Clothes Sell Well

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31974, 29 April 1969, Page 2

Clothes Sell Well

(N.Z. Press Assn —-Copyright) SYDNEY, April 28. A Wellington manufacturer who was told by . Australians six years ago that New Zealanders could not make clothes has just won an open order for his garments from a branch of one of Australia’s top department stores. Mr Svetolik Lazarevik, managing director of Venca, Ltd, will supply David Jones, Ltd, Brisbane, with whatever blouses, skirts, slacks, and evening wear he chooses to send. The order is subject only to total value limitations. The open order is additional to firm bookings for more than $lO,OOO worth of clothing that Mr Lazarevik has made with six other leading retailers on his latest selling mission in Australia. Little Response When Mr Laaarevic first tried exporting to Australia, buyers were not particularly anxious to do business with him when they found he was from New Zealand. But a look at his blouses and skirts changed their minds. i Mr Lazarevic claims that today he could sell the entire output of his Wellington factory in Australia, but feels his first obligation is to New Zealand customers. Because they face 22f per cent duties, most lines of New Zealand clothing cannot hope to compete in Australia. But there are opportunities for specialist and quality lines where price and volume are not the most important factors. Blouse Materials Summer-weight blouses are made from expensive Swiss embroidered materials to patterns designed by Mr Lazarevic and his wife, Milanka, and, in colours chosen by the' couple. Winter skirts and uniquely! co-ordinated blouses of identical pattern and colour are both made from English woollens—design and colour by the Lazarevics. Mr Lazarevic, who migrated to New Zealand from Jugoslavia, employs 25 people in his Wellington factory. He makes two selling trips to Australia each year. He saya he is proud of the acceptance of his garments and hopes his success will encourage others to export “Once a New Zealand manufacturer is established in Australia the market is unlimited,” he said.