Not that it ever completely went away, but over the past few decades quality British Craftsmanship has been disappearing as a result of disappearing skills and many British products being replaced by cheaper imports.
As a manufacturer based in what used the be the centre of the leather trade, we know as well as anyone how difficult it has been to maintain traditional skills so we were happy to read this article in The Guardian this week.
It reveals how the only full time saddlery course, at Capel Manor College in Enfield. is helping to revive the industry by teaching them skills that can be applied to a whole range of sectors including fashion.
It's a good sign and as leather manufacturers we hope that as more people enter the industry the important legacy of the British Leather Industry is able to continue.
Friday, 30 April 2010
Thursday, 29 April 2010
Retailers make it into the rich list
Last Sunday saw the release of the Sunday Times Rich List and it held good news for retailers.
While there were some expected names such as Philip Green (4.1bn) and Mohamed al Fayed (650m), it seems other retailers are also making their mark and moving their way up the list.
Julian Dunkerton, owner of Supergroup, and Dame Mary Perkins and her husband, owners of Specsavers have both made progress with fortunes of 180m and 810m respectively.
It might seem like pie in the sky to many of us but if what you want is to make a huge success (and some cash) it may be worth taking some tips from these people.
The full Rich List will be online from next Sunday but you can read more about it on the Times Website by clicking here
While there were some expected names such as Philip Green (4.1bn) and Mohamed al Fayed (650m), it seems other retailers are also making their mark and moving their way up the list.
Julian Dunkerton, owner of Supergroup, and Dame Mary Perkins and her husband, owners of Specsavers have both made progress with fortunes of 180m and 810m respectively.
It might seem like pie in the sky to many of us but if what you want is to make a huge success (and some cash) it may be worth taking some tips from these people.
The full Rich List will be online from next Sunday but you can read more about it on the Times Website by clicking here
Monday, 26 April 2010
More evidence that social media is worth the investment
We've spoken about social media before on this blog. We've asked you what, if any, channels you use to promote your store and your brand. We've asked you how effective you think they are and whether it is worth the investment in both time and effort.
Well, if you still a sceptic and have only dipped your toes in the muddy waters of online social media maybe this article on bizreport.com will help you to decide whether or not to take the plunge.
According to the article a report from the Nielsen Company says that advertising in online social spaces such as Twitter and Facebook, is more likely to convert into sales then ads in more traditional channels.
The report, entitled Advertising Effectiveness: Understanding the value of the Social Media Impression ad recall in social settings increased by over 1.5 times and brand awareness doubled.
To read more about the report and its findings you can read the full article here
Well, if you still a sceptic and have only dipped your toes in the muddy waters of online social media maybe this article on bizreport.com will help you to decide whether or not to take the plunge.
According to the article a report from the Nielsen Company says that advertising in online social spaces such as Twitter and Facebook, is more likely to convert into sales then ads in more traditional channels.
The report, entitled Advertising Effectiveness: Understanding the value of the Social Media Impression ad recall in social settings increased by over 1.5 times and brand awareness doubled.
To read more about the report and its findings you can read the full article here
Friday, 23 April 2010
It's Friday...
so it's time for another designer.
This week I've gone in search of more leather products and returned to that hive of creativity, Etsy.
It wasn't long before I found a braided leather bracelet by Art of Spirit Leatherworks. It's smart, it's chunky and I love it.
According to her profile, American designer Kathy Fowler has been working with leather for over 35 years and believes leather has a look and feel that no synthetic material can replicate. Of course, doing what we do we'd be inclined to agree with her and we're always happy to find people who appear to give the material the respect it deserves.
On visiting the main website I found many more chunky leather cuffs, bracelets, necklaces and deer hide pouches which remind me of the wild wild west. They are available to purchase at various craft fairs and her own shop in America but if that's a bit far for you to travel you can buy online through her Etsy shop at www.aosleather.etsy.com
Due to the individual nature and small scale production these items aren't the sort of thing you are going to find in the mainstream high street so, if you have a hidden cowgirl (or boy) in you, why not take a look.
This week I've gone in search of more leather products and returned to that hive of creativity, Etsy.
It wasn't long before I found a braided leather bracelet by Art of Spirit Leatherworks. It's smart, it's chunky and I love it.
According to her profile, American designer Kathy Fowler has been working with leather for over 35 years and believes leather has a look and feel that no synthetic material can replicate. Of course, doing what we do we'd be inclined to agree with her and we're always happy to find people who appear to give the material the respect it deserves.
