Art Shop Sells Known Labels, Unknown Goods

Sin Berlin, a new German art shop in Berlin is selling Chanel hand grenades and gold ringed tampons. The creator of the art shop Michael Kuehn had instructed 90 designers to think of things the world has never seen, which apparently resulted in the creation of hand grenades bearing the Chanel logo, and also a tampon complete with gold chain.

Other items include designer clothes with sewn-in hangers, meant to be kept in the wardrobe for admiring but not for wearing purpose. According to Ananova, people can also purchase a device that allows them to scan their body parts and create handbags in the shape of their own their breasts, bums and stomachs. The unique shop is also selling anti-violence stuffed toys that emit a soothing Lavender scent when used.

23 September 2004

Sunday Shopping Still Growing

Shopping habits have changed since Sunday trading hours were introduced. Ten years after its deregulation, a full relaxation of the law seems to be in order.

The Sunday Trading Act became law on August 29 1994, allowing major retailers to open for up to six hours a day. Sunday has become, after Saturday, the second biggest shopping day of the week. Figures from traffic monitor FootFall show Sunday shopping is still on the increase, with 3.1 per cent growth in the numbers choosing to shop on a Sunday in 2003, and 5 per cent in 2004.

David Smyth, director of marketing and strategy at FootFall said: "Year-on-year we have seen an increase in the amount of people shopping on Sundays. People's attitudes towards Sundays and how they choose to spend them seems to have changed significantly over the last ten years. People now enjoy having an option of when they shop during the weekend and Sunday is fast becoming the 'new Saturday'."

With demand growing, some retailers are testing the exact limits of the law through methods such as a viewing or browsing period before the official opening time. This gives customers a chance to select their purchases, and in the case of supermarkets even fill their trolleys, before payment legally changes hands.
While the employment and other social implications of fully deregulated Sunday opening remain a political hot potato, many expect major retailers to start lobbying in earnest after the next general election, likely to be called next year.

David Ramsden, the former deputy chairman of the Shopping Hours Reform Council, the organisation which led the campaign for Sunday shopping a decade ago, told the Observer newspaper: "Sooner or later someone will move for a more realistic approach. Total deregulation is the only sensible option. The 1994 legislation was a compromise."

30 August 2004

New Shopping Habits Embraces Individual

The first law in fashion states that you should not, on most occasions, be adorned in the clothes of one designer from head to toe. Individuality speaks of an appeal far greater than simply donning up one designer's key look for the season. After all, that would make everyone potentially fashionable, so long as they had the finances to afford top designer gear, and we all know that isn't the case. Just look at the celebrities fashion faux-pas at any premier or award ceremony, to put you off.

Being fashionable means wearing fashion labels when it suits you, mixing it with high street, a bit of vintage, finding bargains, all the while staying true to your style. You have no qualms about spending GBP300 on a pair of shoes and teaming it with a bargain dress from H&M. You are a discerned shopper, and this is the trend that seems to be adopted by the new breed of British shoppers, who are changing the dynamics of the High Street.

The new independents, as the shoppers are called, according to research unveiled today by This Is Money, happily shop at both the top and bottom ends of the market, picking up high fashion when it suits them and bargains when they spot them.

The shopper is no longer solely concerned about fashion brands, and shops for more individual needs than buying a complete outfit at any one designer store. Customer loyalty is not what is used to be and brand loyalty seems to be a thing of the past. Especially since designer catwalk collections are strong one season and less wearable the next, the pick & mix method of shopping seems far more viable and interesting.

This new independent way of shopping is changing the dynamics of the highstreet. Whereas your mother may have dressed top to toe in M&S and you in Gucci, your shopping habits have probably changed and you go to which store offers the right product for you. If you find something inexpensive, but of good quality, you are just as likely to buy it as you would designer merchandise.

While the choice in fashion for consumers seems endless, retailers are having a bigger challenge as the fixed ideas of value, mid-market and luxury don't exist as shoppers flit between them promiscuously.

Perhaps shoppers are being more discerning when it comes to spending their money. As spending habits are changing with an infinite amount goods on offer, shopping for fashion is putting the consumer in control.

Jil Sander's long sleeve yellow tee will look great with a pair of Top Shop jeans. And just think; there will be money left over for a trinket accessory.

25 June 2004

London Shop Guide

Travel publisher Lonely Planet has produced a |London shopping guide for Visit London. The booklet, sponsored by tax refund business Global refund, will be distributed through tourist information centres.

