Getting it right and what you should know!

I really didn't know what to title this entry, because I don't think the fashion industry knows how to explain it either.

This morning I was reading a 5 page article in WWD that interviewed quite a few industry personnel, including designers, owners, forecasters, analysts etc. They were all talking about how retail and the fashion industry will survive what they are calling a pre-recession. Let me start by saying they all gave up hope on the little guy. Encouraging isn't it. Most said they would focus on the vendors that they have worked with in the past for consistantcy . But this didn't work before, weren't those the vendors that they are claiming that they had to take big markdowns on because the consumer demanded a lower price. Do you know what this means don't you, that the stores are going to demand larger discounts from the manufacturer or more more markdown dollars. I know my buying students know what that means. Analysts mentioned that customers do to want to see the same thing from the year before and in order to get the non-buying consumer to buy retailers need to give them something new. There's a contradiction i all of this, retailers sticking with the steady eddies and consumers wanting something new! Who should win? You decide.

Anyway, the article continued to mention bringing in mdse closer to the season, it's called buying closer to the vest. Yeah, this is not happening as wool, cashmere and leather are already out in the stores and it's 90 degrees. But thats OK with me because by time I am ready to buy it will be at a price I want to pay.

The point of this article is because one person actually gets it, that Alan Schwartz. You may have heard of him , he is a designers and usually knocks off red carpet designs from the award shows and their in the store within a week. He said, he survives and will survive because 98% of his product is made here in the United States, Halaluia to that sister.

What does this means, US employees designing, manufacturing, shipping and selling in the US.

Fast design to store time, which means closer to the selling season. In turn less markdowns for him and the stores that carry his product. And a higher profit for all parties concerned.

Good for you Alan...now if just 50% followed suit, we'd have less unemployment, out jewelry and textile industry would be back in business.

Good for you!