I’ve ‘filled the gap’, thank you
Cape Town, W. Cape, SA – L. Cohen Outfitters Est 1912 was the first independent in Wynberg to acquire the Nike brand, a situation that we held for a number of years before Nike's policy changed to supplying numerous stores in close proximity.
Those were the good years.
The World didn't end when they advised that they would be terminating our contract (to be fair they gave us two and a half years notice). In a way I benefitted, in that I was relieved of the constant pressure of committing to orders and large monthly monetary settlements to maintain the status quo.
I have, since, adequately "filled the gap" by stocking more economic-friendly lines which in today's climate is working out to be more viable.
Over the last few years and especially after the Covid scare, the business climate has had a distinct downturn internationally and I am, therefore, not surprised that brands like Nike have suffered accordingly.
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