The Tech Stack for Fashion Startups: Tools That Will Save You Time and Money
Written by Nidhi Yadav
Hey there! I’m the Operations Partner here at Pennyhills, where I’ve swapped the fast-paced world of fashion supply chains for the equally busy world of family-run accountancy.
My background is in Product Development (shout out to London College of Fashion!), and after years of fixing manufacturing issues globally for brands like Tommy and Arcadia, I now use that “on-the-ground” experience to help our clients build lean, profitable businesses.
I’m all about keeping it simple, so let’s dive straight into the tech that actually makes a difference.
Tools That Will Save You Time and Money
In the fashion world, “stock” isn’t just a number; it’s fabric, buttons, and samples across multiple locations. If you’re still using spreadsheets, you’re losing margins. By integrating your inventory software with Xero, you get real-time visibility.
Here are the top tools I recommend for fashion founders who want to stay runway-ready:
1. Cin7 Core (Formerly DEAR Systems)
This is a powerhouse for small-to-mid-sized fashion brands.
- Why it works for Fashion: It handles Product Variations (size/colour/style) like a dream.
- Xero Connection: It pushes sales and purchase orders directly into Xero, making reconciliation a breeze.
The Bonus: It features a built-in POS (Point of Sale) for those pop-up shops!
2. Cin7 Omni
If you are scaling fast and selling via ASOS, Wolf & Badger, and your own Shopify store, you need Omni.
- Why it works for Fashion: It’s built for Omnichannel (selling on multiple platforms simultaneously) excellence and handles complex EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) requirements for major retailers.
Xero Connection: Deep integration that handles multi-currency, perfect for those “Working Without Borders.”
3. Unleashed
If your brand is “maker” focused and you manufacture in-house, Unleashed is your best friend.
- Why it works for Fashion: Its Production Module tracks the cost of raw materials known as the BOM (Bill of Materials) through to the finished garment.
Xero Connection: It provides accurate “Landed Costing,” so you know exactly how much that shipping delay from Delhi actually cost you.
4. Fishbowl
A robust option for brands with heavy warehouse and logistics requirements.
- Why it works for Fashion: It offers incredible barcoding and tracking. If you’re dealing with high volumes of SKUs (Stock Keeping Units), like accessories or footwear, this is a game-changer.
Xero Connection: Seamlessly updates your ledger so your balance sheet reflects true stock value.
Why This Matters
I know first-hand how burnout feels, I’ve lived through it. It’s why at Pennyhills, we champion work-life balance. Using the right tech isn’t just about the bottom line; it’s about buying back your time so you can enjoy a run, play Lego with your kids, or (in my case) get ready for our new puppy!
Ready to Streamline Your Fashion Business?
If your inventory is currently a bit of a “designer mess,” don’t panic! We specialize in helping fashion founders move from messy spreadsheets to sleek, automated systems that actually talk to their accounting software.
Let’s chat about your supply chain, your growth plans, and how we can get your tech stack working as hard as you do.
Ready to get started?
Get in touch with Sach and the team to find out more about how Pennyhills can transform your business.