While browsing the web I came across 3 hot topics in the retail industry right now:
1) Back-to-school trends
According to surveys conducted by the National Retail Federation, this year parents plan on:
According to surveys conducted by the National Retail Federation, this year parents plan on:
- buying only what they need, not what they want -- meaning a decrease in spending on electronic devices, apparel, shoes and supplies
- purchasing more store/generic brands -- discount stores, departments stores and drug stores should experience a surge in traffic
- shop online -- added convenience and ease in finding deals
- look for sales
- spend less
My mother still has one teenager left. This year she centered her spending on school supplies rather than on clothing and electronic devices. She shops at the dollar tree and other discount stores like Walmart or Target to get these things at a reasonable price. Later in the school year, if my brother needs something non-supplies related, he will most likely get it during the sales season.
2) Spanish chain Zara to debut in South Africa
It will make its debut on November 10th 2011. Apparently, the hope for the chain is to boost the South African economy by increasing spending. South Africa is also suffering from the economic crisis in the form of unemployment and housing debt. Some argue that the introduction of powerful retail chains like Zara (and Wal-Mart) will introduce too much competition into the market. This might threaten the market and result in other retailers losing money to the chains.
It will make its debut on November 10th 2011. Apparently, the hope for the chain is to boost the South African economy by increasing spending. South Africa is also suffering from the economic crisis in the form of unemployment and housing debt. Some argue that the introduction of powerful retail chains like Zara (and Wal-Mart) will introduce too much competition into the market. This might threaten the market and result in other retailers losing money to the chains.
This is an example of how one retailer is not affected in a detrimental way to the economic downturn. It's branching out and introducing its brand into a community that has a high-demand for it.
3) Abercrombie and Fitch pay reality TV star to stop wearing its clothing
The Situation's behavior on the show Jersey Shore threatens to damage the Abercrombie image, according to the retailer. The company fears that its customers will be offended by the character portrayed on the series and cease to buy their products.
The Situation's behavior on the show Jersey Shore threatens to damage the Abercrombie image, according to the retailer. The company fears that its customers will be offended by the character portrayed on the series and cease to buy their products.
Retailers rely heavily on image. That's why commercials and advertisements are so important. As well as surveys and interviews on what the public wants and thinks is important. I was shocked, though, that a retailer would go as far as to pay someone to STOP advertising their brand.
By: Samantha Taylor
Samantha is a Boston, Massachusetts native. Her studies have taken her from Ohio to England, where she lived for two years. Currently, Samantha lives in Andalucía, Spain, with her husband. She is a writer for Nexxt and contributes to one of its many blogs: retailgigsblog.com . She also works as an English teacher and personal trainer in her spare time. Check out her blog at: rcpforhealth.blogspot.com.
Samantha is a Boston, Massachusetts native. Her studies have taken her from Ohio to England, where she lived for two years. Currently, Samantha lives in Andalucía, Spain, with her husband. She is a writer for Nexxt and contributes to one of its many blogs: retailgig
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