Great British Fashion

Transcription

Great British Fashion
Great British Fashion
Special report on the
British fashion retail market
02
SPECIAL REPORT: BRITISH FASHION RETAIL MARKET
SPECIAL REPORT: BRITISH FASHION RETAIL MARKET
Introduction
Shopping now accounts for more than a third
of all UK consumer activity, and the unique
attraction of British fashion brands will always
be one of the key drivers of retail spending...
Welcome from Mark Shashoua, CEO, i2i Events Group
Whilst we are also proud of the
international reach of Pure London,
bringing ranges to retailers from around
the world, we are clear that there is no
better place to see and experience what
makes British fashion so distinctive and
sought after. Pure London represents the
very best of British. From brands that have
been established for many years, to the
cutting-edge new designers that have built
substantial followings in just a few years,
British fashion has something unique to
offer the world’s best retailers and their
customers.
I
t is my great pleasure to introduce this
very special report on the British fashion
retail market produced in association with
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).
As the proud organisers of Pure London,
we know that we are responsible for the
biggest and most important gatherings of
fashion retailers and buyers. More than
that, we know that they attend because
this is where they will find the very best
showcase for British fashion, footwear
and accessories. Ultimately this is what
successful retailing is all about – having
great products that tempt and excite
consumers and which give retailers an
edge over their competitors.
How can UKTI help you?
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)
helps UK-based companies
succeed in global markets and
enables overseas businesses
to invest in the UK. It has a
global network of over 2,400
staff in 101 markets. Read on
to find out more about the
power and importance of British
fashion to the world, including
views from international buyers.
The aim of this report is to put a muchneeded focus on Britain’s fashion and
footwear designers and brands. Over the
following pages we have collected expert
views on what makes British brands so
important, highlight some case studies
of old and new companies and hear from
international retailers on what they look to
Britain for when they are buying for their
customers.
We hope it will excite and interest you
enough to join us at Pure London to see for
yourself. Working with UKTI we can help
make your visit as efficient and productive
as possible. Please do contact us for any
further information we can provide.
Mark Shashoua
Pure London:
Showcasing
great brands in
one of retailing’s
most dynamic
sectors
Welcome from Laura Faulkner,
Global Director,
Consumer and Retail, UKTI
U
K Government and UK Trade
& Investment are dedicated
to promoting British fashion. We
know that our designers and brands
are increasingly sought after by
international buyers for their
creativity, originality and above
all, their world-class quality and
craftsmanship.
UKTI actively supports events both in
the UK and overseas that help showcase
great British fashion and accessories
and so we are delighted to be working
in partnership with i2i Events Group
and Pure London. With hundreds of
designers and brands exhibiting, Pure
London is a fantastic showcase of homegrown talent. It is where international
buyers will find some of our greatest
heritage businesses but also some of the
most exciting new names that have been
created in just the last few years.
UKTI has a global network and a range of
initiatives to help UK fashion companies.
We also work closely with international
buyers to ensure they are aware of the
UK’s new and emerging fashion talent.
We will have a strong presence at Pure
London and look forward to meeting you
at the show and helping you to realise
your global ambitions. See you there.
Laura Faulkner
Contents
The power of British fashion ..................... 4
Margaret Howell:
a very British designer................................. 5
Case study: Little Mistress Group,
Design, quality, value and service............. 6
Case study: Cocorose London,
passionate about shoes............................... 8
Case study: Wolf & Whistle,
quirky and stylish..........................................10
Case study: Bohemian Jewellery Tattoos,
international inspiration............................... 11
World view
What international buyers say . ...............12
How can UKTI help you?.............................13
Pure London: the gateway
to UK retailing................................................14
03
04
SPECIAL REPORT: BRITISH FASHION RETAIL MARKET
SPECIAL REPORT: BRITISH FASHION RETAIL MARKET
A very British designer
The power of
British fashion
T
he British clothing and fashion
industry is a powerful contributor to
the economy but also to the country’s
exports. What drives this is a wellfounded reputation for individuality,
creativity and quality.
To understand the UK fashion market, it
is important to understand the UK retail
market. Clothing and fashion retailers
operate in one of the most competitive
markets in the world with some of the
most demanding and diverse customers
you would wish to serve.
