Wolf and Badger started life as an innovative way of helping new designers to reach their potential by providing space in premium sales outlet as well as fantastic business support. They have had huge success with their first set of designers and are now searching for the next up and coming designer by launching their own awards.
According to the article in Drapers online the awards will allow three students in their final year of study to win the prize of selling their designs in the store for three months and receive business support and advice from the experienced team at Wolf and Badger.
Nine finalists, three from each category of fashion, jewellery and product design, will display their work in the store during a special awards evening in September.
So if you know any up and coming design students let them know!
To read the full Drapers article click here
Friday, 28 May 2010
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Down the Arcades
Like many cities Cardiff's retail scene has a split personality. They have the large modern shopping centres with all the big high street names but they also have something a bit different - the Arcades.
The Victorian Arcades in the city centre are home to many independent retailers and WalesOnline has just started a series examining how they are all coping with the changes in the city centre, the changes in the sector and the affect the economy and the new Government are having in their business.
Even if you're not in Cardiff it makes interesting reading and I'm sure many of you will recognise many of the feelings and problems the Cardiff Indies are experiencing.
If you want to have a read of the first article click here, and remember they will be going back every six to eight weeks to see how things are going.
The Victorian Arcades in the city centre are home to many independent retailers and WalesOnline has just started a series examining how they are all coping with the changes in the city centre, the changes in the sector and the affect the economy and the new Government are having in their business.
Even if you're not in Cardiff it makes interesting reading and I'm sure many of you will recognise many of the feelings and problems the Cardiff Indies are experiencing.
If you want to have a read of the first article click here, and remember they will be going back every six to eight weeks to see how things are going.
Monday, 24 May 2010
Prices set to rise in Spring 2011
Due to the nature of brands and how far in advance they work the buying for Spring 2011 is due to start in the next couple of months but it could be more expensive than the Independents thought.
According to an article on Drapers Online over the weekend the brands have been soaking up increased costs such as a rise in cotton prices, a weakening of the dollar and the increased cost of manufacturing but they just can't continue to do that any longer.
The reluctance to pass on the costs was due to a fear of the resulting fall in sales volume but now, the margins are so low that they just can't afford to soak up any more cost rises such as an increase in VAT and they will have to pass some of those costs on the retailers and consumers.
Obviously that will have an impact, especially at a time when the economy is still not fully recovered and consumers are still worried about jobs, income security and other factors that could affect the amount of disposable income they have.
So, if you are thinking about your orders for Spring 2011 be prepared. It could be more expensive than you expected and you might not need to same volumes as you were hoping for.
It seems there are still tough times ahead!
According to an article on Drapers Online over the weekend the brands have been soaking up increased costs such as a rise in cotton prices, a weakening of the dollar and the increased cost of manufacturing but they just can't continue to do that any longer.
The reluctance to pass on the costs was due to a fear of the resulting fall in sales volume but now, the margins are so low that they just can't afford to soak up any more cost rises such as an increase in VAT and they will have to pass some of those costs on the retailers and consumers.
Obviously that will have an impact, especially at a time when the economy is still not fully recovered and consumers are still worried about jobs, income security and other factors that could affect the amount of disposable income they have.
So, if you are thinking about your orders for Spring 2011 be prepared. It could be more expensive than you expected and you might not need to same volumes as you were hoping for.
It seems there are still tough times ahead!
Friday, 21 May 2010
On your head!
Yes the World Cup is on it's way but unfortunately for football fans that's not what today's blog is about.
As is traditional on a Friday it's time to take a look at someone who is doing something different and doing it well.
Today is the turn of Bailey Tomlin. A bespoke milliner based in London Tomlin makes some of the most beautiful headpieces and hats I have ever seen (do you get the title now?).
While she does sell to some of the more prestigious outlets in the capital much of her work is bespoke and should be seen to be believed.
My personal favourite is this one featuring a vibrant tulip decoration but there are a whole host to choose from so if you're in need of bit of head embellishment why not take a look at her website www.baileytomlin.com
Have a good weekend!