2 June 2004

Asprey, The Jewel Of Bond Street

Asprey, the ultimate authentic British luxury lifestyle house, has opened its magnificent global flagship store, at 167 New Bond Street in London. The 20,000 sq ft of retail space - designed by Lord Foster and decorated by quintessentially British interior designer David Mlinaric - has been two years in the making, costing GBP50million in refurbishments and features a dazzling blend of the old and the new.

Actress Kiera Knightly, who is the new face of Asprey's advertising campaign, listened attentively a the re-opening as model Jacquetta Wheller recited a poem dedicated to Asprey. A brass band played in salute to the Duke of York and other royalty.

Shoppers with unlimited funds will be spoiled for choice with the finest quality of luxury goods on offer. From colourful alligator cigar cases to exquisite diamond earings and from sleek polo shirts to fine linen jackets, the high quality of product and the discretion of the name has attracted high profile clients the world over. The team of Asprey craftsmen, experts in making silver, jewellery, leathergoods, engraving and watch repairs, will be based on the top floor of the building and will allow Asprey to extend the bespoke service for which it is renowned.

The boutique, designed by Norman Foster, who's recent projects include Hong Kong's airport and Reichstag building in Berlin, was a bijou project for the architect according to the Herald Tribune. "How do you do something which is the anatomy of the brand, appropriate to the scale of London and of New Bond Street?" Foster asked. "I have a fascination with the way that different periods of time come together. You peel away layers of history and make value judgments."

The store further boasts a shooting room, a watch area and even an antique-book room, which has inspired fabric prints and stationery. Apart from the purple theme (even the fragrance is called "Purple Water"), the Asprey logo is ultra discreet, as in a minuscule print on silk neckties.

26 May 2004

Hush, But It's No Secret

Hush, the mail-order catalogue for savvy shoppers, has the perfect summer wardrobe to complement those days in the sun. Beautiful soft-washed cotton pyjamas in watermelon and striped mini-shorts to enjoy those nights on your roof terrace sipping cocktails.

Also to order are handmade Australian sheepskin boots. They are bliss for your feet all year round.

From GBP40 to order at www.hush-uk.com or call 020 7622 3725

13 May 2004

Carnaby Street: An Urban Mecca

Soho's Carnaby Street is hot this spring with its array of funky shops, eateries and all good things that fashion has to offer. With the recent opening of Jas MB and a beautifully refurbished Liberty, there are plenty of reasons to forget about Bond Street and head straight to one of the trendiest shopping areas of London.

Carnaby Street highlights include the recently opened Aku (34 Marshall Street), an independent boutique that specialises in men's and women's innovative Japanese fashion. Expect labels such as Hysteric Glamour and GDC Tokyo to bring the best of fashion from the Tokyo streets to London.

For fabulous trainers head to Slamminkicks on Beak Street. They specialise in rare imports from all over the world. Great for vintage Nikes and Adidas.

For the more Urban shopper record label Ruff Ryders have expanded their successful Hip-Hop label to include their own clothing line. Following in the footsteps of J-Lo and P-Diddy, their gear is all you need to keep up with the latest in US-inspired Streetwear.

You'll also find Diesel, Miss Sixty and beauty boutique Mac just east off Carnaby Street. To quench your thirst after all that retail therapy, head to Zebrano for cocktails and snacks.

Carnaby Street is located in Soho, London, nearest tube Oxford Circus

27 April 2004

Bring Back The Boutique

The powdered scent of rose, the wallpapered interior in shades of chocolate and aubergine together with the chandeliers sets the scene for the perfect, indulgent 'boutiquing' experience.

Harriet's Muse fashion boutique in Kingly Court, London, offers a haven away from the hustle and hassle of the department store. With stylists on-hand to provide a personal tailoring and accessorising service, the emphasis is on individuality and exclusiveness.

The label is the creation of two fashion designers who left the commercial high-street fashion route and have gone on to produce garments that echo the female form. The designs hail the coronation of the 'burlesque' figure and have a bias towards the curves. Corsets with leather detailing sit next to ruffle-bib shirts and bustle-backed skirts. All garments can be altered and re-draped to fit the customer's exact vision.

The boutique is situated at the top floor of Kingly Court, just off Carnaby Street. Tel. 020 7734 5551.

12 February 2004

Private Member's Bill To Get Parliamentary Time

A private member's bill banning large UK shops from opening on Christmas Day is to be given parliamentary time. The UK government said it would support the Christmas Day (Trading) Bill, which has been put forward by Labour MP Kevan Jones and was co-drafted by shop workers' union Usdaw.

