The online shopping phenomenon seems to be at its peak. From clothes and accessories to games and even groceries, many have turned to shopping online for the convenience that it offers. Judging by the spate of online shops popping up all over the Internet, it cannot be denied that many have hopped onto the bandwagon of online shopping.

In line with our obsession issue this week, Youth.SG introduces another online shop for the fashionistas out there. For us shopaholics, the phrase ‘too many clothes’ does not exist in our vocabulary, and we are only too happy to acquaint you with lleitmotif, an online apparel store.

We had an interview with Chen Guimin, 29, the enterprising founder of lleitmotif. The Nanyang Poly alum who graduated in digital media design gave us an insight into the clothes he offers in his shop and the challenges he has faced in setting up and maintaining his two-year-old business.

THE FIRST PAGE OF WHAT THEY HAVE GOT TO OFFER

Youth.SG: Tell us more about your site, lleitmotif.
CG: In starting lleitmotif, we set out to provide a lifestyle and fashion service, offering discerning consumers with both cost conscious yet quality clothing, as well as more esoteric offerings.

Cool looking T-Shirts not widely available in Singapore to cater to the local youth still serve as our main selling point, however, we do hope to eventually turn our endeavour into a one-stop online fashion hangout for all by carrying products that share a common relation to the word 'fashion'.

The online shopping trend has been thriving in recent years. How competitive is your business? How do you stay on top of the game?
In order to stay ahead from the competition, relying on good products and customer satisfaction alone will not make the cut. Having a good marketing campaign to create more exposure of your brand and products is crucial. Hence, marketing is still the most important aspect of a business.

Have you faced any setbacks?
Lots of hard work and many nights were burned during the creation of lleitmotif. Setting up an online shop can be an easy task, however, maintaining it is certainly not… [there were] times where there are hardly any orders at all… We managed to turn things around by launching [a] marketing awareness campaign and free shipping for all purchase[s] to attract potential customers.

How has this business impacted your life thus far?
[I’ve been] as busy as a bee. Not complaining here but I do hope to have some spare time for myself. However, nothing beats the feeling of getting a customer who is satisfied with your service, writing a complimentary email or testimonial. That really makes our day and heighten[s] our moral to work even harder.

Any final words to aspiring businessmen out there?
Do not give up! Perseverance is the key to success!

Looking at the booming online shopping trend, this writer thinks lleitmotif is here to stay. DT

lleitmotif recently participated in the YES!@HealthZone Carnival, where Guimin and his business partner taught students basic business concepts.

debra[a]youth.sg

Debra says, “Shopping, anyone?”

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