The Fashion Industry Thrives on Social Media
What Makes Social Media the Hottest Trend in the Fashion Industry? Despite having arrived only recently onto social media scene, the fashion industry is definitely making its presence felt. Big brands like Burberry, Urban Outfitters, Louis Vuitton etc, are shedding their „exclusive‟ tags and are becoming more accessible to the general public via social networking. Billboards are being replaced with blogs and marketing activities are centered on social advertising. Moreover, brands and retailers are not only using social media to communicate with their customers, but are also listening to them. According to stats from a GSI Commerce survey, 45% of consumers prefer shopping for clothes online. Prior to making a purchase, 64% consult a retailer‟s website, the survey states. Websites are being used as virtual shop windows, with customers „checking-out‟ a brand online before visiting the actual store. The Cotton Incorporated 2010 Lifestyle Monitor survey shows that 73% women and 60% men browsed the internet for apparel in 2009, while 70% women and 59% men did the same in 2010. The initial reaction by luxury brands, to the general public‟s interest in apparel shopping via websites and social media channels, was apprehension. However, brands soon understood that social media is where the revenue was, with some of their biggest customers thronging popular networking sites. Time and geographical constraints, which had so far prevented fashion-conscious customers from adding popular brands to their wardrobes, were obliterated with the emergence of social media as an ecommerce platform. Not wanting to be left behind, fashion brands extended their digital presence beyond company websites to networking channels like Twitter, Facebook and blogs. A recent study by Hitwise (the data for 12 weeks ending 18th June 2011) shows that fashion