Forever 21, the down market retail empire selling cheap-chic runaway knock-offs has announced the launching of a new Kids line HTG 81. The new line is expected to launch on January 29th and will follow in the footsteps of its older sibling Heritage 1981 (an attempt of Forever 21 to penetrate the midmarket). According to company's statement HTG 81 is "all about comfort with casual-cool edge and with a full assortment of apparel at the same affordable prices." So the BOYS and GIRLS ages6 to 14 will soon be set to make their own style statements.
What does this mean, my dear fellow budget stylistas? It means lots of things: 1. GAP, Crazy 8 and other retail behemoths be afraid, very afraid: the constant turnover is a key to the chain's appeal: "Typically, midmarket competitors like the Gap, Old Navy, and Urban Outfitters need three months to take an item from design to rack. For Forever 21, the cycle is reduced to a matter of weeks. To produce on such a tight schedule, the company depends on flexible, eager manufacturers, and doesn't waste time on original designs. Instead, immediately after the season's latest styles hit the runways or trade shows, they are duplicated by the company's journeyman designers around the world, and often arrive on shelves before the originals do". To read more about the amazing success story of the Korean immigrants turned retail moguls check out Jeff Koyen's article
here.
I will review their firstborn collection as soon as it becomes available. Should we expect dirt cheap prices? I don't think so (camouflage cargo shorts $21.90, beat boy cream hoodie $18.90). Should we expect these clothes to disintegrate in two weeks, I hope not (an attempt at the midmarket, remember?) But we shall see. One thing is loud and clear: children's market is well and alive and shows NO signs of slowing down. At the hard times, we, parents would rather cut all their expenses than skimp on our little treasures. Right?
Speaking of these adorable little treasures…It's our parental duty to make the most of the years in which we can dress our children, by using their bodies as a canvas for entertainment and a channel of our own style. So, you would appreciate these humorous onesies by Pre.K Even when you are losing your mind try to hang on to your sense of humorJ
I think it's hysterical; so, if you can afford it then go for it. BTW, I didn't know Karmaloop.com carried kids' clothes. Good to know we have another source for inspiration and digging.
I am always happy to point out the proverbial silver lining, no matter how thin it is. The other day I was caustically complaining about www.77kids.com customer service, which was just conformed yet again by another rep hating her life and annoying people bugging her with ridiculous questions, like availability of the certain size and a possibility of exchange. This sheer chutzpah! The brazen audacity! Anyway, on a hunch I dialed their number again and there she was! The Customer Service Fairy! Suddenly everything was possible and all the options available, the shipping fees waived and discount applied! Wow! I felt loved again and therefore, I am coming back.
I wish you a fabulous weekend full of joy, produced by your little treasures.
Love, BoysBeCool
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