Has fashion become an important feature in the childrenswear market?

Which retailers have benefited from the demise of C&A?

The childrenswear market is estimated to have grown by 31% between 1995-2001, to reach £5.9 billion.

Mintel last reviewed childrenswear retailing in November 2000. At the time the market was dramatically reshaping, as the supermarkets rolled out childrenswear departments and the mass market adjusted to the encroachment of discount and value retailers. Since then, retailing in childrenswear has continued to change very rapidly. Adams, the chain which was bought out by its management from Sears, has rolled out its shops-in-shops within Sainsbury's, Mothercare has completely re-invented its childrenswear ranges, Marks & Spencer has continued to struggle to attract customers and the new management of Bhs have begun to forge change. The department store sector has discovered the power of brands for children and private-label development and the use of character merchandising has also emerged as a powerful retail tool for many companies.

The marketplace is characterised by an increasingly broad distribution of children's clothes, a continued rise in the importance of superstore retailing in out-of-town locations, and by the creation of miniature fashion stories, especially by the brands. Next, one of the market leaders, is expanding its retail space allowing greater display and range of children's clothing in its stores, and foreign retailers are growing their presence in the UK.

This report examines childrenswear retailing in the UK and looks at the strategies, techniques and operational issues that lie behind the most successful retailers.

Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

Special Report, Retail Review, 2001

Underwear Retailing, Retail Intelligence - UK Report, October 2001

Children's Clothing - US Report, April 2001

Footwear Retailing, Retail Intelligence, February 2001

Schoolwear Retailing, Retail Intelligence, December 1999.