Spring is in the air! If we can feel it, your customers can feel it, too. Springtime signifies a fresh start to a new year, and often, a new wardrobe. Change in seasons is the second biggest driver of apparel sales, after discounts and promotions, and Spring is the biggest apparel sale season of them all. Pageview traffic for apparel is 16 percent higher in Spring than Summer, and 52 percent higher than Fall, according to MarketingProfs.
Shoppers are looking to buy warm-weather apparel over the next few months, so your store needs to be ready to deliver in-demand styles: literally and figuratively. We consulted style experts, retail buyers, fashion brands, runway designs, and of course, scoured Instagram to deliver styles, patterns, and peices that will sell in your store this spring.
Animal Print
Animal print popularity picked up in 2018, and will only continue in the new year. Jinny Lee, owner and senior buyer at trend:notes says, “Animal Print is somewhat of a classic, drifting in and out of the forefront of fashion, but always, in some variation, present.” Leopard print is usually the popular animal print of choice. But, Jinny says “over the past year, snakeskin has steadily risen in popularity, and now it’s poised to slide right back into center stage as a top pick for 2019’s hottest fashions.” The easiest way to incorporate animal prints into your store is with accessories like shoes and handbags.
Natural Fabrics
Linen shirts, pants, and skirts are a no-brainer for spring and summer heat. The lightweight fabric is the perfect way to add texture and style to basic pieces. In addition to linen, bamboo will be another popular material this Spring. Jinny says, “2018 saw growth in the use of linen textiles and fabrics. But there was also a correlating re-emergence of interest in straw hats, bags, and retro throwback looks like espadrilles. So naturally, in 2019, apparel will reflect more rugged, safari-like linen looks, as well as straw, bamboo, shell, mineral and wood accents for jewelry, purses, and bags.”
Cycling Shorts
As popularized by Yeezy and the Kardashians, cycling shorts have made their way onto the runways of Chanel last year and are now trickling down to fast fashion retailers like Forever 21, Zara, and H&M. They are trendy, and functional as activewear. They are a relatively inexpensive item, so there is no harm in testing their sales in your store. For maximum impact, stock several different colors and waistband styles and display them along with bralettes as matching sets.
Statement Sleeves
2017 and 2018 were the years of cold-shoulder tops. This year, statement sleeve will be the new, fun, warm-weather style for tops. Jinny says the statement sleeve is a persistent spring trend because it is versatile, feminine, and a great way to express individuality. This year “the look reinvents itself as the accordion arm.”
Neon
Neon is making a comeback this year. Fluorescent shades of pink, green, yellow, and blue will be popular for 2019, especially with teenage shoppers. If that is your demographic, feel free to dive headfirst into the bright shades for tops, bottoms, and everything in between. However, if your store caters to a more reserved crowd, you can incorporate this trend by opting for bright pastel colors or vibrant jewel tones. These hues are more universally flattering and approachable for consumers of all ages and styles.
Bottom Line – Stick with What Works
Many shoppers will spend on new trends or a fun statement piece. Plus, it is important to stock your store with new and exciting products to keep shoppers interested and coming back for more. However, don’t forget your staple sellers. The majority of shoppers tend to stick with what works. Sales and a change of season might be the biggest incentives to shop, but when its comes to deciding on a purchase, fit is the most important factor. More than anything, people want to feel comfortable in their clothes, and will fall back on old favorites. Keep this in mind when buying and merchandising for spring. Strike a balance between new trends and old favorites to keep shoppers inspired and happy.
Looking for Inspiration?
Sometimes the best way to decide if a trend is right for your store is to see it in person. Visiting an apparel trade show is one of the best ways to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s new, and score unbeatable deals. Luckily, two of our favorite value-priced trade shows are just around the corner.
The New York City show will be held June 11th – 12th, 2019.ASD Market Week returns to Las Vegas March 17th – 20th, 2019 with an enormous selection of apparel and accessory vendors offering low prices. www.asdonline.com