Apparel Online India 16-31 July' 17 | Page 13

WORLD WRAP SINCE THIS GENERATION (GEN Z) IS ALWAYS POSTING PHOTOGRAPHS, THEY PREFER TO BE SEEN IN CLOTHES THAT DO NOT HAVE PROMINENT BRAND LOGOS. THEY DO NOT WANT TO BE WALKING ADVERTISEMENT BILLBOARDS. www.kailashribbon.com stores, but in fact the pressure is more, as these youngsters are well aware of what other retailers are offering and the best ‘buys’ available online, putting pressure on the retailers to deliver. So, to win with Gen Z, retailers must be sharp with both the in-store and online shopping experiences. Some favourite Gen Z retailers of today include Urban Outfitters, UGG, Gamestop, The North Face, Sunglass Hut, American Eagle, Forever 21 and H&M. As a gender- specific observation, while guys spend more on products, girls spend more on experiences. for money. While Gen Z is realistic about the challenges ahead, 89% of them remain optimistic about their futures, which is higher than any other generation on record. Vision Critical, in partnership with research firm MARU/VCR&C, recently ran a study exploring the attitudes, behaviour and values of this generation. In an interesting find, it was discovered that the number one thing that Gen Z shoppers look for in the products is ‘aesthetics’ and admittedly, fashionable design matters for 67% of them – more than that mattered to any other generation. Since this generation is always posting photographs, they prefer to be seen in clothes that do not have prominent brand logos. They do not want to be walking advertisement billboards. Retailers are already sensing this opportunity, and recently Target introduced a clothing line called Art Class, designed with the help of 10 trendy ‘Gen Zers’, with collections that refresh every four to eight weeks. Contrary to their social persona and love for the net, these Gen Zers love shopping in-stores for their personal styles. One may assume that this is good news for brick and mortar It is widely accepted that Gen Z is even more attuned than millennials to issues like sustainability, and believes in its own power to make a difference. A major change being predicted is that fast fashion is going to turn to slow fashion, because this generation is not going to see the need to spend money. According to an IBM/NRF study, these young consumers have access to US $ 44 billion in buying power, with 75% saying they spend more than half of the money available to them each month. They’re very much willing to switch brands, and they’re demanding too. They’re also less swayed by traditional marketing techniques, like harnessing celebrity power, and they have gone from blockbuster celebrities to unlikely role models they see and connect with on YouTube. Another noteworthy characteristic of these young Gen Zs is that though they see the workplace as a battlefield where getting a good job is a priority, they are inclusive and tolerant of difference. They have grown up in a world where a black man was leading the country, women were in positions of power in the workplace and gay celebrities were role models in the open. Hence, they are not judgemental. Retailers are using these features to grab attention, as Gen Z is creating their own personal brand and not getting impressed by big names. COMPREHENSIVE RANGE IN ACCESSORIES Satin Woven Label • Taffeta Woven Label • Woven Edge Label Laser Cut Woven Label • Laser Cut Fabric Appliqué • Transfer Print Labels Printed Labels • Jacquard Laces • Embroidery Badges • Polyester Button Printed Polybag • Sewing Thread • Plastic Hangers • Twill Tapes Printed, Dyed & Plain Tapes • Gross Grain Tapes / Draw Cords Heat Transfer Labels | PVC Badges • Transparent PVC Stickers Tissue Papers • Rubber & Synthetic Badges • Woven Filled Badges Woven Zip Pullers • Barcode Sticker • Hang Tags • PVC & Paper Stickers Works: B-92, Phase-1, Mayapuri Indl. Area, New Delhi-110064 (INDIA) E-mail: [email protected] www.apparelresources.com | JULY 16-31, 2017 | Apparel Online India 13