EK Retail: despite economic and coldness in Q2, fashion sales are increasing

The trade show season has started. First, Pitti Uomo in Florence, and now there are only two weeks left until Modefabriek opens its doors on July 9th and 10th - which is increasingly attracting international visitors. Fashion professionals will see each other again and celebrate fashion. This brings us to the question: How is the fashion sales doing at the moment? Retail industry organization EK-Retail (formerly Euretco) will tell us.

Summer items are flying off the shelves at the moment, especially due to the nice weather, which was different at the beginning of the season. It started off wet and cold, which resulted in people wearing their winter jackets for a longer time and the sales of summer jackets lagging behind.

Remarkably, there is an increase in the sales of occasion wear for women and suits in the men's fashion segment. This is probably because consumers are still catching up on postponed parties and weddings. People want to celebrate life! Another noticeable trend is that large (department) stores are doing well. One explanation could be that consumers find it practical to find all categories under one roof, and these stores are particularly accessible by car, which is a big advantage during the rainy and drizzly weather in Q2.

What does this mean in numbers? Until week 22 of this year, we see a growth of 2 percent compared to the same period last year in the women's category. Men have managed to generate 6 percent more sales compared to the same period last year. However, the children's category is struggling during this period and is 4 percent behind compared to the same period last year. This gap may be closed in the coming period. These are positive figures considering the tougher economic times when consumers tend to cut back on purchasing (new) clothing.

And how is the fashion retailer doing? EK-Retail observes an increase in costs for the entrepreneurs. Retailers, like consumers, are uncertain about the economic situation. This is even more reason to research as thoroughly as possible, respond to customer needs, and create a well-considered purchasing budget for the start of the new buying season. There is no better place to do this than at Modefabriek, where you can start the new season well-informed with the largest selection of women's and children's clothing and mixed M/W labels. We'll see you there!

Written by Marjolein Stormezand.