Implementation Timeline
1. Q1 2024: Secure suppliers, finalize designs.
2. Q2 2024: Launch Addis store, begin local marketing.
3. Q3 2024: Cannes activation, international sales rollout.
Discussion
**Expanded Implementation Timeline for Boaz Trading PLC**
### **Q1 2024: Secure Suppliers & Finalize Designs**
**Objective**: Establish a resilient supply chain and culturally resonant product line.
**Key Activities**:
1. **January**:
- **Supplier Contracts**:
- Sign agreements with **Arba Minch Organic Cotton Cooperatives** (Southern Ethiopia) and **Kombolcha Textile Mills** (Amhara).
- Partner with **Bahir Dar Natural Dye Collective** for plant-based dyes.
- **Material Testing**: Conduct quality checks on organic cotton batches and natural dyes.
2. **February**:
- **Design Workshops**:
- Collaborate with Addis Ababa-based artists (e.g., **Afewerk Tekle Foundation**) to integrate Aksumite and Omo Valley motifs.
- Host focus groups with Addis youth to refine designs (e.g., Amharic slogans, unisex fits).
- **Prototyping**: Produce 50 sample T-shirts (25 Cannes, 25 Everyday) for feedback.
3. **March**:
- **Finalize Production**:
- Approve designs and lock in bulk orders for 10,000 units (7,500 Everyday, 2,500 Cannes).
- Secure AGOA compliance certifications for export-focused Cannes Collection.
- **Ethical Audits**: Verify labor practices at partner farms and factories with **TIDI** (Textile Industry Development Institute).
**Deliverables**:
- 100% supplier contracts signed by March 15.
- 50 approved designs (30 Everyday, 20 Cannes).
---
### **Q2 2024: Launch Addis Store & Begin Local Marketing**
**Objective**: Establish brand presence in Addis Ababa and drive initial sales.
**Key Activities**:
1. **April**:
- **Store Build-Out**:
- Lease and renovate 200 sqm space in **Lideta Mercato** (Addis), incorporating recycled materials and AR fitting rooms.
- Train 10 staff members (sales, tailoring, logistics).
- **Inventory Stocking**: Receive first production batch (5,000 Everyday Line units).
2. **May**:
- **Soft Launch**:
- Invite influencers, local media, and community leaders to a pre-opening event.
- Test TeleBirr payment integration and inventory management systems.
- **Local Marketing Kickoff**:
- Launch TikTok campaign #WearYourSheba with Ethiopian athletes and musicians.
- Distribute free samples to university students via campus ambassadors.
3. **June**:
- **Grand Opening**:
- Officially open store with a Meskel Festival-themed event (live music, artisan demos).
- Offer “Founders’ Discount” (20% off) for first 500 customers.
- **Community Partnerships**:
- Collaborate with **Sheger FM** for radio ads targeting Addis commuters.
- Sponsor **Addis Ababa Marathon** with branded hydration stations.
**Deliverables**:
- Store operational by June 1.
- 1,000+ units sold in June.
---
### **Q3 2024: Cannes Activation & International Sales Rollout**
**Objective**: Elevate global brand recognition and secure premium international buyers.
**Key Activities**:
1. **July**:
- **Cannes Pre-Launch**:
- Ship 1,000 Cannes Collection units to bonded warehouse in Marseille, France.
- Finalize partnerships with Ethiopian filmmakers (e.g., **Yared Zeleke**) for red carpet appearances.
- **Diaspora Outreach**: Launch pre-order Shopify site for U.S./EU customers.
2. **August**:
- **Cannes Pop-Up Activation** (May 14–25, 2024 retrofitted to Q3):
- Construct bamboo-and-linen pop-up on Croisette Beach with VR cotton farm tours.
- Host private dinner for buyers featuring Ethiopian cuisine and coffee ceremonies.
- **Media Blitz**: Secure coverage in *Vogue Arabia*, *The Africa Report*, and Cannes live streams.
3. **September**:
- **International E-Commerce Go-Live**:
- Launch Amazon storefront and optimize Shopify for USD/EUR pricing.
- Partner with **DHL** for express shipping to diaspora hubs (e.g., Washington D.C., Dubai).
- **Post-Cannes Sales**:
- Auction T-shirts worn by celebrities at Cannes, with proceeds funding **Design Ethiopia** scholarships.
- Release behind-the-scenes documentary on YouTube to sustain buzz.
**Deliverables**:
- 500 Cannes units sold during/after Cannes.
- 10,000+ social media followers gained.
---
### **Q4 2024: Review & Scale**
**Objective**: Optimize operations and prepare for regional expansion.
**Key Activities**:
- **Post-Launch Audit**: Analyze sales data, customer feedback, and supply chain efficiency.
- **Holiday Campaign**: Release limited-edition *Timket Festival Collection* and bundle deals.
- **2025 Planning**: Secure contracts for East African expansion (Nairobi, Kigali).
---
### **Risk Mitigation & Contingencies**
- **Supplier Delays**: Pre-qualify backup suppliers in Sidama region.
- **Low Cannes Demand**: Redirect unsold stock to luxury boutiques in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates.
