The allure of online marketplaces Online marketplaces are presenting brands with a flexible online channel to sell products without many of the otherwise associated costs, and they are booming as a result. Even with recent concerns that, used in the wrong way, they can sacrifice reputation and intercept the accrual of vital customer data, the added value far outweighs any potential risk for many brands, and here’s why. For one, online marketplaces offer a significant opportunity for overseas sales via a platform with a name… 20th May 2016
Technology as fast as fashion Recent news around Boohoo hiring technology entrepreneur Sara Murray, has gotten me thinking about fashion retailers and how much of a role technology plays in their business. The new appointment of Sara clearly shows that Boohoo is looking around at the digital world and realising that to get ahead you must be more than just a retailer, you must embrace the technological innovations available. With a background in growing and nurturing very successful tech companies, her expertise in fashion comes… 27th April 2016
Top ten fastest growing UK brands and retailers revealed The recently released AlixPartners Growth Retailers Report 2016, in partnership with Retail Week, has highlighted the mix of channels utilised by the top ten brands and retailers to drive growth. Having recently transformed from a traditional catalogue business, this year’s winner of the AlixPartners Growth Retailer, Shop Direct, now generates all of its revenues online, while top ten-listed Whistles and Mint Velvet have grown their online channels to now account for a fifth of sales. However, it’s also interesting to… 18th April 2016
Global expansion – with zero investment E-commerce has clearly transformed the potential global reach for fashion brands. But simply making this season’s stock available online in a new market is not going to deliver much incremental value. Brands need to build up awareness in a totally new market; determine whether the bricks and mortar expansion should pre-empt or occur in tandem with the E-commerce offer; and quickly ascertain key market differences and synergies to inform strategy. From the multi-million pound investment in marketing and stores to… 1st April 2016
Ted Baker invests in international expansion after profits surge Designer clothing brand, Ted Baker, will invest £45 million into expansion around the world, it has been reported. With sales in UK stores up almost 9% and growing success in America, the brand has set its sights on Europe, where it plans to open more stores in France, Spain and Germany. International expansion is of course a key strategy for the majority of leading UK fashion brands, and it’s encouraging to see Ted Baker achieving such great results. With Anatwine,… 21st March 2016
Wholesale expansion: improving the imperfect process Retailers know that wholesale is an imperfect process – and in an increasingly global market, the sheer number of compelling brands on offer is only making the challenge greater. Merchandisers have always been constrained by the logistics of the buy in advance model and limited warehouse size to purchase just a fraction of each brand’s range, but in an era of in depth and real time customer data, isn’t it time it became a better process? Brands and retailers are… 28th January 2016
The growing desire for personalisation Everyone enjoys that personal touch, whether it’s a handwritten thank you note or a latte from the barista at the local cafe who always remembers your order. When someone pays attention to our specific needs, it makes us feel special. And retail shouldn’t be any different. Integrating personalisation into your business strategy will allow you to significantly transform your approach, while delivering highly personalised, bespoke experiences that maximise the value for each customer. Before shopping centres, department stores and ecommerce… 30th November 2015
Global brand expansion: reaping the rewards without the risk International expansion is a key strategy for the majority of leading UK fashion brands. But with an increasingly volatile global market, determining how and where to make that international investment is both a challenge and a potential business hazard; opening a new flagship store can cost millions, while retailers are wary of adding too many brands or too much stock to their portfolios. Whatever approach adopted, a brand’s global expansion has traditionally been slow, expensive and high risk. Yet the… 10th November 2015