Last updated: Tuesday, 2 December 2008, 16:46 GMT
Outerwear Report
At the last two February Off Price Shows, there was tremendous order-writing for immediates. Anticipation of a sluggish holiday season combined with uncertainty about the weather led retailers to keep a tight inventory - especially in outerwear. Two tough winters resulted in a lot of outerwear buying at the February Show. This is Off Price anticipates a similar trend at the upcoming show, especially with the current economic uncertainty that's curtailing normal buying routines. Our new Outerwear Report contains testimonials from our vendors on what's selling in outerwear, and what retailers should look for at the February Show.
Todd Andolino, Park Avenue Wholesale, Lackawanna, NY (Booth #51101 at February 09 Show)
Urban wear is doing well for us. Rocco Wear is really hot right now, and so is Sean John. Sports Apparel, including NFL, is always selling well.
Ben Burnley, BJ Burnley, Middleburg, PA (Booth #51135 at February 09 Show)
Customers are holding off on outerwear until they feel cold at the time of purchase. Outerwear was slow through September. We've had a recent cooling and now have some momentum. But again, people are waiting until they can feel a change in the temperature, in spite of the prices. Price, price and price, however, do dictate what everyone's looking for in outerwear these days.
Renee Claxton, Catch of the Day Clothing, Columbus, OH (Booth #5208 at Febuary 09 Show)
We are selling a lot of leather, regardless of style or age of the garments, leather outerwear coats are selling. We are selling the mens' for $90/unit (that originally retailed for $600) and the women's for $40/unit, and they are both doing well. We have a lot of wool in stock but it's not selling as well as the leather. I’m actually surprised that these jackets are selling at these prices. I suppose that consumers see a leather jacket as an investment rather than a perishable item.
Jeff Cohen, Jefco International, Spartanburg, SC (Booth #3215 at February 09 Show)
Both shorter and longer length coats have been important this season. Men are looking for shorter length in coats while the ladies are looking for longer length. Downs, and anything with quilting detail and trim embellishment have been key selling items. Fleece has been the mainstay fabric in jackets this 4th quarter selling season, including ¼ zips jackets. Any jackets that include hoods have been highlights this year as well as colorblocking detail. Anything in earth tone colors for both guys and girls is popular.
Sandra Davis, Paris Dreams, Los Angeles (Booth #5612 at February 09 Show)
People in the junior market are looking for vests, all kind of colors and fabrics, and not just for winter, but for all seasons.
Paul Maya, S. Maya & Sons, Los Angeles (Booth #2304 at February 09 Show)
There’s been a lot of hesitation from the buyers because of the uncertainty about the weather. Once it gets colder, people will want immediates. They have enough inventory of other goods coming in that people don’t want to crowd up their storage with coats. Lately, there are a lot of Chinese factories attempting to skip the middleman and go direct with retailers. We will know how successful that is in the coming months. It’s an entirely different thing when you are working with someone in your backyard versus someone in another country who you don’t know. It’s critical that retailers do their due diligence to get what they want.
Gobind Nankani, Fashion Fuse, Inc., New York (Booth #2226 at February 09 Show)
Full size long skirts and long full-length dresses are selling well for us. Low budget items are selling more due to the slowdown.
Joe Salzano, S.A.S.C.O. Trading, New York (Booth #5120, #5219)
Our hoodie business has been most successful because it’s more of a fashion statement than a weather consideration. We have cut back on our outerwear, which, because it’s more functional than fashionable, is becoming more price driven. If we carry an item for $10 per unit, our competitors will list it as $8 per unit. There seems to be a lot less excitement in outerwear, because people favor function over style.