Drapers’ Post

In this month's review of trends in the Retail and Consumer sector, our experts discuss: 📦The allure of the dark store - how micro-distribution centres are appealing to retailers 👗How this years fashion shows put more emphasis on sustainability Find out more: https://loom.ly/R2RyF74

With an increase in unit numbers, independent department stores have shown incredible resilience over recent years while national chains are increasingly disappearing from the high street. Drapers explores how they are stepping up their offerings to attract the next generation of consumers. Read more by registering for FREE below. #independent #departmentstore #bricksandmortar #highstreet #retailnews #fashion

With the #fashion and #apparel market rapidly growing, witnessing first-hand the #acceleration and growth of K3’s Fashion Portfolio team in the 🇳🇱 Netherlands has been an exciting experience. 👏 Core principles rooted in #innovation, brand #reinvention, and #customer centricity have been instrumental in solidifying market #growth. As an active supporter of brand enablement and revolutionizing the #fashion #ERP industry, I’m thrilled to be on the ground helping organizations redefine processes to achieve success. 🚀 More insights from Fibre2Fashion below 👇 #fashiontechnology #jointherevolution #microsoftpartner #microsoftdynamics365

Modern Retail : Interesting article and got me thinking about wholesale and department stores (focused on US-based because the department store buying and concession model overseas is quite different) Department stores present collections and have to fill a pre-agreed amount of racks on a pad from brands. Regardless if the brand has a bad season or is waning. Dept stores are locked in. And they are held to a standard to be perfectly merchandised and maintained. (We see the secret shopper photos on here ridiculing the sales floor). Off price is much more chaotic looking and feeling - what will the shopper find? Apparel strewed about is not anathema. The hunt is part of the joy of the experience. So, the core reason-to-be for department stores keeps pulling away; seemingly faster than they can keep up. Iteration will not do it. And innovation requires a ton of risk.

#Vintage #Secondhand shopping is having what seems to be more than a moment. Last year, apparel resale in the United States grew seven times the rate of the broader retail industry. Independent resellers and corporate giants are getting creative to meet the demand. From a physical store lens its been a little (sometimes more so) controversial to co-tenants selling new goods, particularly luxury. They of course can exist within the brands own store and as noted and many stores are opening up in downtowns. Also the element of getting something that other people don't have or are wearing and wasn't mass produced personally is exciting. Other potential good news is the impact on the #environment. Other issues include how to technology plays a role in bringing items onto e-commerce platforms. #retailtransformation #retail The RealReal Depop

I remember a saying from my retail management days, "all buyers are liars". While consumers claim they care about sustainability and authenticity, recent shopping trends tell a different story—particularly when you look at Shein’s explosive growth. In 2023, Shein’s sales increased by 43%, with revenues reaching $32.5 billion, and projections for 2024 are even more staggering at $48 billion(Wethrift). At the same time, premium brands that focus on quality, ethical production, and long-lasting materials are struggling to keep up. Consumers say they want eco-friendly products, yet fast fashion’s low prices and constant novelty continue to win wallets. One of the key behavioral shifts we're seeing is the demand for immediacy. Platforms like Shein have mastered the art of fast fashion by churning out thousands of new items daily(Retail Insight Network), all while using data to optimise inventory and gauge trends in real-time. This appeals particularly to younger generations, whose shopping habits are influenced heavily by social media and the desire for constant newness—more than 64% of Shein’s customers are under 34(Wethrift). The influencer culture drives fashion trends, shoppers prioritise access and affordability over longevity and ethics. The rise of D2C (direct-to-consumer) models is also reshaping expectations. While this model boomed initially for brands offering unique or premium products, many consumers are growing weary of buying exclusively from brand websites, preferring marketplaces or multi-brand platforms. In fact, 2024 data shows that while eCommerce sales continue to grow at 9.9%, brick-and-mortar still maintains a 5.1% growth rate(Wethrift)(Retail Insight Network). Consumers' growing preference for immediate gratification and low-cost trends has resulted in a disconnect between what they say and how they shop. While they express interest in sustainable and ethical practices, Shein’s dominance suggests that, in practice, convenience and affordability reign supreme. This shift is a clear sign that values alone don’t drive behavior—price, ease of access, and novelty still hold strong sway in the consumer decision-making process.

