Survey reveals shoppers' attitudes to new products

45% of British consumers feel new products introduced onto store shelves do not fit their needs, but admit they can be influenced into changing their minds. The information was revealed from a survey conducted by Ipsos MORI, leaders in the consumer marketing research field. Their research further revealed shoppers are bewildered by choice - 51% of consumers feel there are too many varieties for the same brands nowadays - 36% say it is becoming increasingly difficult to find the items they want.

Tim Maton, Director, Ipsos MORI's specialist Retail Division said in the Retail Bulletin: “While consumer sophistication is ever increasing, more people seem to be getting confused and maybe even frustrated by the choice at point of sale. So it is very interesting and prognostic that 19% of people said they would be doing most of their grocery shopping on-line in the future compared to a base of only 5% at the end of last year”.

Another interesting shopping habit unearthed by the survey is that 54% of British consumers said that items they buy on special offer or on promotion were things they would buy anyway. Three-quarters of UK consumers think products nowadays have too much packaging, and overall 57% said packaging nowadays is too difficult to open (rising to 71% of those aged over 45). 35% of people say it is rare that they bother to read any detail on packaging, and this is pretty uniform across all age groups and gender, suggesting impact and clarity of branding remain more important for most than the details.

The demise of the brand and the growth of store's own products are over-heralded, the survey revealed. Whilst nearly four in 10 British consumers say they will buy more store's own label in the future, a similar proportion still trust manufacturer brands more than store's own products. Ipsos MORI is part of the Ipsos group, the only independent, publicly-listed company in its field that is managed by research professionals. Founded in France, the company expanded both through organic growth and an aggressive strategy of acquiring companies which shared its worldview of inquiry and multiple points-of-view.

www.ipsos-mori.com
17 January 2007

Consumer spending sees conflicting reports

A surge of conflicting reports and rumours about troubled high street sales is continuing. Whilst some analysts are predicting the worst Christmas ever, others, such as WWD's Friday report, depicts European retailers are seeing higher spending this holiday season. Not considering the drop in consumer confidence, inflation and a mild autumn sales so far this year, retail spending is apparently back on track, and overall economic data across the European Union is mildly improved, says WWD.

Spending on gifts is expected to gain 2 percent in Europe this year, according to a study by consulting firm Deloitte.

While high-end department stores have reported robust business in clothing and accessories as consumers move away from electronics as gifts this year, discount shopping is expected to be fierce. More Europeans are expected to spend more time comparing prices than in the past, according to studies. Recent discounting schemes from stores such as Selfridges, Liberty and The Gap have been regarded as ‘secret' sales for retailers trying to get of excess stock and lure customer to their stores.

British analysts at Lehman Bros. have predicted "a relatively strong Christmas season,” but figures from the retail monitor FootFall suggest otherwise. Their latest report states UK shopper numbers were down 15.1 per cent over the same period last year. This weekend will be a major indication of sales to come, with only two weekends left in the run up to Christmas.

8 December 2006

Shop workers face ongoing consumer absuse

Up to half a million shop workers suffer verbal abuse every day, a report by the retail union Usdaw suggests, according to the BBC.
The study found there was a 35% increase last year in swearing, sexist comments and other forms of verbal abuse from "out-of-control" shoppers.
The union surveyed 500 workers and some said they suffered depression because of the level of abuse. Others gave up their jobs because of the stress.
Usdaw is launching a campaign on Wednesday to highlight the problem.

Researchers found that verbal attacks on staff were as damaging as physical abuse. Examples included a shop worker who was threatened when an item was not in stock and others who were abused for no apparent reason.
Usdaw General secretary John Hannett said: "Most shoppers would never think of physically assaulting a shop worker, but many seem to think it is all right to scream the most disgusting abuse.
"Our members are saying enough is enough and they will no longer tolerate vile abuse as part of their daily working lives."

Usdaw will distribute 30,000 red cards, similar to those used by football referees to send off players, to shoppers nationwide on Wednesday.
The union hopes the cards, which have the words "Usdaw United Against Abuse Against Shop Workers", will remind shoppers to think twice before losing their temper.
"Referees can use a red card to send off players... so our members will be distributing the red card, spreading the message that anyone abusing staff can be removed from stores or even prosecuted," said Mr Hannett.

