Currency fluctuations to affect brands selling in 2017

London - The selling season for the autumn winter 2017 collections is upon us. With just five weeks to go until Pitti Uomo, followed by men's fashion weeks and trade shows such as Scoop and Bubble, London organisers are worried about the impact of currency fluctuations.

With a fall in sterling, a shaky dollar after the American elections, and uncertainties surrounding trade agreements, the future for exporting brands to the UK is dubious.

Goods will become more expensive in 2017

The first worry for many brands is whether their product will face steep price increases overseas. Exchange rates will unequivocally impact product costings next year, which will be the first time since Brexit and the appointment of President-Elect Trump that price increases will be passed on to the consumer.

While there has been a vast array of currency highs and lows since June's referendum, the current in-store collections were bought in February and March this year, for which the exchange rates would have already been set.

Many US brands more forsake showing in London trade fairs, as they will need a highly competitive edge to battle the diminishing number of independent retailers and having goods that are more expensive.

There are roughly forty trade shows in Europe in the month of January, from Pitti Imagine to Berlin's Premium, Tranoi and Capsule in Paris and White in Milan. Click here to see the Fashion United global event schedule.

Photo credit: Scoop International