Online retailer launches first store

ONLINE baby retailer Direct2Mum is opening its first store as it aims to strengthen its position in the market.

Direct2Mum is a family-run business, launched in 2010 by its chairman professor Graham Leslie and his son and daughter, Alex Leslie and Fay Briddon. The store opening is part of the company’s five year commitment to build the Direct2Mum brand in the retail sector. It received significant funding from investment company One Degree Capital in 2013, and earlier this year acquired nursery stockist Bambino Direct for an undisclosed six-figure sum.

The 3,000 sq ft store situated off junction 37 of the M1, will enable customers to see Direct2Mum’s product portfolio before they buy. Direct2Mum sells big brand names such as Silver Cross, Joie, Mamas and Papas, Babyway, Trunki, Tutti Bambini, Maxi-Cosi, Maclaren, Quinny, Phil and Teds, Cosatto and Graco.  
The store is also based in close proximity to its 100,000 sq ft warehouse. 

The recent acquisition of Bambino Direct has meant an increase in its product portfolio to more than 10,000, including 80 big name nursery brands.

Direct2Mum’s managing director, Alex Leslie, said: “The new Direct2Mum store is all about connecting customers with our products and enabling them to try before they buy. They may have already seen something they like online, but the store enables them to come in and see the products up close, but also take advantage of our experienced team that can provide guidance and advice on what’s best for them.

“We know that it can be daunting buying things for a baby, so we have worked hard to select only the best products and display them as clearly as possible. We want our customers to feel confident that what they are buying is of the highest quality and designed to last.”