10 July 2006

Inflation scares consumers

More than 80 per cent of consumers believe prices will rise in 2006, sparking fears that base rates will climb to combat inflation, according to the February Consumer Barometer from Lloyds TSB Financial Markets. Eighty-one per cent of consumers believe that prices in general will rise during the year, with only two per cent expecting them to fall. The balance – the percentage of consumers expecting rises minus those expecting falls – is, at 79 per cent, the highest it has been since the survey began in 20041. The rise in pessimism contradicts recent figures showing that CPI inflation eased to 1.9 per cent in January (the first time since May 2005 that it had slid below the Bank of England's two per cent target).

This may be because consumers are focusing on rapidly rising utility and transport costs rather than the benign overall picture. However, this outlook is in line with the BoE's recent Inflation Report and suggests that CPI inflation – and interest rates - may pick up later in the year.

In contrast with financial markets, which expect rates to remain unchanged, consumers expect base rates to rise during the year. Sixty-one per cent of consumers expect the cost of borrowing to increase in 2006 while just 12 per cent believe it will fall. The 49 per cent difference – a six per cent increase on January - represents the fifth time in six months that the balance has increased. Trevor Williams, chief economist at Lloyds TSB Financial Markets, says: “Inflation is below target at the moment but consumers are focusing on utility costs and energy prices when assessing the inflation outlook. Although they are looking at only part of the overall measure of prices, their outlook for price inflation is in line with the Bank of England's, which suggests that CPI inflation will rise later this year. “Consumers' take on the direction of short term official interest rates, therefore, seems to be right. The MPC is highly unlikely to cut rates in the foreseeable future, with all the evidence pointing to accelerating growth. Industries like manufacturing are seemingly set to turn the corner, so although it is quite a long time away we believe the next move in interest rates is likely to be up.” Consumers also remain fairly uncertain about their jobs compared to last year, despite an overall rise in confidence.

Twenty-four per cent of consumers feel less secure about their jobs than a year ago while 22 per cent feel more secure. The balance of minus 2 per cent represents a fall from January – when it stood at 0 per cent – and takes the index back to its September 2005 level. In fact, consumers remain gloomy about employment prospects in general in the UK, with 36 per cent believing they have worsened over the last 12 months compared to just 18 per cent who believe they have improved. This is the second consecutive month that the balance has stood at minus 18 per cent.

17 March 2006

European consumers are spending less

With France and Germany reporting a slowdown in household spending, signs of pressure on European consumers are increasing. Consultancy firm Deloitte added to the bad news for retailers by releasing results from a recent report, which states that consumers across nine surveyed European countries will spend 3 percent less on gifts this Christmas. Spending in Germany is expected to drop 9 percent. Only shoppers in Ireland and Spain are expected to increase spending.

“Spending was growing year-on-year until 2003 but since then there has been a change which seems to be turning into a trend,” said Deloitte partner, Gilles Goldenberg. “European consumers were told that 2005 would be good…they were sold a recovery that has not taken place. The anticipation for 2006 is gloomy and spending power is perceived to be reduced.” The Deloitte report found that 49 percent of the 7,000 Europeans questioned believe they are in a recession.

Bond Street UK's most expensive shopping street

New Bond Street in London's Mayfair has overtaken Oxford Street for the first time in 20 years to become the UK's most expensive retail street according to this year's Main Streets Across The World report from Cushman & Wakefield. The annual report tracks the amount retailers will pay to guarantee their position on the world's most prestigious retail streets. Demand for the cachet of a New Bond Street flagship store and address has fuelled a 25% increase in rents in the last 12 months.

Globally the cost of retail space has gone up by an average of 8% over the past year with New York's Fifth Avenue being the world's most expensive retail street. Rents have risen by 36.8% in the past year with retailers now having to spend US$13,993 per square metre per annum. "The international race for space is continuing unabated. A growing number of global brands are vying for limited space on the pavements of the world's top shopping destinations, whether Paris's Avenue des Champs Elysées or London's New Bond Street. This in turn is pushing up rents," says Darren Yates, Cushman & Wakefield's head of market analysis.