The bill will ban stores above 3,000 square feet or 915sq m from opening on December 25. The law will not change in time for this year, with the bill due to get its first reading on January 7. In the meantime, trade secretary Patricia Hewitt has urged large shops to close this year.

Almost all major UK retailers close on Christmas Day, with a few specific exceptions for individual stores. Woolworths, for example, plans to open one big store in Southall, London, which has a large population of ethnic minorities for whom Christmas has no religious links.

However, the government has expressed concerns this year that increased competition may tempt retailers to consider opening.
A spokesman for Usdaw told the BBC: "Our belief is that shop workers simply deserve the day off and it needs to be protected. At present any store can open on Christmas Day, unless it falls on a Sunday.

29 December 2003

Topshop Tops With Jane Shepherdson

The high street is all about fashion, and Topshop is the best at fashion on the high street, due in no small part to its ultra-dedicated brand director Jane Shepherdson.

During her 18 years at the business, including the last five as brand director, Sherpherdson's zeal for Topshop has reached epic proportions - a passion now shared by most of Britain's women under 40. The Arcadia-owned retailer has driven credibility through the rest of the high street. Whereas five years ago, cheap was definitely not chic, today it is much cooler to mix bargains with Balenciaga.

In Arcadia's recent results, Topshop was the star performer, showing underlying sales up 10.6 per cent in the year to the end of August 2003, and contributing GBP70 million to the group's operating profit. Owner Philip Green told reporters at the time: "Topshop has the potential to be a world brand and my aim is to try to put it there."

28 November 2003

The Seductive Season

It's the season of seduction and festive lingerie is a winner for anyone who wants to add a touch of glamour (and humour) to the duldrums of winter.

Much-loved lingerie brand Triumph features classic Christmas colours this season, with red and white bras, thongs and slips in delightfull soft fabrics. It even comes with fleecy fake fur for those who like their bedroom antics adventurous.

For something more grown up, check out the collection from Valisere. Their luxurious Christmas selection is brimming with opulent slips and lingerie with a touch of glitter. For a sexy look, try their red satin slips with lace as a dress. Just be careful Santa doesn't try to put you in his sack...

Valisere and Triumph are available at Selfridges, Harrods and House of Fraser.

26 November 2003

Launch Journey's Flagship Store in Carnaby

Carnaby, the home of cool fashions and free love, will soon be playing host to Journey's funky new flagship store. After all, where better for one of footwear's coolest brands to open their first shop than just off one of London's coolest streets? And you could be there at the celeb-filled opening bash! See below for your chance to join us and share the night with Electric Soft Parade.

In the meantime, Carnaby favourite Chilli Pepper are celebrating a successful first year in their Foubert's Place store. In honour of the
occasion they are having a party on Thursday night (13th) between 6pm and 9pm. In addition to 10% off all their fab gear, there will also be some free food and booze, a raffle and other great promotions going on - so get yourself down there and join in the festive atmosphere!

Now, back to Journey...the store opens on 3 Lowndes Court, just off Carnaby Street, on Saturday 13th December. Carnaby may be remembered for the Swingin' Sixties, but the new Journey store is definitely 21st Century. So we can't promise frilly shirted and mini skirted shop assistants, but you will find drop-dead gorgeous, comfy shoes you'd expect from Journey. And a whole lot of our love, of course.

There's even a chill-out space for the many bands and stylists who have close links with Journey, so when you pop in to the store, you never know who you might bump into!

On the opening day of 13th December, there will be 10% off all purchases and the night before, the store will play host to an exclusive party, with a gig after by Electric Soft Parade at Barfly in Camden. You and a friend can win the chance to be at this VIP party, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Radio 1's Emma B and Mani from Primal Scream!

Simply send an e-mail to louisec@journeyshoes.co.uk stating the answer to the following question. Which Radio DJ will be at the VIP party?

13 november 2003
www.carnaby.co.uk

The Trend To Spend

Everyone wants to look and feel like a million dollars. While it may read like a cliché, there is a general trend in looking and feeling good, especially in the way we spend our money on achieving this.

Buying into a designer look is easy if one has enough cash. And however desirable that may sound, being dressed top-to-toe in monotone designer gear is generally as anti-fashion as it gets. Thankfully, the consumer trend to spend this moment is much more tasteful, and modern fashionistas have changed focus to accessorizing their wardrobes, rather than spending heaps of money on a single item of clothes.

