Textiles, or clothing in general, have always been a major industry around the world for many centuries. Everyone needs clothes to wear, and today, with new fabrics and materials, international sources of inspiration, and start-up companies with bold new vision, clothing for anyone for the right price can be found and keep anyone in the trend and fashion loop. Luxury clothes, though always associated with a high price tag, can be affordable more often then some may think, and for higher income spenders, the options are many from head to toe. Designers are always thinking up the newest hot trend, and there will always be customers ready to try on these new duds.
The Size of the Industry
Luxury clothes, everyday clothes, and designer clothes, from designer earrings to designer shoes, take in a lot of money and employ plenty of people at all stages of production. Even the ways people shop for and buy their clothes change over time, especially in recent decades. As a whole, worldwide, the e-commerce fashion industry, selling clothes online, is predicted to earn $712.9 billion by the year 2022, a boost from 2018’s $481.2 billion. In the last year, to break it down by sex, women’s and girls’ apparel market revenue hit $117 billion, and the men’s and boys’ market revenue reached $87 billion. Luxury clothes, everyday clothes, handcrafted textiles, sunglasses, and more all contribute to these totals, and many stores sell such accessories alongside clothing itself.
Luxury goods in general are those that are not essential to everyday life, but instead are fashion statements, delicacies, or novelties, anything from expensive cigars to Rolex watches to animal fur rugs, and this includes luxury clothes, such as silk shirts or ermine fur coats and more. (Though some customers would rather have false fur clothes.) Luxury goods sales have been increasing 3.4% per year, but this figured is dwarfed by the expected rise of e-commerce: forecasts predict that e-commerce may triple in the coming decade. And the United States still holds its place at the top of the luxury goods market as of 2015, and that market size is estimated to be $91 billion.
How to Buy
The art of selling merchandise and services has experienced major changes in the last few decades, and this can make or break a business, not the least of which is the luxury clothes market. Brick and mortar stores can still bring in customers, especially those in buys areas like shopping malls and market squares, but e-commerce, done over the Internet, has risen as a major route for sales for big and small brand names alike. Innovative designs for clothes can be discovered on the Internet long before a consumer sets foot in a store, and designer clothing, if advertised right, can expand greatly in the online market within the next few years.
Retailers selling luxury clothes and other textiles have whole new factors to consider for e-commerce. Online catalogues and search engines are central to successful online shopping, and customers will want a website with intuitive, clear, and convenient design for browsing, finding, and searching for luxury clothes and other textiles. Clear, appealing and large photographs can make an item much more appealing and noticeable, and having the right keywords attached to clothing items makes them easier to find. Online sales interfaces, such as working with debit and credit cards and PayPal, should work well and make online transactions fast and safe. If a retailer of luxury clothes can manage its website and online inventory, it can take full advantage of the rise of e-commerce.
