5 predictions for the apparel industry in 2018
Anyone can predict the future – getting it right is the hard part.
But here at Image Label Systems we like to think we know our stuff, and so we’ve put together these five predictions about the industry for the coming year.
Ecommerce will grow more than expected
Online sales are nothing new, but what is unexpected is how quickly people have taken to using their phones to buy online.
The trend is down to the technology itself. Mobile phones have become so powerful, so fast, and with larger screens, it’s simply a lot easier to buy something online now with your phone than it was only a couple of years ago.
This shows in the statistics, with the figures seeing smartphones replace tablets when it comes to online purchasing.
In fact, overall, tablet sales are dropping, and have been for several years now, simply because phones are offering everything a tablet does, except they fit in your pocket.
This ease of purchase will continue to grow, and online sales along with it.
Customisation will become an important part of business
One size fits all mass production seems to be coming to an end, with the goal now customisation for individual shoppers.
And while this may sound extravagant, modern technology is making it a reality. With 3D printers and real-time communication, customers can tell manufacturers exactly what they want and how they want it, all down to the very last detail.
Millennials place a lot more value on experience rather than a physical item, and by trying to keep up with everyone else via social media, they are happy to pay a little bit extra for something unique, or an item that fits their own personal “brand”.
Australian company Dresden are a great example of this new paradigm. They aim to revolutionize the industry by taking plastic waste from the beach, and turn it into funky, affordable frames.
Shoppers can then create their own pair of sunglasses online, and have them custom built, resulting in eyewear that’s unique, stylish, and environment-friendly – everything a Millennial shopper wants.
Artificial Intelligence will start to change the game
2017 saw the introduction of chatbots to customer service, and next year will not only see a rise in the number of companies using chatbots, but the quality of the service they provide.
Artificial Intelligence has always just been on the horizon, but it looks like this year might actually be the year it arrives.
Amazon are already using robots to pack and ship items, and has more than 100,000 robots in action around the world, planning to add many more to the mix.
Ai is also going to play a huge role in data collection, with every click and swipe being recorded and put into an algorithm, all to realise shopping trends.
Walmart is already using AI to monitor product usage, auto replace products as necessary and monitor expiration dates. And slightly worryingly, they are also using facial recognition technology to identify shoppers who are unhappy or frustrated. That data can then be used to tell associates to open new checkout lines or offer discounts… or identify shoplifters.
Environmental matters will drive sales
All consumers, but particularly Millennials, are becoming more and more aware of their purchases; where they come from, how they are made, and what impact the have on the environment.
Sustainability is a major factor in Millennial shopping decisions, and with two thirds of Millennials preferring to shop online, with a third claiming they are more likely to buy from brands which are dedicated to social responsibilities, companies need to change their habits if they want to survive.
Childrenswear
Childrenswear is an industry worth an estimated 200 billion USD, and is only set to increase in the coming 12 months. In fact, children’s clothing is outpacing both men’s and womenswear, and new companies are popping up all over the world to deal with the demand.
Young parents are the driving force behind the industry, being more fashion conscious than the previous generation. Add to that the constant updates on social media, and today’s parents tend to spend more on their children’s clothes then they would on themselves.
40% of Millennials have already had kids, and have the combined spending power of over one trillion dollars to blow on their precious wee ones.
2018 will see a significant portion of the remaining 60% join the club, and they too will start spending. Fashionable clothing for kids is an ever-increasing market, and one which is becoming more and more important to the industry.
One more prediction for 2018
We have one last prediction for the coming year.
We predict that Image Label Systems will continue to grow, expand, and deliver for our customers all over the globe.
From our larger, international clients, down to our small, novice designers, we promise to keep supporting you every step of the way.
If you would like to be a part of our family, then please don’t hesitate to contact us today, and lets talk about how we can make your 2018 as bright as ours.
Anyone can predict the future – getting it right is the hard part.
But here at Image Label Systems we like to think we know our stuff, and so we’ve put together these five predictions about the industry for the coming year.
Our team offer effective solutions for brand imagery through customised labels and packaging. From design to distribution, our services include clothing labels, RFID tagging, barcode labels and custom retail packaging.
We understand that no two businesses are the same and work with you to create a tailored product design that will ensure a consistent representation of your brand. Supplying the USA and Asia Pacific region, we have representatives across the globe, so call us today to find out how we can help you.