Three Bags Full children’s merino clothing range is made from premium 100% luxurious New Zealand ZQ merino wool. It is made ethically in New Zealand with love and care and designed by busy parents, with other busy parents in mind. For ages newborn to 10 years, their merino clothing range is 100% quality, as well as being gorgeous and practical! We spoke to the good people behind the business to find out a little more about how they got started.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
Three Bags Full was started ten years ago in 2007 by two Queenstown mums to fill a gap in the market for quality and fun New Zealand merino clothing for children up to the age of 10. At the time, this was something we were unable to find for our own children.
All our garments are made in New Zealand from top quality ZQ New Zealand Merino, and this is something the company is proud of – New Zealand Merino is highly regarded as being top quality…and the company is keen to take advantage of this.
As well as being functional, the garments have an added element of fun prints to appeal to children.
The Launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
The business was set up 10 years ago in April 2007. At the very outset, we created the range for the local Queenstown market where merino is an absolute essential to get little ones through the winter months. We were really encouraged with the response, which led us to setting up our website and making our range available to the rest of New Zealand and beyond.
Demand now comes predominantly from New Zealand and Australian markets, with sales growing beyond expectation. More recently, demand has continued to grow steadily from the Northern Hemisphere in our off season. The range is now also available to North American customers via Amazon.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
Tapping into international markets, in particular having recently launched on Amazon in North America.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Balancing work and family is a continual challenge for all working mums. I always try to make sure I’m totally present when I’m with the kids and try to switch off from work when I’m home. It’s also been great for the kids to have seen the business grow. They take a real interest in it and like to give their creative input into new print ideas!
The most challenging times are often if you happen to have a sick child…which invariably always happens on the day when you have 101 things on your ‘to do’ list! That’s where it’s great having an understanding business partner.
