RetailWire panelists had a chance this week to weigh in about “green” apparel and what’s holding it back from mass-market success. I think it’s premature to write off the trend:
Eco-friendly fashions have every chance of being successful sooner rather than later if they focus on style and value (not necessarily opening price) instead of using “green” as the driving force. There is plenty of opportunity for organic cotton and natural fibers like bamboo in the marketplace, but mainstream consumers seem unwilling to pay an excessive premium for them. To tie back to yesterday’s discussion about Macy’s (and its “open call” for new vendors and designers), this would be an ideal opportunity to get a midtier retailer in partnership with a “green” supplier committed to put trend and value first.
Retailing In Focus 