Online Retailers...Recession Proof?

Today as the country faces recession many retailers have had to downsize or file bankruptcy. There is not enough consumption to keep some businesses thriving. Consumers are cautious of spending and they continue to save their income. During this time many retailers have attempted to gain revenue with special offers. Many retailers struggle while others continue to prosper. The online retailers are doing very during the recession.

Unlike retailers with brick and mortar stores online avoids overhead costs. Customers make purchases on personal computers rather than going to a store.The online stores provide an easy checkout process. Customers are allowed to place merchandise in their shopping basket before making a final purchase. There is a lot of customer support to help those with concerns. Some customers like clicking to see the variety of choices rather than gathering in a large crowd inside of a store. Since consumers are cutting back on their spending habits, online shopping helps with reducing the use of gas for driving to different locations.

Technology is the New Fashion Accessory

Technology has become a new fashion accessory. There are different cell phones, computers, and mobile devices that are fashion forward with styles, colors, and shapes. The youth market has developed a trend for buying the latest technology device. Many people now look at what a cell phone can offer such as the touch screen rather than its practical use. Hewlett Packard has partnered with Teen Vogue to make fashion forward technology. They have placed fashion forward products in the Teen Vogue Spring Style Haute Spot in Short Hills, NJ. Teen Vogue is offering the technology through experimental showcases. There are advertisements for new sleek devices in popular shows such as the Hills. Technology is a fashion statement for its owners.

Beauty Secrets for Less

Since the economy is in recession many companies have focused on the consumers spending ability. There have been many advertisements that focus on the cost of the product. Women are usually more compelled to buy beauty products. Saiving money is the advice that has been giving to consumers through magazines, financial programs, and media sources. The industry that focuses on beauty products have made an awareness of how to save on a budget.

Consumers that are loyal to using certain products will be more likely to buy if it does not put a strain on their money situation. There are several advertisements for skin care products that emphasize the enjoyment of small luxuries. Skin care products such as Cetaphil gives a price that is under $10 to promote the product during the difficult economic times. I am pleased to know that beauty advertisemnets are making consumers aware of the prices. Many people are more cautious of their spending habits but still want to enjoy the benefits of beauty products.

Michelle Obama Reveals Too Much?

Recently there have been several opinions made about our First Lady's apparel choices. She has been seen in several sleeveless garments that reveal her arms. Some opinions feel that it is inappropriate to go sleeveless. Is there a certain dress code that she must follow? It is a tradition for every first lady to bring a trend into the white house. The sleeveless apparel choices has already become one of the most talked about trends that she has brought.

While many are bothered by her arms being shown, there are others who have been encouraged to work out. After seeing First Lady's toned arms people are wanting to get those same results on their body. People are concentrating on workouts that target the arms and build muscles. Michelle Obama is very dedicated to her morning workouts and she has shown the world that it pays off!

Its What Makes the Difference That Counts

Many retailers have reported a loss in revenue this year. While many are struggling Urban Outfitters continues to thrive in sales. Kiplinger.com considers the company to be a recession proof clothier. Store sales have increased by 8% from last year. The company has three brands, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Free People.

The company has continued to do well because they are different from the other clothing retailers. Many consumers have adapted the vintage clothing style and they are able to buy it at these stores. Urban Outfitters is not like the traditional clothing store. They offer unique merchandise that appeals to their customers. The target market are trendsetters, those willing to take a risk with what they wear, and seek to be different.

The other retailers that offer apparel to mass markets have not done as well as this company. Although Urban Outfitters appeals to a small market, the focus on having the niche for unique merchandise has allowed them to be successful. A retailer that targets a specific market will have a good advantage of doing well even in difficult times.

Stunning Fashions on the Red Carpet

Last week the Academy Awards took place showcasing a variety of couture clothing. Giorgio Armani was worn by Alicia Keys and Anne Hathaway. Angelina Jolie and Marisa Tomei was seen in Versace. Gowns that were worn this year were considered to be more glamorous than previous years. The white creamy color was the trend for several apparel choices. The styles worn by the celebrities were considered to be less noticeable concerning brand. Many of them accessorized with personal jewelry. The Academy Awards is an exciting event for fashion lovers and editors to observe the different gowns. They always keep us anticipating on what they will wear for the big night!

African Fashion on the Runway

Fashion Week 2009 in Bryant Park included an African Fashion Collection. The Saharan Africa area has recently been focused in Vogue magazine. Nduka Obaigbena, a Nigerian media mogul sponsored the African Fashion Show. The style that was showed included images of young people in Africa with the late 20th century style of clothing. There was a lot of urban styles displayed. The fashion show received great feedback. The usual five predicted leopard prints were not in the show. People were interested in seeing the latest fashions that represented the Saharan area.

I think that it was a great idea to showcase African fashions. Many people are intrigued by the variations of styles. The Fashion Show introduced the versatility that is displayed in the culture. This is the beginning of more creative styles from different parts of the world that will be appearing to more runways.

Fashion Week Cuts Back

Bryant Park is where the action takes place for the annal fashion week in New York. Since the economic difficulty there are some major designers that will not be appearing during this time. Some designers that have decided not to participate this year is Betsey Johnson, Vera Wang, and Carmen Marc Valvo. The designers that are going to be there have chosen smaller venues compared to last years.

Those participating in Fashion Week have decided to cut back on the cost. The owner of alice+olivia have decided to use a slide presentation to show their fashions instead of models. A lot of the designers are showcasing the designs on mannequins to cut the cost of paying for models. Several designers such as Nicole Miller, Marc Jacobs, and Calvin Klein will not have their annual post dinner events.

Although the Fashion Week will experience some cut backs I hope that it will still be successful. During this this difficult economic time there are still those who look forward to seeing the upcoming fashions. Many of the designers that participate have loyal clients and they shall continue to do well. There have been many ways that designers have cut back on cost and hopefully it will still allow for this annual event to be great. Those coming will still be introduced to that latest designs but in a different way than previous years.

WalMart Still Stands Strong

January has been difficult for retailers with a decline of 1.8% in sells for the industry. Many retailers have offered a lot discounts to attract customers. Department stores and luxury stores have suffered the most with a decline in sells. Consumers are seeking elsewhere to purchase merchandise at an affordable price. Low-priced retailers are experiencing growth. WalMart still stands strong during the difficult time. They experienced a 2.1& increase last month. Vice chairman of Walmart stores said that the increase was a result of the high volume of customers that come and purchase merchandise. I think that consumers are more cautious of their spending habits. They are going to retailers that are affordable for their income. WalMart has succeeded with sells in spite of the decline of growth with other retailers.

It's A Tight Rope for SuperBowl XLIII

During the Superbowl every year I anticipate the new commercials that will be shown. The commercials are usually humorous and definitely creative. This year advertisers are aware that viewers are facing a difficult economic time. Tim Calkins is a marketing professor at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and is concerned that the commercials are sensitive to the times that we are in. He believes that advertisers face a difficult time because they must be aware of the economic situation while marketing to consumers.

Some advertisers during the Superbowl have created commercials that appeal to cautious spenders. Denny's and a Universal Resort in Orlando are showing special offers at the end of their commercials. Superbowl commercials have always been a time of excitement for me and I never thought that there would be time when all advertisers must be aware of peoples spending habits. As an advertiser you must be aware of the consumers needs and wants because you are hoping for a great demand for you service and product. I am curious to know if the advertisements will be able to keep up the good reputation for creativity and amusement.