Smiley Happy People (Holding Hands)

In the stressful world that is London (not to mention the fashion industry), a breath of fresh air has been introduced to me in the form of Smiley.

The Smiley Company has quite a fascinating history, apparently originating from a Parisian newspaper in the 70s which used to feature the now well-known emoticon next to certain stories (indicating the more pleasant news features). The french Loufrani family bought the rights to the original smiley logo. However it wasn't until more recent years that son Nicolas decided to spread positivity through everything from stationary and quirky homeware to perfume sets and primarily fashion.

I recently saw Eliza Doolittle in the above Moschino Cheap and Chic 'SMILE' jumper and was instantly reminded of The Smiley Happy Deluxe - a fantastic example of how you can take a simple branding idea like a smiley face, and produce a really fantastic range focusing. Smiley have done this through focusing on cut, organic material and above all, originality. Spread the joy...

All Saints, Westbourne Grove, London

There really is something quite wonderful about the props and way All Saints clothing is displayed. Simple VM at its best.

Found:

I just found this old picture I took of a letter from a customer myself and another girl served when I used to work in MANGO. These kind of comments were received regularly by my boss regarding her staff. Makes me proud to have been part of that team.

I'm back!

I know, I completely disappeared from the blogging scene for a while there but I never forgot about material for my blog the whole time (I promise). I started working full time in MANGO and having a lot of traveling time to and from work, to be quite honest, the thoughts of doing anything beyond sleeping when I get home has been quite a chore. 

However, having collected so much material and with so much to report on, I am going to discipline myself to get back on it. Here's Scarlett Johansson for the cover of MANGO's magazine. I bought these perfectly on-trend boots! Let me know what you think of them...

M&S team up with Lewis Hamilton

Along with their new Autograph menswear collection, Marks & Spencer is launching a boyswear range in collaboration with Formula One team Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and the reining F1 champion Lewis Hamilton.

The range - 'Living The Dream' - will feature racing motifs and branding of the team’s drivers Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen.

Harvard Yard

Harvard University is branching out from Academia to launch its very own contemporary menswear line, 'Harvard Yard'. The line will range in price from $165 for trousers to $495 for sport coats and was apparently inspired by photos of students lounging in Harvard Yard in the '60s. 

But unlike the likes of Oxford and Cambridge who flog crest emblazoned... everything to impressionable tourists, the 'Harvard Yard' line won't say "Harvard University" on them or don the schools colors except in some of the finer details. The brand are keen to stress that the clothes are not geared toward their students, but at a global contemporary male demographic. However, it seems the line will not move too far away from its preppy routes. 

I think the line comes at a good time: despite (or perhaps as a result of) the recession, consumers are investing in luxurious fashion. Harrods has just announced an extremely successful year! In the same way owning a designer perfume does, owning a little piece of Harvard gives people access to an extravagantly elite world in a time that - for most - is anything but. 

Fashion's Night Out

"As part of a bold global initiative, the international editions of VOGUE are partnering with designers, department stores, high-street chains and boutiques to create Fashion’s Night Out, an evening extravaganza to be held in 12 cities around the world on Thursday, September 10, 2009.

"Here, in London’s West End, we aim to lift shopping spirits and to emphasise the pleasure and joy of fashion. London is home to some of the world’s most celebrated designers and is a number one shopping destination internationally – Fashion’s Night Out will reinforce this."

"The VOGUE team will be working with retailers to create a night of original in-store activities, including personal appearances, makeovers and workshops, during extended shopping hours."

Retailers Take Note:

The simplest and most obvious ideas are sometimes the best. These sisters in Montreal offer value for money and great customer service. Cute.

Ultimo recognition.

The lingerie brand for all sizes, Ultimo - whom Peaches Geldof has just become the "new face" of - was named Retailer of the Year 2009 at the fourth annual Scottish Fashion Awards last night.

