Usually I don't get on this forum and preach about site,etc...but in this case I will. I am a owner of a retail brick and mortar store. I come to this forum to learn about customer tastes, trends promote new items,etc. I read alot of interesting things. Some customers just want a deal and don't care about streetwear, the "scene",etc. I have read alot of interesting things in this thread. Let me speak on a few quotes,etc:
First I read:
"They're cheapening streetwear with all these sales, actually karmaloop started it with the 60% OFF and then other online shops followed and ever since, streetwear has been going down..."
You right on the money. All the streetwear brands and stores openings tried to replace the popularity of so called urban brands (Ecko, Sean Jean,etc). Alot of people started to switch from Sean John,etc to Alife, Crooks, Hundreds,10 Deep etc in 2006 or 2007. The brands grew quicker than the number of people into them. Growing quickly hurt things....alot. Too quick of growth is bad. It outgrows quickly. Then the economy hit us all.This is what has happened. Originally, streetwear were "independent" brands that were supposed to be "alternatives" to the mainstream stuff you see at Macys, departments stores,etc. Pretty soon, mall stores started to pick up on it. It really donesn't seem as if its any kind of "scene" anymore. Its just a moshpit of sales from all angles. Everyone is trying to get rid of stuff to the customers. Its no longer "special" clothing in any way. Thats a shame.
In other industries, there have been some discounting or deals. However, the streetwear scene has been one of the worst. I have other hobbies outside of buying clothing. I look at all sorts of shopping sites. It seems that the streetwear has been one of the hardest hit. This is why you see some of the moves you see in this industry right now. Brands, stores, etc are just doing what they have to do to survive. Who knows that their brand image or customer base will look like in 2010....Theres always starting over with a new brand....or working for UPS.
"Now everyone from Citizen, Becomefitted, DG, to Karmaloop has been doing 40% to 60% OFF, so how does this make consumers want to pay full price? Eventually streetwear is gonna fall off because of this. I mean a lot of dudes on here preach loyalty and all that crap, but in the end, they don't give a fuck about your online shop, if another place is selling for cheaper they'll buy from the cheaper priced store."
I think you are right on the money. Is its going to fall off as a result. I run a store. Its very hard right now. No one wants to pay full price. In my 50 mile radius I have seen 3 stores shut down this last quarter. That really hurts the scene or business of streetwear.
Special "scenes" or "cultures" come along in the arts of music, tv, radio, clothing every so often. Look at the 60's rock music, 90's hip hop, etc. This is what is happening now. Will the youth still want clothing? Yes. Will it be called "streetwear" in 2015? Probably not....it will be another movement....perhaps. I am 34 years old and have scene alot of brands and "names" for youth based clothing in my years.
As for loyalty,etc. I think you are right on the money with that. It really sucks when people come into your store and just look at stuff and then go home to buy it for a % off with promo code. I guess thats just life. Storeowners have a show up everyday, have insurance, electricity, pay for their needs,etc. If you like streetwear, please support your local merchants...or see this all fall. Its that simple. Most of us aren't rich off this. We do this for you..the customer.
"Not cool, a lot of people in this thread are disrepecting one of the greatest streetwear providers in the world, they provide superb service and not only are they providing great deals but also provide free shipping. I live in Canada and these guys even help you out by marking it as a gift. It will be a real shame if they go out of business; if DG is out of the game others will certainly follow."
Well they are right...aren't they?
"the folks at DG are very respected in the streetwear industry, but in times like this, "respect" doesn't seem to pay bills anymore."
Yes, it doesn't pay the bill. You are right.
"While I don't know if they're going to close down, their constant sales is not a good look. With the repetive 50% sales, people are going to be spoiled by it, resulting in people only buying when their are sales.
The mindset approaching it now will be, "Why would I buy it now when they're probably going to have a 50% sale next week?"
It also has a damaging effect on other online retailers... "
Yes, this is correct. Also, it huts the brick and mortar stores too.
