Unsuprisingly, the Sunday Times reports today that the fashion retail sector which is experiencing an upsurge is the middle market. Buyers are trading down from Harvey Nicks and trading up from M&S and Primart.
Many of the brands in this not-too-expensive, not-too-cheap niche are small compared with the retail giants. What sets them apart is a focus on quality, design and a commitment to producing fashion you might want to keep. In a tough economic climate, these values chime with the way we want to live now, and they are good for business. Jigsaw reported a substantial sales rise this year and is about to launch an e-commerce site. Banana Republic isn’t having a summer sale — because there is no left-over stock. Reiss and All Saints are expanding rapidly, and Jaeger posted a profit of £82m last year. One of the most exciting fashion relaunches will also be in the middle market. I’ve had a sneak peek at the first collection by the former Topshop guru Jane Shepherdson for Whistles, and it is full of grown-up, gorgeous, covetable clothes.
A black jacket I bought at Whistles two and a half years ago for £175 has several years more life in it, in terms of both quality and style. I was looking in L.K. Bennett the other day, and the small number of pieces they have started to get in for Autumn look very promising, as do the shoes.
3 comments:
Sounds like retailers are going after the Mass Affluent in a big way.
For people like me, who appreciate quality and design over mass consumption, I really NEED this middle-market. Sadly most middle-market clothing are designed for the older crowd and I'm often disappointed.
For me, higher-end second hand clothing stores or massive sales from couture houses are my only options :s while I love a Uniqlo t-shirt as much as the next person, wearing H&M clothing for work is unthinkable.
I work at LK Bennett as the Marketing Executive. Our aim is the bridge the gap between hight street and designer and therefore provide that middle-market. Our new AW08 collection is a great representation of high fashion quality products at a reasonable price point. Have a sneak peak at some of our new arrivals http://www.lkbennett.com/products/justarrived?_s_icmp=7JxTu2Q7
Plus there will be many more to come in next month. Sign-up to our newsletter http://www.lkbennett.com/ and be the first to know about the new collection and offers.
Happy shopping!x
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