579, Wet Seal, The Limited and now Charlotte Russe…in the age of fast fashion, why are the orginators failing..TFG investigations.
By Yvette Estime
The closure of NY Charlotte Russe that just opened last year was the nail in the mall fast fashion so why in the era of fast fashion are the originators failing? Here is our opinion.
Never left the Mall
Mall visitors have steadily declined since the rise of the internet and gaming. People went to mall as something to do in the 80’s and 90’s but with the rise of other forms of entertainment, people just don’t need the mall anymore.
With fewer traffic, there isn’t enough people to sustain the cost of a mall mortgage.
Solution: Rainbow was never a mall brand and now is the biggest fast fashion provider in the US. Charolette Russe left the mall too late.
Customer needs changed but they never changed thier marketing strategy
The mall customer included moms who went shopping for their kids and wanted to pick out something for themselves. Not only are 60% of people now single but most stores have a kid section built right in. So, these customers no longer exist which also effected Gymboree which closed all their stores and now will be selling clothes at retailers instead.
I can now go to Zara and pick up clothes for me, my significant other and any kids in one spot.
Solution: In next 10 years, brands have to push kids clothes or make kids clothes while changing the look and feel of products that seem to cater to youth and not to working set. More women are entering the workforce with 53% of women working today but clothes are still focusing on teens and college students.
Products remained the same
The products of mall clothes remained the same and looking at the fact that Charolette Russe can’t offload their shoes is an example of product development failures. Who is wearing stilettos anymore in 6+inches?
If you sell boots regularly…then why aren’t you making more of them?
Resistance to change is the biggest issue facing American companies and they rather merge than look for new ways to attract customers or push the same tired products.
So if you want sell to gen X and millenials, vary your products, make leisure friendly items and adopt a principle.
Happy Wednesday, 💋
Yvette
The colors were bold with hues of goldenrod, fuchsia, turquoise and rich blues. The use of textured fabric also gave a quilt vibe but those were the only highlights of a boxy collection with too many Asian elements.
For men, the designer did think “out of the box” but ot seems that some elements should have been left behind.
For women, each piece can be worn separately better than together where it becomes more like a costume then clothes.
We often forget that we must also edit our Lingerie and Socks as well especially because they get the most wear. First get measured at Victoria Secret to make sure your wearing the right size, for years I knew the size had changed but was unaware how much…I went up a whole size from B to C without giving birth.