Social Media Creates Major Buzz Around Local Swimwear Brand
by January 6, 2014 12:00 am 75 views
There’s no denying social media has changed the world. With the ability to reach millions of potential customers instantly and at the same time, social media sites have proved to be a game-changer in the world of emerging companies.
Before Fayetteville startup Southern Swim’s online store officially launched Dec. 13, the swimwear brand had already garnered more than 23,000 “likes” on Facebook.
It started with a single image of a swimsuit on the photo-sharing site Instagram. The company, brainchild of creative branding studio BLKBOXLabs, quickly received a huge response from throughout the world.
Social media followers liked Southern Swim’s philosophy on swimwear, said Tara Hill, president and CEO. “Most swimsuit brands are focused on the west coast and the Caribbean, but the people we know like to go to the lake or the river on the weekend.”
Southern Swim caters to the girl — or boy — next door, offering modest swimwear in styles that have a Southern flair. For the brand, it’s about evoking a culture that is ingrained in Southern lifestyle.
“I think people can picture themselves wearing the suits,” said Joey Nelson, owner of BLKBOXLabs and Southern Swim.
The brand cultivated its online following by posting photos shot around Arkansas depicting real people wearing styles similar to those that would be sold at Southern Swim and doing things like canoeing and hanging out at the lake.
Right now on its website, southernswim.com, there are about 50 items with seven different brand names for sale. But in 2014, Southern Swim plans to branch out. It’s moving to a new, larger office soon and plans to expand its inventory offering substantially more suits and adding accessories.