As is traditional on a Friday it's time to take a look at someone who is doing something different and doing it well.
Today is the turn of Bailey Tomlin. A bespoke milliner based in London Tomlin makes some of the most beautiful headpieces and hats I have ever seen (do you get the title now?).
While she does sell to some of the more prestigious outlets in the capital much of her work is bespoke and should be seen to be believed.
My personal favourite is this one featuring a vibrant tulip decoration but there are a whole host to choose from so if you're in need of bit of head embellishment why not take a look at her website www.baileytomlin.com
Have a good weekend!
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Our 100th post!
This is the 100th post on the Frogs Weblog.
Our initial idea was to provide a place for independent retailers to find out more about us, more about what was going on in the industry and provide some other light hearted but informative posts about things we've found that we think might be useful such as new designers, innovations, technology and websites.
Now we'd like to know if we're succeeding.
Are we providing you with interesting information? Is there anything you would like to see covered that isn't being? Is there anything we're covering that you think we shouldn't be.
Whatever your opinions, let us know by leaving a comment below. After all, the blog is here for you and if we know more about what you want then we can provide better postings!
Our initial idea was to provide a place for independent retailers to find out more about us, more about what was going on in the industry and provide some other light hearted but informative posts about things we've found that we think might be useful such as new designers, innovations, technology and websites.
Now we'd like to know if we're succeeding.
Are we providing you with interesting information? Is there anything you would like to see covered that isn't being? Is there anything we're covering that you think we shouldn't be.
Whatever your opinions, let us know by leaving a comment below. After all, the blog is here for you and if we know more about what you want then we can provide better postings!
Monday, 17 May 2010
What's in your diary?
If you are looking for inspiration, whether its for yourself or your store, why not try a trade show or exhibition. Here are just some of the ones coming up over the next few weeks...
Frock me! Vintage Fashion Fair , 23rd May, London
Be inspired and seduced by all things vintage!
Graduate Fashion Week, 6-10th June, London
See if you can spot the next big thing!
Pulse 2010, 6-8th June, London
Grab this mid season opportunity to source products from a huge variety of designers and manufacturers.
Clothes Show London, 25-27th June, London
A fashion and beauty extravaganza. Aimed at the public rather than retailers it might be a good place to see what people are looking for.
Frock me! Vintage Fashion Fair , 23rd May, London
Be inspired and seduced by all things vintage!
Graduate Fashion Week, 6-10th June, London
See if you can spot the next big thing!
Pulse 2010, 6-8th June, London
Grab this mid season opportunity to source products from a huge variety of designers and manufacturers.
Clothes Show London, 25-27th June, London
A fashion and beauty extravaganza. Aimed at the public rather than retailers it might be a good place to see what people are looking for.
Friday, 14 May 2010
Are you a Brand Butler?
According to the people over on Trendwatching.com if you trying to decide which consumer trend to embrace this year then the "Brand Butler" is the one.
It's all about turning your brand into a service, something we have spoken about on this blog before. It's about going that extra mile for your customer, providing the services they want, when they want them to help encourage them to be loyal and spend in your store.
Because it's a trend that has been emerging for a while many brands are already starting to offer some "butlering" services but Trendwatching argue that few are fully integrated into the Brand.
If you want to find out more about what makes a "Brand Butler", look at examples of good practice and get some fresh ideas the "Brand Butler" report is now available to view and download from the Trendwatching website - just click here
It's all about turning your brand into a service, something we have spoken about on this blog before. It's about going that extra mile for your customer, providing the services they want, when they want them to help encourage them to be loyal and spend in your store.
Because it's a trend that has been emerging for a while many brands are already starting to offer some "butlering" services but Trendwatching argue that few are fully integrated into the Brand.
If you want to find out more about what makes a "Brand Butler", look at examples of good practice and get some fresh ideas the "Brand Butler" report is now available to view and download from the Trendwatching website - just click here
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)