering. There is need for organizational agility to stay competitive. The organisation needs to adapt, innovate, and optimize operations for sustained growth and relevance in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
3. EM) As the Group CEO, what is on your Wishlist with regards to the business?
4. SM) We need the business to be agile and flexible  and to quickly respond to market changes, adapt strategies, and pivot product offerings to meet evolving consumer demands. Access to robust data analytics is critical, to understand consumer behaviour, market trends, and competitor actions, enabling informed decision-making, The business should also  focus on continuous innovation in product design, manufacturing processes, and customer experiences to stay ahead of the competition.

We want to  build a resilient and agile supply chain to mitigate risks, manage disruptions, and ensure timely delivery of products to customers. We are also  commitment to maintaining brand authenticity while integrating sustainable practices throughout the value chain, reflecting consumer preferences for ethical and environmentally responsible brands.

The requires that we  embrace digital technologies to enhance online presence, streamline operations, and optimize customer engagement across various channels, investing in talent development programs to nurture creativity, leadership, and innovation within the organization, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation and implementing prudent financial management practices to maintain liquidity, manage costs, and sustain profitability during turbulent market conditions.

Edgars is  Collaborating with key stakeholders, including suppliers, distributors, and technology partners, to leverage synergies, drive innovation, and create mutually beneficial opportunities  and developing robust contingency plans and risk management strategies to navigate uncertainties and ensure business continuity in the face of unexpected challenges.

1. EM) How did Executive management make the case for change and innovation to your key stakeholders, the Board, Employees and your customers? How did you bring them on board?
2. SM) The get the Board buy in, we presented a comprehensive analyses of market trends, competitive landscape, and potential risks to highlight the urgency and necessity of change. We also demonstrated how these proposed innovations align with the company’s long-term vision and strategic objectives, emphasizing potential returns on investment and we are providing regular updates on progress and milestones achieved to maintain transparency and accountability.

For  the employees engaged in in open dialogue to communicate the rationale behind the proposed changes and the opportunities they present for personal and professional growth. We are also empowering employees to contribute ideas and feedback, fostering a culture of innovation and ownership in the transformation process  and offering training and development programs to equip employees with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to new technologies and processes.

For our customers , we are leveraging marketing and communication channels to convey the value proposition of the proposed innovations and how they address customer needs and pain points. The Group is also soliciting input from customers through surveys, focus groups, and direct interactions to ensure that proposed changes align with their preferences and expectations and providing demonstrations or pilot programs to showcase the benefits of new products or services and gather real-time feedback for refinement.

1. EM) What are the value propositions that will differentiate the business from your competitors going forward ?
2. SM) We are committed to sustainable and ethical sourcing, manufacturing, and business practices, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. Henceforth our brand will be known for innovative and technologically advanced products that provide unique features, functionality, or user experiences not available elsewhere in the market.

Are the premier retail clothing store in Zimbabwe, Edgars will provide personalized products, services, and shopping experiences tailored to individual customer preferences and lifestyles with  superior quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail in products, establishing a reputation for excellence and durability.

We are also streamlining the purchasing process, offering convenient delivery options, and providing seamless omnichannel experiences to meet the needs of busy, on-the-go consumers. Edgars  will continue to offer competitive pricing, promotions, and value-added services that provide customers with tangible benefits and justify their investment in the brand.

To differentiate our brand we are sharing compelling brand narratives, values, and heritage to forge emotional connections with customers and differentiate from competitors with more generic messaging and engaging  with local communities, supporting social causes, and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose among customers, employees, and stakeholders.

1. EM) In mapping out the Group’s transformation strategy, how are you inculcating a culture of learning and innovation into the DNA of the company?
2. SM) Leadership should actively promote and demonstrate a commitment to learning and innovation by championing new ideas, supporting experimentation, and recognizing and rewarding innovative behaviours. The role of Senior management is to communicate the importance of learning and innovation to all employees, emphasizing that it is a core value of the organization and integral to its success in the evolving business landscape and offer regular training and development programs to equip employees with the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to innovate and adapt to change effectively.

