Photo: Ulla with her children photographed by Matilda Fors, Fors Foto in Borås / Textile Sample
Tell us about Larson’s Agentur AB, how did it all start?
For over 20 years, Larson’s has made a name for itself in the textile industry by valuing personal relationships with both principals and customers. Larson’s works with different types of customers and is a strong player in uniform, hospital, and protective clothing. We also provide materials for many of the well-known Swedish brands, those looking for more refined and delicate fabrics. As a company, we are also proud to represent mainly European suppliers who comply with EU laws, REACH, and have Ökotex certificates. Several suppliers work with Fairtrade and with Ökotex STeP. The European standard is a quality to be proud of.
I have a solid background in the textile industry. I started my career by educating myself in textiles, materials science, sewing, weaving, and pattern design. This was followed by work as a quality controller at a mail-order company in Borås for a later offer of a role on the purchasing side. When the idea later emerged to start something own, it was given an opportunity to represent, above all, European weavers. Through my experience from various positions in the textile industry, I have a great understanding of all parts of the production line – and can therefore help customers find good solutions.
What type of products do you sell and what market do you turn to?
The portfolio includes “organic cotton” according to GOTS, BCI, recycled PET and we participate in “circular projects”. This means that we can guarantee that production is made to a good standard, no child labor, no hazardous chemicals, and low CO2 emissions where transport is also minimized. Our strong morale gives customers an end product to be proud of. With offices in Kungsbacka, Larson’s always provides its customers with good service and quick answers to their questions. Our suppliers are European weavers, and the customers are those who think more about the environment and the long life cycle of the garments.
Photo: Fabric samples
What is the best thing about running an agency?
To have long-term relationships with their suppliers and that you decide for yourself how much you want to work. To be able to influence customers to make active environmental choices.
What do you think is the most important thing to stand out in the market today? And how have you adapted to it?
It is hard to stand out when everything goes so fast, but Larson’s has always been focused on European fabrics and quality: it feels like security in these times can be a positive trait. Also, I am happy to inform the customer about how they can be environmentally conscious.
The sustainability issue is very relevant in your industry, how do you work with it?
I work with GOTS, Recycle GRS, Bluesign, Ökotex Step, BCI Cotton, and FSC, among others.
What do you think are the most important ingredients for success in what you do?
Always give everything to make it work well and easily for the customer, but do not hesitate without being straightforward and clear with the information, even if it is sometimes a negative message.
If you were to investigate the future, what do you think the development looks like for the industry?
More will be produced closer to the consumer. The young generation will shop more environmentally conscious. The new type of consumer buys fewer products, but at a higher price. Sustainability is the new normal – instead of all the tags that hang with advertising about GOTS, BCI, and RPet, among other things, the garments will be “stripped”.