As the global economy continues to contract, designers, retailers and
top fashion brands are certainly feeling the pinch as well. At the
biannual Magic Fashion Marketplace – a long-standing showcase for
fashion — the talk of the show was geared toward brands finding
innovative ways to counteract the tough economic climate. Rolling Out
caught up with some of those brands to gain an exclusive look at their
economic strategy. –dewayne rogers
Osa Odiase
President, Live Mechanics
“I
have to be honest with you, we are a spiritual brand, and we do not
believe in ups and downs. We believe that in the time of famine,
certain people will still prosper. So due to the fact that we do not
put our trust in JP Morgan, any other banks, or human beings – we put
our faith in the almighty—we believe that He will see us through. It is
a spiritual philosophy that we hold on to, and we are seeing it play
out.”
— Check back in with rolling out, as we continue to give you an inside look at all things fashionable, here at Magic.
Sarah Pollack
Vice President/ Public Relations- Caro Marketing, Kangol
“The
way that we fight against the economy is to just do a lot of
advertising to stay in everyone’s face. The worst thing to do right now
is to get out of people’s faces, so we actually have increased our
advertising push.”
— Check back in with rolling out, as we continue to give you an inside look at all things fashionable, here at Magic.
Nikki Pyle
Marketing Director- Apple Bottoms Footwear
“We
try to keep our shoes at a really affordable price. For the most part,
our footwear stays in the $49.99 price range, which is something that
you can’t beat nowadays with sneakers.”
Tim Gray
Brand Manager- New Era
“The
economy is tough for everyone right now, but the one thing that people
understand is quality, and New Era stands for quality. So people
recognize that if they are going to spend the money for something that
has the New Era name on it, that they are going to get nothing but
quality.”
Joe Busby
Regional Sales Manager, Vanetti- Phat Farm
“Instead of doing a high end wool line – which is what everyone wanted — we ended up doing a poly-rayon line, which allows people to get them for $200 to 300 less when it goes to retail. So that is our way of helping people still be able to get a good looking suit, while keeping money in their pockets.”
Top Iyoha
Brand Manager, Rag Dynasty
“As
a brand, we are making certain adjustments. We are giving people price
points that they are comfortable with. We are also trying to give them
a product based on what they need. We are not imposing anything on our
customers. We encourage them to let us know what they want, so we can
give it to them in that fashion.”