Main Streets Across the World tracks retail rents in the world's top 237 shopping streets across 47 countries around the world. The report's global league table is drawn up by taking the most expensive location in each of the countries monitored. The report also covers main UK retail streets in Birmingham, Cardiff, Croydon, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle. In second position globally, after New York's Fifth Avenue, is Causeway Bay in Hong Kong which this year has leapfrogged Paris' Avenue des Champs Elysées now in third place. London's New Bond Street is in fourth position followed by Tokyo's Ginza.

The biggest rental rises in Europe have been in Købmagergade in the Danish capital of Copenhagen, where rents have gone up 40% in local currency terms. Rents in Budapest's main Váci utca high street, Moscow's Novy Arbat Street and London's New Bond Street have all gone up 25%. New Bond Street is home to retailers including Armani, Chanel, Bulgari, Asprey, Nicole Farhi, Hermes, Mulberry, Jimmy Choo, Burberry, Donna Karan, Louis Vuitton, Chopard, Van Cleef & Arpels, Graff, Ralph Lauren, Cartier, Emanual Ungaro, Loewe, Pringle of Scotland, Fenwick and D&G.

26 October 2005

Boots continues to suffer

Decreased consumer spending has continued to have a negative affect on high street health and beauty retailer Boots. The chain has reported a drop in sales and says that it sees now signs of a market recovery. Chief executive Richard Baker furthermore refused to repeat the company's full-year sales guidance, stating that the market would have to make its own projections.

Like-for-like sales at Boots the Chemists were expected to have dropped 1.3 percent for the first half due to the persistently tough retail climate. Although sales of health and beauty and toiletry products were promising, categories such as food, photo and electrical saw a decline in sales.

“Trading conditions have been difficult throughout the first half with consumer spending softening further over the last quarter and we see no sign that the market will get any easier for the rest of the year,” Baker said.

Baker has said that Boots needs to reinvest in the business and focus on re-establishing the retailer as the leading health and beauty expert, which is its core business. To this end, the company decided to put Boots Healthcare International (BHI) up for sale earlier this year.

BHI manufactures and sells over-the-counter products like Strepsils, the throat lozenges. The FT reports that the groups such as Reckitt Benckiser, GlaxoSmithKline and German Bayer are understood to have shown interest.

The company said the sale of BHI, which could fetch between £1.5 billion and £1.6 billion, was on track. Furthermore, it said sales for the second quarter at the division were expected to climb 9 percent. In the meantime Baker said that Boots would concentrate on managing its trading margin, costs and working capital.

www.boots.co.uk
29 September 2005

Cold as Ice

A curious phenomenon has presented itself in the world of high-end retailing. During the blisteringly hot summer months, shops offer the solace and relief from air-conditioning. What consumers might have noticed, however, is that the degree of cold varies according to the status of the shop. The more high-end the retailer, the colder the temperature.

A recent experiment by a high-grade thermometer-wielding reporter in Manhattan confirmed that the higher the prices, the lower the temperatures. An Original Levi's store was colder than an Old Navy Store. However, Club Monaco, which was colder than Levi's, was in turn out-frozen by Macy's, which was trumped by Bloomingdales. However, the winner of the freeze prize was Bergdorf Goodman, which is a much more luxurious retailer than the others. Of the luxury goods stores, Hermes drew a lower temparature than Tiffany's.

Graig Childress, director of prototype design for Envirosell, a New York-based consulting firm that studies retail stores' designs to help them maximize sales, told the New York Times: "There is still a status symbol in almost over-the-top air-conditioning."

"It's part of the whole environment package that we try to offer to our customers," says Tony Nicola, vice president of operations at Bergdorf Goodman. "We're offering the best of service in New York City and what comes with that is how the store looks, how it's lit, the cleanliness and the temperature."

These may not be the only reasons for a decrease in temperature. The employees of luxury stores, dressed in shirts and ties, may find it comfortable while shoppers in t-shirts and shorts are deterred from staying too long if they are not planning on buying anything. Some shoppers say the cool air keeps them shopping for longer, which means they spend more money. It may be wise to remember the air-con rule the next time you step into Harrods or Fenwick's or your local Prada store.