Where the clothes once made the man, they have now been replaced by accessories. Just think about how much you spend in general on clothes? A few tops from Zara and H&M certainly don't break the bank, and neither do the skirt or coat you recently purchased from your more upmarket high street retailer. Perhaps you'll spend a bit more on a great fitting pair of jeans, but, even if they do classifly as being a small investment, you'll certainly them wear all the time and feel great.

Most likely you'll spend your money on a great pair of shoes or the season's must-have bag. In fact, you may not even look at the price tag when heading to the till. You can look a slouch in a raggy pair of denim jeans, but add a fabulous pair of shoes and you instantly look a million dollars. You probably don't even bat an eyelid at swiping your card for those GBP 225 Marc Jacobs Mouse shoes, or the GBP400 for the much coveted Luella Bartley bag, which, with its heart logo and patent leather girlie looks, makes you the envy of your pals.

The secret is not what you wear, but what you wear with it. It's the killer heel or trendy trainer that make the outfit. The bag on your shoulder is what draws the complements, as is that lovely scarf around your neck. Mind you, nobody ever gets flogged for wearing a luxurious Louis Vuitton coat, but that's a whole other story.

For a great selection, head to Fenwick on Bond Street, who have one of the best accessory departments in London.

10 November 2003

Where Are The Shoppers?

The owners of London institution Liberty saw a reduced footfall in the West End by a downturn in shopper numbers in the capital.

Liberty owner Retail Stores said steady progress reported at the half year stage was largely reversed in the second half by the impact of the Gulf War combining with transport disruption in London caused by the introduction of the Congestion Charge and the extended closure of the Central Line.

These factors came together to reduce footfall in the West-End by an estimated 10-20 per cent. The company said since the year end there has been a steady improvement in footfall both at the Regent Street store and the Liberty outlets at Heathrow Airport.

1 October 2003

Too Hot To Shop!

A week of record temperatures has hit shopper numbers in the UK, according to the latest figures from FootFall.

The number of shoppers across the UK during last week's hot weather was down 7.3 per cent compared to the same week in August 2002. This equates to a 9.3
per cent week-on-week drop, the largest decline in the FootFall Index since April 2001, except for the post-Christmas periods.

David Smyth, marketing manager at FootFall said: "Over the last few weeks we have seen some buoyant footfall levels with a large increase in the second to last week in July that coincided with the start of the school holidays in most parts of the country.

With the record temperature levels that we have been seeing over the last week, and the widely reported effect that this has on the UK populations buying habits, we can only conclude that this is the reason for the less people are going shopping in general but also the scale of the drop off from the week before.

As this hot weather persists it will become increasingly difficult for retailers to estimate the impact on their specific business for the next few days let alone over the coming weeks.

13 August 2003

Summer Sales Soar

Now in almost its third week, the summer sales are keeping both retailers and consumers alike in a mad shopping frenzy. Walking along London's Oxford Street mid-week resembles more a Saturday than a rainy Monday as in the past, with pedestrians and shoppers carrying a plethora of bags like someone moving house.

Recent reports in magazines and newspapers have given shoppers hints on how to manage the sales and get the best bargains, of which I, too, have been guilty. Consumers today are canny, however, and are generally not prone to the industry trick of buying unnecessary goods at half price. In a 24/7 economy with non-stop advertising and subtle (and not so subtle) imaging in everything from magazines to softdrink products, shoppers are buying what they need, not what they necessarily have seen.

To confirm this, it is couture-like catwalk pieces and potential fashion-disaster garments that get left on the rails. And as much as I like to follow the fashion-forward trends, i.e. next season is all about green and orange acid colours, the bright fitted trouser I recently spotted at a hip London boutique is doomed to remain on the rail and should not be in anyone's closet. No matter how enticing the bargain!

With recent reports stating the high street is up on sales over the same period last year, we are seeing signs of a positive spin for retailers, who have had a tough winter season. There has even been suggesting that the CBI's sale survey was being talked down to help push through an interest rate cut. When the British Retail Consortium's figures get published this week, the numbers should be slightly more confident than earlier reports. Let's hope the new collections to hit the stores next month are exciting enough to continue the trend.
(Don-Alvin Adegeest)

15 July 2003

The Big Sale

This season's sale is going to be amazing. I realise it is not indicative of a healthy economy, but I trust, like me, you would never wish retailers to be left with rails of stock at the end of the season. And frankly, why complain when for months you've been eyeing those suede Dries van Noten shoes and ever-so-soft Burberry Prorsum leather bomber knowing you could get them for a bargain price? You can hardly blame retail therapy for the injustices facing society today.

