Have you visited a mall recently? I did, and what a big disappointment! I visited my favorite Anthropology, Nordstrom and Zara, which I find have the most appealing merchandise. Of course, I realize the stores are in a state of confusion as to what to sell, and the customers are confused about what they really want to buy.
For the past couple of years, most of us have been working from home, attending Zoom meetings in sweatpants and maybe a nice top. Or, working out in leggings and then changing tops — but those leggings are staying on all day! Like so many of us, I have a wardrobe full of nice clothing, but I have to admit, my clothing has had little opportunity to be worn and seen the last two years.
Then what about color trends and trend forecasting? Does any manufacturer or retailer purchase these reports anymore, and if so, does the expense pay off with the new “no trend” clothing that has increased in popularity?
Sustainability is another big demand that is changing the apparel industry from the perspective of manufacturers, retailers and consumers. For example, millennial shoppers often buy clothes and accessories from Goodwill and other thrift stores. One young millennial that I spoke with recently informed me that she goes to Goodwill and buys her clothing by the weight. She said that that is the way she gets really good deals! At least it holds off the clothing from being discarded into a landfill for a little longer.
Another example of sustainability is reuse. Some textile companies shred their old textiles and repurpose them in different ways. Synthetics can be melted down and recreated or blended to make other garments. Cotton can also be shredded, re-spun and woven or knit, or maybe used as fillers for those used-to-be-down padded puffer jackets.
Amazon is now opening its first brick-and- mortar store in southern California, and this will be another serious threat to the downward spiral of department stores. Amazon has plans to do business differently for its clothing customers, of which there are many. From what I have seen online, Amazon will merchandise looks in one size on display, and then customer can ask an assistant for their sizes to try on. For online ordering, I have had little success. Once garments that I have ordered arrive, I do not like them or the fit is not right, and then I often have forgotten to ship them back.
But the new Amazon brick-and-mortar store will change this problem for people like me. New technology is slowly being implemented at the store. For example, customers can scan their bodies to see if a garment fits, and virtually see the garment longer, shorter, wider or more fitted. Then, the garment is made to the customer’s precise specifications, using computer science and robots to cut and sew. This new technology will also help to prevent wasted fabric and garments from ending up in a landfill. Additionally, improved 3D printing technologies — that at the moment are mostly used for shoes and bags — will help to make fabric that is softer to the touch. So eventually, you will be able to buy your own 3D printer and print a new garment to wear each morning, and at the end of the day, you can keep it or melt it down to create the next day’s new garment.
For me, I find popping out to wander stores on a weekend to be a mindless stress releaser that frees up my mind — even if I return home with another new top to add to my packed closet. It is like a relaxing meditation away from Zoom calls and computers. Sometimes we need it! Surfing the net is not quite the same relaxation for me, even though I walk an hour a day and go to the gym!
