TALKING DESIGNS: Linda Katusiime started her business by doing deliveries for friends and relatives. Bringing in items from Turkey, Germany, China and Dubai, her business has grown and today she goes home with more than Shs500,000 on a good day.
Having made a mark in Nairobi Kenya, Oloo collections, named after one of the business partners and mentors, decided to open up a branch in Uganda in December 2014. It is a business that sells only men’s items such as Khaki Polo trousers, classy T-shirts, shirts both casual and office, men blazers, shoes, jackets, sweaters, jeans and shorts.
According to the person in charge of the Ugandan store, Linda Pacy Katusiime, men are reliable and flexible, which is the major reason they deal in men’s stuff.
“Men are reliable clients when it comes to buying and they are flexible with the price, which motivates us to deal with them,” she says.
She adds that their customer care services of delivering items to customers as well as using their social media platforms to get feedback whether good or bad, has given them a huge advantage over their competitors.
She says they also aim to sell quality brands and having friendly prices. Their items come from Turkey, Germany, Dubai, China and some even from Uganda.
Asked why they would risk putting a business in the centre of the city where competition is so much, Katusiime said the location helps their clients shop conveniently but they hope to open up more branches in different places all over Kampala and other parts of Uganda.
However, just like any other business, Oloo collection has some challenges, the main being high rent. “The main challenge we are facing here is that rent is always high, which drains our pockets and frustrates our expansion dream. Besides that, we also face a challenge of customer turnover. Some days business is down due to the seasonal purchases,” she said.
Where there are challenges, there are advantages as well and clients have started trusting the business, which has boosted sales. On a good day, Katusiime retires with about Shs500,000 to Shs1m.
Katusiime’s Notes
Location: Mabirizi Complex, Level 1 Room 26.
Breakthroughs: The business started as an online marketing business, with an initial capital of Shs300,000 which came from doing deliveries to friends, relatives and some clients.
Prices: Khaki trousers 45k, shirts: 40k to 45k, T-shirts: 25k to 30k, Blazers:60k, jeans: 40k, shorts: 30k to 35k, jackets 60k and 80k while shoes cost between 100k and 120k.
