Help: I Can't Find Anything to Buy
We yearn for the glamour of Bill Blass but happily settle for the comfort of Alo
In the past two weeks, the heads of three top retailers have reached out to me, seeking insight into the state of retail. I tell them the truth: There's nothing to buy, and everything is priced too high.
To be succinct, brands have failed both retailer and consumer. We’ve already spoken about how everything is ‘Goddamn too Expensive’ but even without the constraints of budgets, there is really very little that’s inspiring.
I can't help but wonder about the surge in streaming shows featuring period fashion. Just this month, I've binged Truman Capote's Swans (highlighting the doyennes of NY society in the 1960s) , The New Look (featuring the rise and fall of Christian Dior and Coco Chanel during WWII) , and Palm Royal (Palm Beach country club society circa 1969).
There seems to be a disconnect between our desires and what's available in stores. We yearn for the glitz of Bill Blass but settle for the comfort of Alo.
The sought-after glamour for special occasions like proms and weddings is becoming increasingly disappointing in today's market. Despite the multitude of options, few truly captivate. The relentless pursuit of profit has resulted in a race to the bottom in terms of quality. The difference in quality between a mid-level luxury dress priced at $800 and its $125 counterpart from a big-box retailer is barely discernible.
Consumers are becoming tired of settling for mediocre options. However, the reality is that few can justify spending five figures on a single garment. Shopping, once a source of joy and self-expression, has become an exercise in frustration and disappointment.
The trend of "quiet luxury" further complicates matters in retail. These brands offer exceptional quality without flashy logos, but their prices are exorbitant, making them inaccessible to many. Additionally, they fail to offer a creative point of view, resulting in a lack of excitement around new styles. This means shoppers miss out on the thrill of discovering fresh designs. This disparity between quality and price, coupled with a lack of variety, presents challenges for both stores and shoppers.
True value lies not only in affordability but also in quality, innovation, and inspiration. Brands need to give more to repair their relationship with shoppers. Only by reigniting the magic of shopping can we restore satisfaction to an increasingly disillusioned consumer base.
Yes! I have an opening for a copy editor if you’re available
This is fantastic. Been talking about this with lots of people. There is nothing to buy. Nothing that will make a difference in my closet. Especially at the incredibly high price points.