Saturday, 11 March 2017

Smart tech to ensure personalisation for shoppers: Report

Nearly 70 per cent of retail decision makers are ready to make changes to adopt the Internet of Things (IoT), and 65 per cent plan to invest in automation technologies for inventory management and planogram compliance by 2021, says a recent report. By 2021, 80 per cent of retailers will also be able to customise the store visit for customers.

The 2017 Retail Vision Study conducted by Zebra Technologies Corporation, a global leader in providing solutions and services, says that the continued rise of online shopping will challenge retailers to provide unprecedented levels of convenience to help drive customer loyalty. By 2021, 65 per cent of retailers plan to explore innovative delivery services, such as delivering to workplaces, homes and even parked cars.

The report notes that about 78 per cent of the retailers feel that it is important or business-critical to integrate e-commerce and in-store experiences. Retailers are planning to invest in mobile devices, kiosks and tablets to increase payment options. Close to 87 per cent of retailers will deploy mobile point-of-sale (MPOS) devices by 2021, enabling them to scan and accept credit or debit payments anywhere in the store.

By 2021, at least 75 per cent of retailers anticipate investing in predictive and software analytics for loss prevention and price optimisation along with cameras and video analytics for operational purposes and improving the overall customer experience.

According to the survey, the top sources of shopper dissatisfaction include inconsistent pricing between stores and the inability to find a desired item, whether it is out of stock or misplaced within a store. About 72 per cent of retailers plan to fix these issues by reinventing their supply chains with real-time visibility enabled by automation, sensors and analytics. 

Close to 57 percent of retailers believe automation will shape the industry by 2021, helping retailers pack and ship orders, track inventory, check in-store inventory levels and assist customers in finding items.

"Every inch of the retail industry is changing, from the aisles of the warehouse to the shelves of the store, and retailers are driving this change in a race to better serve customers. The 2017 Retail Vision Study demonstrates that retailers are poised to meet and exceed customer expectations with new levels of personalisation, speed and convenience," said Jeff Schmitz, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Zebra.

As per the regional findings of the report, 79 per cent of North American retailers are investing in IoT technologies such as automated inventory verification and sensors on shelves. In Latin America, 85 per cent of retailers plan to use technology to personalise and enhance the in-store experience. Currently, 36 per cent of retailers in Europe know when specific customers are in a store but that number is expected to more than double by 2021. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

Myntra integrating private label brands with Jabong

Barely five months after it bought out rival online fashion retailer Jabong, Myntra is now integrating its private label business with that of Jabong, to provide a boost to the private label business of Jabong. The entire portfolio of private labels available on Myntra, also a major online fashion retailer, will be made available to shoppers on Jabong.

According to a leading daily, the private label business accounts for around 20 per cent of revenues at Myntra, while it is just between 2 and 3 per cent at Jabong. The integration is expected to provide a boost to the private label business of Jabong.

“Myntra manages 12 private label brands, of which Roadster and All About You, have already been made available on Jabong, with another brand HRX scheduled to be launched on Jabong next month. The rest of the Myntra private brands will migrate to Jabong, once the business gains traction at Jabong,” Jabong’s chief business officer Rahul Taneja was quoted by the daily as saying.

As per Taneja, the focus on private labels is expected to boost margins at Jabong, while also help cutting down its losses. (AR)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

Over 140 designers to participate in AIFW 2017

Courtesy: FDCI
Over 140 designers will present their cutting-edge designs through runway and exhibition at the 29th edition of the Amazon India Fashion Week (AIFW) Autumn-Winter 2017, in turn making it a treat for buyers and the audience. It will also celebrate the formidable repertoire of veteran designer Madhu Jain The event will be held from March 15-18 in New Delhi.

The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), the organiser of the AIFW, has announced the show schedule of the fashion week, which is being planned in association with Maybelline New York.
The collection designed to commemorate thirty years of the Madhu Jain label will infuse the revivalist spirit that personifies her life-work. With a shared passion for India's indigenous textiles tradition, FDCI and Jain have always believed in showcasing the best of what our country has to offer. Jain will showcase a 22-ensemble suite that celebrates her thirty years’ journey into the world of Indian textiles on the first day of AIFW.
"Today, when India has carved its space on the global map of fashion, we have veteran designers like Madhu Jain to thank for its recognition beyond borders. She has been influential in championing a cause, that we at FDCI hold dear to our heart – craft revival and textile conservation," said Sunil Sethi, president, FDCI.




