Q: WHAT'S BUSINESS OUT THERE LIKE FROM THE FRONTLINE AT PITTI UOMO?
A: I think Spring 2011 orders will just about be alright, but our success at William Hunt will be driven by event-wear and tailoring bought specifically for special occasions, from weddings to proms.
Looking to the autumn 2010 season I think we have a real battle on our hands. Interest rates and VAT are up and both will affect consumer confidence and business. We need the government to issue some kind of statement in the next few months which gives us all hope that there's a light at the end of the tunnel. That's needed to stir sales for spring 2011.
Q. WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE TO INDEPENDENT FASHION BUYERS TO HELP GUIDE THEIR SPRING 2011 BUYING?
A: I believe every single brand on their rails needs to have enough personality to make it stand out. Every item in a fashion store has to have enough pulling power to attract people through the front door, to the fitting room and onto the sales desk. Once a customer is through the door and finds something special from a merchandise perspective, the service-led approach of any good indie retailer kicks in and from there on in it should be plain sailing. The good indies are doing alright because they are buying with each specific customer in mind, and that's the approach that's needed in the current climate.
Q: WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM BUYING BUDGETS - UP, DOWN, OR HOLD STEADY?
A: I think buying budgets will hold steady. Retailers need merchandise. They may be cutting back the brands which aren't performing so well but they are buying deeper into the collections which are holding up. It doesn't help that the department stores went on Sale so early. Now the whole market seems to be on Sale and it's far too early in the trading season.
Q: WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING OUR INDUSTRY AT THE MOMENT?
A: We've spoilt our consumers in the UK. Unfortunately, there's too much choice in the UK where we have brilliant merchandise at every price point. You can buy an Oxford shirt at Ralph Lauren for £85 or you can pick up a Uniqlo version at £16.
Similarly, the British consumer is spoilt by fast fashion. Take the Touch hall here at Pitti which is populated by artisan-led brands creating the most beautiful product. In the UK, only a handful of consumers will understand this menswear and will be willing to pay the premium price tags because every high street menswear designer is here in Florence and in a few months there will be similar looking styles on the rails of the multiples and at a fraction of the price. It's such a shame. Choice isn't always a good thing.Source URL: https://icip2idayusof.blogspot.com/2010/06/pitti-uomo-ss10-profile-dougie-hood.html
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