On visiting the main website I found many more chunky leather cuffs, bracelets, necklaces and deer hide pouches which remind me of the wild wild west. They are available to purchase at various craft fairs and her own shop in America but if that's a bit far for you to travel you can buy online through her Etsy shop at www.aosleather.etsy.com
Due to the individual nature and small scale production these items aren't the sort of thing you are going to find in the mainstream high street so, if you have a hidden cowgirl (or boy) in you, why not take a look.
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Technology set to help online shoppers (and retailers)
Last week we saw how technology is helping shoppers to get a second opinion on their potential purchases but this week it's all about the fit.
One of the biggest problems with buying clothes online is you simply don't know how the garment will fit. Sizes differ depending on brand, style, material and a whole host of other factors so it's virtually impossible to know whether your regular size is the right one. Not only is it a problem for the shoppers but retailers should be thinking about it too - a lack of confidence in how the clothes may fit could be affecting sales.
Well, now there's a European Company that think they have the answer. Fits.me says it provides a virtual changing room by providing computer images of how the garment would fit your size. All your shoppers have to do is enter their measurements, they create a manikin from those sizes and then the shopper can compare how different sizes look on their personalised manikin.
Honestly, I'm not sure how it all works, the technology is far beyond my reach, and because of that this is NOT a recommendation - I just don't know enough about it. But the idea is a good one and if it does work it could be a really helpful tool for online retailers to help increase the confidence of their customers.
To find more information and draw your own conclusions visit the site at www.fits.me
One of the biggest problems with buying clothes online is you simply don't know how the garment will fit. Sizes differ depending on brand, style, material and a whole host of other factors so it's virtually impossible to know whether your regular size is the right one. Not only is it a problem for the shoppers but retailers should be thinking about it too - a lack of confidence in how the clothes may fit could be affecting sales.
Well, now there's a European Company that think they have the answer. Fits.me says it provides a virtual changing room by providing computer images of how the garment would fit your size. All your shoppers have to do is enter their measurements, they create a manikin from those sizes and then the shopper can compare how different sizes look on their personalised manikin.
Honestly, I'm not sure how it all works, the technology is far beyond my reach, and because of that this is NOT a recommendation - I just don't know enough about it. But the idea is a good one and if it does work it could be a really helpful tool for online retailers to help increase the confidence of their customers.
To find more information and draw your own conclusions visit the site at www.fits.me
Monday, 19 April 2010
What does the future hold for UK Manufacturing?
Last week the political light shone on the manufacturing sector with the different parties setting out their different policies for helping the sector get back on its feet again.
The sector has seen a massive decline since its heyday when it was employing many millions of people and making up a large percent of the nations GDP. However since the 1970's the sector has been in a bit of a decline and more recently has suffered from competition from abroad where labour is cheap and a depleting skills base, not helped by lay-offs during the recession.
So what does the future hold? Well, according to Digby Jones, former head of the CBI, speaking to the Guardian last week the hopes of recovery have never been better. He said the weak pound and continuing goodwill towards the UK mean the timing has never been better.
To hear what George Stuart's Managing Director, Richard Merrick, thinks click here to read the full story in the news section of the main site.
To read the full Guardian article click here
The sector has seen a massive decline since its heyday when it was employing many millions of people and making up a large percent of the nations GDP. However since the 1970's the sector has been in a bit of a decline and more recently has suffered from competition from abroad where labour is cheap and a depleting skills base, not helped by lay-offs during the recession.
So what does the future hold? Well, according to Digby Jones, former head of the CBI, speaking to the Guardian last week the hopes of recovery have never been better. He said the weak pound and continuing goodwill towards the UK mean the timing has never been better.
To hear what George Stuart's Managing Director, Richard Merrick, thinks click here to read the full story in the news section of the main site.
To read the full Guardian article click here
Friday, 16 April 2010
Look out, Oxfam's about!
We all know that for a long time Oxfam and other second hand shops have been must visits for anyone interested in vintage fashion.
However, the quality of what you find can depend on where you live - second hand shops in London tend to have a much better selection than those further afield - but all that is about to change.
Last week Oxfam launched the UK's first online vintage charity shop, stocking the best items sourced from Oxfam shops and boutiques around the country. They want it to become the "go-to" site for anyone interested in vintage fashion and I have a sneaking suspicion they may achieve it.
