Forecasting the fashions that the consumers will be seeking, is needed for being successful retailers. Even top designers routinely perform surveys before designing their seasonal lines and the large retailers consult forecasting specialists before purchasing a stock for their stores. The independent boutique retailer must gain access to valuable industry information and trend predictors. And how does?
It will give you an upfront view of the new names in design, what consumers will be shopping for and where the trends are headed if you got above all observing what happens in shiny celebrity fashion magazines and monthly magazines.
Powerful Influencing is Consumer Spending
Consumer spending is powerfully influenced by the media but tempered by the economy so to find out what consumers are buying it is advisable to make frequent visits to busy similar retailers and local shopping malls. Take time wherever possible to chat with sales assistants. They are on the front-line and this gives them a unique perspective of consumer’s needs and what the customer is seeking. In the magazine fashion forums, Elle, Vogue, In-Style, etc have very active fashion consumer forums that will be the other extremely rich sources of information that will be found online. For finding out what is being purchased and the buzz on upcoming styles, these are useful indicators.
Now, More US retailers are finding inspiration closer to home. US retailers looked to European retailers for market trends In the past. There is a wealth of undiscovered local designers in our back yard who are acquiring a dedicated following. With little detective work, you can find these rising stars and establish a relationship that will be mutually beneficial.
Subscribing to Industry Trade Publications
Other important ways to anticipate the trends are to subscribe to industry trade publications like Accessories magazine, Apparel News, and WWD. These publications are very important especially if you are a boutique in a small town and don’t plan to attend industry trade shows. These magazines also now have websites that provide reports on the latest trends.
Now, between each marked fashion trend, we are experiencing new adaptations to fashion standards and especially retro-revivals routines. Nowadays, this takes the form of spandex, leggings, 80s mode, and neo-preppie look. Wayfarer sunglasses as popularized by movies such as “The Blues Brothers” and “Risky Business” have returned (but in larger sizes and bolder colors) and even some of the biggest names from the fashion modeling era of the 80s and 90s are enjoying a renaissance of careers with leading fashion and cosmetic companies that feature them in ad campaigns.
New Fashion Trends
The best way to anticipate new fashion trends is to look for relevant visual input wherever you can – in vintage shops, flea markets, and on the streets. There is also an abundance of fashion blogs and online showcases discussing what the locals in major cities are wearing, these are invaluable resources. Chief amongst these are The Satorialist, London Street Fashion, and.
Whether you are an established retailer or boutique owner now, ongoing research and trend monitoring are vital functions of your business if you want to thrive and succeed. Seeing trends or even setting trends will be achieved by watching the market closely, paying attention to street trends, and knowing your industry. As ever ‘knowledge is power’ in this case it is the power you can leverage into strong sales!
