Show Me Something New

Independent retailers are looking for something different this season. The mantra from women's and menswear buyers is the same - they want to give their customers a different choice and they are looking to smaller and new labels to provide it for them.

The strength that independents have developed - tending to the middle to upper market, offering trusted brand names and value on quality products - is probably no longer going to be enough. Shoppers can by into any trend they choose on the high street for very low prices. The job that independents will have to perform in future is to give their customers something that they cannot get elsewhere either quicker or cheaper.

Exhibition organizers are responding to the change as quickly as they can The Prêt is looking to move the show upmarket and bring in more interesting collections, almost certainly in response to its loss of exhibitors to the more directional shows Fresh, Fame and Dome, put on by the same organizer as the streetwear exhibition.

The idea of finding a niche is not new, and fashion retailing is all about product and positioning, so independents are not the only retailers looking to create a point of difference.