Jarrons & Co. – Growing with SMEsJarrons & Co. – Growing with SMEs
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Jarrons & Co. – Growing with SMEs

  • Building Asia with UOB
  • 15 Aug 2023
  • 3 mins watch
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Jarrons & Co. – Growing with SMEs

The growth of a company requires the ability to navigate the ebb and flow of a business lifecycle.

For Jarrons & Co., a Singapore-based children’s merchandise retailer, its success today largely stemmed from being able to pivot its strategy since inception in 2010. The company has evolved from a small 300-sqft retail shop that largely relied on baby fairs for sales, to one that procures, develops and distributes products to other retail partners and direct customers.

The recent pandemic had initially painted a bleak outlook for Jarrons, in part due to global lockdowns and disrupted supply chains, which severely impacted retail sales. UOB was the first bank to roll out relief assistance to more than 20,000 SMEs across ASEAN, including Jarrons, and even provided tailored financing packages that matched Jarrons’ operating model.

The liquidity injection enabled the company to diversify its brand offerings and stock its inventory, to capture a larger market share. This renewed financial stability also allowed the business to successfully transition into e-commerce, a move that grew the company further despite the challenging situation.

Through the UOB SME app, Jarrons was able to achieve greater financial management control, with clearer visibility of its cash flow and the ability to approve and reconcile transactions across multiple parties on-the-go.

Jarrons’ newly launched experiential gallery is a vibrant space that allows customers to try out products before purchasing them online or through one of their retail partners. This innovative concept is yet another sign of how the company is adapting to current times.

As the company plans its expansion into the ASEAN region, UOB's regional expertise and connectivity with supply chain players can help Jarrons increase its distribution channels.

With comprehensive solutions tailored to clients’ needs, UOB’s “One Bank” approach connects businesses to growth opportunities in the region, and beyond.

About this series
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Building Asia is a collection of business stories on CNA that examines the financial forces driving Asia’s position as an economic powerhouse.

Jarrons & Co. – Growing with SMEs was first aired on 14 August 2023 under the Building Asia with UOB series. Watch how UOB supported a children’s merchandise retailer in navigating the ups and downs of growing a business as an SME.

Paul Kan (Head of Business Banking Singapore, UOB):

Hi, Joshua. We meet again.

Joshua Tan (Company Director, Jarrons & Co.):

Hi, Paul. Welcome to our new experiential gallery. Let me show you around.

The new experiential gallery allows customers to test and try products before they make their purchase online or through one of our retailers.

Paul Kan:

That's an interesting concept. I remember Jarrons started off as a retailer of baby and children’s products.

Joshua Tan:

Yeah, Jarrons was actually set up when my family had our firstborn and we were busy sourcing for baby products.

Paul Kan:

I think that's when we started our relationship. And since then, we have been partnering you through all your growth stages.

Joshua Tan:

Yeah. Back then, Jarrons & Co. was only a small retail shop, about 300 square feet, and a lot of our business actually depended on baby fairs. With the support of UOB, we actually expanded. And here we are today.

Paul Kan:

COVID-19 brought about significant supply chain challenges to many distributors and retailers, including Jarrons?

Joshua Tan:

Yeah, during the COVID period, many people stayed at home. Retail sales was badly affected.

Paul Kan:

At that time, UOB was the first bank to roll out relief assistance to more than 20,000 SMEs across the region. This is because UOB places high priority to assist SMEs of all sizes to seek opportunities to thrive during both good and bad times.

Joshua Tan:

With the help of UOB, we managed to pivot our business online. Our business grew and in fact, actually grew better than we expected.

Paul Kan:

You know, to support Jarrons’ operations, UOB provides digital banking services through our UOB SME app. Jarrons can have full visibility of the cash flow and reconcile transactions of all parties. All in all, I would say because of our long-standing relationship and deep understanding of your business model, we are able to tailor make a solution for you.

Joshua Tan:

Yeah, it was really helpful. It gives us more flexibility and liquidity in terms of procurement of inventory and also sourcing of new brands. We are already in Malaysia and were looking into expanding our business into other parts of Southeast Asia.

Paul Kan:

As you expand regionally, we have the footprint to match and local expertise to help you penetrate those new markets. As the One Bank for ASEAN, we can even introduce players in your supply chain as you expand your distribution channels.

Joshua Tan:

I’m looking forward to it.

    Find out how we can help your business expand across ASEANGet in touch

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