UK Childrenswear Sector Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

UK Childrenswear Sector - Essay Example According to the statistics, the value sector in 2006 accounted for 35.9% of all UK childrenswear sales, whereas the total clothing market accounted for 23.6% and it is estimated that the growth can increase further. The slow growth rate of Childrenswear in UK can be attributed to the factors like, slower birthrate in UK and the rapid growth of the value market in childrenswear. In spite of the overall sector growth, only the value and low-price fashion retailers have exhibited a continuous growth. Of the nine leading childrenswear retailers in UK, only seven that have a value or low price fashion positioning have gained market share between 2002 and 2007. Under traditional mid market retailers group, the market leaders like Next and Debenhams have only gained the equal share in market. The UK childrenswear market can be considered as the clothing supplier sector for the children under the age of 15 years. This sector produces or promotes the categories like infant clothing, toddler clothing, kids wear- girls clothing boys clothing, sports clothing, night wear etc., The childrenswear have experienced a risen value of 13.1% from 2001 to 2005 worth of PS6.3bn. The price deflation in UK has also influenced the childrenswear market, due to the increasing number of supermarkets and value retailers. However, the retailers like ASDA, Primark, Tesco have concentrated much on childrenswear rather than other non food sales. During this period these giants have concentrated much on pricing which have created a pricing strategic war in the childrenswear sector. In order to sustain and make a competitive position in the market, many other retailers have to follow the leader strategy, by cutting down the prices. Also the recent raise in the UK birth rate have also contributed rise for the baby wear sales In the recent years the UK retail childrenswear market have become a value conscious market trying to observe value through out the supply chain. Also the market is trying to impress the customer through various innovative and technology oriented services like creating email lists etc., rather than regular promotions. The UK market has become more product and brand led allowing the retailers to keep their own labels and to establish their exclusive lines of sales. This has gained a marked success over the supermarkets and value retailers who tend to focus on non branded items. The trend of success led the market to concentrate on the pricing. The childrenswear market is driven by 3 types of consumers. 1. Parents, 2. Children, 3. Non Parents who want to gift. Parents always wants the best and stand out look for their kids, which can hinder the market share of the non innovative product suppliers. People began to look for 'latest and unique fashion' for their kids. Though the female population under-15 years age is smaller than the male, the Childrenswear market have experienced a growth for Girls wear than the boys wear. This difference can be attributed to the behavioural and attitudinal differences between consumer behaviour of male and female. Girls do maintain an extensive wardrobe and are also much fashion consciousness, and can make high purchase with the changing trends. The girls' wear market in the UK shows some characteristics when divided on the basis of age group: under-nines and above-nines. Under-nines can be classified and targeted for more traditional children's