The tuxedo business is fast becoming the target of jokes and quips from the broader wedding business, as dirty laundry is being hung out to dry. For years the business has been backwards in their thinking, lagging in every area including product development, technology, promotions and advertising. But since the spotlight was shone on the antics by a respected veteran and VP and Fashion Expert at Bridal Guide Magazine the business has been turned inside out.
“What in the world is going on back there? It’s all I’m hearing about,” said Jim Duhe of Bridal Guide Magazine. Duhe blasted the tuxedo business after reportedly supporting the category for years, trying to get their leadership to change with the times. After doing so, Duhe left for a planned trip to the west coast and has been getting the updates.
Duhe’s statements have sparked major discussions among all segments of the formal wear business including major manufactures, wholesalers and retail stores. eWedNews has been contacted by major industry people wanting to know more of what they can expect. Curiously, some of bigger (mouths and ego) players of the business seem humble and some have fallen silent after becoming embroiled in some alleged false posting involving the coverage. eWedNews is investigating the allegations and will report the findings in other articles.
Ongoing discussions point to the bar of buying being set higher for next season, as tuxedo decision makers pledge not to place orders for products that do not have an advertising schedule attached to them. It is felt that the lukewarm season mandates higher criteria for purchases in general, opening the door for tougher negotiations.
The news was dismissed by one larger manufacturer that did not wish to be identified saying, “They have to buy from us—we have all the tools to makes their businesses better. The problem is most of these guys ‘can’t’ buy, due to credit issues—they’re broke,” it is felt.
While the statement could be said of a major portion of the United States at this time of economic crisis it does not change the fact that manufacturers have not promoted any of their new products in years. To date, no new products have been a must-have item or meaningful to consumers UNTIL THEY ARE IN THE STORE. In other words demand at the consumer level has not been created to drive traffic into stores that carry the products.
So far in the rhetoric exchanges no manufacturer has stepped up and told eWedNews of any plans to change their position, as buyers dig their heels deeper into the dirt.
eWedNews
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2010
Posted on 07/21/2010
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