Indicator - Womenswear independents use autumn stock to pep up trading

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Despite the general feeling that the rain has taken its toll on summer sales, only a third of the womenswear independents polled for this week's Indicator said trading was worse than at this time last year.

At Andrew Gardner in Wendover, Buckinghamshire, manager Linda Heron has overcome the poor weather. "Sales have been up on last year because the weather prompted us to make bigger reductions on our summer stock," she said. "This has brought more people in, despite the rain."

Following the poor weather, 71% of retailers surveyed said they had already introduced autumn stock to the shop floor. Diane Allan, manager of Algarde in Lanarkshire, confirmed this had been a good way to pep up sales. "Our autumn stock is already selling well," she said. "Long-sleeved T-shirts have been a strong early contender for the coming season."

The early launch of autumn stock has resulted in more than half of the stores polled holding spring 07 stock over until spring 08. However, nearly three-quarters said they would still be scouting for new labels come next spring, which is good news for womenswear brands.

TOP 10

Name your best-selling brand of the week

1. Lucia

2. Libra

3. Gardeur

4. Oui Moments

5. Verse

6. Gold

7. Joseph Ribkoff

8. Chianti

9. Basler

10. Marcona

TOP 5

Name your best-selling style of the week

1. Casual trousers

2. Skirts

3. Jackets

4. Dresses

5. Casual tops

TOP 5

Name your best-selling tops brand of the week

1. Oska

2. Olsen

3. Emreco

4. Joseph Ribkoff

5. Libra

What is the most expensive item you have sold in store this week?

£1,000 - Paddy Campbell two-piece at Cherry Savidge in Hereford

FASHION IN FIGURES

How does your week's business compare with this time last year?

30% Better

35% Same

Worse 35%

SPRING 08 BUYING

How much of your spring 08 budget are you are holding back for in-season buying? 24%

How much has this increased year on year? 2%

Which brands will provide most of your in-season stock?

1. Lucia

2. Emreco

3. Marcona

4. Chianti

5. Basler

Are you looking for new brands for spring 08?

Yes - 72%

No - 28%

Do you plan to reintroduce spring 07 stock for spring 08?

Yes - 54%

No - 46%

QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS

Which brands are on your spring 08 wish list?

1. Lucia

2. Ann Balon

3. Frank Walder

Which under-performing brands are you dropping for spring 08?

1. Fenn Wright Manson

2. Medici

3. Finnkarelia

Do you write orders at trade shows?

Yes - 62%

No - 38%

Which brand provides the best after-sales support?

1. Lucia

2. Gold

3. Chianti

4. Joseph Ribkoff

5. Betty Barclay

Are you already selling autumn 07 stock?

No - 29%

Yes - 71%

Are you planning to open a new store in the next 12 months?

Yes - 9%

No - 91%

Drapers spoke to 50 independents about their mainstream womenswear business for the week ending July 28. rands and styles appearing in the lists, including the Top 10 and Top 5, are ranked when mentioned by five or more retailers.