Debenhams designer sales boosted by credit crunch
Released
on: January 19, 2009, 4:27 am
Press
Release Author: Debenhams
Industry:
Retail
Press
Release Summary: Debenhams has revealed that its designer sales
have been boosted by the credit crunch, as the clothing retailer
unveils its spring and summer collections
Press
Release Body: Debenhams, the leading UK clothing
retailer, has revealed that its designer sales have been boosted
by the credit crunch thanks to a new type of shopper; the recessionista.
Still
keen to feed their fashion addiction, many shoppers are turning
to designer equivalents according to Debenhams, that deliver quality,
durability and design but with a 'chic enomic' price tag similar
to ones offered exclusively at the 219 year old department store.
The
retailer reported double digit sales growth across its Designer
at Debenhams offer in the run up to Christmas,
as well as seeing sales and profits increase and market share
gains in all major clothing categories, while reducing its debt.
With
purse strings ever tightening, many are seeing buying a handbag
with a price tag that looks like a phone number as 'so last season'
heralding the birth of a new consumer - the 'recessionista'.
The
unusual trend has seen some of Britain's best loved designer names
including Jasper Conran, Ted
Baker, Matthew
Williamson, Julien Macdonald and Jane
Packer all contributing to market share gains and the overall
performance of Debenham's business.
"The
birth of the recessionista is evidence that more and more customers
are looking for good value, great design and clothing that's built
to last. Something that our trading figures released today back
up and it's also something that we are committed to continuing
to deliver with our Spring/Summer 09 collections," said
Michael Sharp, Debenham's deputy chief executive.
As
a result, Debenhams
has taken the unusual step of unveiling its exclusive Designer
at Debenhams Spring/Summer '09 ranges, for the first time before
they go into stores.
Spring/Summer
'09 at Debenhams draws the latest influences
from catwalks around the globe with a strong focus on wearability
all with famous name designer influences but with high street
price tags.
The
designers at Debenhams identified several key
trends for men and women that are predicted to be popular looks
during Spring/Summer '09. The trends for women include 'Libertine',
a look epitomised by the likes of Peaches Geldof and Alexa Chung,
which offers a casually cool vibe, combining distressed denims
and a selection of statement belts.
The 'Glamazon' trend, popularised by Beyonce Knowles and Heidi
Klum, offers a laid-back yet glamorous take on hippy chic combined
with jet set glam for Spring/Summer '09. The 'Exotica' look, which
fashion aficienados will recognise as a look sported by Jennifer
Lopez and Eva Mendes is also set to be popular, providing relaxed
casual pieces in the form of patterned shirts, loose kaftan style
dresses and cropped trouser suits.
Among
the trends predicted to be popular for men during the year's Spring/Summer
seasons is 'Super Simple', offering classic, yet modern, styling,
bringing to mind the look of Daniel Craig. Pre-1930s decadence
can be found with 'Retro Resort', which utilises superfine wool,
cotton and linen and splashes of colour. For younger men, the
'Urban Lad' look will also be available, taking key fashion influences
from military and work wear. 'Geek Chic' is also set to be a popular
trend during this year's Spring/Summer seasons, combining the
colour clash of the '70s with a modern '50s style.
About
Debenhams:
Debenhams is a leading department stores group, and has a strong
presence in key product categories including women's wear, men's
wear, home wares, health and beauty, accessories, lingerie
and children's wear.
Debenhams
has 139 stores including seven Desire by Debenhams stores, across
the UK and Ireland with 10.1 million square feet of trading space
and around 21,500 employees.
Web
Site: http://www.debenhams.com/
Contact
Details: Further information:
Ed Watson
Debenhams Press Office
33 Wigmore Street
London
W1U 1QX
0207 529 0536
www.debenhams.com