Competition in the fashion sector of ecommerce is hotting up with new brands entering the fray. eBay recently appointed a new head of UK fashion and this new competition exposes the crowded nature of the fashion marketplace.
This week Issa London, announced today that they would be selling online for the first time with a transactional website of their own. The premium womanswear brand, probably best known for making the navy blue engagement dress worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has never sold directly itself. Previously, the frocks were available from department stores and high-end retailers.
Department store Harvey Nichols have also announced that they will be concentrating greater resources and personnel by expanding their ecommerce team dramatically this year. The head of ecommerce Sandrine Deveaux will be heading the charge. Industry magazine Drapers said that Harvey Nick’s investment was part of a five year ecommerce strategy.
Harvey Nichols head of marketing Julia Bowe say about 47% of Harvey Nichols’ in-store sales start with online research. “We want to create a commercially viable ecommerce business and make sure we grow profitably,” says Bowe. “It’s a key part of being a multichannel retailer.”