Britain has a long-established and
proud history of manufacturers and
brands based in the textile industries
producing the finest knitwear, cloth,
tweeds and footwear. Despite the
long-term decline in British
manufacturing, many of these
long-established brands such as
John Smedley, Harris Tweed, Pringle,
Lyle and Scott and Burberry have
not only survived but have been able
to make themselves fresh, relevant
and contemporary for a whole new
generation of customers.
Many of these brands are positioned to
serve the luxury end of today’s retail
market. It is a sector that has boomed
around the world. But if the UK has
built a reputation for long-established
luxury brands, it has also built a global
reputation for its fashion retailers.
Born out of the fashion explosion that
was centred on 1960s London, the
small boutiques quickly blossomed into
national chains all eager to serve the
young, fashion-conscious consumers
enjoying money to spare in the new
optimism of the era. Topshop, Chelsea
Girl, Biba, Richards and many others
set the tone for the age. Topshop
and others are not just still with
us, but stronger than ever. Chelsea
Girl became River Island and Biba
continues as a powerful range within
House of Fraser department stores.
They have been joined by other great
British success stories such as New
Look, Jack Wills, Oasis, Karen Millen,
Warehouse, Dorothy Perkins and now
online giants such as ASOS,
Boohoo.com and Missguided.com.
Although most are single-brand
retailers, the key point is that they
understand the power and importance
of labels and the sheer competitiveness
of the market. UK fashion shoppers,
particularly since the economic crisis,
are driven by the search for great looks
and great value. They will move from
retailer to retailer, season after season
The combination of fierce competition
and demanding, trend-conscious consumers
means that UK clothing brands have to
be good to survive
From left:
Topshop, Dorothy
Perkins, New
Look, Topman,
Biba at House
of Fraser
in their search for the brand that
delivers to them best.
British fashion consumers are
famously individual too with the big
cities spawning distinct fashion looks
that develop on the street and are
interlinked with musical culture and
trends. Mirroring this and emanating
from it is the UK’s powerful designculture. Fashion and textile colleges
around the country have long been
producing great designers who are
attuned to street culture and trends
which they bring to their own designs
and collections. Over the years, UK
designers have been eagerly snapped
up by British fashion brands to help
them shape their collections ready
for the competitive market place.
That is why Topshop and many others
are passionate supporters of young
designers through the British Fashion
Council.
What the combination of fierce
competition and demanding, trendconscious consumers means is that
UK clothing brands have to be good
to survive.
Increasingly, international retailers
are realising that they need what
UK brands are offering, in their own
market place. UK fashion stands
for a distinctive look that is always
on trend, often quirky and very
individual. It is what has helped make
it a £21 billion industry and major
contributor to the economy and to
British exports.
Margaret Howell is one of the veterans
of British fashion. She started designing
straight from college in 1970 with mens
then womenswear but created around
the very best fabrics and materials, such
as Harris Tweed and John Smedley fine
gauge knitwear. Her clean, functional
designs are sold around the world and the
brand now operates shops in the
UK and Japan. Managing Director,
Richard Craig, gives his views on the
importance of British fashion to the world.
Why do you believe British fashion
to be important?
British fashion has a distinctive,
smart, elegant look. It has its place
in the world. We have some of the
best manufacturers and designers
in the world.
What are the qualities that make
British fashion stand out from
the international
competition?
We stand out by our
design, marketing
and make. We
have history and
heritage.
How important is
international to the
Margaret Howell
label?
Some 90% of sales
for Margaret Howell are outside
the UK. All successful companies
in this industry, whatever the size,
are international.
How did this develop and what
do you believe is key in building
long-term relationships with
international retail stockists?
This developed with partners and
eventually our parent company. All
relationships are long-term. The
key is to be consistent and make
sure partners also do well from
working together.
Why do you believe international
retailers should consider
British brands?
There is a worldwide demand for all
levels of our industry – this is seen
by the number of tourists buying.
“For me, designing
clothes is a very
personal process.
I set my own brief,
though it can be a
mystery exactly
where it comes from.
