How Can You Use Flash Sales to Move Excess Fashion Accessory Inventory?
I remember a call from a client who had a problem that many would envy. Her new line of winter hats had been a massive hit. The problem was, she had ordered too many. Now, with spring around the corner, she was sitting on a mountain of beautiful, high-quality inventory that was about to become […]
What Are The Pros and Cons of Sourcing Woven vs. Knitted Scarves?
I remember a conversation with a designer who was launching her first scarf collection. She was torn. She loved the look of a smooth, printed silk scarf, but she also adored the cozy, textured feel of a chunky knit. "I don’t know which one to start with," she told me. "They’re both scarves, but they […]
How To Develop Accessories for the Active and Athleisure Market?
I remember a conversation with a product developer for a major activewear brand a few years ago. She was frustrated. "We’ve perfected the leggings and the sports bras," she told me. "But our customers are coming to us asking for the whole package. They want headbands that don’t slip, socks that don’t bunch, bags that […]
What Are The Best Materials for Cooling and Temperature-Regulating Bandanas?
I remember a call from a buyer for a major outdoor retailer a few years ago. It was the middle of a heatwave, and her customers were flooding the store with requests. "They’re not asking for hiking boots or tents," she told me. "They’re asking for anything that will keep them cool. They want to […]
What Are the Latest Trends in Hair Accessory Bundles?
I remember a conversation with a successful online accessory retailer a couple of years ago. She was frustrated. Her individual hair clips were selling well, but her average order value was stagnant. Customers would buy one clip, pay for shipping, and that was it. She knew they wanted more, but they weren’t adding multiple items […]
What Are The Best Finishes for a Matte vs. Glossy Look on Hair Accessories?
I remember a conversation with a designer who was developing a new line of resin hair clips. She had the perfect shape, the perfect colors, but she was stuck on one final decision. "I love the look of a high-gloss shine," she told me. "It looks so luxurious and jewel-like. But my customers keep asking […]
What Are the Latest Trends in Waterproof Fashion Accessories?
I remember a call from a buyer at a major outdoor retailer a few years ago. She was frustrated. Her customers were asking for gear that could handle the elements, but they didn’t want to look like they were going on a Himalayan expedition just to walk to work. "They want to stay dry," she […]
What Are The Differences Between PU Leather and Real Leather in Belt Manufacturing?
I remember a conversation with a young designer who was launching her first belt collection. She was torn. She loved the look and feel of real leather, but her budget was tight. She had found a supplier offering "leather" belts at a fraction of the price. She sent me a sample. It looked good in […]
How Can You Use Wholesale Marketplaces Like Faire to Grow Your Accessory Business?
I remember a conversation with a talented accessory designer named Sarah a few years ago. She had a beautiful, growing brand, beautiful products, and a loyal direct-to-consumer following on Instagram. But she was stuck. She knew that to really grow, she needed to get her products into physical boutiques. The thought of it exhausted her. […]
What Are The Most Effective Stretch Materials for One-Size-Fits-Most Headbands?
I remember a conversation with a frustrated buyer from a major online retailer. She had ordered a beautiful collection of headbands, all labeled "one-size-fits-most." But within weeks of her customers receiving them, the complaints started flooding in. "Too tight, gives me a headache." "Too loose, slides right off." "Stretched out after one wear." The concept […]