- **Tech Failures**: Manual payment fallback (cash/TeleBirr) during system outages.
---
This timeline balances ambition with pragmatism, ensuring Boaz Trading PLC transitions seamlessly from local launch to global spotlight while embedding Ethiopian culture at every stage.
### **Expanded Implementation Timeline**
**Objective**: Execute the T-Shirt Stores Project with precision, aligning with Ethiopia’s cultural calendar and global opportunities.
---
#### **Q1 2024: Secure Suppliers & Finalize Designs**
**Key Actions**:
1. **Supplier Onboarding**:
- **Local Cotton**: Partner with 5 organic cotton farms in Arsi and Tigray (certified by **ECX**), securing 10,000 kg/month at 300 ETB/kg.
- **Premium Materials**: Sign contracts with Bahir Dar silk cooperatives and Indian recycled polyester suppliers (20% prepayment).
2. **Design Finalization**:
- **Local Line**: Collaborate with Addis Ababa University art students to create 20+ designs (e.g., “Addis Street Art,” “Sheba Script”).
- **Cannes Line**: Work with filmmaker Yared Zeleke on 5 cinematic designs (e.g., “Simien Skies” inspired by *Lamb*).
3. **Prototyping & Testing**:
- Produce 500 sample units for focus groups; iterate based on feedback (e.g., adjust necklines for unisex fits).
**Milestones**:
- 100% supplier contracts signed by March 2024.
- 3 design patents filed.
---
#### **Q2 2024: Launch Addis Store & Begin Local Marketing**
**Key Actions**:
1. **Store Setup**:
- **Location**: Lease 150m² in Bole District (500,000 ETB/month rent).
- **Tech Integration**: Install AR mirrors for virtual try-ons and TeleBirr POS systems.
2. **Local Marketing Blitz**:
- **Social Media**: Launch *#WearYourRoots* TikTok challenge (target: 1M views).
- **Influencers**: Partner with @HabeshaFashion (45k followers) for a 12-post campaign.
- **Event Activation**: Pop-up at Meskel Festival (Sept 27), selling 300 “Meskel Bloom” tees/day.
3. **Production Kickoff**:
- Begin mass production at Hawassa Industrial Park (10,000 units/month).
**Milestones**:
- Store grand opening by May 2024.
- 1,000 units sold in Q2 (200,000 ETB revenue).
---
#### **Q3 2024: Cannes Activation & International Sales Rollout**
**Key Actions**:
1. **Cannes Film Festival (May 14–25)**:
- **Pop-Up Store**: Rent 50m² on La Croisette (€15,000), showcasing the “Cannes x Lalibela” collection.
- **Red Carpet Placements**: Gift tees to 20+ African filmmakers (e.g., Mahamat-Saleh Haroun).
- **VR Experience**: Deploy Meta Quest headsets for virtual tours of Ethiopian heritage sites.
2. **International Sales Launch**:
- **E-Commerce**: Go live on Shopify (USD pricing) and Jumia Kenya.
- **Diaspora Campaign**: Target Ethiopian communities in D.C. and Dubai via geo-fenced Instagram ads.
3. **Post-Cannes Analysis**:
- Measure ROI via sales (target: 300 units sold) and media impressions (target: 500k).
**Milestones**:
- Secure orders from 2 international retailers (e.g., Moda Operandi).
- Achieve 40% gross margin on Cannes line.
---
### **Dependencies & Risks**
1. **Q1-Q2 Dependency**: Delays in cotton harvests could stall production.
- *Mitigation*: Stockpile 3 months’ inventory by March 2024.
2. **Q2-Q3 Dependency**: Cannes activation requires finalized designs by April.
- *Mitigation*: Assign a dedicated design team for Cannes by February.
---
### **Post-Q3 2024 Roadmap**
- **Q4 2024**: Expand to Dire Dawa (store) and launch kids’ line.
- **Q1 2025**: Enter COMESA markets via Nairobi partnership.
- **Q3 2025**: Apply for B Corp certification.
---
### **Key Metrics**
| **Quarter** | **Metric** | **Target** |
|-------------|--------------------------------|--------------------------|
| Q1 2024 | Suppliers secured | 100% |
| Q2 2024 | Addis store foot traffic | 500 visitors/day |
| Q3 2024 | Cannes line gross margin | 65% |
---
This phased timeline balances local execution with global ambition, ensuring Boaz Trading PLC capitalizes on Ethiopia’s cultural moments (e.g., Meskel) and international platforms (Cannes) to drive brand equity and revenue.
**Expanded Implementation Timeline for Boaz Trading PLC’s T-Shirt Stores Project**
This timeline breaks down tasks by quarter, assigns ownership, identifies dependencies, and includes KPIs to ensure accountability and alignment with the 18% ROI target.
---
### **Q1 2024: Secure Suppliers & Finalize Designs**
**Objective**: Establish ethical supply chains and validate product-market fit.
#### **Key Activities**:
1. **Supplier Onboarding**
- **Task**: Audit and sign contracts with 3 organic cotton farms (Bahir Dar, Hawassa, Omo Valley).
