The Luxury Designer Clothing Industry in the United Kingdom - Case Study Example

The Luxury Designer Clothing Industry in the United Kingdom The Luxury Designer Clothing Industry in the United Kingdom Preamble The fashion industry in the UK marketing climate has emerged to be so unique characterized by spirit and energy that has continued to ignite imaginations from different quarters of the world. In addition, the fashion industry has emerged as a cutting edge trailblazer with craftsmanship that is refined especially in reference to star designers. The industry is characterized by originality, commercial mindset, expertise, and professionalism. It makes the country one of the highly influential fashion industries across the globe. In commercial aspects, the industry which ranges from high ended streets to haute couture has an appealing international image or outlook. In turn, this phenomenon has catapulted into the globe by setting trends of the creativity of the UK in the dynamic competitive arena. In the contemporary fashion arena, brands from Britain have become iconic brands in the world since the current designers comprehend that success in the industry entails not only creativity but also commercial approach. Perhaps this can be attributed to media coverage as reports indicate that the coverage of events such as London fashion week dominate the screens more than other news and sporting events in the global arena. Moreover, the figures are rapidly accelerating (Arnold, 2008). The expertise of the designers manifests itself in such a way that Britain has become the ideal and pace setting home for designs of all kinds of clothing. The majority of the talented designers have the ability of integrating fabric and classic style and turning something of great quality, taste and innovative. Some of the designers items offered by the UK fashion Industry which have been faceted into world class are women swear, children wear, menswear, footwear, and accessories (UK fashion, 2015). Education excellence has significantly contributed to the success of the industry and the future of this industry in relation to generations in future is almost guaranteed. This is achieved by best training and the requisite qualification requirements that entails business niche. Britain fashion colleges have reputations that are unrivaled in the international space (Next, 2012). The degree courses in the industry are rigorously and adequately accessed as they are embedded with the rewards such as ‘Creative skillset Tick’. Some of these graduates are at the top echelon of the popular brands in the world. To align with the industries’ needs, UK integrates fashion education and business practices that are deemed or perceived modern in the attempt of searching for opportunities at the grassroots for the success of the industry (Telegraph, 2012). The other strength of the UK fashion industry lies on the mutual link between the retailers and the designers. The industry annexes a lot of money for the catwalk cascade along the UK high street due to the ability of the designers and other stakeholders to conform to the innovation and trends in the fashion climate (FT, 2012). The trends are incorporated to sensibly capture the attention of the wide and wild audience, and ensuring that the retail fashion is a vital component of the creative sector. Apparently, the retailers in Britain were the initial retailers in the world to incorporate collections of designers into the high street. A great number of tourists that flock the UK usually illuminate that their main reason of adventuring the UK annually is their deep need to shop. Reports also extrapolate that the UK is not only the leading home for manufacturing cloths but also the production of fabrics that are high in terms of quality. The excellence in the manufacturing, as well as experience in all parts of the country, the Fashion Manufacturing Alliance promotes and facilitate (encourage) skills that are home bread (Ivancevich, Konopaske & Matteson, 2010). It is aimed at the minimization of the emission of carbon by lessening travel, flexibility in production, and brand associations that are positive. As for manufacturing, Britain leads due to the integration of technology, engagement, that incorporate high street thus promoting provenance, luxury, and heritage. Oxford economics (2011) illuminates that in reference to the contemporary growth rates, fashion manufacturing significantly contributes an approximation of 2.1 billion pounds to the country’s GDP, as well as about 70,000 jobs. Therefore, this essay seeks to highlight the activities of the luxury designer clothing industry, their environmental and competitive analysis. The industrial Sector-Background of the industry As noted earlier, this is one of the most creative and vibrant facets of the business sector of the United Kingdom. Some of the notable players of the industry include Marks and Spencer, TopShop, Burbery Next, Mulberry, Supergroup, Asos, and French Connection among others. Over the past recent decades, the industry has witnessed some significant changes such as the increasing links and collaboration between the retail and the designer fashion which has catapulted designers to become high street household names. Despite the fact that the industry is not vividly defined, it contributes hugely and robustly to the value of the economy (Marks & Spencer. (2013). The size of the industry The economy of UK is largely occupied with the retailing services. Shopping is fast becoming a leisure activity in the country, as well as an important facet in the lives of the UK citizens. Reports reveal that fashion is an integral element for the witness increase in spending in retail outlets. For about five years, retailing has encountered immense pressure from consumers whose spending has significantly dropped (World Bank, 2012). Perhaps, this can be attributed to the need for households or individuals to adjust to budgets that are tight. The challenge has been magnified further by the encroaching digital revolution which has resulted into the expansion of new shopping avenues that integrates or synchronizes the use of mobile, internet, and social media. The retailing sector of the country is rapidly