Forty years and counting

Chelsea Fashions’ Anesh Morar says that come October, there will be a major cause for festivities when the anniversary celebrations are scheduled to take place.

"My mom Sheila and dad Navine started the business; they were definitely a team. My dad was also the first non-white person to receive business premises on Independence Avenue," he says.

"When my dad initially came to Namibia, he managed a cinema in Khomasdal, the Oasis 500, and thereafter he and my mom opened a video store close to where Langerhans Pharmacy is today. On the side, my mom started making clothing. By chance, a friend of my dad had come up from South Africa with a few rolls of fabric in a bid to get into the market. But it didn't work out, and he gave it to my dad and said he would return at some time."

A few months later when he returned, “my dad told him that there was a problem and that all his fabric is gone... But here's the cash! And bring more fabric!"

From there on the business expanded and the Morars began looking for a space to sell their fabric exclusively. That space was 103 Independence Avenue.

"My brothers and I grew up in the store amongst the fabric, just like my children are today,” Anesh says.

In the meantime, the business expanded and over time Chelsea Fashions filled three stores.

Today they are located in Hyper Motor City, with more space, more projects and more parking, Anesh jokes.



Pick and choose

When it comes to the amount of fabric Chelsea carries in metres, Anesh says that the look on his staff's faces when he says “stocktake” really says it all. "We have a running system where we constantly measure section by section, but it's probably in the millions of metres!"

Looking ahead, Anesh says that despite the economic slump, there is a definite uptick in business and that events that were on hold are picking up again. “Also, in curtaining and upholstery sales, because people seem to be focusing on their homes. Since last year weddings are also back in full swing. We also work closely with events coordinators, and it's great to see life coming back to their businesses as well."

Moving into their manufacturing section, Chelsea Decor, Anesh says they manufacture items from curtaining and roller blinds to anything that involves fabric. “Cushion covers, car seats, you name it. People often come to us with strange requests, but 99.9 per cent of the time we can deliver. It keeps things fresh and interesting,” he says.

In terms of their Corporate Social Responsibility, Anesh says they often work with non-governmental organisations and vocational training centres to train others, giving them the skills to start their own businesses. “Also, as a partner, we supply fabric at a discounted rate. We love being involved in the communities to further develop their skills and the art of sewing.

“Our team here is very good at what they do. It is like art when you see what they can create. We're also trying to reinvigorate the transfer of sewing skills to a younger generation.

“Finally, we love the position of manufacturing locally, of keeping the capital within our economy and keeping it Namibian.”

Chelsea Fashions is located at 20 & 21 Hyper Motor City. Contact them at 061 231 154 or [email protected].