South West retail brands set to expand into the US

20th May 2021

A new programme launched by the Department for International Trade (DIT) has been introduced to help upskill South West retail brands to trade with the US.  

The Retail Lab, created by the Department for International Trade South West will take retail businesses through an intensive and unique programme of support designed to catapult them into the $4 trillion US retail market.

Launching this month and devised and led by Ameeta Virk, Growth Markets Leader for the US, Nigel Barker, Digital Trade Advisor and Emma Jones, International Trade Adviser and Retail Specialist, 'The Retail Lab' will equip high potential companies in the South West of England, via a series of educational modules that will help overcome the biggest challenges faced when trying to enter and scale up in the US market.

Part of the Department for International Trade South West's flagship 'Levelling Up' support, the programme will culminate with businesses being given the opportunity to list on one of the most trusted Stateside B2B platforms at a heavily reduced rate, only available through this programme. 

From here, they will have the potential to reach 11,000 buyers within retail giants such as Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, Walgreens, CVS, and Bed Bath and Beyond to name a few. 

Ameeta Virk, US Growth Markets Leader said:

“The Retail sector has been severely impacted by the pandemic and now it needs to build back with renewed energy and innovation. 

“Retail is a sector that I’ve been close to through my career, and I am delighted to have built an initiative that I am confident will not only upskill businesses in necessary US market knowledge but also will provide direct market access opportunities.” 

Businesses can apply for the programme here and the closing date for applications is Thursday 3rd June 2021.  

For further information on DIT’s export support and international opportunities, visit www.great.gov.uk

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