FASHION MERCHANDISING: STANDARD 6 Main Segments of the Fashion Industry

Objectives  Students will explore the main segments of the fashion industry.  Objective 1: Describe the primary market in the fashion industry.  Objective 2: Describe the secondary market in the fashion industry.  Objective 3: Describe the tertiary market in the fashion industry and the types of fashion businesses.  Objective 4: Recognize categories in the retail market.  Objective 5: Identify careers in the fashion merchandising industry.

Primary Market  Businesses that grow and produce the raw materials that become fashion apparel or accessories.

Secondary Market  Businesses that transform the raw materials into fashion. The link to the retail world.

Tertiary Market  Businesses that sale the fashion merchandise.  Sole Proprietorship: Business with only one owner  Partnership: Business structure with two or more owners  Corporation: Business that chartered by the state, legally apart from the owner(s)

Retail Market Categories  Men’s  Women’s  Juniors  Children  Home Décor

Men’s Wear  Traditionally, men have not responded to fashion changes quickly.  However, today men have become almost as fashion conscious as women.  Fashion markets present new lines two to four times a year.

Men’s Wear Segments  Tailored clothing  Usually business attire, very dressy and classy  Casual Office Wear  Sometimes called “Friday Wear”  Khakis, button downs, sweaters  No Jeans or Sneakers  Sportswear  Athletic attire, t-shirts, loose fitting clothing, seperates  Nike, Adidas, Underarmour  Casual Non-athletic  Jeans, polo/golf shirts  Outdoor Sport  Coats and jackets  Northface, Columbia  Furnishings  Accessories, watches, bags, sunglasses, cuff links, jewelry  Footwear

Women’s Wear  Women’s wear represents the largest share of the apparel industry.  Fashion is continually moving and changing.  The retail life of a women’s line is approximately 10 weeks.  After that point, stores begin introducing new lines for their customers.

Women’s Size Ranges  Misses  Regular sizes in even numbers from sizes 2-14  Women’s/Plus Size  Full figures size 14+  Petite  Designed for women under 5 feet 3 inches tall  Juniors  Designed for younger figures with odd-numbered sizes from 1-13

Women’s Wear Segments  Business  Tailored, classic, dressy  Sportswear  Jeans, t-shirts, sweaters  Bridal/Formal Wear  Wedding, bridesmaid, prom, party attire  Accessories  Handbags, jewelry, hats  Outerwear  Jackets, coats, hoodies  Athletic wear  Exercise gear, swimsuits  Foundations/Lingerie  Panties, bras, camis, negligees, pajamas  Footwear

Children’s Sizes  Infants or children's clothing can come in a variety of sizes.  Infants: Based on average heights and weights 0-3 to 24 Months  Toddlers: Clothes are made to go over a diaper or training pants. 1T to 4T  Young children: It is best to go by the child’s height when determining size, not just age. 2 to 6(x)

Home Décor  Textiles, accessories, furnishings and fashions used in interiors.

Careers in the Fashion Industry  Entrepreneur  Person who starts his or her own business and who assumes the risk and management of the enterprise  Store Manager  Oversees all aspects of the store’s operation  Buyer  Buys clothes and accessories for a store or department to sell  Merchandising Coordinator  Makes sure retail stores are fully stocked