While most non-essential busines ses shut their operations in order to comply with the containment restrictions one boutique has diversified their line of operation to keep their staff employed.
Zuber which is a leading Fijian luxury fashion brand has now ventured into the production of face masks after the second wave of COVID-19 was announced.
According to one of the creative directors Fuzz Ali, face masks production and supply accounted for 80 per cent of their business.
He said this was the reason they had not had to let any members of their team go.
“We are pleased to be able to ensure the livelihoods of the families of the people who have worked with us to create a successful and prestigious fashion business,” he said.
“While we look forward to the reopening of our boutiques, in the meantime we are just grateful that we are able to create an essential product and provide an essential service at a time such as this.
“Our people are the primary income earners in their respective families, and so it is vital that we continue to meet market demand, not only for the protection of the community, but for the economic security of all the families represented in our workforce.”
Mr Ali said the country was entering a second wave of Covid-19 in Fiji, they had to act quickly in order to ensure and secure the livelihoods of the people who worked with them.
“We understood that we needed to create a product that was useful for the times, and that could be helpful to what we are now going through,” he said.
“Fabric face masks have been shown to be one of the tools used as a defence by the general public against Covid-19, and naturally as a fashion business that owns and operates our own atelier, we have access to a lot of excellent quality fabric, and also the machinery to produce the masks in large quantities.
“We are pleased to be able to be a part of the fight against Covid-19 by producing the masks, and also to be able to retain our workforce, and generate economic activity during this time.”
Zuber is now producing and selling multiple types of masks at this stage.
“For general retail we produce double layer, natural fibre masks, which are ZUBER branded. We consider these a premium product,” said Mr Ali.
“We also produce three layer masks on order for customers who are involved in higher risk environments, but not on the frontlines — these are a combination of a synthetic shell, a spun bound inner, and a natural lining for comfort.”
Corporate customers could choose from double or triple layer natural or synthetic fibre masks, with or without their logo according to Mr Ali.
All of Zuber’s masks met health requirements, as specified by the authorities as the masks were also retailed online on zuberfiji.com.
Customer could also direct message the social media platforms as deliveries were made Fiji wide via EMS or internationally via DHL.
“Pick-ups can also be made directly from our factory in Suva, although to limit physical interaction, electronic payment via bank transfer or M-Paisa is preferred,” said Mr Ali.
The masks were available at Corner Bakery Tamavua, Kundan Singh Supermarket Tamavua and Pacific Harbour.
Mr Ali said there were plans to expand their network of stockists for as long as the virus persists and the masks were necessary.
“Both our boutiques in QBE Centre, Suva, and Sofitel, Denarau are currently closed due to restrictions, but masks will be available from the boutiques once they are allowed to safely reopen.
“All our masks are made by our own production facility (ZUBER Atelier) in Suva.”
Mr Ali said there was a lot of demand for face masks as it offered protection from the virus.
“It is wonderful to see people taking heed of advice which says that wearing a mask at all times in public, plays a significant role in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
“Looking good is a part of feeling good and we feel, that if face masks are stylish and cool, the wearer is more likely to be excited to wear it, and to keep it on all day.
“Furthermore, our corporate client base continues to grow, and we are happy to note that members of the private sector, as well
as international agencies, have taken on the responsibility of protecting their people and communities by purchasing large numbers of face masks.
“Some of our customers so far include UNAIDS, Vinod Patel, Home and Living, PKF Chartered Accountants, Eyesite Optometrists, Narseys Plastics, Lal Patel Bale Lawyers, Merchant Finance, and many others,” he said. Given the demand Zuber is now able to produce 800 to 1000 masks per day.
“Our best-selling masks are those that are obviously ZUBER branded, or using signature luxury ZUBER fabric, and this has a
lot to do with brand perception.
“We are proud to have created one of Fiji’s most recognised, and fastest growing luxury fashion brands and we are very happy to be able to offer a product that is accessible to most people, and that is useful in the daily lives of our growing customer base.”
The masks were said to vary in prices.
Zuber was also now producing bespoke masks, as according to Mr Ali it all depended on the amount of work which went into
production.
Mr Ali also said their fashion production was on hold, however current stock from the ZUBER A/W 2021 Renaissance Collection was available on their online boutique zuberfiji.com
Apart from Mr Ali, Zuber’s other creative of the brand was Ilai Jikoiono.
The brand was said to specialise in creating luxury Resort and Evening Wear in the finest linen, silk linen, and silk fabric available, in striking prints and colours which reflect the urban spaces of the Pacific.
