!"WOMENSWEAR BUYER#SEPTEMBER $%&&

FORUM#

!'WOMENSWEAR BUYER#SEPTEMBER $%&&

FORUM#

Ted Baker launched its first Pashionboutique outside London in July atThe Avenue at Manchester’sSpinningfields.The salon-style store measures 2,500 sq ft and reflects theaesthetics of the luxurious collection with silk walls,mirrored detailing and oakwood flooring. Design featuresinclude an installation created using different bits of mid-century furniture and a string art pattern displayedbehind glass on the cash desk, bringing a touch of retro-cool. The boutique will showcase limited editiondesigns from the Langley collection, which is described as“the embodiment of feminine sophistication with a seriesof opulent detailing and digital prints”.—

PASHION FORTED BAKER

RETAIL DIARYThe latest news from the industry—

RETAILFORUM

REGIONAL EXPANSION FORUNCONDITIONAL

Unconditional has unveiled its Northernflagship store with an exclusive VIP launchparty hosted by DJ Jodie Harsh.

Head designer Philip Stephens returned to hisManchester roots with the label’s first regionalstore. The new store concept includes eccentricinstallations, catwalk images and vivid splashesof colour. Unconditional designs are known fortheir “London” attitude, fusing togetheredginess with ease and simplicity. Ethicalmaterials are used to create striking silhouettes,with a focus on detail, which were well receivedat London Fashion Week.—

ARE YOU PARTOF THE J.CREW?American high street label J.Crew has launched its first transactional UK website with a complete offer of women’s, men’s andchildren’s clothing.

A favourite of First Lady Michelle Obama, thebrand is valued at $3bn and aims to fill the gapbetween the high street and designer labels.Offering apparel, cashmere, bags, shoes and abridal collection, the website – www.jcrew.com –is sleek and easy to navigate and offers a flat p&prate of £9.95. —

79-81 Ledbury RoadLondonW11 2AG

Owners: Willa KeswickOpened: 2011Brands: Vintage, Mark Fast, Todd Lynn, Bodyamrand Felder Felder

“Somewhere that recently took my breath awaywas The Village Bicycle in Notting Hill. I cannow say it’s one of my firm favourites, mainlydue to the decadence that exudes from everyorifice. Inspired by 60s vintage store GrannyTakes a Trip, the décor is just as eclectic as themix of brands that line the walls. Felder & Felder,Lulu Guinness and Craig Lawrence sitharmoniously side by side, while other randomgoods such as sunglasses, sweets and stickers arealso available to purchase, meaning, regardlessof your budget, you’ll be able to walk away withat least one fabulous thing.”

MY FAVOURITESHOP...THE VILLAGE BICYCLEby Lauren Martin, senior account manager, Blow

KAREN SHAWOwner, Galerie,

Staffordshire

—“I worked in Morocco 10years ago, and I lovedworking with artisancraftsmen and women.The success of thegoods we import fromMorocco means I amlooking to wholesaleour own Bohemiabrand products.”—

JENNY LOCKTONOwner, Bohemia,

Edinburgh

—“The launch night ofLove KR(last year wasthe defining moment.To finally start my own business in theindustry(I love was anamazing feeling.”— PAULA FITZPATRICK

Owner, Love KR,Kensal Rise, London

—“Through opening Belle & Bunty, wewere suddenly able tomeet our customersface-to-face and gaininstant reactions andfeedback on thecollections. For us, thecustomer is the focusof our design process.”—

ALICE SHREEVECo-owners,

Belle & Bunty, London

We ask four retailers this month’shot question

WHAT WAS THE DEFINING

MOMENT IN YOURCAREER?

—“The local newspaperhas a ‘What are youwearing?’ featureasking people whattheir favourite storeis, and hearing myown store mentionedis always a greatfeeling.”—

HAVE YOU OPENED A NEW STORE) LAUNCHED A TRANSACTIONAL WEBSITE) ORGANISEDAN EVENT OR HAVE ANY OTHER IN*STORE NEWS? THEN LET US KNOW BY GETTING INTOUCH AT CAREY+RAS*PUBLISHING,COM,

END OF AN ERA FOR GENE SUTCLIFFE

Later this year, key independentretailer Gene Sutcliffe will retireafter 42 years running hereponymous womenswear store inAccrington, Lancashire.

The store began life as acorner shop 70 years ago beforeexpanding over 10 adjacentcottages. Stocking labels includingJames Lakeland, Oui and Passport,the store will be left in the capablehands of daughter Caroline for thetime being. “I have loved workingwith all our suppliers, staff andcustomers,” says Sutcliffe. “I maydo a bit of consultancy here andthere, so there is a chance you’ll seeme on the circuit from time to time.”—

I’m not sure about anyone else, but summer hasflown by for me. It feels as though we only just

unpacked our summer collections and now we’resimpering happily over the sea of

autumn/winter deliveries arriving at a speed ofknots. Where did the summer go?

The answer, I think, is in “sale”. One of thereasons the season has seemed to just disappear isthat high street and large online retailers wentto sale so incredibly early. It was “new summerstock in now” and then moments later “hugereductions off all summer stock”. Speedy. Ofcourse, I understand the goal of early sales andI’m happy to learn that many did make apositive impact to overall takings, but it’s not theeasiest strategy for small independents to keepup with.

Receiving stock slightly later than largerstores, and then shortening the selling windoweach season, has a huge impact. Without a doubt,it means dedicating more time and thoughtthan ever before on when to go to sale, whatproducts to include, how to mark down andwhat to do from there to keep your customershappy when the cut prices are gone. And morethan that, how to keep the store (online orphysical) fresh and interesting for yourcustomers. Quite the challenge.

It is difficult but, if you can get it right,it’s satisfying to find the balance of workingwith loyal customers to making the most ofyour short selling window before dipping in(slightly later than everyone else) to reductions.When we do go to sale, our customers know itwill be worth the wait – not the scandalous 10per cent off we saw in some big high streetstores. Our customers expect too much and aretoo price-comparison-savvy now to tolerate atoken reduction. We try to make sure that, forour semi-annual sales, reductions are significantand leave customers happy they snagged thebargain they might have been eyeing up allsummer long.

And with that, it’s “farewell summer”and on to the next…

Fiona Kennedy, owner, Red Ruby Rouge, Belfastwww.redrubyrouge.co.uk