The Iconic, Myer and Bec & Bridge spill on 2017 in a teaser from our January edition.
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Online retailer: The Iconic
“One of the fastest growing areas in our business is our menswear department,” The Iconic chief Patrick Schmidt confirms. “We will continue to make our male customer a major priority throughout 2017.”
Schmidt says the etailer increased menswear brands on its site by 40% last year, adding international names such as Scotch & Soda, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo, Armani Jeans and Armani Collezioni.
“Our priorities are shaped by our customers requests,” Schmidt adds. “And clearly customers want an amazing mobile experience.”
Schmidt reveals The Iconic iOS and Android app has been downloaded to more than one million devices to date, with mobile representing two thirds of traffic.
The Iconic app brand feed “The Daily” has also doubled in users over the last six months.
“We recently rolled out a ‘Find My Best Size’ feature which prompts customers to enter their measurements, then suggests the best size for any item on the site,” Schmidt says.
In-house developers will continue to create new solutions into 2017.
Department store: Myer
“In 2017, we will invest in our priority stores with many refurbishments and upgrades planned for stores including Melbourne, Sydney, Maroochydore, Eastland, Doncaster, Chatswood and Pacific Fair,” Myer chief Richard Umbers says.
The renovations will be modelled on New Myer Warringah and Werribee store openings in 2016, which were tailored around local customer catchments.
New Myer Warringah is home to the department store’s first men’s barber and grooming service ‘Fin Chop & Supply’ as well as an in-store cafe ‘The Break’, which takes food and design inspiration from the area’s local beaches.
Umbers also confirms increased investment in Myer’s omnichannel offer.
“In the 2016 financial year, our omnichannel delivered strong sales growth of more than 74% with profit growth exceeding sales growth. We’re investing in our omnichannel business through innovation and new technology.”
Australian designer brand: Bec & Bridge
“The market is ever changing, it is challenging and at times it can be uncertain, especially when there has been so much change around the world on a political level,” Bec & Bridge co-founder Becky Cooper says.
“It has to make you wonder how this will affect the fashion industry on a global scale. For us, the opportunity is in eCommerce and stand-alone retail stores.”
The designer womenswear brand will mark a major milestone in the new year, planning to open its first flagship store in Sydney. The brand’s stockists include David Jones, Asos, Glue and Tuchuzy.
Bec & Bridge has also flagged eCommerce as the top priority for 2017, following 30% year-on-year growth in sales.
“These are areas that we can have complete control over, which is going to become a huge focus for Bec & Bridge moving into 2017.”