The awards took place at Stirling Castle, in the highlands of Scotland. Other winners included; Graeme Black as Scottish Designer of the Year, Harris Tweed as Scottish Textile Brand of the Year and Paul Smith as Best use of Scottish Fabric. 
Ultimo founder Michelle Mone said: 

“Ultimo continues to go from strength to strength, so it’s brilliant to be recognised by Scotland and the fashion world. As a retailer, we strive to deliver the very best product, in terms of designer style and unrivalled fit, and at the right price for our customer. We have exciting plans for the rest of the year to continue to roll out our shop in shop concept to more Debenhams stores across the UK, so hopefully we’ll be here again next year!”

The American Dream.

An amazing insight into the American Apparel ethics: how their clothes are made in L.A. and how controversial CEO Dov Charney started the fastest growing apparel company in American history.

We still want luxury.

According to the Fashion Industry’s Key Executives… consumers are spending on “escapist items” instead of ‘boring basics."

“Right now we are championing escapist discreet clothes - ie cashmere loungewear.  Our customers still have film premieres, first dates, cocktail parties and holidays to attend. And because we are a fashion company above all, we celebrate new fashion trends, educate our consumer on why they are exciting, and then offer them to her on a silver tray.” 

Natalie Massenet CEO Net-a-Porter

In fact, the online retailer Net-A-Porter has seen profits increase by 234% from £3million to £10.1million in the past year. The company attributed the dramatic increase to “a well-edited product offering and a strategic approach to buying” as well as the continuation of special projects with designers including Alexander McQueen. Customer growth also significantly increased with an average of 6,500 new customers visiting each month of 2008

According to a recent report by Bain & Company, consumers still want luxury.  They still want to feel they have a special item and escapism is playing a significant role - people don't want to think about the economic climate 24/7.  

“There is a general sense that people will buy fewer items of better quality for the foreseeable future. Customers will demand uniqueness and good value, which is not to say inexpensive” 

Alex Bolen CEO Oscar de la Renta.

I'm Running Sainsbury's.

I just watched 'I'm Running Sainsbury's' on 4oD. I was pleasantly surprised at the insight that was given to the running of Britain's oldest supermarket store, which takes £30,000/min over 800 stores nationwide. 

The first episode focuses on 21 year old store trainer Becky's idea, which in theory would save the customer a lot of time in store. Her idea came from the "Feed your family for a FIVER" campaign (made famous by Jamie Oliver). Becky noticed that although customers were informed of the ingredients needed for each meal, the products were spaced out all over the supermarket floor. What if there was a pre-packed bag containing all the items needed? Sounds obvious doesn't it? 

Becky pitched the idea to directors (including CE Justin King - see my post on hearing him speak at the Retail Week Conference) at Sainsbury's "Store Support Centre" (i.e. HQ). They decided to do a week test trial in stores of one of Becky's recipes. The product looked great and the idea seemed a perfect solution! But unfortunately it didn't makes sales targets so the idea wasn't taken forward. I think possibly because it is asking supermarket shoppers to shop in an entirely different way from what they are used to.

Kate's latest for Topshop.

One of her best yet, Kate Moss's High Summer collection for Topshop encapsulates the perfect holiday wardrobe for those in the mood for discovering the exotic. Picking up on summer's must-have trends, Kate took inspiration from her own travels for her newest contributaion to the retail giant. 

Most of the pieces are the types which, can be dressed up or down depending on the occassion. My favourite item is this exotic little summer dress which, - like a lot of the collection - would look fab with gold chunky jewellery, sandals and a little satchel; equally perfect for wandering Moroccan streets, attending a summer festival or simply going down the street trying to make the most of the British sunshine while it lasts.

Rising Stars of Retail

Featuring 3 award winning up and coming retailers, the next panel discussion was intended to explain to other retailers, how they are "leading the way forward". The panel was made up of Ian Jones (Managing Director of Azendi), Ben Phillips (Managing Director of Steamer Trading Cookshop) and Oliver Tress (Managing Director of Oliver Bonas).

The values of these companies are similarly alligned towards great customer service.

Azendi is a contemporary yet timeless jewellers where the displays are kept simple and classy; the jewellery range offers something for everyones taste (and to an extent, price range) and the staff are extremely helpful. A reassuring aspect of the company, is there ethics towards diamond dealing. "At Azendi, we insist that all our suppliers guarantee that all diamonds are from legitimate sources not involved in finding conflict and in compliance with UN resolutions".