and steadily emerging as a market that is exciting worldwide. The retail industry that major in fashion has prove to be one of the competitive segments of the retail industry (UK Fashion, 2015). Womenswear arguably have the wide and wild broad category of fashion brands not only in the UK market but also in the global market. The industry is suffocated by small boutique ventures that are independent to the high street that is large and the operations of retails. The consumers or the buyers too have become creative since the majority has sought brands beyond the borders of the country so that there is the point of the differences between the different retail products. Consequently, American and other European brands are infiltrating the UK retail market while large retailers are opting for collections and lines that are exclusive. The retails aim at producing products by incorporating brands and designers with the aim of evading comparison of prices that tend to lower the prices of their products. The industry has also been setting trends in the global sphere due to the consumers’ insatiable desire to poses latest version of trendy products from the industry. In addition, the UK population has an insatiable desire to conform to the celebrity culture and the retails offering these services are every developing in an attempt to fulfill promises of giving the consumers the celebrity look. There are no signs that the fashion industry will slow down any soon. The drivers purchase has heavily been influence by the power of the social media (Ivancevich, Konopaske, & Matteson, 2010). If a celebrity shares a certain brand or an individual recommends some products, the purchase decision of individuals are likely to be influenced. The players in the sector are usually enthusiastic of creating fashion aligns with the ability of Britain to retail products such as clothing and other accessories. Over the last few years, retailers that are independent are gradually crawling back in reference to the growth curves. Town Centers and high streets are characterized by an increase in number of independent retailers. Development of the Industry The Britain fashion sector employs approximately six hundred thousand of individuals making the nation the third largest fashion employer across Europe and the EU member countries. The emerging markets such as India and China have impacted on the UK fashion especially the manufacturing sector. By the year 2009, the economic activities related to clothing and textile contributed a turnover of approximately 560 billion euro. An estimate more than 800 enterprises consisted of the retails, wholesales, and manufacturing sector and generated a gross value added of approximately 140 billion Euros (CIA, 2013). The enterprises inclusively employed an estimate over 5 million people. In addition, about 223.8 million individuals are employed in the European Union member countries. The economic recession of 2009 and 2009 reduced the household consumption besides lowering the confidence of the consumers. However, some small recovery was discovered in the year 2010 and the subsequent years. Events such as the London Fashion Week have played important roles in the development of the UK fashion industry. In addition, the celebrity culture have effectively aided in the marketing of the products in the sector. Most individuals are lured by celebrity status and the fashion designers promise to conform to their need (Fashion United, 2015). PESTLE analysis Grant (2008) explains that the PESTLE analysis provides an analysis of vital factors (six) in the macro scale that affect businesses and decisions pertaining these businesses. This section of the essay will encompass the framework of the PESTLE in reference to the clothing or fashion industry. Political analysis One of the factors affecting the industry is the rate of taxes the government levies to the industry. It has the potential of affect companies’ bottom line with regard to the corporation tax, as well as the ability of the clients to spend in companies in the industry which have links with income tax. Currently, the level of the corporation taxes has been reduced with the aim of stimulating or igniting economic activities. Unfortunately, as deficits continue, the government does not guarantee that it will maintain this current rate in future. In addition, the other vital political decision is on the interest rates. BoE (2010) extrapolates that the interest rates are at 0.5 percent (an all time low).This may positively influence fashion or clothing industry to borrow huge sums of money with the intention of expansion of the capital base at relatively lower rates. It may occur in the form of borrowing for the long term purpose from either the financial institution or the banks. The other option is that companies can issue bonds that are corporate. The third factor revolves around the fact that most reputable companies or players in the industry operate within the Euro zone. The aspect may be perceived to be negative due to the foreign exchange risk brought about by the additional cost of the transaction (Next, 2012). The next factor is that the political system of the UK is based on parliamentary democracy which tends to minimize the political environmental risks involved in operations of businesses. The government also has set rules and regulations which companies in the fashion industry are obliged to adhere to. Some of these regulations encompass the Health and Safety British Standards which entails the identification of hazards for the purpose of planning, the assessment of risks, and control of these risks. Failure to conform to the regulations results into penalties, fines, or in dire scenarios, closer of the companies. For an instant, the Mark and Spencer Company was violated the British Standards and they were sued for under the Health and Safety regulations on the account that a door had fell on one of its employees. They were accused to have allegedly not taken action towards the repair request for the repair for the door. Economic factors The uncertainty of the outlook of the economy is anticipated to affect the retail sales. People have little or lack spare money to spend on the luxury goods such as