B.A.F.F.L.E.D. Fashion Fix

This Fashion Business

This posting is a little more than a fashion fix, but also a glimpse and fashion's place in our changing economy.  The economy is allegedly seeing an upswing, while many impacted industries have now learned the lesson of flexibility.  Like many other markets, the fashion industry struggled when the economy took a downturn.  Just the same, the industry found ways to adapt and continue to prosper.

The Introduction of Fast Fashion

Photo from BusinessWeek.com

As the market has changed over the last 3 years, "fast fashion" has become a dominating force.  Fast Fashion is the rapidly emerging trend of quickly produced designs hitting the retail floors in as little as 1 week after being sketched.  Some brands, like H& M, get shipments at their large metropolitan stores up to 3 times per day, to keep store racks full of the low priced, yet fashionable selections.  

Eco/Green Fashion

As a means for saving the planet, the fashion industry is doing its part "go green".  Many stores are creating eco-friendly shopping spaces, pop-up stores, fashion trucks, and promoting the use of reusable shopping bags.  When savings can be made on overhead and incidentals, those same savings can be passed on to consumers.

Luxuries Built to Last

This trend is not so new, but has been of great importance in this changing industry.  Large luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel stand by their promise to provide lifetime guarantees on their goods.  This promise has become increasingly important in a market where money must go a long way.  

Investment Fashion

Online shopping has taken a greater role in our changing economy, especially with physical stores closing.  Being just an online outlet is not enough these days.  Now, online vendors are even allowing consumers to get involved in the experience by offering opportunities to buy into the company, or get discounted rates by supporting the brand financially, and donating to causes close to them.

Many retailers are also putting everything on sale, and offering additional percentages off where they haven't before.  Holiday shopping seasons are starting earlier, and consumers are finding unprecedented deals.  

Fashion is all about the experience.  These trends are surely giving consumers new ways to enjoy shopping.....and stimulate the economy!