Womenswear Stores in Australia Industry Market Research Report Now Available from IBISWorld
Melbourne, Australia (PRWEB) October 25, 2014 -- Operators in the Womenswear Stores industry in Australia have struggled with a challenging retail environment over the past five years, as weak consumer sentiment, subdued demand and intensifying competition have driven down revenue and profit margins. Over the five years through 2014-15, industry revenue is expected to contract by an annualised 2.0% to $5.0 billion. According to IBISWorld industry analyst Lauren Magner, “instability in financial markets and widespread economic uncertainty during the period led to significant volatility in consumer sentiment levels.” Consumers became more cautious, cutting down expenditure on discretionary items and preferring to save rather than spend. This trend prevailed throughout much of the five-year period as consumers remained nervous about global economic conditions. However, improvements in the overall economy have led to revenue growth over the past three years, with revenue expected to increase by 0.8% in 2014-15 as consumer confidence and disposable incomes increase.
The industry has been contending with intensifying competition from department stores and online retailers. “Department stores have significant economies of scale and are able to source products directly from manufacturers at a lower cost,” says Magner. As a result, these large retailers can offer a wide range of women's apparel at competitive prices, and the format of these stores allows customers to buy clothes for themselves while also shopping for their family. The rise of online shopping has created fierce competition for the industry. Consumers are able to compare different products and prices across a range of online retailers before making their selection. This shifts revenue away from traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers, as online stores often have greater flexibility over prices and are able to offer better value for money. The industry exhibits a low level of market share concentration. Major players include Specialty Fashion Group Limited, ARJ Group Holdings Pty Ltd, Premier Investments Limited and Country Road Limited.
In response to growing competition, it is expected that retailers will invest in increased employee training in order to provide a higher level of customer service and differentiate themselves from competitors. This is expected to support sales growth over the next five years. However, increased acceptance of online shopping will continue to adversely affect industry revenue. Despite the development of multi-channel strategies by many companies in the Womenswear Stores industry, online sales generated by traditional retailers are excluded from the industry.
For more information, visit IBISWorld’s Womenswear Stores industry in Australia report page.
Companies in this industry retail women’s clothing. This includes both specialist women’s clothing stores, and sales of women’s clothing by unisex specialist clothing retailers. The industry excludes department stores and online sales of womenswear.
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IBISWorld Industry Report Key Topics
Industry Performance
Executive Summary
Key External Drivers
Current Performance
Industry Outlook
Industry Life Cycle
Products & Markets
Supply Chain
Products & Services
Major Markets
International Trade
Business Locations
Competitive Landscape
Market Share Concentration
Key Success Factors
Cost Structure Benchmarks
Basis of Competition
Barriers to Entry
Industry Globalisation
Major Companies
Operating Conditions
Capital Intensity
Technology & Systems
Revenue Volatility
Regulation & Policy
Industry Assistance
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Annual Change
Key Ratios
About IBISWorld Inc.
Recognised as the nation’s most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every Australian industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Melbourne, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organisations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com.au or call (03) 9655 3886.
Gavin Smith, IBISWorld, http://www.ibisworld.com, +61 396553838, [email protected]
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