The credit crunch and recession have had a profound effect on many of us, with businesses having to adapt to the changing economic climate. As a retailer pre-ordering stock six to twelve months in advance can be like sticking your finger in the air to see which way the wind is blowing. It is a gamble in normal times, what will be in fashion, what colours will be popular, what size ranges to buy in, all difficult thing to second guess, but something we normally cope with well. Of course with the recession the temptation for many shops is to cut back on what they buy in and reduce their ranges, we have tried to avoid this, as we want to ensure our customers have plenty of choice.
Manufacturers likewise have had to estimate demand and have pre-ordered their stocks accordingly. They like the retailers want to ensure that they sell their ranges in season, reducing what is left to clear at the end of the season, leaving some in the current season, already selling out of stock for Autumn Winter 2009/10 before winter has been reached. Some have also underestimated demand for their continuity ranges, the basic, black white and nude bras, strapless bras and T-Shirt Bras.
Retailers have always been able to rely on the general availability of the basics, but this season this has not been the case, with some suppliers running out of sizes in their basic ranges and quoting delivery dates often weeks and on occasions months ahead. For most people this isn't an issue as there is nearly always an alternative to be found, but for those of you who have a favourite bra, that you always buy, if your size happens to be out of stock, you may struggle to get it despite shopping around and patience most definitely is a virtue.