"FDCI has been the wind beneath the sail of many in the Indian design fraternity. It gives me immense hope that there are others who share my deep, abiding respect for our varied and rich crafts heritage. My dream is to optimise India's artisanal wealth and change the face of the handlooms sector," said Jain.
Celebrated designers like Rohit Bal, Suket Dhir, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Rin Dhaka, Shaina NC, Urvashi Kaur and more will present their collections on the first day of the show. As part of the first year of the partnership between FDCI and Jakarta Fashion Week, Indonesian designer Novita Yunus will also present her collection on day 1.
Samant Chauhan will present his 'Golden Threads of Assam' collection on day 2 along with Anupama Dayal, Hemant & Nandita, Vineet Bahl, Pankaj & Nidhi and more. The designer lineup for day 3 of AIFW include Sahil Kochhar, Karishma Shahani Khan, Nikasha, Anju Modi, Namrata Joshipura, Malini Ramini, Ashima Leena and more.
Sustainable Fashion show will be held on day 4 of the fashion week. Designers like Kommal and Ratul Sood, Pawan Sahdev, Rohit Kamra, Sahil Aneja, Dhruv Vaish and more will showcase their collections on the last day of the event. The grand finale of the show will be presented by Tarun Tahiliani and Amit Aggarwal.
FDCI will also be presenting the Pearl Portfolio on the 19th March as an addition to the four-day fashion fiesta. (KD)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

Friday, 10 March 2017

Beaulieu Fibres to show new fibres at Index 2017

Courtesy: Beaulieu Fibres
Beaulieu Fibres International, the leading European polyolefin fibre supplier, is set to present a pioneering new fibre-platform and offer detailed insights into the future-focused hygiene products with innovation and manufacturing capabilities, at Index17, the leading expo for nonwovens, held from April 4 to 7, 2017, in Geneva, Switzerland, in stand 1340.

From May 2017, Meralux fibres will be added to Meraklon product portfolio. First test results show that nonwovens made with the new Meralux fibre combinations have a higher loft/bulk. Meralux’s coverage is unique and provides nonwovens with a closed surface, without containing additives like TiO2. With the higher loft and unique coverage, softness will be provided by the choice of raw materials. Equipped with all these features, Meralux allows basis weight reductions without losing performance. Index17 visitors can experience nonwovens based on Meralux.
In line with the further diversification of its products, Beaulieu Fibres International is set to produce short cut fibres for hygiene application as of summer 2017. These will be available in cut lengths of 3-24mm in polypropylene (PP) mono and BICO.
To add to its new products for 2017, the Meraklon portfolio will expand further with the launch of new polyester (PET) core BICO fibres. They will come on stream with Meraklon’s new state-of- the-art, long line at the company’s site in Terni, Italy. The €30 million investment to extend production capacity is currently underway and is scheduled to commence operations during this year.
Petra Bohle-Stricker, global sales director- hygiene, Beaulieu Fibres International said, “Beaulieu Fibres International is continuing to strengthen its position as a global supplier for polyolefin fibres. Investment in fibres’ production is an important driver for ensuring we meet future challenges and customers’ needs. In the four years since Meraklon’s takeover, Beaulieu Fibres International has successfully adapted it to the level required to be a leading market player. We have broadened the portfolio significantly to better serve the future market needs and are continually innovating to ensure we go the extra mile for the nonwovens industry.” (GK)
                                                                                                      Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

Italian Fashion Designers and Brands

Italy is home to the world's most famous fashion designers and labels. From Gucci and Diesel to Fendi, and Dolce & Gabbana, the country turns out top quality talent and designs which have a worldwide appeal. Italian style is rightly celebrated as being unique among competitors with its unmistakable elegance, excellent tailoring, exquisite fabrics, and unmatched creativity and innovation. 

The first Italian fashion show was held in the 1950's in Florence and organized by Count Giovanni Battista Giorgini.  This began a popular new trend and soon fashion shows were being produced throughout the country. Gradually the emphasis shifted from Florence to Rome and Milan; these eventually became two of the top five fashion capitals in the world. 

The success of the shows meant Italian fashion labels like Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino, Versace, Gucci, Emilio Pucci, Laura Biagiotti, Roberto Cavalli, Brioni and Bottega Veneta  began competing with established French haute couture from famous fashion houses like Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Lanvin.

Italian designers and fashion houses of the 1950s brought a breath of fresh air to haute couture with revolutionary, innovative creations. Italy has always excelled at innovative use of fabrics, creating simple shapes and superior hand finishing, all ensuring that Italian design is of utmost quality and wearability.

Of course Italian designers have always been popular with celebrities and royalty. From the Valentino dress that Jacqueline Kennedy wore at her wedding to Onassis, and the famous Salvatore Ferragamo red shoes worn by Marylin Monroe, to the Borsalino hat worn by Michael Jackson, Italian fashion houses have never hidden from the world stage. Emilio Pucci was one of the first stylists to bring Italian fashion to the skies with its chic uniforms for hostesses and crew.