clothing. Some companies such as Mark and Spencer were affected and as they were compelled to reduce the number of their stores and also had to do away with some of the employees (BBC News, 2012). The subsequent years after the recent financial crisis resulted to the growth of the GDP to negative thus the economic contraction. The low levels were also witnessed in 2010 and 2010 despite the slight recovery. These pictures may not resonate well with the retailers who hugely depend on the economy of the UK which is a source of their revenue (Next, 2015). Social factors Several cultural and social are apparently taking roots in the country which have a high potential of impacting on the fashion retailer performance. Such trends appear to affect the fashion industry more relative to other industries. The other issue not only in UK but also in the entire Europe is the aging of the population which affects the market. However, this scenario presents two sides of the coin since it can either be a problem or opportunity in the industry. The fashion industry may incorporate product portfolio that commensurate with the aging of the population demography in such a way that their products appeal to them. On the other hand, this phenomenon may spur competition for the young demographics in the market sphere. These companies too will have to employ mobile delivery of products since the ageing population is less mobile compare to the young (Next, 2015). In addition, one of the implications of the World War 2 was that the UK became culturally diversified. This diversification contributes to the backdrop of the country’s social system. The companies are therefore obliged to align their products to the diversity of the population, as well as diversity within their organization systems. It may be a leverage source of competition or a source of potential conflict. The EU has been gradually expanding and the membership of the union is also increasing. The trend has optimized diversity in the aspects of consumer and labor market. There are several ways in which the clothing industry impact on individuals ranging from the laborers to factory employees or workers. The laborers are responsible for the collection of the raw materials while the factory workers are usually affected by the garments that have neared the end of life, as well as disposals. The social factors are characterized by the rights of the workers, globalization, health and safety, the welfare of the animals, and techniques employed in cultivation. On the aspect of globalization, garments in the UK market come from different parts of the world (more often the developing nations). The trade in the global arena helps in the creation of job opportunities and elevation of economies. In most case, the female genders who are employed within the industry are financially empowered as they are provided with the opportunity to show poverty the door. However, the industry is not that ideal as it is sometimes characterized by issues such as low wages, child labor in other countries, and poor health of the worker. As for the rights of the workers, the prices of clothing have been falling have resulted into cheap production which is demand inclusive of the chain supply, laborers and pickers form the farms to the factory of the employees. This compels producers to cut costs which consequently results into workshops that are of poor standards. The majority of the employees are either unskilled or have low skills. The worker who exhibit these characteristics are rarely conscious or do not the knowledge pertaining their rights and are at times hindered from joining a trade union. In regards to safety and health, more often, workshops in developing nations tend not to have tight restrictions through their regulation standards in comparison to the UK and other developed countries. When there is poor working conditions, workers health have a high probability of deteriorating. In some countries, workers discharge their duties for a longer period of time hence likelihood of cases of accidents (Hall, 2011). In addition, in the factory farms such as cotton farms, the techniques employed in the cultivation of crops have an influence on health. Pesticides applications on cotton farms have on some occasions poison the employees in the field during the machines for the operations of the industry always increase the risks. The welfare of the animals is also an integral component that is incorporated in the manufacture and production of cotton. Wool, fur, handling of animals, as well as farming are key elements in the process of production. Farming practices that are poor may consequently result into animal mistreatment; infection, malnutrition, and illness are some of the evidence of poor farming (Next, 2015). Technological factors The UK business environment has been transformed by the advancement of technology (more so those in the retail department). Vital technological developments that have contributed to the above mentioned are the use of internet and communication. The internet has enabled companies to models based on online business which have complimented the traditional retail establishment (Hall, 2011). Reports indicate that the growth has been on the rising trend due to consumers in the market embracing shopping online in the retail and other markets. In addition, technology in communication has been used to facilitate sales online. The other technological development has revolutionized the options in the marketing arena since they have enabled the retailers to effectively interact with the consumers using social networks such as YouTube, facebook, and twitter. These channels are being viewed as marketing strategies that are successful. In addition, these technologies have contributed to the companies developing a relationship with their clients besides effective ways of communication (Parliament UK, 2012). For example, numerous applications such as the Smartphone apps which enables clients to access products offered by various businesses and make payments through the devices. However, there are risk factors associated with the use of technologies such as rendering the use of high street relatively redundant due to the suffocation of online models (Bratton & Gold, 2007). Legal analysis All businesses inclusive of those in the fashion clothing industry have to conform to the legal standards which can be enforced in certain jurisdictions. The majority of fashioned named companies such as Next and Mark and Spencer have the obligation of complying with the laws the European Union and those of the UK (Gov UK, 2013). Some of the legal requirements that are to be adhered to are: i) The legislation on the minimum wage. This regulation affects numerous firms with numerous employees who are paid low wages which do not commensurate with those set by the UK legislation. Suppose the UK government enacts legislation that requires the employers to be entitled to certain amount of wages, companies with large workers are likely to be affected. ii) The other legislative factor involves legislation on equal opportunities as there are various acts of parliament that have to verify there is equality at the work place and both in the selection and recruitment processes. It directly impacts on the processes, as well as, organizational practices. Some of the firms in the industry in the discussion have a corporate responsibility which promotes equality. iii) Other legislations provide laws that appear to be tough especially in the avoidance of tax issues. One company not complying with these tax issues may precipitate the legislation of tougher rules. Environmental analysis According to the UK Fashion (2015) report, the physical environment play vital roles for firms or organizations operating within a given national locality or market and a lot of emphasis are being labeled on firm to be conscious to their physical environment. The physical environment has the potential of influencing business and conversely the business can also be influenced by the physical environment. There are quite several environmental issues in the UK which have significantly affected the operations of the retail sector. According to the Retail Bulletin (2013) report, one of the environmental factors is the occurrence of frequent or regular flooding. Moreover, sales usually decline as a consequence of storm snows and the local authorities failing to prepare information on periods of extreme weather activities (Hall, 2011). Firms also have the obligation of incorporating their impact on the environment. The consumer awareness to the impacts of companies to the environment has been on the increase. This compels the business to include corporate social responsibilities that are environmentally sustainable in an attempt to ensure that their customers are loyal. Failure to conform to the issues concerning the demands of the consumers can be detrimental to the existence and operations of businesses (Volberda, Morgan, Reinmoeller, Hitt, Ireland & Hoskisson, 2011). In the manufacture of clothing designs, the varying environmental impacts rely on factors such as the dyeing, fabric, and the alternative finishing. For a an instant, suppose the garments or clothing are of natural fabric make, the life cycle for the growth of fibers entails the application of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides which have the potential of polluting the air, water or even the soil (Retail Bulletin, 2013). One of the environmental factors is the consumption of resources. These resources are water and fossil fuels while the consumption encompasses the growing and acquisition of raw materials, production, and transportation of the raw materials as well as the final products. The second environmental issue is the emission of the greenhouse gases (GHGs). The manufacturing clothing industry contributes to approximately 3 million tonnes of carbon (IV) Oxide annually. The type of the fabric and system of processing determine the level of the emission of the above named gases. Corporate clothing employs the use of materials such as the blend of cotton and polyester is perceived to produce high GHGs especially in the process of steaming. The next factor is the land use which is vital to the production of natural fibers. The process of using the land to produce this fiber may lead to the degradation of land due to the soil pollution and water pollution from chemicals. The other factor entails the process of toxic production which emanates from manufacturing practices especially in the textile industry where effluents such as acidic chemicals may be released. The final factor is on the landfills where in the UK, the majority of textiles results into landfills. They are also not only bulky but also use the spaces that are usually limited yet available (Pilbeam & Corbridge, 2010). The porter’s five forces of the luxury clothing fashion design industry Michael Porter provided porters five forces analysis as a framework for the analysis of the industry and the development of a business strategy (Porter, 1980). This framework determines the intensity of the competition in the business climate, as well as the potential of the profit annexation of the industry. The forces are: the threats of new entrants; the threat of substitutes; the bargaining power of supply; the bargaining power of buyers; and the competitive rivalry. The industry in discussion deals with the production of cloths, yarns, and the designing or the manufacturing of clothing products inclusive of their distribution. It also entails the use of natural raw materials or synthetic products especially in the chemical industry (Hall, 2011). The industry is characterized by high economies of scale. The industry usually buys the raw materials in bulk since buying them in bulk helps in the minimization of the cost. New industries entering into the market tend to encounter the challenge of product differentiation which tends to be high. The differentiation encompasses the identification of the brands, the quality of the brand, customer service, the brand loyalty, and advertisement with the aim of gaining leverage over the already established firms. It also needs huge requirements in terms of capital. In comparison to other industries, the government policies for startup are relatively less. Therefore, the entry barriers are not that difficult when there is adequate capital to be injected into the venture (Syal, 2012). The other factor