The site will not just stock clothes but will include regular blogs, advice and inspiration from some of the top names in the business, giving their customers that little something extra for visiting the site.
I do have my reservations and think it may be difficult for an organisation as big as Oxfam to keep the "vintage vibe" going once they have made it so much more commercial but as with everything Oxfam do, it is always worth watching to see how they do it.
For charities and retailers alike there are bound to be lessons to learn and ideas generated by watching Oxfam so watch this space...
Visit the site by clicking here
However, the quality of what you find can depend on where you live - second hand shops in London tend to have a much better selection than those further afield - but all that is about to change.
Last week Oxfam launched the UK's first online vintage charity shop, stocking the best items sourced from Oxfam shops and boutiques around the country. They want it to become the "go-to" site for anyone interested in vintage fashion and I have a sneaking suspicion they may achieve it.
The site will not just stock clothes but will include regular blogs, advice and inspiration from some of the top names in the business, giving their customers that little something extra for visiting the site.
I do have my reservations and think it may be difficult for an organisation as big as Oxfam to keep the "vintage vibe" going once they have made it so much more commercial but as with everything Oxfam do, it is always worth watching to see how they do it.
For charities and retailers alike there are bound to be lessons to learn and ideas generated by watching Oxfam so watch this space...
Visit the site by clicking here
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
There really is an app for everything!
Thanks to yesterday's Business of Fashion Newsletter I now know there truly is an app for everything.
According to a report in the Wall Street Journal earlier this week there is now a personal stylist app. It means that instead of taking your best friend shopping with you for a second opinion you can now ask a stylist courtesy of your iPhone - just snap a picture of the item in question, send it off and you'll get a response from a professional stylist in real time.
I'm not quite sure how it will work but I'm fairly sure there will be a whole host of people ready to give it a try - it does at least provide an objective opinion (in theory).
If you want to read more about the app, look at the Wall Street Journal article by clicking here
According to a report in the Wall Street Journal earlier this week there is now a personal stylist app. It means that instead of taking your best friend shopping with you for a second opinion you can now ask a stylist courtesy of your iPhone - just snap a picture of the item in question, send it off and you'll get a response from a professional stylist in real time.
I'm not quite sure how it will work but I'm fairly sure there will be a whole host of people ready to give it a try - it does at least provide an objective opinion (in theory).
If you want to read more about the app, look at the Wall Street Journal article by clicking here
Monday, 12 April 2010
Leather can be springlike!
It's been a while since we featured a designer or retailer we like here on the Frogs Weblog so I thought we'd start the week with a designer helping to put a smile on our faces.
Kiki James is well know for their high quality leather accessories. Whether it's a notebook, purses, washbags or more corporate gifts, they have something for everyone but my personal favourites are those notebooks from the new Spring colours collection.
Still made from the finest Italian leather these items come to us in a range of bright spring colours including pinks, yellows and light greens, and are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
And the best bit? They are all available online so you don't need to be anywhere near their London studio in order to get hold of one. And, because the company is based on the belief that luxury and individuality can be within everyones reach all items are very reasonably priced.
Oh and you'll also be doing your bit for Great Ormond Street Hospital, Kiki Jame's chosen charity.
Visit Kiki James by clicking here
If you would like to skip straight to the Spring Colours collection click here
Kiki James is well know for their high quality leather accessories. Whether it's a notebook, purses, washbags or more corporate gifts, they have something for everyone but my personal favourites are those notebooks from the new Spring colours collection.
Still made from the finest Italian leather these items come to us in a range of bright spring colours including pinks, yellows and light greens, and are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
And the best bit? They are all available online so you don't need to be anywhere near their London studio in order to get hold of one. And, because the company is based on the belief that luxury and individuality can be within everyones reach all items are very reasonably priced.
Oh and you'll also be doing your bit for Great Ormond Street Hospital, Kiki Jame's chosen charity.
Visit Kiki James by clicking here
If you would like to skip straight to the Spring Colours collection click here
Friday, 9 April 2010
What do you want from the Election?
As the election battle starts to heat up and the various politicians try to convince us that they really are the best option for the future, small businesses including retailers are going to be an important target audience.
As key players in the economic recovery, it is important that small businesses are able to emerge, maintain and grow their presence in order to provide economic benefits including revenue and jobs. So what do retailers want from the politicians?
