Our Hybrid Distribution Approach

As a green company, online selling is an important component to Prancing Leopard Organics because it eliminates many layers that leave a long carbon trail in the retail system. However, we realize how important it is for customers to see and feel the clothing, to experience Prancing Leopard Organics in person.

For this reason, Prancing Leopard Organics has developed our “hybrid” distribution system. The goal is to eliminate the many layers of shipping, warehousing and distribution that have hampered the apparel industry for years—resulting in enormous inventory burdens, slow response times, and in some cases stale fashion for consumers. Problems that have proven especially dramatic now in the global economic downturn.

The concept is to minimize the investment in inventory and time so that it becomes attractive, even for smaller boutiques and studios, to carry our merchandise. By direct shipping our products in as little as two days, without minimum quantities and by backing that up with a 30 day exchange policy, even smaller businesses can respond immediately to fluctuations in demand.

Here’s how it works: Boutique and studio partners are provided with “mini-look-books” to supplement the items they have in stock. If a desired item is not in stock in the desired size and color, the customer can pick it up next time or have it delivered to their home directly.

In any case, the boutique or studio receives the “credit” for the sale, even without carrying the inventory, and the customer receives her product quickly. Additionally, if a retailer finds that items are not selling after 30 days, they can exchange the inventory with no problems. This is a our simplified and personal and approach to business.

We believe in person-to-person contact and we believe in supporting the yoga, Pilates, dance and fitness teaching communities. That is why we are reaching out across the US to build our team of Leopard Advocates. We are offering individuals who care deeply about the earth and its people and are yoga, Pilates or dance instructors the opportunity to serve as personal contacts to the studios, boutiques and private instructors as sales representatives for Prancing Leopard Organics. They also organize special events, trunk shows, private shows, promotions and provide assistance to our partners.

The hybrid distribution system is Prancing Leopard Organics new way to approach sales that reflects changing lifestyles, the sense of community, and takes advantage of modern internet technology. The goal is that shopping becomes a more pleasurable experience for both buyer and seller, while at the same time supporting the communities involved.