CHAPTER 440: CHAPTER 440: I TAKE UP 3 FLOORS OF PROFIT

"Yes, this is one of Ni Chang’s latest designs. I think once it hits the market, we won’t need to worry about sales at all." Su Nuo had great confidence in Ni Chang’s designs. Although they seemed quite unconventional at first glance, the more one looked at them, the more they stood out as particularly distinct. She believed they were destined to be a huge hit.

"Is this design for low-rise, baggy pants?" Xu Xiuxiu, filled with curiosity, picked up a drawing resembling a design of baggy jeans from the future. In fact, Xu Xiuxiu had a hunch that the designer Ni Chang was probably not a genius designer, then she must be like Xu Xiuxiu, reincarnated from twenty or thirty years in the future. Thinking of this, Xu Xiuxiu found it amusing.

As someone who had been reborn, Xu Xiuxiu had initially felt that it was a bit much to use the achievements of others from the future to pave her own way, almost like stealing. She even changed many things unconsciously. But after all, living in this world and integrating into it, knowing full well that many things were money-making opportunities, yet still binding oneself with one’s moral baseline, making life unnecessarily hard – that would be too ironic. Besides, isn’t this how the world works? Someone has to be daring, to lead the charge. Even if it means knowing a bit more about the future than others, it still involves taking great risks. After all, the fluttering of a small butterfly’s wings could eventually change many historical trajectories.

"Right! Mr. Xu, what do you think of these designs?" Su Nuo was delighted that Xu Xiuxiu understood the designs without needing much explanation, so she wore an expectant smile.

"I really like these designs. And your ’Promise’ brand’s previous sales figures were indeed astonishing," Xu Xiuxiu said sincerely as she gently placed the design drawing back on the table.

Hearing Xu Xiuxiu say she really liked the designs, Su Nuo’s eyes lit up with hope. "Mr. Xu, as you know, I came today with sincerity. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have brought these design drawings as a bargaining chip to persuade you. You must understand, for a designer and the entire clothing brand, these design drawings are an invaluable asset." Su Nuo continued to sweet-talk, although with some exaggeration.

But isn’t this typical for businesspeople? Su Nuo reasoned that it was all within the bounds of normal business practice.

Xu Xiuxiu understood Su Nuo’s sincerity, but these things alone could only prove ’Promise’ brand’s sales volume issues; they still couldn’t make it to the VIP floor level.

"Miss Su, I have to be honest. I’m very satisfied with ’Promise’ brand’s designs, but I still can’t agree to rent you the two VIP floor retail spaces," Xu Xiuxiu said, adjusting her tone as she put down the design drawing, instantly regaining her businesslike demeanor.

"Why?" Su Nuo was shocked and couldn’t hide her disappointment.

She thought Xu Xiuxiu would be satisfied with the designs. So why, with such satisfaction, couldn’t she agree?

"Miss Su, these designs are very innovative, and I have no doubt they will be highly sought after once they are on the market," Xu Xiuxiu shared her thoughts. "However, these designs are more suited for mid to low-end markets. If you wish to use them to penetrate the high-end clothing market, that would be overly wishful thinking. After all, all the clothing in the VIP floors are top-tier brands, with stringent controls over quality, materials, and processing. If you were aiming for mid to low-end retail spaces, I would agree without hesitation. Further, if ’Promise’ brand needs investment for franchising, I would consider investing. But you must understand, Miss Su, although I have the power to speak and make decisions, Soup City isn’t entirely up to me. I must also be responsible for those high-end brands that have entered the VIP floor. If I rashly agreed to rent you two retail spaces, your brand’s status and recognition might not be enough, and sales could suffer. If you are willing to take my advice, how about I offer you two mid to low-end retail spaces?" Xu Xiuxiu spoke candidly, also trying to persuade Su Nuo.

Having seen Ni Chang’s designs earlier, Xu Xiuxiu knew they would cause quite a stir. However, she couldn’t agree to lease VIP spaces to Su Nuo directly. Although these jeans designs were trendy, they weren’t high-end. Not understanding one’s brand positioning could be a costly mistake.

"If I agree to take only two mid to low-end retail spaces, would you still be willing to invest in our ’Promise’ brand?" Su Nuo was initially angry, but Xu Xiuxiu’s latter remarks held affirmation, catching her off guard.

Now ’Promise’ brand was in the process of transformation and repositioning. Xu Xiuxiu’s words were sharp, but also made sense. Su Nuo’s desire to elevate the status of their clothing might be fanciful. In fact, a strategy of small profits but high volume could also be a way to promote the brand, and they now needed to find their own factory to ensure a supply of goods, which would require substantial funds. She had only been contemplating the idea, but if Xu Xiuxiu was willing to invest, having their own private factory would undoubtedly be a good thing.

"Really? You need investment? I can contribute capital," Xu Xiuxiu interjected with a lingering smile.

For a brand like ’Promise,’ if it wasn’t an exclusive operation, they would definitely need financial support to build brand awareness. If Xu Xiuxiu was willing to offer this support, without a doubt, Su Nuo would be pleased. And indeed, she was.

"Really? Mr. Xu, if you’re willing to invest in ’Promise’ clothing, how much would you be willing to put in?" Su Nuo asked, now with a different tone.

"How much do you need?" Xu Xiuxiu asked calmly. Today’s somewhat wealthy Xu Xiuxiu didn’t bother to consider specific figures when discussing funds.

"I’ve always hoped ’Promise’ clothing would have its own factory. I previously negotiated for one, and the price would be about two hundred thousand. Of course, the factory comes with a lot of machinery and fifty workers," Su Nuo said enthusiastically, revealing the truth. She wasn’t sure if Xu Xiuxiu was serious, but still spoke with great sincerity.

"Then I’ll contribute one hundred thousand in cash for a stake in ’Promise’ clothing, and I’ll take a three-layer share of the profits." Xu Xiuxiu initially wanted a four-layer share, but considering that ’Promise’ already had a few established stores, investing one hundred thousand for a four-layer share seemed too much. Thus, she asked for a three-layer profit share instead. But don’t underestimate this three-layer share. If Promise’s clothes sold well enough, this one hundred thousand investment could break even in maybe just half a year or even less. The subsequent huge profits would definitely be something Xu Xiuxiu coveted.

Although she really wasn’t short on money now, when it comes to clothing, which ranks first in basic human needs, Xu Xiuxiu thought this opportunity to make money was too good to pass up.