is the bargaining power of supply which consists of the firms or techniques employed to provide inputs to the luxury fashion clothing design industry. In addition, it also involves the use of potential suppliers to optimize the input such as the raw material, labor et cetera. The bargaining power of supply tends to be high especially if the product is unique or there is less or lack of product differentiation. The third force is the bargaining power of the buyer. Buyers in this case are in reference to the clients who receive or consume the final products. It may also be the companies that distribute the final product to the final destination (consumers). The bargaining power in this scenario involves the ability of buyers to bargain on the prices to be lowered by the companies or demand for the increase of quality products and services which in turn increases the costs of operations to the companies (Johnson, Whittington & Scholes, 2014). The buyers’ power tends to be high when the products are bought in bulk or large quantity or when there are numerous suppliers of similar products. Substitute products are products that serve similar purpose relative to the original product that was intended to serve that purpose. The are several companies as highlighted at the preamble that have suffocated the UK luxury clothing and design industry hence products from one firm can be used as a substitute for products from other firms by clients. For example, clothing products for Next may be used as substitutes for those offered by Mulberry. When the switching costs of products are high, the products are likely to be affected. This may be due to status, durability and quality of the product (Goodley, 2013). The final force of the porter’s five is the rivalry form competitors. It involves a competitive struggle for the space in the market between organizations or businesses. When the rivalries are extremely intense, there is a profitability threat. There is high competition in the fashion industry in the UK since venturing into the area has proved to be lucrative (Curtis, Watson & Sephton, 2007). The players/ companies in the industry continue to reap huge profit margins hence the sector is attractive to the investors. Moreover, Britain is one of the leading nations internationally in the luxury clothing design industry. In the UK competition emanate from retailers, the designers, importer, and distributors. Some of these rival competitors are the Mulberry, Mark and Spencer, Next et cetera. Conclusion (strength and future success of the industry) As highlighted earlier, the luxury designer clothing industry contributes significantly to the economy of the United Kingdom. The retail sector is proving to be the sector that is thriving in that economy. The nation is emerging as one of the homes for fashion industry across the entire globe. It can be accrued to several factors that have strengthened the industry. One of these factors is the educational excellence as noted at the preamble of the essay. British colleges offering courses related to fashion industry have developed a reputable reputation that have continued to amaze the world beyond imagination. Moreover, the education systems which offer skills in creativity, innovation integrate the skills with commercial skills (Fashion United, 2015). Therefore, the players in the industry are equipped with the necessary ammunitions that aid in the success of the industry. The education system also aid in ascertaining that the skills are passed from generation to generation hence providing the guarantee of the success of the future for the industry. The other strength relies on the professionalism and originality with which the players in the sector conduct their activities. The creativity of the designers and their approach to the industry have greatly influenced the industry and catapulting the UK industry to the greater heights in the global arena. The level of creativity has been so dynamic to the extent that the majority of the tourists basically adventure UK to satisfy their insatiable desire for fashion update versions that are trending. This phenomenon has strengthened the industry as the players have amassed huge profits margin hence they attempt to competitively try new creative modalities to gain leverage in the competitive sector (Liff, 1997). Social factors such as the diversity of the UK population has promoted or rather strengthened the sector. The effects of World War 2 led to the increase in diverse population in the country. Moreover, the integration of Europe into EU has contributed to the diversity of the population (Shepherd, 2010). The diversity has enabled the designers to conform to the needs of their population and heightened creativity standards. Moreover, the fashion oriented companies based in UK that have fledged their wings to other countries have been aided by their consciousness to the diversity of their home population. Moreover, there companies also have diversified their employees and this has aided the companies to comprehend the market dynamics. Since the players have embraced diversity and the globalization is increasingly fledging its wings, the future of the industry is secured. In addition, the legal requirements and stable political environment have also contributed and still contribute to the strength of the industry (Fashion United, 2015). Technology has also strengthened the sector. The emergence of online sales and social media has enable the companies not only to comprehend the consumers’ need analysis but also promoted the interaction between the companies and their clients. The interactions have been vital in promoting effective customers service in the attempt of building customer loyalty and branding of the products of the firms. Social media has become a platform where companies or businesses or firms utilize to market their products. In addition, most of the clients have been consumed with these social sites that the use of traditional marketing strategies to reach them is gradually becoming redundant especially the young population demographics (Gov UK, 2013). Reference List: Arnold, G. (2008). Corporate financial management. 4th ed. 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