RETAIL: Strong Performance for Habby Sector
Listed under: News
Published: Monday, November 17, 2008
Sales of sewing and haberdashery items have risen considerably over the past year as the credit-crunch has encouraged many consumers to return to a 'make do and mend' culture, according to recent reports from retail giants John Lewis and Tesco.
Despite the current economic difficulties, John Lewis has seen an 18% increase in sewing machine sales in the past year alone. Purchases of buttons and dress patterns have also experienced a dramatic growth, rising 40% and 12% respectively since 2007. Tesco has also confirmed the trend, reporting a surge in the number of sewing machines sold this year.
Speaking to telegraph.co,uk, Julia Dudrenec at the Welwyn Garden City outlet of John Lewis says "There are many first-timers coming into the haberdashery and dress fabrics departments asking for advice on how to create their own gifts. Some shoppers are being very creative, stitching fashion bags and skirts from old jeans, buying simple cotton bags and embellishing them with buttons, feathers and sequins. The new trend for 'craft couture' is really gathering momentum."
“I have definitely noticed a rise in sales over the past year,” agrees Margaret Brown of The Sewing Parlour in Nottinghamshire. “It has certainly been more noticeable over the past year but I couldn't really tell you why. I think reports like this are really positive because they expose this area to a much broader audience and confirm that crafts are well and truly making a comeback.”
Speaking to telegraph.co,uk, Julia Dudrenec at the Welwyn Garden City outlet of John Lewis says "There are many first-timers coming into the haberdashery and dress fabrics departments asking for advice on how to create their own gifts. Some shoppers are being very creative, stitching fashion bags and skirts from old jeans, buying simple cotton bags and embellishing them with buttons, feathers and sequins. The new trend for 'craft couture' is really gathering momentum."
“I have definitely noticed a rise in sales over the past year,” agrees Margaret Brown of The Sewing Parlour in Nottinghamshire. “It has certainly been more noticeable over the past year but I couldn't really tell you why. I think reports like this are really positive because they expose this area to a much broader audience and confirm that crafts are well and truly making a comeback.”
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