Zuber has noted an increase of 300 per cent in the sales of its face masks line which has become extremely popular according to co-creative director, Fuzz Ali.
He said these products were easily accessible for the broader market.
“In ordinary times, we produce luxury clothing and accessories for a small market, and we had been discussing for some time how we could offer products that were more accessible, and easily purchased by a larger portion of the market,” he said.
“Our direct sales through our website ZuberFiji.com are up almost 300 per cent, as well as purchases made through our retail partners NEWWORLD IGA supermarkets (Greig St, Damodar City, Votualevu, Nakasi), NEWWORLD supermarkets (Viti Plaza Valelevu, Ba), Kundan Singh supermarkets (Tamavua, Pacific Harbour), Amy St Pharmacy, Central Pharmacy, Budget Pharmacy Nadi, The Essentials at Port Denarau.
“We have had a large number of corporate and organisation clients who have carried our business through this particular period.”
Mr Ali said these included responsible corporates, professional firms, and SMEs such as Vinod Patel, Narsey’s Plastics, PKF Chartered Accounts and Business Advisors, Lal Patel Bale Lawyers, Eyesite, Merchant Finance, Masaba Distributors, Pioneer Security Services, Matrix Risk Management, and others.
Zuber also had a partnership with the Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific which entailed the production and supply of 1500 three layer protective face masks for distribution to vulnerable communities, through existing EU civil society partners.
“There is a large group of people who do not have the means to purchase good quality reusable face masks, and resort to either low quality fabric face masks, or re-use of surgical face masks – each of these has their own particular health risks.
“The EU initiative will get high quality re-usable/washable face masks into the hands of these people, as an additional weapon against COVID-19.
“All orders for masks, whether through corporates, organisations such as the EU, or direct online retail allow our business to remain financially viable.”
Mr Ali added they were pleased to have been able to continue to retain all their Suva based staff, working full time and with no reduction in rates.
“Orders like that of the EU are doubly rewarding because not only are we able to keep our people employed, but we are collectively able to provide a service that is of use during these difficult times.
“Many global fashion brands have had to adjust, and pivot their businesses in response to crisis of many forms over the years, in an attempt to remain viable businesses, but also in order to be useful, and to contribute to the path out of the crisis. We are privileged to be able to do this in Fiji.”
He said diplomatic missions and international agencies who had also placed large scale orders with them included UNAIDS, New Zealand High Commission, and the Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific.
