When it comes to the world of clothing, I’m more of a trendspotter than a trendsetter.
With that said, and with my business hat on, I’d say the UK fashion industry is in big trouble if they don’t change their ways, as it appears our high streets are being replaced in more ways than one.
It’s a huge shame, but recent sector news only confirms my thoughts that our high streets are going to look more threadbare in the future as homegrown retailers continue to disappear.
With Scottish retailer Quiz set to close 23 stores, including their Dundee, Falkirk, Glasgow and Motherwell shops, it poses the age-old question of ‘what next?’ for the fashion retail industry.
Certainly, from a British point of view, business doesn’t look great.
Our brands are being left behind as they are unable to keep up with the style and trends of younger people.
While the likes of Next and Marks and Spencer remain popular; they don’t speak to the audience being left underserved by the closure of brands such as Burton and Quiz, whose demises themselves were linked to falling behind the curve.
What we’re seeing now, though, rather than a change in tack at home, is brands from abroad coming into our markets to fill the gaps left behind.
Continental clothing giants Bershka and Pull & Bear are moving into Silverburn Shopping Centre in Glasgow’s southside, taking over slots vacated by defunct British stores Debenhams and Topshop.
They join fellow-Spanish brands Mango and Zara in the popular centre, signalling a huge sea change in shopping habits for Scottish fashionistas.
While there is no doubt online is king for both buying and selling nowadays, the evidence that our style is changing too is unequivocal.
While we may be pulling away from Europe and are no longer as aligned in our political outlooks, our consumers certainly are aligned on ‘the look’.
Despite Brexit, the UK and the continent remained linked and able to influence and be influenced. No way is this two-way relationship more evident than in the fashion world.
Away from the high street and looking more towards high fashion, the same can be said of the working relationships between the top fashion houses in London, Paris and Milan.
Constantly learning, adapting and borrowing from each other, they force each other to strive for the new, the better and, ultimately, who can be the most influential and profitable.
Equally, in the online world, the likes of eBay and Vinted are allowing people to shop and sell in a new way, taking control both of their look and their finances, with many starting their own businesses on such platforms.
The world, every day, grows smaller and fashion is not exempt from the reach of globalisation.
We must embrace the arrival of new ways, both in our shopping centres and online, as it’s good for jobs, economic growth and the business landscape in this country.
However, I hope British retailers like New Look and River Island also see this as a challenge to up their game, particularly when it comes to younger consumers.
If they aren’t already, these brands risk being left behind by their Spanish counterparts who seem to be beating them at their own game by providing fashion that is both affordable and appealing.
All is not lost, however, as, much like the aforementioned fashion houses, our retailers can take a glance at close quarters now to their new neighbours.
I urge the bosses of these companies to take inspiration, embrace competition and make British brands cool again.
While I don’t know exactly how to do that, I did note at the start of this piece I’m not a trendsetter, I can see the constant slow and steady dip in footfall figures and the downward shopping trends which need to be reversed.
While it’s easy to blame things like the cost-of-living crisis and the rise of e-commerce; being in business does not mean taking the easy way out.
So, British fashion retailers, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and start spinning a new story.
Entrepreneurial Tackles from the Tartan Army
Scotland’s rugby stars are making huge hits on and off the field, and I’m not just talking about big tackles.
With the Six Nations in full swing, you would think the focus would be solely on scrums and tries, but more and more players are proving that their vision extends well beyond the pitch.
Take Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman, who are making waves with their whisky venture, Against the Grain.
The company is growing from strength to strength, having recently signed a huge contract to stock their 12-year-old Speyside whisky ‘Hirundine’ in all 21 Buzzworks venues right across Scotland.
Then there’s Zander Fagerson, who co-owns Scottish moonshine brand, Highland Moon. The Glasgow prop became involved with the business nearly two years ago, with the drink continuing to thrive in a competitive market.
I truly admire their entrepreneurship, especially when it comes to planning for their futures.
The harsh reality of a professional rugby career is that it’s inevitably short lived. These clever players understand their already established platforms are the perfect launchpad for ventures that they are genuinely passionate about.
Fans love an authentic brand, and when you throw the weight of a sporting icon behind it, the credibility and customer base skyrockets.
In a world where personal branding is everything, these rugby stars are showing us that thinking ahead isn’t just for a strategic play – it’s critical for business, too.
The lesson? Use your platform wisely, and the opportunities are endless.
It Made Me Laugh
From First Minister to First Mix
It looks like Nicola Sturgeon has got a new gig – and this time it’s behind the decks instead of a lectern.
Just months after stepping back from front-line politics, Scotland’s former First Minister was spotted spinning tunes alongside Hollywood star Alan Cumming in a room full of ravers in Pitlochry.
It’s not exactly the career move I had expected, but it’s certainly a welcome change to see one of the country’s most formidable public figures dropping bangers that don’t go down like a lead balloon.
And I can imagine the one-off DJ appearance was likely a welcome distraction for her at the moment too, although I wouldn’t be placing any bets on her headlining the Boogie Bar at TRNSMT anytime soon.
It Made Me Weep
End of the Line for Trakke
I was saddened to hear that award-winning, Glasgow-based outdoor bag maker Trakke is to cease trading after 15 years.
Founder Alec Farmer cited rising manufacturing costs, tax increases and an unpredictable financial climate as the reasons behind the shock closure.
It’s yet another reminder of the immense pressure that homegrown brands are facing in this economic climate. And it raises the big question – what more could be done to support them?
If we want to nurture innovation and sustain our local businesses, we need to make sure they have the right conditions to thrive. Otherwise, Trakke won’t be the last Scottish success story to vanish.