The Group Cross-Functional Collaboration knowledge sharing across departments and teams to facilitate idea generation, problem-solving, and the exchange of best practices.

I also want our staff to know that they can take calculated risks  by  foster a culture where employees feel empowered to take calculated risks, experiment with new approaches, and learn from both successes and failures without fear of punishment or retribution.  And we can achieve this through  dedicated channels, such as innovation labs, idea incubators, or digital platforms, where employees can submit and collaborate on innovative ideas, receive feedback, and bring concepts to fruition.

Staff members should always feel appreciated , through  incentive programs and recognition schemes to reward and celebrate employees who demonstrate creativity, initiative, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. I want to emphasize the importance of continuous learning and improvement by regularly evaluating and refining processes, products, and strategies based on feedback, data, and market insights.

In this regard , I am  encouraging leaders and senior management to lead by example by actively participating in learning and innovation initiatives, sharing their own experiences, and providing mentorship and support to aspiring innovators within the organization.

1. EM) What does the Group need to do differently in order to achieve the Goals that you have set for yourselves?
2. SM) The new management team aims to do things differently by fostering a culture that encourages and rewards innovation at all levels of the organization. This may require a shift in mindset towards experimentation, risk-taking, and openness to new ideas.

We are investing in  Talent Development by prioritizing training and development programs to upskill employees and equip them with the necessary capabilities to drive innovation and excel in their roles.

Edgars is placing  a greater emphasis on understanding and addressing customer needs and preferences through market research, feedback mechanisms, and customer-centric design approaches as well as  identifying and streamlining inefficient processes, workflows, and decision-making structures to improve agility, responsiveness, and resource allocation within the organization.

To stay ahead of the competition, we will keep attuned to changes in the competitive landscape, market trends, and emerging technologies, and be willing to adapt strategies and business models accordingly   and integrate sustainable practices and considerations into business operations, product development, and supply chain management to align with evolving societal expectations and reduce environmental impact.

I can not overemphasize the use of  digital transformation initiatives to leverage technology for innovation, automation, data-driven decision-making, and enhancing customer experiences. We want to establish clear, measurable goals and performance metrics aligned with the overarching objectives of the organization, and regularly monitor progress towards achieving them.

In order to achieve all these things , Edgars will  ensure strong leadership support and alignment behind the goals and vision of the organization, with leaders actively championing change, providing guidance, and removing obstacles to progress.

 

1. EM) Are there any immediate and low hanging fruits that will lead to immediate and sustainable changes?

• Process Optimization– Identify and streamline inefficient processes or workflows that are causing bottlenecks or unnecessary delays. By optimizing these processes, the organization can realize immediate improvements in productivity and efficiency.
• Cost Reduction– Look for opportunities to reduce costs without sacrificing quality or customer satisfaction. This could involve renegotiating contracts with suppliers, eliminating redundant expenses, or improving resource utilization.
• Employee Empowerment– Empower employees to contribute ideas for improvement and innovation within their respective roles. By tapping into the collective knowledge and creativity of the workforce, the organization can implement changes quickly and sustainably.
• Customer Feedback– Actively seek and act upon feedback from customers to address pain points, enhance satisfaction, and improve the overall customer experience. Making small adjustments based on customer input can lead to immediate improvements in customer loyalty and retention.
• Training and Development– Invest in training and development programs to enhance the skills and capabilities of employees. By providing employees with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their roles, the organization can drive immediate improvements in performance and morale.
• Technology Integration– Integrate new technologies or digital tools to automate manual tasks, improve data accuracy, and enhance decision-making processes. Even small-scale technology implementations can lead to immediate efficiency gains and cost savings.
• Strategic Partnerships– Form strategic partnerships or collaborations with other organizations to leverage complementary strengths, resources, and expertise. By pooling resources and sharing knowledge, the organization can achieve immediate gains in innovation and market reach.
• Employee Recognition– Recognize and reward employees for their contributions and achievements. Acknowledging employee efforts can boost morale, motivation, and engagement, leading to immediate improvements in productivity and job satisfaction.

