Episode 9: Alla Buinowicz

With fashion shows and runways dominated by size six models, Taking Shape pride themselves on breaking the mould, being inclusive and celebrating all women and their curves. And there’s no one more passionate about the plus size fashion industry than Alla Buinowicz, Managing Director at Taking Shape, a dream come true she tells us, in the recent episode of our Retail Therapy podcast.

 

First established in 1985, the range now appears in 160 locations across Australia and New Zealand. With an impressive 35 year retail career, working across design, buying, merchandise planning, marketing and brand management, Alla has dedicated the last 17 years of her career to inspiring and dressing women with curves.

 

Alla embodies the spirit of commitment, passion and just giving it a go. Her approach to celebrating customers at every turn and creating deep connections and experiences, moving quickly on ideas and embracing feedback have been some of her many strengths that has turned Taking Shape into a retailer with an incredibly loyal customer base.

Paul and Alla discuss:

  • The Taking Shape story and its growth
  • Their partnership with Indigenous artist Elverina Johnson
  • The benefit of consistent customer feedback
  • Agility, a world class team and how it equates to success
  • Using digital capabilities to create connection
  • Is personalised shopping the way of the future?
  • Reducing environmental impact
  • What the future holds for Taking Shape

Season 2: Trailer

We are thrilled to announce that Season two of the ARA’s Retail Therapy podcast is launching next week. This season, we’re looking at small business. Small business is big business. 95% of our members are small to medium businesses – the backbone of the Australian economy – and we are proud to represent the interests of these businesses.

Listen now

Episode 1: Steve Plarre

We’re kicking off Season two of the Retail Therapy podcast with this fantastic chat with Steve Plarre,  CEO of Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses, an award-winning family business with a proud history dating back over 110 years. Ferguson Plarre is an iconic business, famous for its cakes, pasties and pies and a great case study for small business success.

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Episode 2: Amanda Rose

Did you know that about 38% of small businesses in Australia are owned by women?  

In this episode of Retail Therapy ARA CEO Paul Zahra speaks with Amanda Rose, a powerful advocate for women in business. Amanda is the Founding Director of Western Sydney Women and Founder & CEO of Small Business Women Australia. 

Listen now

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