Online selling helps combat recession in UK
Online commerce has become more important in the UK fashion industry, according to an industry report released last December.
In an annual report that focuses on the challenges and issues faced by the UK fashion retail sector by Prologic, about 63% said the interviewees' top priority in 2009 is investment in eCommerce in fashion, followed by an increase in wholesaling (58%).
The report examined investment priorities for IT budgets and satisfaction with current systems with 9,030 stores, or 18% of the UK fashion industry.
In terms of sales performance, 55% of interviewed companies predict their sales will increase in 2010, with 33% predicting they will remain the same and 12% predicting a decrease.
Website sales represent averagely 6.3% of total sales for most fashion industry companies, with reference to the report, and majority of companies have websites that are in profit (68%) and half say they achieve profitability within the first year of operation. However, this leaves a third that are still not trading profitably. Of those that are profitable, 68% say their website is more profitable than their stores.
Companies reported that their IT spending averaged 2.3% of sales last year, compared to 1.8% in 2008.
In terms of services available, 67% of retailers are currently able to offer their customers the chance to return products bought online at the store. However, checking store stock levels from the website, a capability that consumers are particularly keen on, is currently offered by only 30% of companies, the report says.
Chinese firms demand HK designs
More mainland Chinese apparel labels have tried to upgrade their design capacity with the help of Hong Kong designers.
Hong Kong designers showcased apparel made with Taiwan-developed functional materials at a Hong Kong design expo |
At the Inno Design Tech Expo held in Hong Kong in December 2009, a local fashion brand consultancy, Happening Design, returned to the expo after gaining clients from China in 2008. The company's Creative Director, Lau Kin-lun, reported to have received a number of enquiries in the three-day expo last year.
"A large Chinese down producer and a kidswear company from Fujian province were interested in our services. They have their own design teams. Now they are considering inviting Hong Kong designers to develop new product lines giving more fresh elements to the brands," said Mr Lau. The mainland firms have keen demand for services related to design and branding. Sales to the mainland Chinese have accounted for 30-40% of the total of Happening Design, he added.
In total, 345 firms engaging with design, brand management and market promotion exhibited at the Inno Design Tech Expo. Three local designers also cooperated with the Taiwan Textile Federation and showcased for the first time their apparel designs on fabrics with such properties as air permeable and water proof, electromagnetic shielding, and anti-static, according to the organizer, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
London stages menswear from new talent
Latest menswear collections by emerging designers were shown at London Fashion Week
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The British Fashion Council (BFC) announced the recipients of its designer support initiative, "Newgen Men", sponsored by Topman. New recipients Christopher Shannon and J.W. Anderson join inaugural recipients of "Newgen Men", Carolyn Massey and James Long, who received showcase funding and the opportunity to use the official BFC show venue at Somerset House to show their collections during London Fashion Week's menswear day, this February.
Newcomer Christopher Shannon's luxe sportswear inspired collections and wearable collaborations with Eastpak and Topman were impressive. JW Anderson's intriguing silhouettes and romantic detailing affirmed his stature as one of the most promising emerging menswear designers in London.
Carolyn Massey's quintessentially English designs and James Long's ability to push the boundaries whilst creating truly wearable pieces impressed the "Newgen Men" Selection Committee made up of key opinion formers from media and retail, according to the BFC.
US firms help designers offer custom fit clothing
Thimbler Inc based in the US launched a service with its online platform to offer tailored sizes for customers. The service also provides a means for independent designers to market their designs to customers on a global scale.
Charles Tse, president and founder of Thimbler Inc, says that the Fit-to-You service allows fashion designers to buy, sell, design, tailor and customize clothes for any size. Individual consumers may also order clothing of their own sizes.
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