27 June 2005

Consumer Spending At Weakest In Decade

The Evening Standard today reported that consumer spending will slump to its weakest since the early Nineties recession as household debt grows, unemployment rises and the property market stagnates, according to John Butler, chief UK economist at HSBC That will force the Bank of England to cut interest rates from their current level of 4.75 to four per cent by the end of next year.

HE annual value of High Street sales has fallen for the first time in almost 40 years, raising fears for the future of more big name stores. Retail sales were running at £4.6bn a week in April, down by 0.1% on the same month last year. This represents the first annual fall in cash terms since May 1967. The gloomy figures, published by the Office of National Statistics, confirm earlier studies by the CBI and the British Retail Consortium.

John Butler said: 'Our concern is that spending has slowed sharply despite a background of higher employment, reasonable income growth, high consumer confidence and wealth and low interest rates.' Some major players in the High Street have already gone to the wall. Allders employed 7,500 people in its 45 branches. But after 143 years of trading it collapsed in January with debts of £15m and a massive pension deficit.

Retail entrepreneur Harold Tillman saved the Allders name after buying the group's flagship store, in Croydon. The deal was signed this month for an undisclosed sum, saving 500 jobs. The gloom among retailers appears to be a direct effect of the slowdown in the housing market.

www.eveningstandard.co.uk
www.hsbc.com
20 May 2005

Consumer Spending Falls

The month of April saw a slide in UK consumer confidence, as was confirmed with the monthly British Retail Consortium/KPMG sales monitor showing that many shoppers are avoiding all but the most essential purchases.

The figures show retail sales in the UK in April down by 4.7 per cent on a like-for-like basis, and by 1.3 per cent on a total basis, compared with a year ago. While the figures were affected by comparisons with April 2004, which included Easter, the wider trend also makes grim reading.

The three-month trend rate of growth fell to minus 0.9 per cent from 0.7 per cent in March for like-for-like sales, and to 2.6 per cent from 4 per cent for total sales. Trade worsened across the board but especially for discretionary purchases and non-essentials. Consumer caution and the slowing housing market continued to hit sales of big-ticket items, particularly white electricals and furniture. Younger fashion clothing and footwear saw a boost when the sun shone but trade overall was tough.

Sales worsened markedly, with declines for women's, men's and especially childrenswear. Sales overall were hit by the cold weather and consumer caution: accessories and smaller items often did better than major purchases, though there were a few good sales of men's suits in promotions. Men's polo shirts were also popular.

In womenswear, younger fashions sold better than older classic styles, but for most, spring ranges were only favoured on the few warmer days. Accessories were strong, especially handbags, belts and large ethnic-type jewellery. Footwear sales fell sharply across the board, hit by the unseasonably poor weather and Easter falling earlier this year. Department stores suffered also, but were helped by promotions and discount days and a little sun.

9 May 2005

Consumer Spending Stable

UK retail sales increased ahead of expectations in September, as shoppers kept spending despite rising interest rates. Despite forecasts of a downturn in consumer spending, figures from the Office for National Statistics show retail sales up by 1per cent in September, ahead of the 0.7 per cent seen in August. The annual increase in sales is now running at 6.9 per cent, compared to 6.7 per cent the month before.

The ONS pointed out that underlying growth rate of retail sales has continued to decline, down to 1.1 per cent for the three months from July to September, from 1.5 per cent.

21 October 2004

UK Shoppers Spending Cautiously

According to the retail bulletin, UK consumers are still spending despite fears that a successive interest rate rise would keep them away from the shops. Retail sales in the UK during September increased by 2 per cent on a like-for-like basis, according to the latest BRC/KPMG sales monitor, with total year-on-year growth of 4.6 per cent.

On a three-month comparison, the growth rate from 1.7 per cent in August to 1.5 per cent in September on a like-for-like basis, and from 4.2 per cent to 4.1 per cent in total sales. Helen Dickinson of KPMG said: "The resilience of the UK consumer really is quite remarkable. Consumer confidence has taken its share of blows in recent times but just keeps bouncing back. Every time we predict that consumer confidence might finally be about to hit the floor, it confounds us all and does exactly the opposite.

