“Less than one in ten (8%) men struggle to find clothing which is both fashionable and flatters their figure, compared with almost three in ten (28%) women. There has been a strong focus within the fashion market on the importance for women to dressing in a way that suits their body shape. There is scope for fashion brands to heighten awareness amongst men about how getting the right fit and selecting clothing which is best suited to their frame can dramatically improve their appearance.”

– Emma Clifford, Fashion and Clothing Analyst

“Over four in ten (44%) women think that wearing nice underwear has the power to make them feel good. Underwear brands and retailers can tap into this strong emotional connection between putting on attractive and well-fitting underwear and feelings of positivity to stimulate higher levels of self-purchasing. Marketing messages could convey how – particularly in times of financial hardship – an indulgent yet well-deserved treat in the form of superior quality or luxurious underwear is a small price to pay for an instant boost to mood and self-esteem.”

– Emma Clifford, Fashion and Clothing Analyst

“There are signs that the fashion-oriented under-25s - who have underpinned the performance of the clothing and footwear market - are now beginning to rein in their discretionary spend. The challenge for retailers is to stimulate spending from this demographic by adding extra value to customers, in terms of the multichannel shopping experience. Any steps that retailers can take to enhance the in-store entertainment factor, for example by adding interactive elements or hosting special fashion-themed events, should also help to draw in young shoppers.”

– Emma Clifford, Fashion and Clothing Analyst

“Within the dynamic clothing category, the worlds of high-end fashion and fast fashion have never been so intertwined, with the boundaries separating them becoming increasingly hazy. Consumers are broadening their retail scope, and mixing top-end designer pieces with mid-market and value garments. A flurry of designer and high street collaborations has burst onto the retail scene, with shoppers jumping at the rare opportunity to get designer pizzazz at affordable prices.”

– Emma Clifford, Fashion and Clothing Analyst

“As the cross channel shopper emerges as a higher spending customer, every retailer must ensure it doesn’t compete against itself by making stores and the website equally relevant and compelling and by driving customer traffic in both directions.

Although certain inflationary pressures are about to annualise (input prices towards the end of this year and VAT at the start of 2012) and that will ease pressure on retailers’ margins, a gloomier outlook for young people could mean a gloomier outlook for the clothing market unless better added value opportunities and promotions are explored”.