For out Before Tacky podcast we discuss what is happening in the fashion world. Reflecting these times of certainty brands, magazines and buyers chug along trying to figure out a right path.
Lyn and Taiwo join the discussion from Milan and London.
Tag: fashion brands
After Christmas, the sales season starts. This year many local stores and independent fashion brand/designers face challenges. Please show them your support with your purchases.
Categories
OOTD on a Budget
I went to the Ingolstadt Outlet Center outside of Ingolstadt Germany. The 110 store center had pretty much all I wanted as a Bargain Hunter, designer stores with some very good prices. As a habitual shopper with less cash but a lot of ambition designer outlets are heaven sent. I have to stretch my “fabu budget” anyway I can.
Covid 19, health and safety concerns come first. Located at each main entrance there is a guard to take temperatures as well as body temperature scanners. Each store allows only so many people in at a time. At the better known brands there were lines, so be prepared to wait a few minutes. I had to skip the Calvin Klein Underwear shop because of the long waiting time.
Plan First
40% Off 
Diesel 
Only 100 but too big
As the shopping conditions were different, I needed to make a plan. Get the layout in my head. Find my favorite brands, get a cafe while planning the logistics and visits Simple, start from one end, work my way around. Easier said than done. I got distracted by the Bally Store. There was no line plus, I am a fan. The markdown was too good to pass up. The service was also good. I got a pair of shoes and belt for good prices. Continuing to work to end, Prada Store but busy, happily they told me to comback or make an appointment. I did the latter
Surprisingly there was no line to get in Versace. The sales guy was wonderful. My find of the day, I got a scarf for 15 euros.
Back to Prada. Sneakers on last mark down for 100 euros. I wanted them, but sadly, too large. Life is cruel.
Covid Test Point 
Tod’s 
Michael Kors
There is something for everyone. I admit a few brands could have been more generous with the markdowns. 50% off is my minimal point. Anything less makes me feel unwanted.
During these days many of the stores now have phone in and WhatsApp service. Call and ask what for the latest outlet offerings. They will even send pictures and arrange for package delivery.
Shop at Ingolstadt Outlet Centre year round near Ingolstadt Germany.
Categories
Ikea is a Retail Example
I recently paid a visit to my nearest IKEA. Usually these excursions are planned. They evolve into an outing. Dinner, and perhaps a dessert. The cafeteria is a busy mixture of every group from retirees, young families, to single nesters. After the final coffee we take the usual “see what’s new” walk. The stores one way track path layout means you have to see everything on offer. The store scenes change from one area to another. Ideals for a small apartment space, a new kitchen, to an office setting. When I walked from one section to section, it reminded me of the “It’s a Small World” ride at Disneyland.
As I was trolling at a leisure pace I could not help but admire the brands soft sell approach. Wondering other retailers have not evolved. Department Stores and shopping malls have become dinosaurs. Any wonder why they are headed for extinction? Reading a chapter from founder Ingvar Kamprad’s book should be required for all retail executives. A reinvention blueprint for mass retailing.
21st Century Shopping
2019 is a constant flow of stimuli. Customers want to be scene but alone able to plug in a device. Ikea has all of this. The store offers surprises on every visit. As brick and mortar chains die an agonizing death it baffles me why many did not change course. The public still enjoys a day out of the house, however they prefer experience, not humdrum. Walking into many department stores, the descriptive word that pops to mind is “drab”. All offering the same items, the same brands, the same in store concessions. Working with formulas from the 20th century.. It is no wonder customers have been fleeing main street stores. Management blames customers not themselves for being unable to keep up with the times. However, if a Swedish furniture store can make profits, why can’t they?
Shopping involves more than just walking into a building. Buyers want an experience, to be a part of something satisfy different needs. I hope retailers can figure this out before it is too late. Todays shoppers have moved on.