Evocative imagery, a
childhood memory, or
the familiar seen in a
new light – all play a
part. But so does one’s
response to materials,
the people who make
them, and the places
where they are made.
Over the years I have
come to value the
dynamic between
make and design,
benefiting from the
expertise of many
British companies.”
Margaret Howell
05
06
SPECIAL REPORT: BRITISH FASHION RETAIL MARKET
SPECIAL REPORT: BRITISH FASHION RETAIL MARKET
Little Mistress Group
Design, quality, value and service
We talk to Little Mistress
Group, one of the newest
British fashion phenomenons
on how its appeal is already
winning awards and
customers around the world
Brief overview of the company, a
description of the products you produce
and the company’s design philosophy?
Our USP and brand ethos is: Design, Quality,
Value and Service. The Little Mistress
Group’s core philosophy is to create a
unique mix of products and brands, with an
unrivalled offer at attractive prices.
The extraordinary growth of the Little
Mistress Group in the ever-competitive
young fashion market has been supported
by Little Mistress winning 3 Drapers Awards
as Young Fashion brand of the Year 2012
and 2013 and Independent Young Fashion
brand of the Year 2013.
In 2014, the second brand to market,
Paper Dolls, has attracted a nomination
in the same category as Little Mistress as
Young Fashion Brand of the Year. Whilst
competing against numerous young fashion
brands, the Little Mistress Group brands
keep coming out on top, shining head and
shoulders above its rivals. The Group now
includes Little Mistress, Paper Dolls and
Girls On Film, as well as Little Mistress,
an occasion wear brands for young girls
aged 5-11.
With a rapidly growing reputation, the Little
Mistress Group is gaining more and more
attention from the press and celebrities for
creating the best product at the best prices,
with beautiful silhouettes, fabrics and
gorgeous embellishment, while blending
incredible branding and attention to detail.
Each of the three brands has their own
signature style with pieces for all social
occasions, and versatile looks that can be
worn day and night.
We under promise and over deliver but most
importantly, we make sure we are ready to
replenish that in 24 hours once it sells.
What do you think makes the company
unique and distinctly British?
The UK has always had a ‘party’ reputation.
Our customer loves to go out, to show off,
she wants to be seen and looked at, and
she definitely wants to look better than her
friends. Between myself and some of the
others here we’ve consumed enough data
over the past 200 years combined to make a
dress, a collection, a brand; I’m lucky to have
vision around me to see opportunities before
they become obvious to others. Britishness
is very attractive and we hope to attract
new markets in areas that may not seem too
obvious today.
Everything is designed here in London, in the
East and West End, and we are constantly
working and re-working for newness. The
Little Mistress DNA is clear now; it has taken
time, lots of investment and hard work, but
I’d like to think we would pass the Cola test
on the dress level, you know when you see a
Little Mistress dress.
How important is international business to
your company?
At the moment it’s only 15% of our total
revenue. We have just hired one of the best in
the business to take us forward and make it
move towards 50%, this is whilst our UK run
rate is growing at 40% year on year. 2016
should see international turnover at £25m,
and £35m+ in 2017.
What attracts international buyers to the
Little Mistress brands?
Speed to market, branding, newness, delivery
accuracy, value, sell through, distribution
strength and the constancy of it, quality, all
of the main factors to creating a demand.
Can you describe the creative process
behind the development of new product
ranges and how conscious are you of your
international customers in this process?
Little Mistress can’t design too far ahead or
we lose the edge and USP. Catwalk trends will
appear in all collections; we deliver within 8
weeks of an order, any quantity, and we can
guarantee that our collections will always
look relevant. We fly everything in from our
factories for speed otherwise someone else
will just do it quicker.
Catwalk trends will
appear in all collections;
we deliver within 8 weeks
of an order, any quantity
and we can guarantee
that our collections
will always look relevant
07
08
SPECIAL REPORT: BRITISH FASHION RETAIL MARKET
SPECIAL REPORT: BRITISH FASHION RETAIL MARKET
09
GREAT British fashion companies
Cocorose London
Helping UK companies
eExport
UKTI can help prepare
your business to succeed.
