The change in past couple of years have become the tipping point for the custom-made products, and especially for the apparel industry. The consumer interest and demand for the option to personalize products based on individual tastes has reached critical mass. Thus, brands and retailers are increasingly recognizing the need and responding to the opportunity. The online apparel design software offers similar modern solutions to the leading brands willing to take over the fashion industry.
One of the leading apparel brands, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, holding a good command over the customization sector, recently launched its latest made-to-order apparel for the customers. The company will allow its buyers to preview all accessories and clothing, and see how they look on the customer before purchasing. It's a quick and straightforward way to coordinate an outfit and buy what end-users want in one fell swoop. Also, every time they select a different clothing item, their villager strikes a new pose, and it's the cutest thing to see on the Animal Crossing's site. The company has been into customization since it's inception and has expanded into new verticals, including t-shirts, mugs, caps, skirts, pants, and many more.
From the organization's growth, it is evident that the shift has been a long time coming. For many years, consultants and experts in the fashion industry have indicated the revolution that would usher in an era of mass customization. The drift would produce a more abundant variety of goods based on individual tastes and personalities with the same efficiency as that of mass production. However, certain apparel brands are resistant to change.
As the fashion sector is moving so rapidly to revamp the processes of merchandising, design, and supply chain, it is nearly impossible to survive in the industry without adhering to these changes. These brands must realize that the shift to customization or personalization has not only progressed significantly but will also undoubtedly continue to grow.
Factors Supporting Installation of Online Apparel Design Software
1. Purchasing Power of Millennials
A study by YouGov on Made to Order: A look at consumer perception towards product personalization, found that 26% of U.S. consumers had personalized products and services in 2019, in comparison to 17% in 2015. It also noted that 40% of personalizers are millennials, 30% are highly educated, and 31% have $1,000 or more of monthly disposable income.
In case you are wondering, why are they spending extravagantly on the custom-made apparel, to which the answer is, to design a product to meet specific needs, demonstrate creativity, and stand out from the crowd.
2. Rising Sense of Creativity
The experts in the industry have tried to understand the psychology behind the gradual shift towards personalization. They found out that shoppers' sense of ownership is stronger if they configure a product online. They don't merely buy it; they accomplished something creative. When they see their design as self-expression of their public identity, their connection to the product and the brand that made it gets deeper. These factors add up to higher value for buyers and sellers.
The custom apparel design provides a platform for your buyers where they can too choose, create a style that reflects their true identity.
3. Other Brands Leaping the Market
A survey by the Sourcing Journal reveals that 9% of consumers expect customized apparel and footwear options. The plausible reason behind this trend could that many leading apparel companies, such as Zara, and Adidas, offer them the chances of customization. Therefore, they expect it from other companies, especially smaller ones that can provide small-batch productions or hand-detailing.
Some of the manufacturers and retailers believe that moving towards personalization benefits their business at large. When they are into making products on-demand, it results in the reduction of overhead costs, such as the warehousing of extensive inventories and shipping costs from China.
To sum it up, a quote by Frank Piller would suffice in favor of customization. He says, "The key to profiting from mass customization is to see it not as a stand-alone business strategy that is replacing today's production and distribution systems, but as a set of organizational capabilities that can supplement and enrich an existing system."
The online apparel design software by iDesigniBuy is a one-stop solution that will enable your customers to alter the predesigned clothes. Also, it will enhance your existing business model.
Contact us now.