A recent report has come out with the assessment of likely impact of the slowdown in consumer spending on sales, of discretionary products like swimwear. This is one of the issues covered in a new report on the global swimwear and beachwear market, which also looks at technology, fit and styling, and competition between private-label retailers and brands. The fall-out from the global credit crunch is likely to have an adverse effect on the clothing industry for sometime.
Overall, it could lower world swimwear growth between 2008 and 2014 from 5.32% to 1.69% and leaves the world market at retail worth US$13.25bn rather than US13.85bn, according to a new report. This worst-case scenario, the report says, is likely to lead to a "considerable reduction in the exceptionally large number" of swimwear brands that exist today.
Retail market in 2008
In its 'Global market review of swimwear and beachwear - forecasts to 2014' (2009 edition), it is estimated the retail market for swimwear and beachwear in 2008 is worth US$13.15bn - a 2.1% rise on the market's value of US$12.88bn in 2006. Within this, women's swimwear represents 70% of the world total value, followed by men's swimwear 17%), girls' swimwear (10%), and boys' swimwear (4%). Unit sales for 2008 are up 1.4% to 1,058m pieces. Europe and Japan/Korea have seen volume declines, while volume growth in the rest of the world averages a modest 2.8%. Overall, it is estimated that the average world retail price for swimwear and beachwear in 2008 is US$12.43. This is only marginally up from the 2006 figure of US$12.35.
While the swimwear market in total continues to face a world of no overall price inflation, the clothing industry is facing unprecedentedly high fuel costs and transport charges; volatile exchange rates; and labour shortages in low-cost economies such as China and India.
Slow Future Growth
Following the Beijing Olympics last year, the next major event for swimwear will be the London Olympics in 2012. By then, the retail market for swimwear and beachwear is forecast at US$13.51bn-representing growth of 2.7% over a four-year period. Unit sales for 2012 will be 1,099m pieces, a growth of 41m units from 2008. New demand will be outside Europe, Japan and Korea. It is estimated that the average world retail price for swimwear and beachwear in 2012 will be US$12.29. The most expensive parts of the developed world will continue to be Japan and Western Europe. This sluggish growth forecast is blamed on the current uncertain economic situation, long-term population stagnation, and the shift in branded manufacturing to lower-cost countries.
Branding diversity
In the developed world, brands account for between 60% and 70% of the value of the market, and between 38% and 43% of the units. Although, own-label and anonymous units account for three quarters of the pieces sold in the world, it is the variety of brands that exist, especially in Western Europe that contribute to the continuing diversity of the swimwear market. Sales through private-label retailers are dominated by a relatively few generalist or lingerie/swimwear specialist businesses, such as Victoria's Secret in the US and Marks & Spencer in the UK.
The market and product future
The report also notes that Swimwear fashion in the Western world will be driven by the acceptance of swimming as a relaxing pastime for an ageing population; among the younger age group, swimwear will be worn away from the sea and the pool; figure supporting and enhancing fabrics will encourage older women to wear swimwear; Western swimwear habits will take hold in the developing world; Internet sales growth will outstrip that of traditional retailing; and the London Olympics will create a swimwear market 'splash' in 2012, as an antidote to the gloom and doom forecast for 2009-2010.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
HOW TO WEAR VELVET
When you think of velvet, what comes to mind? Perhaps your middle school recital when you wore a velvet dress and Mary Janes? While many of us don’t think we can pull of wearing velvet without feeling silly, there are ways that we can wear it and look good…really good! There are two ways of wearing velvet. One is when you want to dress up for an upcoming formal event and the other is when you want to look fun and fearless but more casual. Here are some helpful hints on how to make your winter wardrobe more velvet friendly.
HOW TO WEAR VELVET: Looking Classy in Velvet
So you have a dinner party to go to and you have no idea what to wear. Why not try wearing velvet? There are a few ways to go about this. First you can wear a velvet skirt and a blouse. To make the outfit really look sophisticated, wear similar colors for both the top and bottom such as a navy blue skirt with a blouse that is just a tad lighter. The contrast looks absolutely stunning and you will look like a million bucks. Add a large cocktail ring and fancy clutch and you are ready to go!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Scared of wearing a velvet dress? Well, overcome your fears by wearing a slinky velvet dress with an embellished neckline. These velvet dresses are not to be shunned away from. The designs this season are very hot and definitely meant to be worn! Velvet pants are also a good idea if you prefer. Wear them with a soft blouse and pumps with a sparkling broach. Just don’t wear the pants with a velvet top or blazer. Never wear velvet on velvet.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
HOW TO WEAR VELVET: Staying Cool with Velvet
Do you want to look chic this winter? Then you need some velvet in your wardrobe. An easy, but perhaps daring way is to wear a velvet tunic or loose dress with tights and knee high boots. Ultra sexy and extremely cool. But if this seems like too much to start, why not start off smaller, by wearing velvet pumps with a pair of leggings or wear a velvet wrap or scarf around your neck. Velvet tops are OK, but they tend to look fancy and if that is not what you are going for, then perhaps you should stay away from them unless they are a looser fit. Then by all means, wear one with a pair of dark jeans and boots!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
You don’t have to go overboard with the accessories either. When looking casual with velvet, all you really need are a few signature pieces like a simple necklace or ring. Adding too many accessories can make the look too formal. If anything, just go bare when it comes to adding jewelry. Let the velvet do the talking.
When it comes to velvet, it really doesn’t have to only be worn for formal occasions, like we have previously thought. It is fun, classy and very sexy for this season. Devour the plush world of velvet and let it bring out a whole new flair to your wardrobe.
More Fashion How To's
HOW TO WEAR VELVET: Looking Classy in Velvet
So you have a dinner party to go to and you have no idea what to wear. Why not try wearing velvet? There are a few ways to go about this. First you can wear a velvet skirt and a blouse. To make the outfit really look sophisticated, wear similar colors for both the top and bottom such as a navy blue skirt with a blouse that is just a tad lighter. The contrast looks absolutely stunning and you will look like a million bucks. Add a large cocktail ring and fancy clutch and you are ready to go!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Scared of wearing a velvet dress? Well, overcome your fears by wearing a slinky velvet dress with an embellished neckline. These velvet dresses are not to be shunned away from. The designs this season are very hot and definitely meant to be worn! Velvet pants are also a good idea if you prefer. Wear them with a soft blouse and pumps with a sparkling broach. Just don’t wear the pants with a velvet top or blazer. Never wear velvet on velvet.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
HOW TO WEAR VELVET: Staying Cool with Velvet
Do you want to look chic this winter? Then you need some velvet in your wardrobe. An easy, but perhaps daring way is to wear a velvet tunic or loose dress with tights and knee high boots. Ultra sexy and extremely cool. But if this seems like too much to start, why not start off smaller, by wearing velvet pumps with a pair of leggings or wear a velvet wrap or scarf around your neck. Velvet tops are OK, but they tend to look fancy and if that is not what you are going for, then perhaps you should stay away from them unless they are a looser fit. Then by all means, wear one with a pair of dark jeans and boots!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
You don’t have to go overboard with the accessories either. When looking casual with velvet, all you really need are a few signature pieces like a simple necklace or ring. Adding too many accessories can make the look too formal. If anything, just go bare when it comes to adding jewelry. Let the velvet do the talking.
When it comes to velvet, it really doesn’t have to only be worn for formal occasions, like we have previously thought. It is fun, classy and very sexy for this season. Devour the plush world of velvet and let it bring out a whole new flair to your wardrobe.
More Fashion How To's
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