The UK clothing market has been dominated by price for much of the last ten years, as cheaper sourcing from the Far East has facilitated the growth of value retailers and increased competition in the marketplace.

Price-deflation has exerted downward pressure on retailers’ margins and is squeezing the middle-market. However, during this period, demand has remained strong. But, now with rising commodity prices possibly leading to the end of cheaper sourcing, and a domestic economic downturn, the outlook is looking uncertain for the leading UK clothing retailers.

The UK clothing market has been dominated by price for much of the last ten years, as cheaper sourcing from the Far East has facilitated the growth of value retailers and increased competition in the marketplace.

Price-deflation has exerted downward pressure on retailers’ margins and is squeezing the middle-market. However, during this period, demand has remained strong. But, now with rising commodity prices possibly leading to the end of cheaper sourcing, and a domestic economic downturn, the outlook is looking uncertain for the leading UK clothing retailers.

Main report themes:

What impact will the continuing expansion of the supermarkets into the clothing market have on the high street players?

What is the potential for online clothing sales, and who are the likely winners in this sector?

Given the worsening economic outlook are consumers more likely to trade up or trade down?

Can the value retailers continue to grow at such an impressive rate?

Do consumers feel they are receiving the right levels of service in-store?

How are the UK’s changing demographics likely to impact the clothing market?