It’s recently launched
e-Exporting Programme
(www.gov.uk/e-exporting)
helps UK retailers
sell through e-commerce
channels
Passionate about shoes
Director, Gareth Austin-Jones, talks about how this unique and
revolutionary shoe concept is winning supporters around the world
Pure London is
where some of
the best and
most exciting
new British
labels can be
found. The
following case
studies
highlight just
three of the
exhibiting
companies
at Pure
our designs continue to surprise and
delight our customers.
Being a British company, we also
passionately believe in supporting
British manufacturing and continue to
promote our Luxury Heritage Made in
England range of shoes. In addition to
this, our collaboration with iconic British
brands - The Royal Ballet, Liberty Art
Fabrics and BAFTA - ensure that we
continue to fly theflag and promote the
UK. This season for example we have
widened our Athleisure range, with a
selection of sneakers designed with
Liberty fabrics.
How important is international business
to your company?
International business is a significant
proportion of our business, so
development and growth in this area is
fundamental to our current and future
strategy.
Can you give me a brief overview of the
history of the company, a description
of the products you produce and the
company’s design philosophy?
and function, our shoes don’t just look and
feel fantastic, but they seamlessly fit into
today’s multi-tasking world and modern,
on-the-go lifestyles.
Cocorose London are passionate about
creating shoes with a remarkable
difference. Our designer shoe brand has
become known for our revolutionary
concept of foldable shoes, with our
signature designs and premium
presentation, and for our collaborations
with iconic British brands, The British
Academy Film Awards, The Royal Ballet
and Liberty Art Fabrics. What do you think makes the company
unique and distinctly British?
Founded at the beginning of 2007 by
Janan Leo, Cocorose London started out
at the trendy East End markets in London
before organically growing into an awardwinning, international brand, stocked in
premium boutiques and department
stores around the world.
Our philosophy of
‘Modern Luxury’
reflects the
phenomenal
global trend of
convenience.
By combining
design, comfort
First and foremost, we are a British
company, with our office based in North
London. Britain has always been regarded
as an innovative nation, launching
pioneering
new developments from technology to
fashion. Likewise, our company founded
and began a unique concept of footwear,
which has since pioneered a new and
international category within the footwear
industry. Today, it’s an honour to see new
brands entering this market category and
highlighting that the concept is originally
from the UK.
We continuously strive to push the
boundaries of our designs and remain
at the forefront of this category.
Last season, we launched a fully flexible
and foldable sneaker, and ankle boot. Once
again ensuring we remain unique, and
sitting in the more innovative sector of our
market. It is important to us that we ensure
What attracts international buyers
to your products?
Being a British brand holds a certain
amount of fashion credibility, but in my
view it is essential that this is also coupled
with a quality product and honest values.
Our designs ensure that we have a
relevant product and we ensure that the
whole team remain as flexible as possible
to accommodate international buyers and
their sometime unique requirements.
In our opinion it is essential when trying
to attract buyers from outside the UK that
the information is clear and available in a
timely manner.
Can you describe the creative process
behind the development of new product
ranges and how conscious are you of your
international customers in this process?
Starting a new concept, foldable footwear,
it took time to develop the product offer
and to ensure that everyone - from our
production teams & the Press to our
Agents and Customers - were aware of
concept and its relevance.
With each season, we think we have
pushed some of the more conventional
boundaries of footwear design to excite
and inspire our customers around
the world.
Our creative process is very respectful of
international trends. A large proportion of
our design work often involves considerable
communication with our key sales partners
overseas. Enabling us to take into account
their regional knowledge and their
particular consumer needs. How has UKTI helped you grow the brand?
We’re big supporters of UKTI because of
the help and funding they have provided
us. They have, through the British Footwear
Association, provided grants in the past to
attend trade shows and helped match-fund
overseas trips. We also have regular catchup meetings with our trade advisor and
she has also put us in touch with different
commercial officers from various markets
that we are interested in.
Cocorose
London
started out
at the trendy
East End
markets in
London
before
growing
into an
awardwinning
brand,
stocked in
premium
boutiques
and stores
around the
world
10
SPECIAL REPORT: BRITISH FASHION RETAIL MARKET
SPECIAL REPORT: BRITISH FASHION RETAIL MARKET
GREAT British fashion companies
Wolf & Whistle
Bohemian Jewellery Tattoos
Quirky and stylish
International inspiration
Wolf & Whistle’s
founder and designer,
Emma Parker, talks
about her brand and
the importance of its
international customers.