 

1. EM) There is significant innovation in the clothing sector: How is Edgars on-boarding these technologies for better internal and external customer experience?
2. SM) Technology Integration– We are planning to integrate advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual fitting rooms to enhance the online shopping experience for customers. This allows them to virtually try on clothes, visualize how they look, and make more informed purchasing decisions.

Smart Manufacturing– We are exploring the use of automation, robotics, and data analytics in manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, reduce lead times, and ensure consistent quality across our product lines.

Sustainable Practices– We are adopting sustainable practices throughout our supply chain, from sourcing eco-friendly materials to implementing energy-efficient manufacturing processes. By prioritizing sustainability, we aim to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and differentiate our brand in the market.

Personalization- We are leveraging data analytics to personalize the shopping experience for customers. By analysing past purchase behaviour and preferences, we can recommend tailored product suggestions and promotions that resonate with individual customers.

Collaborations and Partnerships– We are collaborating with technology partners, startups, and research institutions to co-create innovative solutions that address specific challenges in the clothing sector. These partnerships enable us to access cutting-edge technologies and expertise that complement our internal capabilities.

Employee Training and Development– We are investing in training and development programs to upskill our employees and foster a culture of innovation within the organization. By empowering employees to think creatively and embrace change, we can drive continuous improvement and innovation in our products and processes.

Omnichannel Experience–  We are enhancing our omnichannel capabilities to provide a seamless shopping experience across multiple touchpoints, including online platforms, brick-and-mortar stores, and social media channels. This ensures that customers can interact with our brand whenever and wherever it’s most convenient for them.

 

1. EM) How are these technologies going to transform your businesses and make the Group SBUs more competitive?
2. SM) Enhanced Customer Experience- By leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and machine learning, we can gain deeper insights into customer preferences, behaviours, and trends. This enables us to personalize the shopping experience, anticipate customer needs, and deliver targeted marketing campaigns, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Efficient Operations- Automation can streamline various aspects of our operations, from inventory management and order fulfilment to manufacturing processes. By reducing manual tasks and optimizing workflows, we can improve efficiency, minimize errors, and lower operating costs, making us more competitive in the market.

Advanced technologies such as 3D printing, virtual reality, and augmented reality can revolutionize the way we design, prototype, and produce clothing and accessories. This allows us to rapidly iterate on product designs, test new concepts, and bring innovative products to market more quickly, staying ahead of competitors and meeting evolving customer demands.

Blockchain technology can enhance transparency, traceability, and trust within our supply chain by providing a secure and immutable record of transactions and product provenance. This can help us ensure ethical sourcing practices, mitigate risks, and build trust with customers who value transparency and sustainability.

Integrating our online and offline channels through seamless digital experiences and unified customer data can provide a consistent and cohesive brand experience across all touchpoints. This enables us to engage with customers wherever they are, drive sales, and build stronger relationships, increasing our competitiveness in the omnichannel retail landscape.

Real-time data analytics and business intelligence tools empower us to make data-driven decisions quickly and adapt our strategies in response to changing market dynamics. This agility allows us to seize opportunities, mitigate risks, and stay ahead of the competition in a rapidly evolving business environment.

1. EM) What key trends in the clothing manufacturing and retailing sectors will you be adopting and taking advantage of?
2. SM) There is a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly clothing options. We plan to adopt sustainable practices throughout our supply chain, including the use of organic and recycled materials, ethical sourcing, and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.

The digitization of the fashion industry is reshaping how consumers shop for clothing and how businesses operate. We are investing in digital technologies such as e-commerce platforms, mobile apps, and virtual fitting rooms to enhance the online shopping experience and reach a wider audience of digital-savvy consumers.

As consumers become more conscious of the environmental and social impact of fast fashion, we are exploring alternatives such as slow fashion and rental services. These models emphasize quality over quantity, encourage reuse and recycling, and appeal to consumers seeking more sustainable and ethical clothing options.