If you live in London, you will probably be familiar with the Oliver Bonas brand - the lifestyle store/website specialising in stylish gifts. Whilst Tress was at university, he used to bring handbags and watches back on request from Hong Kong where his parents lived. The entrepreneur in him spotted a retailing opportunity which has grown to include 15 stores across London since 1993.  

 

Oliver Bonas cater for men, women and kids at all price ranges and apart from the products they offer, the brand is very proud of their exceptional customer service.

The Steamer Trading Cookshop is a family-run kitchenware specialist "passionate about what we sell and the customer service we offer". Ben joined the business in 2001 that his parents had set up in 1985 and has transformed the company from 1 store to 18. Their stores all have a very different look and the company tend to seek out unusual buildings to set up shop: all of which they feel helps to add to the customer experience.

Innovation Showcase: Part 1

My favourite and personally highly anticipated discussion was to be given by John Ryan (Stores Editor for 'Retail Week') and Lorna Hall (Senior Retail Editor for WGSN). 

I had used the WGSN website before to research upcoming trends for this Spring Summer when I did a placement within a M&S buying team last summer. 

John Ryan went straight into looking at examples of great, creative shop floors. There were so many examples but here is one particular one and I shall add more when I have time:

Rough Trade East

With a free WiFi lounge and a cafe at the front (with somewhat uncomfortable looking chairs), it is clear that the record store staff want you to stick around. The store opened in 2008and is situated in the trendy part of the east end, off Brick Lane, near Spitalfields. 

As you might imagine the interior tries to emulate the alternative or underground music scenes with an edgy black and white theme; the rough beaming and pipes kept on view as well as the exposed strip lighting. As with any music store with "indie" credibility, the vinyl collection is extensive. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and complete the service package by writing up their own personal summaries of the records.

A must for any musical connoisseur.

It's good not to know everything!

A fascinating and engaging story of how the Dutch ex-Heineken COO with little retail experience, transformed the falling Morrison's brand into a success story, which isn't even letting the Credit Crunch knock it back down. 

Bolland feels his lack of retail knowledge benefitted him when he was appointed to CEO of Morrison's. Coming from an outsiders perspective, he didn't understand what the brand stood for and had to start from scratch in repositioning Morrison's, often acting against the advice of those "in the know". Speaking to real customers, he established that there was a feeling that the brand didn't offer the same service that say, the high street could.  

By weighing up the market competitors such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose and Asda, Bolland established that he wanted to position Morrison's as a predominantly food retailer (when everyone else was moving into non-food) with competitive yet quality product. He made the decision that every single penny needed to go into making the food valuable and fresh. Today Morrison's is the only supermarket who buy entirely from farmers. 

Bolland also discussed their adverts featuring celebrities but stressed that the likes of Denise Van Outen and Alan Hanson were real Morrison's shoppers who appreciated value and fresh produce. When questioned on pumping lots of money into flash advertising, he responded by stating that there was very little increased budgeting for their ad campaigns and that the real difference was in the advertising approach.

Retail Week Conference '09

It has been a hectic couple of days. I flew down to London on Tuesday morning and went to visit some fabulous retail consultancies. Then on Wednesday and Thursday I was given the fantastic opportunity to help out at the annual Retail Week Conference featuring some of the biggest names in the industry.

I learned so much from the experience I shall have to write all about it over different posts so bear with me. Thanks to Jo and Stuart at Emap who allowed me to become part of the team for 2 days!

End of a High street era.

The Woolworths chain, which would be turning 100 years old this year will be officially closed as of tomorrow. It's really sad to think that a company that has had such a presence on our high streets for so long, now can't compete with the behemoth Supermarkets.

I used to beg my mum for a pick & mix whilst she wandered round the isles of home wear, music and children's clothes.

Turns out Woolworths used to do an adult fashion line too! These models wear swimwear from the Summer 1980 collection.

Farewell Woolworthes and the best of luck to all their employees. I wonder which giant retail chains might be next...