Women Over 45… November 24, 2008

As attitudes to aging change, the beauty needs of today’s older woman has evolved. Her lifestyle, aspirations and beauty choices have much in common with 25-year-olds. But has the beauty
industry kept abreast of the potential of this growth market?

Some critics maintain that beauty brands are too fixated on the young, arguably a more vibrant and dynamic demographic than women heading towards old age. Perhaps it’s time for the industry to recognize that 45-plus women have the money and desire to spend out on products that keep them looking young. And perhaps that time is right for another reason. The economic downturn is causing both consumers and companies to reassess where they are heading.

The new breed of mature woman is not necessarily as brand loyal as the older baby boomers who are happy to stick with what they know. Beauty brands should recognize that these women want to appear young and are motivated to try new products.

“This group of consumers is becoming more beauty conscious and greatly values product efficacy, particularly when it comes to anti-aging products,” says Euromonitor analyst, Oru Mohiuddin. She recommends that brands use effective advertisements describing the benefits of the product and use greater promotional activity, some of which should be on-line. “Web-based interaction with consumers will help to create an emotional bond with brands, as exemplified by the olayforyou.com site”

Excerpts from WGSN Article Time to target the over-45s by Imogen Matthews, 11-20-2008.

Retail Factoid of the Day… November 24, 2008

According to WGSN, the number of online retailers planning a promotion on the key Cyber Monday is up on last year, according to a new survey.

The survey by online shopping site Shopzilla for Shop.org shows that 84% of online retailers plan to have a promotion on the day, which is the Monday after Thanksgiving and the day in which the online Holiday shopping season is said to begin, Reuters reported. Last year, only 72% of online retailers said they would be having promotions. The survey showed that 25% are planning one-day sales, while 33% will have a special email campaign. Sixteen percent said there would be no special deals.

Nearly a quarter of online retailers are planning to offer free shipping to entice customers.

Naughty or Nice- Older Kids Are Getting Coal This Christmas… November 13, 2008

Okay- maybe not coal… but US mothers are planning on a more modest Christmas this year, especially for older children, according to a new report in WGSN.

Women with children plan to spend an average $660 this Holiday season, marking a $50 reduction compared with last year, the Marketing to Moms Coalition report found. The cuts are biggest for mothers with children aged 7-12, while those with children aged six and under expect to spend the same as last year. “Older kids tend to want expensive presents like cell phones, video games, trendy clothes and computer equipment,” said Marketing to Moms Coalition founder Maria Bailey. “Moms are telling their older kids that this year, they’re just going to have to wait.”

Spending at bricks-and-mortar retailers will take the biggest hit, averaging 8% less than last year, while online spending is expected to remain flat to down 2%. Mass merchandisers and supercentres like Wal-Mart and Target will be the main beneficiaries of the trend with 87% of mothers saying they will head there for their Holiday shopping, while 37% will use department stores and 35% will spend at shoe stores and specialty clothing stores. The top gifts for children aged six and under will be baby/toddler toys, educational toys and items for pretend play. Board games, arts & crafts and books are the top items for children aged 7-12. For teens, the top items mothers plan to buy are clothing, computer equipment and/or games and cell phones.

Bargain Hunters Keeping Cozy… November 13, 2008

Due to the tough economic conditions that consumers are facing, women are beginning to budget wisely in spending on a wide variety of clothes. Cotton Incorporated looks into consumer spending.

Nearly 40% of women are spending less on clothing for themselves compared to last year, according to Cotton Incorporated’s Lifestyle Monitor. With the prices of grocery and petrol going up, and the Dow down, it is no surprise. Additionally, 82% of female Monitor respondents say they feel that, in general, clothing prices have increased since last year.

If women believe they can wear a garment beyond the coldest three weeks of January, they might be more amenable to making the purchase. Lighter weights, short sleeves, even sleeveless sweaters that can be worn with a layer underneath, make sense in this era of warmer climates where the average American goes sans jacket until nearly Halloween. Add to that temperature-regulated, home-car-work conditions, and these newest of knits simply make more sense.