Bohemian Jewellery Tattoos talk to us about how they have changed
the way tattoos are perceived and the benefit of being a British brand.
UKTI provides:
International
Trade Advisors
who can provide
you with impartial
advice to grow
your business
internationally
Brief overview of the company, a
description of the products you produce
and the company’s design philosophy?
Bohemian Jewellery Tattoos is a leading
supplier of temporary metallic tattoos, an
innovative, fun and stylish alternative to
jewellery. From delicate bracelets, chains
and anklets to statement necklaces and
striking motifs, the collections draw upon
the latest jewellery trends each season.
Our temporary tattoos last up to 5 days
after application and can withstand
strong heat from the sun as well as being
resistant to water damage, which poses
many advantages over situations when real
jewellery is not a viable option. The ease of
use and versatility behind the product has
been central to the success of the brand so
far not only as a seasonal accessory, but all
year round.
Tell us about the history of the company,
a description of the products you produce
and the company’s design philosophy?
Wolf & Whistle is the sister brand of
Playful Promises – PP has been trading
for 10 years and originated from my love
of lingerie and lingerie design. As design
is like taking a journey it was a natural
progression to move from what is under
the dress to the dress itself. The companies
design philosophy is to create wearable
but flirty dresses featuring ‘made you look’
prints and classic tailored work wear.
What do you think makes the company
unique and distinctly British?
Very. We live in the global market place
and to grow as a brand you need to be able
to attract customers from throughout the
world these days.
What attracts international buyers
to your brand?
Design and price – we are a mid-priced
brand with dresses retailing between
45-70 GBP – this enables our international
buyers to offer our British designed
product at a rather appealing price.
Can you describe the creative process
behind the development of each new
season and how conscious are you of your
international customers in this process?
What attracts international buyers
to the brand?
For us the attraction of international
buyers has been first and foremost the
trust that seems to come from a brand
just being British. For us – a company
that is very young and new to the retail
market – there has been a sense of belief
in quality and reassurance which can
only come from the knowledge of where
the brand was originated as we have no
previous relationship with these buyers.
It is a testament to those who have gone
before us in establishing that trust and it
is also our responsibility to continue to be
innovative and produce quality products to
continue the trust that has been developed
before us.
What do you think makes the company
unique and distinctly British?
Cheeky detailing and unique prints that are
both commercial but also quirky – take for
example our AW14 range which features a
print inspired with old Victorian ink plates
of extinct animals. We also draw on the
strong British heritage of tailoring and
pattern making – thus creating clothing
that is wearable and flattering.
How important is international business
to your company?
2016. Also due to the UK market being
fairly small in comparison to what can
be achieved on the worldwide market,
expansion internationally is essential to
achieve the maximum potential of the
brand. We draw
on a strong
British
heritage
of tailoring
and patternmaking
We appeal to a certain type of woman –
she lives all over the world and is many
nationalities – She is someone who is
informed about fashion but also likes
small details that make her feel individual
– so as such we don’t have to take any
special research in the design process
to appeal to international customers.
However on the product development
side we are adding in smaller sizes to
appeal to customers in the Far East.
We believe we have changed the way
temporary tattoos are viewed; what was
once considered a gimmick is now seen as
a sophisticated addition to your jewellery
box. Though temporary, the products
are made to the highest quality and are
completely unique in design, with each
trend-led and themed collection inspired
by beautiful imagery. We are relatively
new to the market, having only launched in
September 2014, but following the success
of Pure London and a number of consumer
events this year, as well as dedicated PR
support, we are fast-becoming a must-have
accessory label across the UK with strong
international ambitions.
Can you describe the creative process
behind the development of new product
ranges and how conscious are you of your
international customers in this process?
How important is international business
to your company?
International business is extremely
important to us for a number of reasons.
