Alesha Dixon fashion firm tops £2.5m fundraising

From left: David Walter, Ian Langley, Alesha Dixon, Mark Evans

Littleblackdress, the Manchester e-retailer backed by singer, dancer, presenter and Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon, has raised £2.5m for expansion.

The business, based in Ardwick, said it will use the latest cash injection following a fourth funding round to boost job creation and further growth.

Alesha Dixon joined the board in 2016. Littleblackdress was founded in 2014.

The company is the biggest pure play occasion-wear website, selling only fabulous dresses for balls, proms, race days, weddings, date nights and red carpet events.

Alesha Dixon is is a shareholder, a board member and has helped design some of the most successful dresses sold on the website, to date.

Littleblackdress.co.uk milestones include: 90,000 dresses sold since launch; 5,895,000 visits to the website; more than 1,500 dresses available online now; and £10,000 raised for women’s charity Refuge.

Chairman Ian Langley said: “The process we have gone through has seen all the business stakeholders standing together in the firm belief Little Black Dress remains a unique and highly desirable business proposition.

“We are now moving towards profitability, which in today’s world of turbulence in the retail sector, is a major achievement.

“We are confident that we are continuing our growth rate and remain quietly confident the next season will be better than ever, as we begin to take a stronghold as a premium luxury marketplace for fabulous dresses.”

The latest investment will go towards upgrading technology, raising brand awareness online and exploration of an exclusive brand party range of dresses for Autumn/Winter 18/19.

Chief executive Mark Evans, e-commerce retail consultant and former Shop Direct creative director, added: “One of the biggest challenges the business has faced has been cash flow, like any other business.

“It has been a challenging and exciting year to say the least. We are pleased to say that we are entering the next phase of the brand’s development with a sense of confidence and optimism.

“We’re a brand that is all about bringing fabulous to our customers and the continued support of our brand partners has been invaluable.

“Future growth and expansion will come from ensuring we have the newest and the best brands on board.”

He said: “We help premium designers and independent brands reach new audiences, supporting them every step of the way with marketing, sales, customer services and logistical expertise, enabling the brands to focus on creating beautiful dresses.

“With over 40 brands online, and a range of dresses from £50 to £500, plus soon to be £5,000 we are aiming to become the ultimate marketplace for fabulous dresses.”

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