konknaijaboy | On 21, Jul 2013

Polo Ralph Lounge (PRL)  is the  first Polo Ralph Lauren outlet in Nigeria that  exclusively offers varieties of  Ralph Lauren products. The concept according to Mr. Allison is the proper re-introduction of the  Ralph Lauren  brand, and labels  to a discerning clientele without quality compromise. At a recent interview, he  gave us an insight on why they still remain the best in the business. Excerpt :

Can we meet you sir?
The name is Tunde Allison,Born, bred and raised in Lagos and Product of Lagos State University (LASU LAW)

  As a student did you know you would go into fashion some day?
Not really, but interestingly one of my sisters owned a boutique which I managed for about 5yrs. So I guess the customer facing and satisfaction of the business was something I did enjoy
Did  that inspire the business idea and why the polo Ralph Lauren brand?
I ‘ve always loved RL (who doesn’t ). Interestingly, I never thought i would be in this business. Some years back while in the US, I gradually started selling Polos in partnership with my cousin Then we did mainly Polo tops and then I started under studying the brand and was fascinated by what I consider ‘the period of rebirth of Ralph Lauren’
I can see that even the paints on the wall is polo Ralph Lauren, can I authoritatively say ur store is 100% polo?
Oh yeah 150%(laughs). We pride ourselves to be the only store in Nigeria that deals exclusively in Polo Ralph Lauren products
Our mission is to showcase varieties of products that Ralph Lauren has to offer. Our niche is showcasing Ralph Lauren Lifestyle.

     
Not many know how to spot the difference between the original and fake polo Ralph Lauren products, Doesn’t this affect the business?
The issue of spotting fake Polo tops or shirts is something that we always try to educate our customers about.
On the business side, it does not affect our business because when you walk in to any of our stores the notion of ‘fake polo’ will not cross your mind
what incentives do I enjoy, if I become a regular client
We always give our loyal and return customers discounts and some times little gifts. However, we will be rolling out our PRL Distingué store cards soon.

     
You once organized a system that allows student work on contract, can u tell us more about it?
Yes, We set up a sales initiative primarily  for students called Student Commissioned Agents program as a Corporate Social Responsibility. The idea behind it was to encourage students make extra cash
We also make it a point to employ only students. Our belief is that we can impact the entrepreneurial bug and encourage more people to branch out as employers of labor.

   
Can it still be accessed and any requirement for interested students?
Sure the program is still on and running for any interested student and the only requirement is for the person to be a bona fide student of any Nigerian tertiary institution.The Point of contact for the program is BJ: 08026616619 Pin:2657972B
On a lighter note, why do your close pals call you guru?
That’s a nickname I picked up with my LLB from LASU LAWS.

   

Contacts:

Ikeja outlet : 17, Osho street, 1st Floor, Opebi-Oregun link road, Ikeja. 08127078870
Ikoyi outlet : 17, Maitama Sule st, off Awolowo road, Ikoyi. 08026616619 & 08070707701
www.facebook.com/poloralphlounge
Google plus : Polo Ralph Lounge
@prllagos

Source: GAS PROMOTIONS