Shopping for clothes is not as easy as it seems. While the size matters, quality matters even more.
When buying clothes, everyone wants value for money because nothing is as discouraging as spending money on clothes only for them to be torn after a few washes.
While some may argue that most local retailers are more expensive than international online retailers such as Temu and Shein but are of similar quality, they need to understand that retailers such as Mr Price, Foschini and Pick n Pay Clothing don’t use cheap labour and don’t follow fast fashion.
Most of them partner with local emerging designers to design specific collections to be sold at their stores. They also don’t always do mass production.
For example, Mr Price has partnered with South African Fashion Week to allow both menswear and womenswear designers to create collections for the retailer under two national competitions, Mr Price New Talent Search and Mr Price Scouting Menswear.
Over the past few years, we have seen the retailer improve the quality of its products, and such was achieved through collaborations and listening to consumer concerns.
Later this month, the retailer will be participating in its last menswear competition at SA Fashion Week, where eight emerging designers will compete for a cash prize of R50 000 and design a collection for the retailer.
“The last three seasons have been a tremendous showcase of South Africa’s most talented young designers. From Cyla to Robyn and most recently, Jessica-Ann, we are excited to help the next name in fashion gain a foothold in the industry through their association with our Mr Price Scouting Menswear Competition in September,” said Kevin Smit, managing director at Mr Price.
Understanding the importance of pricing goes beyond the quality. It’s also imperative to note that the reason local retailers and brands are priced the way they do is that they are part of the supply chain that contributes significantly to the South African economy.
“Our ability to achieve sustainable economic growth is highly dependent on the success of our country’s local businesses. SMEs contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth, making them fundamental to creating employment.
“We acknowledge the crucial role local businesses play in our economy and being part of the Proudly South African Local Fashion Police initiative embodies our efforts to invest, build, and monetise their businesses in the fashion industry,” said Andiswa Bata, CEO of FNB Business.
However, quality shouldn’t be compromised, because reputation is also at stake. If you charge R500 for a cropped top, make sure that whoever pays that price is satisfied with the quality and that it lasts them because it’s pointless to charge so much for a product that lacks longevity.
Brands have a responsibility to promote sustainable fashion, which also contributes to the pricing.
“We need to educate consumers about production processes that are kinder to the environment and understand the back story around the impact of their production.
“This is a big step in the right direction for a big retailer, demonstrating their commitment to empowering community organisations that focus on upskilling and developing women,” said Rayana Edwards, the founder of Sari for Change.
