Fashionomics
I imagine you may be wondering what this title means.
It is really quite simple when one combines the current economic conditions we are facing in America with the world of fashion. America is going through some drastic economic changes and we are watching the retail world change right before our very eyes. Over the last decade we have seen a slow elimination of the middle class in America. This dissolving middle class means that its past and current members are either getting richer or poorer. This is turn means that retail is changing directions by serving two distinct markets and those retail companies that are trying to stay in the middle are falling further and further behind as their customer base disappears. So how does that affect you and FASHION?
Fashion trends are now created overnight as the Internet has changed the world – what was popular in Europe yesterday can now be available in the rest of the world tonight. So today’s retailer is trying to get clothing to the market as soon as it can in order to take advantage of the latest greatest overnight sensation product or outfit. When you have clothing being produced in days, not weeks, you tend to suffer in the area of quality and true design. You also find a mentality among retailers that ONE FASHION fits all, which we all know is far from the truth. These changes in the marketplace mean that the cost of high end clothing is increasing as the costs to produce it have increased. Companies pay more to meet faster delivery dates. So now we have superior products in the more expensive retail stores that are more quality conscious than cost conscious. The other end of the spectrum is driven by price, not quality, so stores are trying to MATCH THE LOOK of the latest popular designers but do it at a much lower cost per unit. These producers of clothing are found in the retail sectors that focus on the lower end of the economic ladder.
Who is losing in this need for instant sales and cost of quality? Well, if there was a growing Middle Class I would say they are, but as we move toward a two tier economic system we see that the demands of the market are being met, either at Stores Like Nordstrom’s and Neiman Marcus or Wal-Mart and Target.
When I work with my clients, my goal is to find the best clothing at the best price based on my client’s budget. Patient shopping and knowing where to look are the keys to finding clothing that will LAST and meets the individual desires of my clients. You can find designer fashions at many online sites, at designer outlet stores and at a few of the remaining retail outlets that are trying to decide if they are going to compete with Target or compete with Nordstrom’s. A superior wardrobe consists of quality clothing that fits your body style, brings added value to your personal brand and is timeless, along with fitting your budget!!! If you are not sure where to begin…My suggestion would be to get help, hire a professional and turn your closet into a place that you love to enter and has outfits that make you feel confident and powerful.
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