In the ever-evolving and competitive landscape of retail, independent fashion retailers encounter a distinct set of challenges and opportunities. As e-commerce giants and global chains continue to expand across the nation, it becomes increasingly crucial for these small businesses to establish a unique business model that effectively connects with their target market to safeguard their business for the future. FashionUnited spoke with several independent retailers to learn more about the current state of independent retail in the United States.

Fashion retailers are facing challenges with repeat refunders, impacting financial and logistical operations. Automation can streamline returns processes, reducing costs and improving efficiency. By embracing modern warehouse automation, retailers can quickly process returns and get items back into sellable stock, preventing lost margins. This is crucial for the fast-paced fashion industry, where seasons are short and margins are slim. Efficient reverse logistics is key to maximizing profits and managing high return rates effectively.

We are well and truly gutted that another strong and well known fashion business is closing the remainder of their stores in the upcoming days 💔 Unfortunately, it is getting too familiar walking down your high streets and seeing "For Sale" or "Closing Down" Signs. This is why it is so important to support your local businesses as well as larger branded businesses. Without customers, there's no business. With our moto being "We Know Retail" - we really mean it, Retail is our specialty. These are the sort of businesses and people that we work with every single day to try and ensure that they can reach their full potential in sales without any Hardware or Software issues getting in their way. If alike Ted Baker you are having to close your doors to your physical stores for whatever reason, then allow us to support you in focusing on your ecommerce store for success in a different approach in such a technology driven society. Or you can take a minute or two of your day to have a read of some of our blogs that may help for your store to appeal to the public and hopefully bring in custom 🤞 https://lnkd.in/eTd-dPX3 #Datascan #WeKnowRetail #TedBaker #StoreClosure #Online #ByeBye #Sadness #AnotherOneBitesTheDust #Finances #Ecommerce #BreakingNews #Retail #Giant #UK #Shops

🚀 Dive into the Dynamic World of Off-Price Retail with Expandly! In an era where economic uncertainty looms large, the off-price sector stands out as a beacon of resilience and growth. At Expandly, we've been closely observing this fascinating trend and are excited to share our latest insights with you! 🔍 Why Off-Price, and Why Now? The off-price market, with its unique ability to offer name-brand products at significant discounts, has outpaced traditional retail in sales volume. Brands like TJX, Ross Stores, and Burlington have shown us the power of profiting from overstock and overruns, proving that high-quality goods don't have to come with high price tags. 💡 Online vs. Offline: Navigating New Frontiers As the off-price industry evolves with the rise of online shopping, it presents a mix of opportunities and challenges. Balancing online presence with physical stores, maintaining brand equity, and expanding consumer bases requires a nuanced approach. ♻️ Sustainability Meets Affordability Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it's a consumer expectation. The off-price market offers a sustainable avenue for brands to manage surplus inventory without compromising their image or full-price sales. 🏆 Success Stories That Inspire From luxury shoe brands to high-end clothing labels, learn how strategic off-price partnerships have led to win-win situations, attracting budget-conscious consumers without devaluing brand prestige. 🔗 A Booming Opportunity for Wholesalers The expansion of the off-price sector has opened up a goldmine for wholesalers. With a constant need for fresh, in-demand stock, efficiency in logistics, and exceptional client service are more important than ever. At Expandly, we're passionate about connecting you with the thriving world of off-price retail. Whether you're a brand looking to navigate this sector or a wholesaler aiming to make your mark, our insights can pave the way for your success. 🌐 Ready to explore the off-price landscape? Dive into our full article for a deeper understanding and actionable strategies. https://lnkd.in/d8TeX4ju #OffPriceRetail #FashionRetail #Sustainability #BrandStrategy #Wholesale #Expandly