The Bead Stylist: Are Boutique Retail Shops the Wave of The Future New York Times On The Runway Series Top Shop in NY

I've been out of touch for a bit this month - much to do.

Perhaps you've been able to keep abreast of some of the fashion articles, but for those like me who have been a little bit out of touch, this article I came across in the New York Times Fashion online edition gives continued insight into what direction designers, and retailers are expecting, or not expecting to have to deal with in the next 1-2 years as stated here:

 

Over the next year or two, the fashion industry will be significantly altered, as will coverage of the industry in glossy magazines and newspapers...

Clearly it will take many of the long standing department stores time to adjust, but for the more boutique minded stores they are truly in a sweet spot!

 

The Topshop folks get almost everything right. The atmosphere is fun and exciting (it makes minimalist Uniqlo up the street look anemic). Although the range of merchandise is quite broad, from adorable blouses and cool fleece pants to Kate Moss’s very cute line, you feel there’s a reason for everything—that the Topshop designers and merchandisers said no more than they said yes. And the prices are great, from high to low. I saw at least a dozen things I wanted to buy, most of them for under $150. What’s more, I liked being in the store—and when has anyone said that lately?

The theme keeps developing, do you see it?  A few of my previous posts highlight this theme over, and over and my take on it is that there will be a lot more boutique style stores opening even if some will be owned by major department stores.

And with all that said there should be lots, and lots of opportunity for the niche bead artist and jewelry designer - oh, what fun!

 Link to Top Shop Article              Link to Slide Show

The Bead Stylist: New York Times Fashion Cartier Then & Now

Slide Show of Cartier jewelry going back to the early 1900's. Also interesting article about what Cartier has done to survive through the years.

The Bead Stylist: Belk Department Store Buying from Local Jewelry Designers

Several blog post ago I wrote about how, possibly, the changes in the economy are requiring that retail stores will need to set themselves apart and differentiate their offerings based on what many top fashion and jewelry designers have noticed about the consumer - they will buy, but it must be unique.

Then I came across an article on MarketWatch.com about Banana Republic opening up a concept jewelry store offering only 100 items per jewelry design.

Yesterday in a conversation with my sister who works at the  local Walmart, she told me about a ring she purchased from a guy that designs jewelry. She liked the ring he had on which started the conversation about his line of jewelry which he sells to Belk department stores.

She bought a sterling silver ring from him on the spot - well, he had his wares in his car, but still he was prepared to make to that sale regardless of the size.

I've asked her to get more information from him, apparently he's a regular at Walmart, because I really would like to know how a small town designer, selling from his car got into a major department store.

Stay tuned!

The Bead Stylist: Color & The Economy: Why We're Now Shopping By Color

I just happened on this video clip 'Color Me In a Shopping Mood' on the Wall Street Journal's online edition and it's quite interesting to take note just how and why the economy is changing our shopping habits to base our choices by the color we need.

Regardless of what you design, sell; jewelry home decore hand-crafts color will be what determines how people may respond and ultimately decide to purchase - now, and into the future.

Highlights

• Color is emotional
• Assign color to the right product
• What colors can I combine with what I already own
• Entice with color to make the sale!

Dominant colors which will will continue through from Spring Summer 2009 to Fall Winter 2009 - 2010

• Purple - continues to be one of the most consistent colors for several seasons now, Blue with purple undertones, and of course the various shades of purple and in the bead world amethyst.
• Yellow - so many shades to select from; thanks to Pantone for giving us such a range.