"A 2 per cent increase in the like-for-like growth figure for September is not bad at all, considering where we were at the end of August, and is much stronger than most commentators were expecting. "Children's clothing and footwear had a strong month with a late surge in the back-to-school market. Home accessories also showed improved trading. Such resilience is crucial as the volumes increase as we are already in the run-up to the most critical trading period of the year."

12 October 2004

Consumers Continue Shopping

The number of shoppers across the UK grew by 1.8 per cent year-on-year in the week of July 12. The year-on-year figures from retail business information specialist FootFall show a rise for the fifth week running.

David Smyth, director of marketing and strategy at FootFall said: "This is the longest sustained run this year so far. The run began with the advent of Euro 2004, and the inclement weather we have seen during the past couple of weeks is continuing to boost footfall compared with the same period in 2003.

"We were surprised that there wasn't a larger rise however, as the comparative week in 2003 was one of the hottest of the year. Historically that equates to low footfall as potential shoppers stay away to spend time in the sun. "Week on week figures are not faring so well as shopper numbers are down 0.9 per cent on the previous week. Perhaps the media coverage on the slowdown in house prices and the threat of rate rises are beginning to have an effect now that the confidence boost of Euro 2004 is subsiding.

Smyth added: "Next week's figures will be important as they indicate the start of the school holidays and increased opportunities to shop. If we do not see the expected leap in week-on-week figures we will know that the measures to curb
consumer spending are definitely taking effect."

22 July 2004

Beware Celebrity Endorsement

The British Consumers' Association is becoming increasingly concerned about the proliferation of celebrity endorsements of financial and other products in advertisements.

In a recent report in The Sunday Telegraph, Ashley Sharpe, head of money research at Which? Magazine stated: 'The danger is that, if the use of a credible celebrity is combined with a message that sounds great but doesn't tell you the full story, then many more people could be taken in, because they trust the person promoting the product."

Adrian Webb of esure, commented: "Celebrities have been endorsing products for more than 50 years. Consumers know to look beyond an eye-catching personality to the actual product.

28 June 2004

FashionUnited Father's Day Gift Guide

Dads are notoriously difficult to buy for, and if you're anything like the rest of us, spending hours running around the shops in a panic and getting the gift that probably never leaves its packaging, is a rather discouraging thought. Gift buying for dads needn't be stressful, if carefully thought out.

Therefore, before you even think about hitting the shops - whimsical visits to departments stores usually end-up in disaster purchases or endless browsing at the beauty counters for one-self - where scented candles and the new Crème de la Mer eyecream is probably not so interesting for a dad - Fashion United recommends finding out which category your dad falls in to determine how to shop. Decide whether your father is a: sports dad, daddy cool, stylish dad or practical dad to find the perfect gift suitable to his interests and eliminate the chance of exchanges, returns, or even worse, false (disappointed) thank-you's.

Whereas a Black & Decker toolkit may have made a dad happy a few years ago, DIY accessories are not the most exciting gift nor should they be repeated in consecutive gift-giving years. If you have a practical dad, buy him a good quality belt or carrier-bag. Most men do not like to carry with them too trendy an accessory, but a bag, such as a leather holdall from Mulberry is both classic and stylish and does as its packaging states, and should last a dad for years.

For the more stylish dads among you, a beautifully tailored shirt from Saville Row will impress him. Just have a look under the collar of one of his favourite shirts for the size and adhere to that. Unless they are too fitted, and no dads are THAT modern, the sizing tends to be universal - at least in the UK. If your budget is a little bigger, take him to any tailor on Saville Row to have one fitted and tailor-made.

For sportsdad, any football merchandise for Euro 2004 will do. A red & white England shirt should go a long way over the next few weeks. Shopping for daddy cool can be more difficult. For the dad who can't live without designer clothes, tastes can be eclectic and difficult to translate into a gift. Perhaps some ultra-stylish sunglass, like Dior or Dolce & Gabbana, will do the trick. Afterall, no daddy cool will leave the house without his eyes covered.