From WGSN Lifestyle Monitor Reports 11.05.08

Retail Factoid Of The Day… November 10, 2008

According to a recent NY Times Article, Tim Calkins, clinical professor of marketing at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, states that [consumers] are feeling very differently about their economic situation, than they did months ago.  Calkins states “The brands that will do well in this environment are your low-priced brands, brands that are very cheap and value-driven,” he added. “The brands that will struggle are the brands that ask people to step up, because people are not inspired to do that right now.”

Peacocks Strut Their Stuff November 10, 2008

According to WGSN, Peacock plumage, with its beautiful and flamboyant colours, inspire stunning motifs and pattern – a refreshing change to the traditional floral. From single-feather placement motifs to stylised all-over plumage repeats, feathers are having their moment. With organic flowing linear shapes and intricate details, the feather is a perfect motif for creating a poetic and feminine statement. The eye of the peacock feather makes it instantly recognisable and looks stunning when used to inspire sequinned details.

Whimsy Press, our sister company and online retailer, is always one step ahead of the latest trends- so I figured this was a great opportunity to showcase some of our very own peacock inspired cards and wrapping paper…

Fashion Update- Quaint Essentials- Spring/Summer ‘09 November 7, 2008

Hot off the press from WGSN’s Womenswear team, their trend report published 11.06.08, confirms their original spring/summer 2009 trend predictions with the latest looks from the New York, Paris, London and Milan catwalks.

In their “Quaint Essentials” breakout, WGSN fashion specialists claim that quaint essentials in spring/summer of 2009 will bring a modernity to classic items using misplaced quirks and quaint craft. Designers will reinvent vintage with contemporary twists. New styles focus on heart-warmingly homemade and domestic hobby craft influences, which emerge from the lo-fi, DIY music and design scene.

Best Buy Launces Female Friendly Store November 7, 2008

What’s Happening

• Our friends at Iconoculture reported that recently, when seeking design input for its Aurora, CO, store, Best Buy turned to a novel source: 40 local female shoppers (Star Tribune 10.3.08). The new format is part of an effort to attract more women while avoiding turning-off the guys.
• The warehouse look gave way to a warmer aesthetic; the “home theater” department is now the more accessible-sounding ”family room”; and vignettes help shoppers see how the products can fit into their homes and lifestyles.
• The women’s advice is even influencing how employees are trained in customer service.

WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS

• While some retailers in male-centric categories have created stores that speak to both sexes (ahem, Apple), others could benefit by balancing their different shopping experience needs.
• Getting local shoppers involved in the store design process gives a retailer an authentic representation of the constituency’s expectations. It can also foster a sense of community and collaboration.

RESOURCES

Best Buy: The new female-friendly store is at 13801 E. Mississippi Ave, Aurora, CO; 303-338-5797

Retail Factoid of the Day… November 6, 2008

According to an article printed in WGSN on 11.05.08, US consumers see the election outcome an important factor influencing how much they will spend during the upcoming Holiday gift-giving season, with 80% of households reporting a likely lift to spending on an Obama win, according to a special election-spending survey commissioned by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and Goldman Sachs.

Beauty and the brand… November 6, 2008

WWD reported last week that Target is hoping that beauty experts, such as Jemma Kidd, Petra Strand and Napoleon Perdis, will lure more shoppers. “Beauty is hugely important to our core guest and destination guest,” said Michael R. Francis, executive vice president of marketing. “We continue to look for emerging talent in beauty. We allow our guests to test and sample products.” A TV commercial featured the new designers with the tag line, “Be bold. Be beautiful. For less.” Bath & Body Works ceo Diane Neal said this month that its holiday strategy involves rotating floor sets every three weeks and consistent promotions. New packaging and formulas landed in the hometown Columbus market in mid-September. To complement its Signature Collection, BBW also plans to dramatically grow its offering of bath and body accessories. The brand’s most popular holiday scents include Twisted Peppermint, Vanilla Bean Noel and Winter Candy Apple.