The biggest reason for us is for brand
awareness worldwide, and to achieve
this we have currently concentrated on
expansion across Europe for 2015, with
the vision to progress further afield in
UKTI provides:
UK companies with the
tools they require to be
competitive on the
world stage.
The creative process for us starts with
research on what colours and styles
across jewellery and the wider fashion
industry are set to be popular for the
upcoming season. From that we create
mood boards as well as look for inspiration
from jewellery that we feel our customers
would love. We also take inspiration from
international cultures and incorporate
them into our designs; this year our
Vandana and Chakra collections were
inspired from Indian culture and have
proven extremely popular. We are aware
that what may be popular here in the UK
may not be so internationally and we have
adjusted our design process to take this
into consideration more as we look to take
a stronger foot hold in the international
market place.
11
12
SPECIAL REPORT: BRITISH FASHION RETAIL MARKET
SPECIAL REPORT: BRITISH FASHION RETAIL MARKET
GREAT British fashion companies
World view
What international buyers say
What do international buyers believe is the appeal of British labels
to their customers? We partnered with the Intercontinental Group
of Department Stores who asked their members from around the
world for their thoughts.
What appeals to
retail buyers around
the world about
British products and
brands?
Andrew Jennings,
Retail veteran
Andrew Jennings is a British
retail veteran with unique
international experience
leading some of the most
iconic department stores
and retailers around the
world, including Saks 5th
Avenue, Harrods, House of
Fraser, Woolworths South
Africa, Holt Renfrew and
Karstadt. He is therefore
one of the best-placed
retailers to comment on
how British products are
perceived by buyers and
consumers in the world’s
leading markets.
What do you
think makes
British brands
so distinctive?
“I would say that British
brands and particularly
British-made goods are
renowned around the world
for their quality and great
design. London has long
been an incubator and
major contributor to global
trends. International retail
buyers perceive British
brands as having a very
distinct voice and identity.
There is a certain heritage
assumed to be associated
with most British brands.”
“British brands are
in global demand
for different
reasons but it
is usually their
history and quirky
stories that make
them interesting
and desirable. British
heritage brands offer
countries like Japan the
perfect mix of traditional
and cool. ‘Cool Britannia’
brands continue to be an
international magnet and
have made London one
of the most important
shopping capitals of the
world. International buyers
also believe that British
brands have a certain cache
and represent quality.
Topshop, Whistles, Ted
Baker, All Saints, Karen
Millen and Reiss have been
well received in the US, for
example, because they have
that cache that also provides
access to the European
market. The history of music
also plays a role with the
obsession of British culture.”
What do customers look for
in British products?
“It often comes down to
heritage, quality and trust.
Brand history is crucial as
it stands for individuality,
credibility and longevity.
British heritage brands
represent trusted quality.
Consumers in international
markets like products that
are timely and timeless at
the same time. Products
that have an inherent air
of good taste and quality
of design and materials.
The consumer also likes
the status that is portrayed
through brands such as
Burberry, Turnbull & Asser,
Hunter Boots, Jaeger and
Asprey amongst many
others. They see them
representing heritage and
history combined with
fashion and function.”
“Over recent years, we have
seen our younger customers
become more attracted to
British labels. These are
mostly the students who
have studied in the UK
and they are influenced by
the British fashion scene.
Nowadays, customers who
are looking to be different
and quirky are more likely
to buy from British labels
rather than more ubiquitous
Italian and Spanish brands.”
“Fashionable,
unique with a
traditional
touch,
whimsical,
conservative
and pretty in
women,
structured with
a touch of subtle
daring in men”
“British labels are usually
highly regarded by our
customers for their style
and colour and the way
they reflect seasonal
trends without being too
extreme. There are lots of
good high street brands
and also many good
affordable luxury brands.
The most successful in
our market are probably
the labels that offer a
feminine approach, have
strong branding and most
of all have an international
touch in design.”
“Quality is
very important
and heritage.
Anything
“British” often
has a “heritage”
quality
attached to it
and perfection
is expected
by default.
But younger
brands have
even greater
potential as the
young fashion
consumers are
rapidly changing
and individuality
is becoming
more
and more
important for
them.”
How can UKTI
help you?