Whatever you buy your dad, don't get him a boring gift certificate or shopping voucher. One thing that all dads seem to have in common is the abhorrence of shopping itself. Taking your dad on a compulsive visit to Oxford Street on his day off to spend a 50 pound voucher is probably not his idea of a happy father's day.

16.6.2004

Tourists Boost Retail Spending In London

Tourists and overseas visitors seem to be on the increase according to recent figures from the London Retail Consortium, having positive impact on retail sales. Sales in Central London increased by 4.6 per cent on a like-for-like basis compared with May 2003, when sales were still affected by the impact of terrorist threats and the SARS virus.

The three-month like-for-like growth trend increased to 5.4 per cent in May from 5.1 per cent in April. Promotions and summer weather boosted footfall, and with the decline in US visitor numbers seeming to have halted, there was a sales recovery apparent at the top end of the market. David Southwell, LRC director of communication, said: "London's retailers will be pleased that once again retail sales in the capital continue to outperform the rest of the UK. However, the figures are flattered by comparison to poor sales last year.

"The good weather helped bring out the shoppers - especially in the clothing sector - but consumers remain cautious with sales being driven by value and promotion. The upturn in tourist spending is welcome but concerns remain over the potential impact strength of the weakness of the dollar and the cost air travel."

15 June 2004

Consumer Demand Still Steady

Consumers are still shopping and spending healthily according to the Retail Traffic Index. The latest figures show that UK shopper numbers have increased by 1.8 per cent on March last year. This is the fourth consecutive month that has seen year-on-year growth.

8 April 2004

UK Shoppers Spending More

UK shoppers were in spending mode throughout January, pushing official sales figures ahead of forecasts, and increasing the likelihood of a further quick rise in interest rates to help calm demand. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show total retail sales grew by 1.7 per cent in the three months to the end of January 2004, compared with the previous three months.

Across the three months sales increased by 2.5 per cent in non-food stores and by 0.6 per cent for food retailers. The total retail sales volume for the three months to January was 4.5 per cent higher than a year ago, with the strongest increase in the clothing and footwear sector, at 7.6 per cent.

Monthly figures for January show a 0.6 per cent increase on December and a 6.4 per cent increase on January 2003. Kevin O'Sullivan, director, retail & wholesale sectors at Barclays said: "2004 has got off to a flying start as high levels of consumer spending over the Christmas period spilled over into January. The good news for retailers is that the growth in sales does not seem to have been at the expense of margins with many retailers holding their nerve on discounts through the new year.

"Sales naturally dipped towards the end of January as shoppers went back to work. The key test now for retailers is whether consumer confidence will remain strong in a period of rising interest rates and when spring and summer collections need to be sold."

20 February 2004

UK Fashion Failures

Mintel consumer research shows that attitudes towards fashion and style vary dramatically across Europe. The British are the least fashion conscious in Europe, with just one in four agreeing with the statement 'I like to keep up with the latest fashions'.

This compares to almost two in five, 38 per cent, French consumers, the most fashion conscious. The French, inevitable, are also the best dressed, with three in five, 62 per cent, feeling it is important for them to look well dressed and they are also the most stylish as almost three in five, 57 per cent, feel that they have a very good sense of style. Cruising the Parisian streets, one feels a million miles from London, where the jeans & trainers brigade have been exchanged for a more elegant look with sleek trousers and beautiful shoes.

Germans are the least stylish, with just two in five, 39 per cent, claiming a very good sense of style. On the other hand, the Germans are the most individualistic, with one in four, 25 per cent, hoping to stand out in a crowd. In a country where Mohawk hair cuts and Doc Martins sell as well as Birkenstocks, taking in the punk look too-much-to-heart, it seems, one cannot deny their success.

1 December 2003

It's A Consumer's Holiday!

It's that time of year again when consumers are being reminded of the 57 shopping days left until Christmas. Christmas translating into bonus time not only for City execs and investors, but also for commercial retailers, who have helped turn this holiday into a nation of frenzy shoppers.