A friend of mine, a very clever shopper and PR Manager for one of American's biggest marketed brands, cunningly told me that to make certain you get your designer items at a bargain price you need to think about 'circulation'. Or rather 'out-of-circulation' as she phrased it. Apparently, shopaholics ask stores to lay-away those items they have been dreaming about all season a few weeks before sales begin. As most stores only put items on hold for a week or so, the shopaholic will go to several stores who carry the same brands and request the retailer to put the items on hold successively. In this way your item is always out of circulation and hanging in the stockroom of one store or another. Just in time for it to be marked down in the sale.

This way of methodically shopping the sales requires much too much effort for my liking and ruins the fun of the spontaneous purchase. In my opinion a true shopaholic will know how many stores stock that must-have-item, and will know the date each stores goes on sale. Rather than hassling shop managers to put an item on hold (I much prefer building relationships with shop staff when those Prada trousers your just purchased need to be shortened in 45 minutes in time for your after work drink) you simply need to be organised and cue at the shop on the first day of sale.

Call me a Buddhist, or Zen follower if you will, but if your desired frock has been sold, it wasn't meant to be. There's something dismal about engaging in a tug-of-war over a reduced price tag that puts of me off shopping the sales altogether. Mind you, that didn't prevent me from attending the Giorgio Armani sample sale last week when I got a beautiful black label coat reduced from GBP 995 to 50! While I don't endorse re-mortgaging the house to make a fashion purchase, I'm prone to spend more to enjoy something all season, then pay discount for it and watch it go out of style. By the time autumn/winter hits the shops you'll be dreaming of an entire new wardrobe and no doubt scheming about the next sale.
<Don-Alvin Adegeest>

2 June 2003

Shopping the Net

Sceptics thought it wouldn't be a success, but shopping the internet for fashion has become a new way to purchase our clothes. For those who are glued to their corporate desks 60 plus hours a week and have no time to shop, let alone to follow trends, online shopping has allowed them to search the web for that perfect cocktail dress, pay for it online, and have it delivered to their office two hours later. All in time for that evening bash.

The most fashionable of web shops is net-a-porter.com who's online boutique stocks everything from Marni to Marc Jacobs. Whoever thought cutting-edge fashion could be found on the net? Nathalie Massenet, the company director, says it has become a way for busy women around the world to stay fashionable in their hectic lives. The anonymity of purchasing online has given them a high profile client list ranging from royalty to Hollywood actresses.

Another great shopping site is highstreetnet.co.uk, where you can find all the leading highstreet shops that currently offer online purchasing. Dorothy Perkins, Topshop, Marks & Spencer, to name a few, all have online shops ready to be browsed for your next purchase. Make certain you have a secure browser when you are asked for your credit card details, as credit card fraud has not been eliminated.

For discount designer clothes, surf to www.yoox.com. This site offers past seasons designer collections for men and women at bargain prices.

And, if it is retail therapy you need, switch off your new flat screen computer which you purchased from macwarehouse.com and head straight to the shops. Sometimes seeing the clothes is half the fun.
<Don-Alvin Adegeest>

23 May 2003

Shoptalk

With the UK Bank Holiday to start this weekend, the shops are looking forward to some consistent trading. But will they get it? With the four-day Easter break as an indication of sales, trading shouldn't go as bad as forewarned. Reading the doom and gloom of the newspapers: plummeting stocks and shares, falling house prices, a consumer slowdown just around the corner, the retail industry seems to be faring rather well. With March credit card borrowing rising by GBP 400m, the highest increase since May 2000, retailers must be benefiting somewhere along the line from consumer spending.

Whilst reports of a more-rocky-than-buoyant high street make their way in to the media, independents across the UK are keen to inform they are doing good business and sales are steady. Some even have said they have had their best season to date. The key to this season for many retailers is to concentrate on the brands that work. Less keen to spend money on new labels and sourcing for new collections, a large number of retailers have downsized to the labels that actually sell, and hanger-appeal is less important if, at the end of the season, they are still hanging.

Attracting consumers in the first place is probably the most difficult task. With stores such as Selfridges changing the standards of promotions it is evident that the promoting of brands, marketing and triggering consumer interest is high on the branding spending list. It may be too early to be wildly optimistic about business, but most retailers have said they are doing as well, if not better, than last year.

May 2, 2003