As part of couture and prĂȘt-a-porter collections, Italian brands offer a plethora of choice in accessories, leading to even more global fame and success. Gucci is known for its bags and Ferragamo for its shoes while the unmistakable style of Bottega Veneta characterizes many different types of leather goods.  Then there are perfumes and fragrances like Roma by Laura Biagiotti and the Mediterranean fragrances of Dolce&Gabbana as well as the uniquely shaped Moschino perfume-bottles; they all hold a special place in the perfume hall of fame.  Sunglasses and eyewear, with Italian lables like Miu Miu, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci and Dolce&Gabbana setting the trends, have helped expand Italian market share and success.

New Generation ( NEWGEN )

Created by the British Fashion Council in 1993 NEWGEN (New Generation) is one of the most internationally recognised talent identification schemes, and continues to showcase and promote new designer businesses today. Between 2001 and 2016 the scheme was sponsored by Topshop, who were integral in nurturing emerging talent in London.

For the first time, this season NEWGEN will encompass menswear, which was previously NEWGEN MEN and launched in September 2009 to build on TOPMAN and Fashion East’s successful MAN initiative. NEWGEN MEN became instrumental in raising the profile of emerging British designers using London Fashion Week Men's as a showcasing platform, and was sponsored by TOPMAN from 2009-2016.

NEWGEN offers womenswear and menswear designer recipients financial, showcasing, business and mentoring support through the BFC and an external network of partners and mentors.

Since NEWGEN's inception, its roll call includes Alexander McQueen, Matthew Williamson, Julien Macdonald, Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab, Richard Nicoll, Erdem, Mary Katrantzou, Meadham Kirchhoff, Christopher Shannon, Simone Rocha, J.W.Anderson, James Long, Christopher Raeburn, Agi & Sam, Lou Dalton, Matthew Miller and Craig Green.


Ivanka Trump branded products are selling briskly

Ivanka Trump may have shown that any publicity is good publicity when it comes to selling fashion.

Despite a boycott and a decision by Nordstrom to no longer carry the brand, Ivanka Trump’s fashion line soared in online sales of individual items last month, according to a major e-commerce site.

Trump’s brand was in 11th place based on the number of items sold, according to Lyst, a fashion search engine that links shoppers with more than 12,000 retailers and designers.  That represented a 346% leap in items sold from the previous month, when Trump’s line ranked 550th.

Because it is a private company, the Ivanka Trump brand does not disclose sales figures. But Abigail Klem, the brand’s president, says the line is performing better than ever.

“Since the beginning of February, they were some of the best performing weeks in the history of the brand,’’ Klem said in a statement. “For several different retailers, Ivanka Trump was a top performer online, and in some of the categories it was the ... best performance ever.’’

Ivanka Trump's fashion was back in the news Thursday as the nation's top ethics official expressed dismay with the White House for not disciplining President Trump's senior adviser Kellyanne Conway for plugging Ivanka Trump fashions. It happened on a TV appearance last month on the Fox News morning talk show Fox & Friends. She urged viewers to buy the first daughter’s products.

The media swoon around Ivanka Trump products started in February when Nordstrom announced that it would no longer carry the Ivanka Trump line because of poor sales. Then President Trump responded with an angry tweet, accusing the retailer of treating his daughter unfairly. That's when Conway gave a boost to Ivanka Trump products, explicitly urging people to buy them, a longstanding no-no for White House staff.

Walter M. Shaub Jr., director of the Office of Government Ethics, had urged officials last month to reprimand Conway after she told Fox News viewers to “go buy Ivanka’s stuff." When a White House lawyer said the endorsement unintentional and unlikely to be repeated, Shaub shot back in a letter Thursday that he remains concerned, the Washington Post reported.

Sales bounces appear to be bipartisan. She noted that during the presidential campaign, women's pantsuits experienced a 460% spike in searches, possibly because they were associated with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, who often wore them and made reference to them.

But “whether this is a long-term trend remains to be seen.”

Ivanka Trump's strong sales and performance come in the midst of a campaign, dubbed #grabyourwallet, that is targeting retailers selling Trump family merchandise. Nordstrom has gone further than some of its peers, completely halting sales of Ivanka Trump’s line because of flagging sales. But some retailers, are distancing themselves from Ivanka Trump products, though not completely abandoning them.

Sears and Kmart, for instance, removed a small number of Trump-branded products from their websites last month, though they continued to offer hundreds of Trump and Ivanka Trump items online from third-party sellers. TJX, owner of Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, has instructed staff members to mix in Ivanka Trump products with other store merchandise rather than featuring it on its own. Those stores, however, continue to sell Ivanka Trump items.

So far this month, sales continue to be brisker than usual, the website says. But if the average number of daily transactions remains the same for the rest of March, sales will be just 8% higher than January, a significantly smaller uptick than the triple-digit increase seen last month.