Chapter 14: The Down Jacket Launch

The next day, Sunshine Clothing.

Shen Hongxing looked at the large factory buildings.  A few years later, during the state-owned enterprise reforms, this factory would be acquired by a man named Su Yuemin, a returnee from overseas. 

For better development, he would rename Sunshine Clothing to Sunshine Group, expanding into menswear, womenswear, children’s clothing, real estate, cosmetics, finance…

Within the next forty years, under Su’s leadership, Sunshine Group would become a leading private enterprise in China, ranking among the top 500 global companies.

“Hello, we’re here to see your factory director. He gave us this card,” Shen Hongxing said, handing the business card to the security guard.

The guard looked at it and said, “Wait here!” He went into the factory to find the director, Jiang Daqiao.

A few minutes later, a middle-aged man in a Zhongshan suit emerged from the workshop, his steps brisk and his bearing upright.

Chen Jiayi and Cao Hongxia recognized him. “Boss, that’s him!”

To Jiang Daqiao’s surprise, he urgently told the guard, “Open the gate! Don’t keep our valued guests waiting!”

Jiang Daqiao excitedly shook Shen Hongxing’s hand. “I’m so glad you came! Welcome, welcome!” He regretted not getting their contact information yesterday.  He’d have visited them personally.

He was incredibly courteous, practically ushering them into his office.  He instructed his secretary, “Xiao Wang, get them some water!”

Shen Hongxing refused. “No need, Director Jiang. We’re not thirsty. Let’s get to the point.” They needed money.  Tea could wait until after they sold the inventory.

“Haha, what a straightforward young lady!” Jiang Daqiao admired her.  She was composed, knew what she wanted, and worked efficiently. She was destined to be a capable manager.

He personally led them to the warehouse, revealing 30,000 down jackets.

It was 1980. Material conditions were poor, and the internet was undeveloped.  Few people in China knew about down jackets, which were warmer than cotton-padded jackets, except for some returnees from overseas.  Factories mainly exported down jackets.

Shen Hongxing asked curiously, “Director Jiang, these down jackets are for export. Why is there so much unsold inventory?”

Jiang Daqiao explained that this was their first export order, personally negotiated by him. The foreign company had paid a deposit, and the factory worked day and night to complete the order on time. 

However, the foreign company suddenly went bankrupt, unable to pay the remaining balance.  The down jackets were left unsold. They tried selling domestically, but department stores refused due to the high price, low brand recognition, and high risk.

Shen Hongxing pondered. “Most of China hasn’t entered winter yet. Selling all these jackets now might be difficult.”

Jiang Daqiao sighed. “I know! But we’re desperate. All our funds are tied up in these jackets. If we don’t get some money back next month, we can’t even pay the workers!”  His brow furrowed. “It’s my fault. If I hadn’t focused on expansion and higher profits, the factory wouldn’t be like this.” He’d been losing sleep over it.

His words confirmed he was the county magistrate who’d led the county to prosperity.  She decided to help.

“Director Jiang, I can’t guarantee selling everything, but I’ll do my best.”

Jiang Daqiao said, “Sell as many as you can. I won’t set a quota.  I’ll give you 1000 yuan as a reward.”

1000 yuan? That was more than most people earned in three years!  Xu Shuangshuang and the others were about to agree, but Shen Hongxing refused. “Director Jiang, how about a different reward?”

Jiang Daqiao was confused. “Miss Shen means…”

“We’ll take a commission per item! For each jacket sold, you’ll give us one percent, and you’ll cover all other expenses during the sales process…”

“All other expenses, including the venue, will be covered by your factory.”

Jiang Daqiao thought this was a brilliant idea, avoiding risk for the factory while incentivizing the sales team.  He agreed. “Good, let’s do it your way!”

With the payment settled, they discussed the marketing plan.

“Director Jiang, we need a cold storage facility of about 200 square meters for the fashion show.  Also, have someone create invitations for your previous partners to attend the down jacket launch. Rent a camera to take photos of the jackets for flyers. Distribute these flyers daily in high-traffic areas like department stores to build brand awareness.”

Jiang Daqiao was incredibly impressed.  He hadn’t thought of this!

Next was the models.  There were only four of them: Shen Hongxing, Xu Shuangshuang, and the others.  With so many styles for men and women, she needed more models, and quickly.

Where to find them?  She’d use what was available – the young, attractive female and handsome male workers at Sunshine Clothing.

1000 yuan was a lot of money. Shen Hongxing explained, “I thought 1000 yuan was too little. We can earn more!”

Chen Jiayi worried, “Boss, these down jackets are high-end goods, over 100 yuan each. What if we can’t sell any…”

Shen Hongxing was confident. “Don’t worry.  I’ll sell every single jacket and get Sunshine Clothing more big orders!”