Retailer mini-seasons?

Jules

I did my spring/summer shopping so early (for me) this year. I'm happy with the results but all along I was a bit frustrated with the lack of boho options. It's more of a shadow style, and I don't like/won't pay for the big boho brands (like Anthro or Free People), so I just worked on my main wardrobe which I guess is modern classic. I swore off shopping come June.
Now it looks like the cheap and cheerful retailers (Old Navy, Suzy Shier) have busted out their summer boho looks. Printed peasant blouses, full maxi skirts etc. I guess the gauzy fabrics make sense in the heat. But what I am wondering is does this happen every year? Pre ylf I couldn't necessarily identify styles or notice when new collections come in. Is it always boho this time of year? How do the retailers decide what looks they are running when? And how can I predict it? Or will they keep me guessing so that I keep spending???

12 years ago

Shopping

4 replies

Latest reply was from chewyspaghetti

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I suspect you're right about this, Jules, at least in our neck of the woods. Some years there would be more boho influence than other years (depending on the trickle down from runways and which way the wind is blowing) but I suspect that the boho influenced items that will be offered mostly do get offered in late June, early July. I always see a few peasant blouses around this time, gauzy skirts, etc.

Of course they want to keep you spending all year, so every three or four weeks or so (more often for places like Zara) they roll out a new line or new products. There's always something you haven't seen to tempt you.

Angie says the best stuff is usually there towards the start of season, and I think that is largely true...but with exceptions. One exception that I notice is that the best CASUAL stuff for truly hot weather is often available (in our area) at the end of June -- because people start summer holidays.

So if you live a casual lifestyle, it might pay to wait on some buying.

12 years ago

Jules

Veteran

Thanks Suz. I'll have to remember for next year. In a way it worked out because with the rainy weather, I haven't been wearing the wide leg jeans that were the basis of my boho looks last year. Rolled up skinnies have been much more practical.

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Welcome to my world of wet weather and why tapered legs are really the only way to go, Jules.

There has been a LOT of boho in the US this season as a nod to Festival style. Was that not so in Canada?

Generally, I believe that the best items are available at the start and peak of the retail season - especially when you wear small sizes. It makes perfect sense and I've written about why this is the case (having been a fashion buyer for many years). In June and July, it's picked over Summer leftovers, and lots and lots of beachwear. Retailers seem to forget that some of us work in the Summertime! That said, pre-Fall collections are hitting stores ealier and earlier which gives those purchasing career wear more options.

HOWEVER!!! If you're buying designer items off Netaporter, Shopbop, Yoox, Niemans, Saks and even Nordstrom - and the like. It's the luck of the draw year round. Those prices are much higher so there are fewer items going into stores - slower stock turn and replenishment levels. Lots of people wait for the sales, and then it's wise to grab asap. Often, the small sizes sell out first, which makes it harder to shop the sales when you wear those sizes.

As for predicting the trends. I make my forecasts, but we can never be sure what's actually going to hit stores and what isn't!

12 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Old Navy seems to do Boho every summer in some sort of way. I guess it's the resortwear market.

12 years ago

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