Posted to The Age (22/3/2012) on 22/3/2012 at 4:20 PM
Commenting on "Big retailers hammered"
http://www.theage.com.au/business/big-retailers-hammered-20120321-1vkdi.html
Besides online shopping, there are other factors at play. China’s design is no longer dreary and dull. Many designs are comparable to European designs, and accepted by many consumers.
In fact, some big boys are importing directly from China, and by cutting off the many middlemen in between, the retail prices are much cheaper. I can get my jeans from Kmart as a price I used to pay in Hong Kong, minus the heckling.
The consumers’ mentality tends more towards disposable. Long product life cycle seems to be things of the past, whether it is fashion or electronics. It does not seem wise to pay for something overpriced, or costs too much, because soon the product will be out-dated and a new one need to be purchased.
Many take on the will-do attitude these days. Furthermore, there are outlets which sell recycle high-end market fashion at bargain basement price.
The generation that grows up Myers and DJ are now beyond the “used by date”. These yesterday consumers, in fact, can most afford but they do not require as much cosmetics, handbags, hats, fashion, etc.
For consumers who are prepared to pay more to go to these well known establishments, they do expect certain level of services. However, this has been downgraded to what had happened in Hong Kong before SARS struck the island – customers received no service, and the staff were kings / queens.
Commenting on "Big retailers hammered"
http://www.theage.com.au/business/big-retailers-hammered-20120321-1vkdi.html
Besides online shopping, there are other factors at play. China’s design is no longer dreary and dull. Many designs are comparable to European designs, and accepted by many consumers.
In fact, some big boys are importing directly from China, and by cutting off the many middlemen in between, the retail prices are much cheaper. I can get my jeans from Kmart as a price I used to pay in Hong Kong, minus the heckling.
The consumers’ mentality tends more towards disposable. Long product life cycle seems to be things of the past, whether it is fashion or electronics. It does not seem wise to pay for something overpriced, or costs too much, because soon the product will be out-dated and a new one need to be purchased.
Many take on the will-do attitude these days. Furthermore, there are outlets which sell recycle high-end market fashion at bargain basement price.
The generation that grows up Myers and DJ are now beyond the “used by date”. These yesterday consumers, in fact, can most afford but they do not require as much cosmetics, handbags, hats, fashion, etc.
For consumers who are prepared to pay more to go to these well known establishments, they do expect certain level of services. However, this has been downgraded to what had happened in Hong Kong before SARS struck the island – customers received no service, and the staff were kings / queens.
