A growing number of clothing labels are making "house calls". They new services are being refered to as direct fashion sales, and they're already turning into a booming business. Essentially, it lets anyone have a personal shopper.
Companies like Worth, Carlisle and Bill Blass "Sell their clothing exclusively through sales associates," ABC news says. "The associates receive sample collections about four times a year. They bring the collections into their homes (or showrooms) and invite their clients and friends to make an appointment to come by and try things on. More often than not, clients return season after season, year after year."
"Bringing the 'store' to the consumer is what's driving the surge in sales," ABC says before quoting Marshall Cohen, chief retail analyst at the NDP Group. "Direct to market sales are growing at triple the rate of online fashion sales. It's now a billion-dollar business." said Cohen.
Its a nice concept. Elitist? Yes because most of us don't have the money to pay a personal shopper to come to our house. But if you like the idea and you can afford it? Why not?
What's Driving This Trend
- Direct Fashion Sales
- The concept of bringing the 'store' to the consumer is driving a surge in sales for clothing labels.
- Personal Shopping Services
- Companies like Worth, Carlisle, and Bill Blass are offering personal shopper experiences by allowing clients to try on clothing at home.
- Growth of Direct-to-market Sales
- Direct to market fashion sales are growing at triple the rate of online fashion sales, becoming a billion-dollar business.
Who This Affects Most
- Fashion Retail
- The fashion retail industry can benefit from incorporating direct fashion sales to provide personalized shopping experiences for customers.
- Luxury Fashion
- Luxury fashion brands can leverage direct fashion sales to cater to their high-end clientele and offer exclusive services.
- Retail Technology
- The retail technology industry can explore opportunities to create platforms or apps that facilitate direct fashion sales and enhance the customer experience.
