Hi Folks
I’ve not long returned from a visit to the USA and I must say that despite all this economic gloom I didn’t see much to tell me that we’re in the middle of the worst economic slump ever etc. etc.I visited several of the large department store to get a feel of how people were reacting to the current economic climate and I must confess there was some signs of things not being as buoyant as you would expect but not to the extent that the media are trying to hype it up to.
The main things I noticed were the sales discounts were larger by about 10% so things that would normally be discounted by say 25% were now being discounted by up to 50% but these were all end of season lines and end of design lines. I did notice a huge drop in the variety of goods on display the amount of selection available was really down which I assume to be down to the major brand names not investing in new designs and new stock for the shelves for fear of that stock not selling, which then means less choice so consumer buy less which then means less sales (kind of a self fulfilling prophecy about an economic downturn eh!!)
I did however see one thing that was inspiring and that was Macy’s flower festival. Now I’m not a flowers and frills man but I must be honest and say that their flower festival was marvelous! they decked out the store from one end to the other with fresh flowers in all kinds of designs and formats, I think the main theme was Flamingos and thus the main colour was pink which they executed with real style so I say ‘well done Macy’s for flying in the face of a recession and cheering everybody up’.
From the fashion point of view I have noticed that lots of men are starting to wear hats again particularly these little trilby hats so I assume it is only a matter of time before they reappear here in the UK which reminds me that I must inform my friend Jenny who has a hat business it will be good for her. I don’t think I could ever wear a hat I don’t have the right shaped head or face to get away with it, but my daughter is another matter she can take the most horrible bag come brimmed monstrosity off the peg plonk it on her head and it instantly look gorgeous on her and visa versa (some people have all the luck eh!)
Jewellery wise it’s hard to say what direction the market is taking at the moment with it still being a bit to cold to be out of coats and warm woollies you don’t get to see much of what people have on but I think bling is gone for sure, I do have an few thoughts on what might be the next trend but I’m keeping that one to myself for now so that if I’m right then I’m first in the market and will be the name on the fashion worlds lips and if I’m wrong I can bury it and no one will be the wiser (simples eh!)
any way enough of that for now I’ve got a job to do, world to conquer , empire to build, you know the usual day to day thing.
see you again soon
the boss
p.s. give us some feedback, where have you been, what did you see that made an impression on you, what were the great an the good wearing.
