I recently had lunch with Miriam Lahage and Nicola Grylls, CEO and Marketing Manager respectively, of Koodos.com.

Koodos has a blog called Bargainista where they publish discount codes of competitors to encourage repeat visits to the website (see my previous blog on it here).

Miriam and Nicola mentioned that some people thought they were “crazy” to promote their competitors.

It’s undeniably a risky strategy, but the best ideas have to be a bit crazy and it’s all about taking risks to establish a position in the market.

It was pleasing, but unsurprising given the current economic climate, to hear that Koodos has been doing well selling designer at discount. And even better during the other climate change; the weather.

We chatted about the current trend for discount codes, and the future challenge for retailers when the economy picks up, as shoppers will be accustomed to discounts.

It will continue to be a good time for discount sites, whilst full price retailers will have to up their offerings to compete.

I think Koodos could make more of its service to brands, where it can act as an outlet for product in its later life stage.

Ted Baker recently commissioned M And M Direct to create the discount store Ted’s Shed, but for brands that want a low cost option to shift excess stock Koodos has a brilliant platform and audience.