IndiaCoco

CLAIRE HARPER

INDIACOCO FOUNDER

BIOGRAPHY

Claire Harper is an experienced and dynamic marketeer and the founder of award winning IndiaCoco, an inspirational retailer selling great quality, handpicked British designed childrenswear for children aged 0 – 8 years. Previously Claire was Marketing Director of nursery and fashion retailer Mamas & Papas where she worked for five years, successfully delivering all the UK and international marketing strategy and brand development.

Since launching in 2012 IndiaCoco has caught the eye of renowned entrepreneurs. In June 2013 IndiaCoco won a WOW award from Jacqueline Gold, chief executive of Knickerbox and Ann Summers. In the same month the retailer was also shortlisted for the Wakefield Business Awards; New Business of the Year Award.

Attracting an international and UK customer base IndiaCoco has executed powerful joint marketing campaigns with other like minded British brands including UK Internet retailer Ocado and Neom Organics, luxury home fragrance and body care products. This has enabled Harper to offer IndiaCoco’s customers additional benefits and reach a wider target audience.

Claire has worked with many of Britain’s leading retailers. She launched her marketing career as an executive working for Argos quickly becoming Marketing Manager. She moved to Ocado as PR & Marketing Manager to become Head of Customer Acquisition before being selected to be the Head of Online Marketing at Sainsbury’s where she played a pivotal senior role in the online turnaround team. At Ocado Claire’s role included working on the launch, development and growing success of the revolutionary online grocery brand, exceeding all commercial and marketing objectives.

Claire joined Mamas and Papas in 2006 as the first ever Marketing Director and within 3 months was promoted and appointed onto the Holdings Board of Directors. She successfully implemented all International brand strategy and retail expansion including a US launch in partnership with Babies ‘R’ Us and including brand guideline execution and product brand management across hundreds of retails stores, concessions and distributors.

Claire launched IndiaCoco in June 2012 with former Morrison’s Finance Director, Lee Williams after spotting a gap in the market for a destination shop which housed original, well designed and innovative childrenswear all under one roof.

Says Claire: “IndiaCoco clothing is for babies and children from birth to eight years old. I took a long time carefully selecting clothing brands for the business because I want to introduce shoppers to new labels they wouldn’t necessarily find on the high street. IndiaCoco’s products are quirky, innovative and designed in Britain.’

Since launching IndiaCoco has expanded into ‘bricks and mortar’ by establishing a business partnership with award winning Blacker Hall Farm Shop in Yorkshire which sells a selection of IndiaCoco’s products. Claire plans to open the first IndiaCoco store during 2013 and roll out across the UK in community based locations. Comments Claire: “IndiaCoco is now a multi-channel proposition. Blacker Hall Farm is an ideal retail opportunity for customers who like to touch and feel the products and complements the quick and convenient website for online shoppers.”
Social media and PR have been key channels for growing the IndiaCoco brand and have played a significant role in brand positioning and marketing communications. Widespread coverage has been achieved with UK and international bloggers and national print press.

Find IndiaCoco at www.indiacoco.com .