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Fifty shades of lingerie to light up retail this year

By Aiko Tanaka
1 min read
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Retail experts are tipping women’s intimate apparel as one of the hot spots for the sector this year with the release of the steamy movie Fifty Shades of Grey expected to trigger a rise in sales of lingerie and related “items”.

Being billed as the “movie event of 2015”, it is the adaption of the best-selling book and lingerie retailers can’t wait for its release.

Although a discretionary category, lingerie sales have been higher in the past year, as consumers look to spoil themselves with a one-off purchase. This demand, which has also been out-pacing even jewellery sales, has led to the opening of more stores, including the overseas-based Victoria’s Secret outlets and the Agent Provocateur, both of which are on the hunt for more stand-alone stores across Australia.

Questions & Answers

Q.

What is driving the anticipated increase in lingerie sales this year?

A.

Retail experts expect the release of the movie 'Fifty Shades of Grey' to trigger a rise in sales of lingerie and related items. The film is an adaptation of a best-selling book and is being billed as a major event.

Q.

Have lingerie sales been strong recently, even before this new trend?

A.

Yes, lingerie sales have been higher in the past year, even though it is a discretionary category. Consumers have been looking to treat themselves with one-off purchases, outpacing even jewellery sales.

Q.

Which lingerie retailers are expanding their physical presence due to increased demand?

A.

Overseas-based Victoria's Secret and Agent Provocateur are actively seeking more stand-alone stores across Australia. This expansion is a direct result of the recent growth in demand for intimate apparel.

Reader pulse

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