Australian Members - Page 736

Originally Posted by Windowpane1967 

A revitalised DJs is far beyond a sustainable business model.  Loss of credibility and reputation is like virginity. 

For what its worth my thoughts are that the problems being experienced by the likes of DJs and other now specifically hinges on transparency and credibility.  Never before have consumers had the breadth of information available to us that we have at our fingertips now, like for example this Forum.  A few days ago I asked members here about suede boots and the best way to purchase C&Js.  I was blown away by the knowledge and willingness to share information.  All in a fully transparent manner with obvious credibility from those who assisted, and I didn’t have to pay a 20% loading for it.  Later that day, one email to C&Js in the UK, with a response in 12 hours will see me hopefully wearing new shoes within the fortnight.  It is impossible to compete against this type of service if you’re running a bricks and mortar model with old season stock. 

This half hearted attempt to move to online businesses (think Harvey Norman also) has only served in my view to further alienate the consumers because as we all know here, there are NO favors to be had on a Myer or DJs web site, its just a very ordinary way to placate consumers into thinking they are embracing the online community; I think this has just served to increase the complete lack of credibility retailing in Australia seems to have right now.  And, its the reason why places like P Johnson, and others that we all frequent on here are doing so well, they have credibility and stand by their product.

Zegna in Sydney last week were at pains to tell me on several occasions that they now stock 'current' season, ie what is being released overseas now, at their stores here.  Previously as you would know we are used to seeing stock that is almost 2 years old almost.  Transparency has ensured that the Houses like Zegna are on notice that we dont want last seasons rubbish that hasn't sold overseas.

David Jones I think has tried in the same vain to hoodwink the consumer in the past few years with its museum approach to fashion.  Failing to recognize that the consumer that they target (ie demographic that is willing to pay more than the drudge at Myer) are well educated in determining for themselves if an item of interest is of value or not.  Sales aside, consumers are not drawn in by this model of sale after sale garbage where all the decent quality stock is put out the back during sales in favour of the imported rubbish sold at high margins.

Go back 5 years- having the ability to compare quality and price simultaneously has completely unsettled the retail models like David Jones. No longer are consumers prepared to sink hard earned cash into something that is made from rubbish fabric, assembled in such a shoddy manner but because it vaguely resembles the intended item DJs have for many years gotten away with charging absolute top dollar, I can imagine shareholders must be quite concerned, its just not sustainable business.

Transparency has given the consumer the ability to determine for themselves value and quality.  I have to say I was blown away by the crowds in Zara and Top Shop over the Christmas break.  I was also blown away by the bill once by girls had finished shopping, but that’s another issue.  There is a perception I think that these new entrants totally get the retail model here; Australian’s are savvy buyers who know what we like and are prepared to pay for quality...oh and lets not forget, prepared to catch trams into the city to do it. 

There is only an upside to new entrants coming to these shores replacing old outdated models that have had their time in the sun with extremely highly inflated prices and crap business models.  Perhaps the downside will be on the countries balance of payments as the Zara and Top Shop dollars flow out of the country every day. As consumers I hope to see more of the P JOhnsons, Deer Style, Son of a Tailor etc etc really being able to create a return to credibility in retailing and tailoring that has long gone the way of "this is what we have, take it or leave it" approach by the DJs and other retail Houses.  

Bring on these entrepreneurs and continue to support them - they have the credibility, passion and bring quality, nothing of what exists now in the DJs of the world. I agree with others here, its time to demand better return for your custom - am not the slightest bit interested in paying $$ for museums, give me a High Street in Fitzroy anyday.