Fashion Business for the "I want it now generation"

I was just reading this article over at Apparel Magazine where they just labeled the kids the "I want it now generation". While I think that Kevin is taking some liberties to try and make a good headline (because who doesn't want it now?) some of his thoughts on where the business side of fashion needs to move are quite on point.

If you follow business supply technology, you'll already know that omni-channel is the buzzword de jour. It refers to the ability to view your entire business and it's distribution systems through one platform. Great in theory, hard to implement and maintain. Without laser accurate inventory, it's very possible that your omni-channel strategy will result in customer dissatisfaction.

Some stats from Kevin's Article:

50 percent of all consumers consider store pickup options important when shopping online, and 41 percent would like alternative delivery options available upon request....only 23 percent of retailers have a buy online, pickup in-store program in place and just 20 percent have implemented a reserve online, pickup in-store program.

So people want it, but most companies aren't there yet. Not surprising. Consumer technology moves a lot faster than corporate infrastructure a lot of the time. To run a truly omni-channel fashion business you'd want to have a great ERP system for apparel companies.

How long will it take before omni-channel is truly adopted? It's hard to say. Big companies are starting to make the switch. Ann Taylor has done it, and it has come at the cost of some of their physical stores. Macy's is trying to do it but has had issues making it work for customers.

It's not easy.

But as more fashion companies and large retailers take the leap they will iron out the wrinkles, which will trickle down to smaller apparel and non-apparel businesses.