UKTI helps thousands of
UK exporters and inward
investors from overseas
achieve commercial success
by providing tailored
services with specialist
support for the fashion and
retail sector.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
e provide businesses with first
class advice and guidance.
Support is designed to help grow your
business in international markets and
can be tailored to your particular
needs regardless of whether you’re a
new or experienced export or
investment business. This includes:
W
Trade Advisors •International
who can work with you to provide impartial advice and guidance on growing your business internationally
to prepare your •Programmes
business for success, including UKTI’s e-Exporting Programme
(www.gov.uk/e-exporting) helping UK retailers sell through e-commerce channels.
•
Introductions to international procurement processes for large scale commercial projects
to visit new •Opportunities
markets through events and Many thanks to
IGDS for their help
in compiling these
quotes from their
member companies.
www.wdsf2015.org
missions, to help expand your knowledge, networks and customers
•
Overseas market introduction service
For more information on how
UKTI can help you reach
your export potential visit
stand M58 at Pure London
13
14
SPECIAL REPORT: BRITISH FASHION RETAIL MARKET
SPECIAL REPORT: BRITISH FASHION RETAIL MARKET
Pure London
The gateway to UK retailing
Pure London is the UK’s leading
fashion buying event, attracting over
20,000 fashion professionals each
year. Showcasing mid to high-end
brands, Pure is held twice a year
during February and August at
London’s Olympia exhibition centre
BUSINESS CLASSIFICATION
Number of retailer visitors
by business type
78%
Independent
12%
N
ow in its 36th season,
Pure London is a key date in
the global fashion calendar and
ensures that brands meet the
most powerful fashion buyers in
the UK and beyond.
Mail Order/Online
only retailer
10%
Multiple Retailer
Over 87% of Pure London’s
visitors have direct purchasing
responsibility and represent
leading independent boutiques,
multiples, department stores
and online businesses. All attend
to see the latest collections
of womenswear, accessories,
footwear and young fashion.
Importantly, Pure London
has a close partnership with
global trend forecasters WGSN,
offering trend insight daily on
the Pure London Womenswear
Catwalk. Pure London’s ideal
location provides fast transport
links nationwide as well as
accessibility to Europe and the
rest of the world which further
creates an international platform
to sell to over 1,700 fashion
buyers from outside
the UK.
Pure London is the ideal setting
to launch new product lines
under the assurance that they
will be seen by the right buyers
with the right budgets.
64
global
countries
attending
Pure
INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION
FOR PURE LONDON
Visit www.purelondon.com for
the easy-to-use online registration
form plus all the essential
information you require to make your
visit productive and enjoyable
AUDIENCE SENIORITY
AND DECISION MAKING
PURCHASING
RESPONSIBILITY
Director / Partner /
Proprietor
39%
Buyer /
Store Manager
30%
Sales and
marketing
15%
Other
10%
Designer
6%
81%+
Have sole or
shared purchasing
responsibility
15
gov.uk/ukti
UKTI
UK Trade & Investment is the Government Department that helps
UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help
overseas companies bring their high-quality investment to the UK’s
dynamic economy acknowledged as Europe’s best place from which
to succeed in global business.
Disclaimer
Whereas every effort has been made to ensure that the information in
this document is accurate, neither UK Trade & Investment nor its parent
departments (the department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and
the Foreign and Commonwealth Office) accept liability for any errors,
omissions or misleading statements, and no warranty is given or
responsibility accepted as to the standing of any individual, firm,
company or other organisation mentioned.
© Crown copyright 2015
You may re-use this information free of charge in any format or medium,
strictly in accordance with the terms of the Open Government Licence.
To view this licence, visit:
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence
or e-mail: [email protected].
Where we have identified any third party copyright information in the
material that you wish to use, you will need to obtain permission from
the copyright holder(s) concerned.
Any enquiries regarding this material should be sent to us at
[email protected] or telephone +44 (0)20 7215 5000.
This document is also available on our website at www.ukti.gov.uk
Published July 2015
by UK Trade & Investment
UKTI HEAD OFFICE
General enquiries:
1 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0ET
Telephone:
020 7215 5000
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Contact form:
contactus.ukti.gov.uk
Tweet:
@UKTIRetail