Designer Handbags and Discount Shopping
Everyone wants brand-name accessories, especially in the trendy fashion circles. Many of us have tried to buy one of the Louis Vuitton replicas, but we would not want to be seen easily with him. I think you all know my position on replicas and knock offs. In my little world, they are simply not acceptable. Fashion is my life, and the market in replicas undermines the stability of the industry, I’ve grown to love.
For the budget conscious shopper, there are other alternatives available. A number of large department stores have started to wear designer accessories and handbags, at greatly reduced prices. While there are some who believe that high fashion is the exclusive domain of the wealthy, it is my opinion, do not share the fashion and unite. The love of fashion can and will the people of common interest to bring together.
I recently went inland for a weekend to some friends and family to visit, and I was thrilled to discover a factory outlet at Coach. I took three amazing handbags at very reasonable prices, and I intend to return again soon. To be honest, I was very surprised to see a company like Coach with a discount outlet. I have spent countless hours exploring its flagship store on Madison Avenue, and I could tell the outlet store had almost exactly the same range. At discounted prices, no less!
After returning home, I have some research on sales of the coach. It turns out that the discount outlet I had just visited almost worth as much revenue as the flagship store in New York City. In 2005, this retail store in more than 20 million U.S. dollars earned, and they are planning more than 25 million profit for the current year! These numbers are astounding, in my humble opinion. Why are there not other designers pursuing the discount market?
My feeling is that has much to do with the elitist attitude that the fashion industry will not penetrate. There is a strong feeling in the fashion circles that discounters dilute the luxury image that so many designers are trying to maintain too. It may, in some credence to this argument, I believe that is the fashion for people. I would like more companies the approach that Coach is clearly evident here.