- **Owner**: Supply Chain Manager
- **Deliverables**: Signed MOUs with farmers, GOTS certification in progress.
- **KPI**: 100% of cotton sourced locally by March 2024.
2. **Design Finalization**
- **Task**: Conduct focus groups with Addis Ababa youth to test 10 prototype designs.
- **Owner**: Lead Designer + Marketing Team
- **Deliverables**: 5 approved Everyday Line designs; 3 Cannes Collection concepts.
- **KPI**: 85%+ approval rate from test groups.
3. **Production Setup**
- **Task**: Install screen-printing equipment at Hawassa Industrial Park.
- **Owner**: Production Manager
- **Deliverables**: 1,000 sample units produced for QA testing.
- **KPI**: Zero defects in 95% of samples.
**Risks & Mitigation**:
- **Supplier Delays**: Pre-negotiate backup farms in Sidama region.
- **Design Revisions**: Allocate 2 weeks for iterative tweaks.
---
### **Q2 2024: Launch Addis Store & Local Marketing**
**Objective**: Dominate Addis Ababa’s casual apparel market.
#### **Key Activities**:
1. **Store Launch**
- **Task**: Secure lease in Bole district; complete Ethiopian-art-themed interior design.
- **Owner**: Retail Operations Lead
- **Deliverables**: Flagship store operational by May 2024.
- **KPI**: 500+ foot traffic in opening week.
2. **Local Marketing Campaign**
- **Task**: Roll out #WearEthiopian TikTok challenge with influencers Hanan Tarq and Abel Tesfaye.
- **Owner**: Digital Marketing Team
- **Deliverables**: 10M social media impressions; 1,000 pre-orders.
- **KPI**: 20% conversion rate from social ads.
3. **Inventory Stocking**
- **Task**: Distribute 5,000 Everyday Line units to Addis store and Mercato kiosks.
- **Owner**: Logistics Coordinator
- **Deliverables**: 100% stock availability at launch.
- **KPI**: Sell-through rate of 70% in Q2.
**Risks & Mitigation**:
- **Low Foot Traffic**: Host a live music event with Ethiopian jazz artists at the store launch.
- **Inventory Shortages**: Maintain a 20% buffer stock in Hawassa.
---
### **Q3 2024: Cannes Activation & International Sales Rollout**
**Objective**: Establish global brand recognition and secure premium buyers.
#### **Key Activities**:
1. **Cannes Film Festival Activation**
- **Task**: Set up pop-up store on La Croisette; gift T-shirts to 50+ VIP attendees (e.g., Lupita Nyong’o).
- **Owner**: International Marketing Lead
- **Deliverables**: Media coverage in *Vogue* and *Variety*; 500 Cannes Collection units sold.
- **KPI**: €100,000+ in sales at the event.
2. **E-Commerce Launch**
- **Task**: Go live on Shopify with Amharic/English support and TeleBirr payment integration.
- **Owner**: E-Commerce Manager
- **Deliverables**: 1,000+ website visitors/day; 200+ orders in the first month.
- **KPI**: 25% of sales from diaspora (U.S., Europe, UAE).
3. **Export Logistics Setup**
- **Task**: Finalize partnerships with DHL and Ethiopian Airlines for global shipping.
- **Owner**: Supply Chain Manager
- **Deliverables**: Delivery timelines of 5–7 days to EU/U.S.
- **KPI**: 95% on-time delivery rate.
**Risks & Mitigation**:
- **Cannes No-Shows**: Livestream the pop-up on Instagram and offer virtual exclusives.
- **Shipping Delays**: Pre-position 30% of Cannes stock in France via air freight.
---
### **Q4 2024: Consolidation & Scalability**
**Objective**: Review Year 1 performance and plan East African expansion.
#### **Key Activities**:
1. **Financial Review**
- Analyze ROI against the 18% target; adjust pricing/inventory for Year 2.
- **KPI**: Achieve breakeven by December 2024.
2. **Community Impact Report**
- Publish sustainability metrics (e.g., carbon saved, jobs created).
- **KPI**: 80%+ positive sentiment in local media.
3. **2025 Roadmap**
- Finalize plans to expand to Nairobi (Kenya) and Dire Dawa (Ethiopia).
- **KPI**: Secure 2 retail partners in East Africa.
---
### **Critical Dependencies**:
- Cannes activation **requires** finalized designs and production samples by Q1.
- Addis store launch **depends on** local marketing campaigns driving pre-launch buzz.
- E-commerce success **relies on** seamless integration with TeleBirr.
---
### **Budget Allocation by Quarter**
| **Quarter** | **Focus** | **Budget (ETB)** |
|-------------|----------------------------|------------------|
| Q1 2024 | Suppliers & Production | 8,000,000 |
| Q2 2024 | Store Launch & Marketing | 10,000,000 |
| Q3 2024 | Cannes & International | 6,875,000 |
| Q4 2024 | Review & Planning | 2,625,000 |
---
By adhering to this timeline, Boaz Trading PLC will balance local dominance with global ambition, ensuring scalable growth grounded in Ethiopian heritage.