Durban - South Africans are very in tune with what is happening internationally. From daily internet access to news, entertainment and information via blogs and news sites, to an instant availability of the best in TV series and movies - consumers want a global offering,” said Chris Viljoen, the fashion director at Spree.
This is precisely what online retailers such as Spree and its competitors are capitalising on.
Their magazine style creates the impression that their catalogues are up-to-the-minute and spot-on trend.
Spree, for example, is spotting red-carpet looks and directing shoppers to buying replicas. It works in the way that an online personal stylist might; suggesting what would look good with what you’ve just purchased.
At Zando you can shop for an entire look - a dress, accessories and shoes - all in one place without having to go anywhere.
Both these popular sites offer local and international designer goods with the added advantage of being able to see the price upfront.
Zando offers items from South African designers Leigh Schubert, Errol Arendz and Michelle Ludek.
Spree have used their designer connections to tap into the matric dance market. This week they launched the Gert-Johan Coetzee range of matric dance dresses.
Lezell Peter, the buying manager at Spree, said they know the trends. They’re just presenting them in an innovative buyer-friendly manner. So for girls who want to look like Rihanna, Emma Stone, Kendall Jenner and Taylor Swift on the red carpet, the online store is defining that look and showing them similar buys.
The Mercury