Retail Report
Blacks Retail Report is a free monthly newsletter providing expert information and advice on the current retail market.
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- The Big Picture
- Back To Business
- Fall Stategy
- Blacks Bottom Line
- The Big Picture
- Turn Time
- Fall Preview
- Blacks Bottom Line
- The Big Picture
- Turn Time
- Fall Preview
- Blacks Bottom Line
- The Big Picture
- In The Bag
- Fall Ahead
- Blacks Bottom Line
- The Big Picture
- Stocking Strategy
- Women's Trends
- Blacks Bottom Line
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Blacks Retail Report
Luxury Apparel
February 2007
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Table of Contents
The Big Picture
While the U.S. economy in general is strong, core consumer prices increased by 0.3% in January, leading some economists to worry over inflationary pressures. The rise was the fastest rate gain since June, fueled by healthcare costs.
If the trend persists, and the Fed decides to raise interest rates, this could further affect the housing market and retail sales. However, luxury retailers seem to be able to withstand these jolts.
Turn Times
With retailers back from market now is the time to put final touches on fall orders. The inside word is that knitwear rules, and buyers are jumping to get their hands on some of the thick sweaters and turtlenecks that we've been seeing on the runways.The other big story is in jackets. For men, the soft jacket continues to thrive and retasilers are starting to recognize the importance of this business by giving it a budget that is separate from outerwear. The men's outerwear market is gravitating toward fabric instead of leather garments, but vendors are giving cloth outerwear a heavier and sportier feel to distinguish it from the soft jackset market.
In women's wear, sell-thru rates are already accelerating as the new collections land. The traditional spring palette of cheery pastels is to be expected, but we are also seeing more gray and black than vendors usually offer for the season.
In the women's wear market, the short jacket is an important piece to pair with all of the short dresses we're seeing for fall. Dark tights and boots complete this enduring look.
In pants, more and more men's wear retailers are embracing the flat-front pant, which is causing some fashion-forward retailers to dabble in pleats, just to be different. Flat fronts are still the staple for most retailers, however, and they are selling well.
Denim is mostly dark and clean for fall, although we are seeing some return to the vintage wash. As we've previously reported, the gray-charcoal-black palette continues to dominate and we see no end in sight to fashion's Dark Ages.
Fall Preview
According to reports from our retailers, early spring selling has been very good. Fashion operations in particular have gotten off to a very strong start, with some reporting 20% gains in January and similar expectations for February. It looks as though consumers have adjusted to the new price world of $1,200 sweaters and $500 shoes. Of course, the key to selling these items is to stock up on the hot brands early in the selling season. The fashion brands are responsible for bringing in early big ticket sales.