Well, it's clear from this week that the rise in National Insurance is a big no no. Big business moguls, including Stuart Rose from M&S, say that it will essentially be a tax on jobs and a huge blow to the industry, and it would be difficult to disagree. (Interestingly there is an article in the Telegraph today including an admission from the Treasury Secretary that that would be the case - despite Alistair Darling saying it won't. Click here for the full story)
But what else? Well some are asking for protection from increased taxes on property to help those with empty shops, some are asking for reductions in red tape to help encourage trading, others want a postponement of the environmental taxes and others want a commitment to no rise in VAT.
Which would make the biggest difference to you?
As key players in the economic recovery, it is important that small businesses are able to emerge, maintain and grow their presence in order to provide economic benefits including revenue and jobs. So what do retailers want from the politicians?
Well, it's clear from this week that the rise in National Insurance is a big no no. Big business moguls, including Stuart Rose from M&S, say that it will essentially be a tax on jobs and a huge blow to the industry, and it would be difficult to disagree. (Interestingly there is an article in the Telegraph today including an admission from the Treasury Secretary that that would be the case - despite Alistair Darling saying it won't. Click here for the full story)
But what else? Well some are asking for protection from increased taxes on property to help those with empty shops, some are asking for reductions in red tape to help encourage trading, others want a postponement of the environmental taxes and others want a commitment to no rise in VAT.
Which would make the biggest difference to you?
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Crowd Sourcing comes to fashion in the US
Crowd sourcing has been a growing trend in other sectors but, according to a report from Reuters, it is soon to make its appearance in the fashion arena thanks to US company called Fashion Stake.
For those unfamiliar with the concept, Crowd Sourcing is a way of allowing consumers direct access to the manufacturer. The audience is able to invest, vote and contribute to direct to the organisations, avoiding the middle men altogether. It has been hailed as a great way for new entrepreneurs to find funding that may be incredibly hard to find from traditional sources.
In this case the idea is that consumers can buy a stake in a new designers collection in return for credits to buy clothes. According to the firms chief executive it will transfer the margins direct to the fans and cut out the retailers altogether but is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Obviously if it becomes the norm it will be a bad thing for retailers as they will essentially be unnecessary but I don't think that's likely to happen. I have no doubt there will be a strong following for this sort of website, for fashion lovers the opportunity to be directly involved with the designers is sure to be attractive but it is unlikely to ever replace traditional retail.
Why? Because there are a whole load of people who want to shop. They want to look for new, interesting clothes but they have no desire to get more involved than seeing something they like and buying it. Even those with a love of fashion don't always have the time to search out new designers and invest in them in order to get their fix.
Personally I think it will become a fun part of the fashion experience but it will never take over from "traditional retail" (which would now include e-commerce) but what do you think?
Read the full article from Reuters here
For those unfamiliar with the concept, Crowd Sourcing is a way of allowing consumers direct access to the manufacturer. The audience is able to invest, vote and contribute to direct to the organisations, avoiding the middle men altogether. It has been hailed as a great way for new entrepreneurs to find funding that may be incredibly hard to find from traditional sources.
In this case the idea is that consumers can buy a stake in a new designers collection in return for credits to buy clothes. According to the firms chief executive it will transfer the margins direct to the fans and cut out the retailers altogether but is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Obviously if it becomes the norm it will be a bad thing for retailers as they will essentially be unnecessary but I don't think that's likely to happen. I have no doubt there will be a strong following for this sort of website, for fashion lovers the opportunity to be directly involved with the designers is sure to be attractive but it is unlikely to ever replace traditional retail.
Why? Because there are a whole load of people who want to shop. They want to look for new, interesting clothes but they have no desire to get more involved than seeing something they like and buying it. Even those with a love of fashion don't always have the time to search out new designers and invest in them in order to get their fix.
Personally I think it will become a fun part of the fashion experience but it will never take over from "traditional retail" (which would now include e-commerce) but what do you think?
Read the full article from Reuters here
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Happy Easter!
As we return to work after the luxury of a long weekend we'd like to wish everybody a Happy Easter and hope that your break has been a good one.
If you were lucky enough not to be working we hope to find you rested and ready for Spring, if you were working, as so many of our friends in retail will have been, we hope it was a productive and lucrative weekend for you.
Either way it's now time to put down the chocolate and get back to work!
If you were lucky enough not to be working we hope to find you rested and ready for Spring, if you were working, as so many of our friends in retail will have been, we hope it was a productive and lucrative weekend for you.
Either way it's now time to put down the chocolate and get back to work!
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