Lingerie retailers feel cautious

As a Drapers Indicator poll revealed lingerie stores feel unsure about the spring 10 buying season and say they are not going to be testing any new brands because of the negative trading climate.

Despite the fact the retailers are so cautious they said they would be attending the Harrogate Lingerie & Swimwear show, which takes place from August 16-18 at the Harrogate International Centre in North Yorkshire.

About 62% announced they would not bring in any new brands and others complained they would have to refuse from peripheral labels.

We won’t be buying any new brands [for spring],” said Shirley Ryan, owner of Mirari in Dorchester, Dorset, which sells such famous brands as Vanity Fair and Fantasie.

We feel we have to be cautious.”

Harriet Wilkes, owner of Barbarella in Worcester, which sells Marie Jo, Elixir de Lingerie and other brands, added:

The financial climate will make us buy more cautiously, but we must keep the store looking fresh.”

Although levels of trade were flat if compared with the year before over the week to June 6 for 48% of the retailers polled, and total weekly takings were down 0.4% for the period, retailers agreed that the Harrogate fair was still essential to the overall buying season.

Karen Baynes, manager of Sweet Dreams in Buckingham, that sells Chantelle and Triumph, said:

It is so important to go to the trade shows to get a good idea of the new trends, styles and brands.”

Catherine Litchfield, co-owner of Alicia in Finedon, Northamptonshire, selling brands like Prima Donna and Aubade, added:

The lingerie business is a close network and it’s important to speak to other businesses to find out the gossip.”

The financial crisis has made tough lives of both producers and customers but it’s good to know that both sides hope the situation will change for the better soon.

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