On a recent trip to Marks & Spencer to buy some lunch, one is practically forced to waddle through the Christmas catalogue, which is skillfully placed at each checkout and tillpoint. From tree decorations to intricate cakes to that must have cashmere sweater and new Game Boy, for the next seven weeks consumers are going to be inundated with shopping, shopping, shopping. Every store and every billboard are focused on one thing: for you to spend your money.

Being a self-confessed shopaholic, I have no problem getting out the credit cards. In fact, I have the digits safely secured inside my head; for those one-off internet purchasing moments when your wallet is not within hand's reach. But that still doesn't somehow compare to the pressure to HAVE to buy for the sake of buying, just because it's Christmas. Think, too, of all those horrendous gifts you ever received because of Christmas obligations. I am reminded of a clock I was given shaped like a cactus, or that book you've read twice since highschool, yet politeness spares the purchaser's feelings as after all, it's Christmas. And to give gifts, is to show generosity and love.

The good thing about Christmas, however, is that it pre-announces the sales. High fashion seems to be omitted from most people's Christmas lists and finding your favourite item in the sales is easy if you're quick and on the mark. Still, if giving gifts on the 25th of December is a prerequisite for this peaceful holiday, I would much rather give beautiful clothes. Knowing that family and friends will look great in the New Year seems a more generous gift than purchasing one of those advertised-as-must-have items which get stowed in cupboards and drawers and never again see the light of day.

Don-Alvin Adegeest
4 November 2003

Happy Victims of Consuming Passions

"Happy Victims," an exhibition of photographs by Kyoichi Tsuzuki showcasing fashion followers who become obsessed with one designer that their homes become a mircrocosmos of that designer, will be showing at the Photographers Gallery until November 16th.

On Thursday, November 30th, British design duo Eley Kishimoto will discuss the works, which offer an exceptional view of the subjects who brought their wardrobes out of their closets and into their tiny living spaces.

Tsuzuki, 47, started his series in the Ryoko Tsushin fashion news magazine in April 1999 and showcased some of the pictures at France's fashion festival in Hyeres and in Paris. According to the artist, most fashion companies are uncooperative, as the photographs are the opposite to the images they want to produce.

The subjects, many of who have careers in fashion or the creative arts, have an extraordinary fascination for a particular designer. Take the average salaryman, who carries his Hermes briefcase to work wrapped in a towel (Hermes) in case his hands are sweaty.

Still, the photographs are not derisory. They are tender, reflective, graphic and intriguing. It would be easy to laugh a these high-fashion aficionados when the idea of building a universe from one designer's vision seems preposterous. According to Tsuzuki, "these victims are really normal people. They love their clothes, just like some people love books, music or art. I want to show my true respect to these people who sacrifice their daily comforts to devote themselves to the designs they choose to love."

"Happy Victims" can be viewed at The Photographers Gallery, 8 Great Newport Street, London, until November 16th.

29 October 2003

Sales Figures Improve

High street sales jumped in June, according to the monthly British Retail Consortium and KPMG retail sales monitor. The upbeat message from the high street will be reinforced on Wednesday when Marks & Spencer is expected to announce that it has reversed a recent decline in clothing sales.

Philip Green, owner of Arcadia and Bhs, said: "June has been a good month," with other retailers also reporting growing confidence on the high street.

15 June 2003

Consumer Spending Down

Fashion spending has stalled and the high street has effectively gone on sale, although retailers are still hoping that good weather will come to their rescue.

One young fashion retailer said: It has been more difficult in recent weeks than it was before Easter. Only the last couple of days have put us into positive like-for-like sales." He attributed the slowdown to the increase in NI contributions and the lack of new trends. The flat trading picture has prompted many retailers to stage promotions that are, in effect, early sales.

Tesco is offering 20 per cent off all clothing this week, while M&S offered 20 per cent off womenswear and homewares over the Bank Holiday. Debenhams has followed up a one-day "mega day" a fortnight ago with an offer of GBP 10 worth of vouchers when customers spend GBP 50. House of Fraser last week staged a "one-day spectacular" offering 25 per cent off. One brand predicted department stores would run promotions through June while going on full Sale two weeks earlier than normal in July.

Last week a report by National Statistics revealed that sales of clothing and footwear in April had grown by only 1 per cent against last year.

5 June 2003