|
|
|
Photo, Hair and Makeup by Carrie Woomer
Many readers are very likely to be familiar with Urban Behavior – and we mean the store and fashion design company – not another excuse for social commentary! So it was with great interest that we were able to take a rare opportunity to pick the brains of this company’s frontline executive team, Flynn and Mallorie, and learn a little about what is behind the marketing and retailing of such a famous brand. Although fashion trends often seem to change in the blink of an eye, one thing remains constant, it seems, at Urban Behavior, and that’s a 24/7 focus on the customer, fun fashion and the future.
Thank you, Flynn and Mallorie, for taking the time to chat with us about Urban Behavior. I’ve got to start by asking about an impressive number, how many stores carry the name Urban Behavior?
Urban Behavior is carried in over 4,000 stores worldwide.
Can you talk a little about the origins of Urban Behavior?
Since opening its door in 1989, Urban Behavior has become a one stop fashion resource for style conscious shoppers looking for great quality at the best value. We take pride in offering our customers the price point opportunity to find and explore their own personal style.
You are well represented in Canada – where can we find you elsewhere, around the globe?
We are available in thousands of stores across the globe, including department stores like Nordstroms, Bloomingdales and Macy’s.
In Canada do you find significant differences in style preference by province/city?
There will always be minor differences in preference between regions, but we have found that Urban Behavior consumers tend to have a consistent view of today’s trends.
To what extent might climate influence trends?
At Urban Behavior, we work hard to provide our customers with a wide variety of options to make sure that we can cover every trend regardless of the climate.
Your stores are often appreciated as particularly imaginative in design and product. How do you manage to keep your fingers on the pulse in such a fast moving market?
At Urban Behavior, we value our involvement in every part of the design and manufacturing process. We have experts in every stage of development who ensure that we spot trends early and get our product to our customers quickly.
It takes some courage for young customers to initiate a new look, and before everyone copies. What do you do to reassure and lend confidence to new styles that might be considered unconventional at first outing?
As the old adage goes, confidence is the best accessory—our fashions give customers the confidence they need to push the limits of conventionality and wear those new trends first.
Introduction of new lines is a glamorous part of the industry. How do you continue and maintain that sparkle in your stores?
We consistently strive to provide the most cutting edge fashions at the highest quality so customers will find themselves falling in love with our stores again and again.
Where do you see trends moving at the moment? Are customers especially price conscious given that many are experiencing tight economic circumstances?
Regardless of the particular trend, our customers continue to demand the fashions that they see on the catwalk—but without the extravagant prices. At Urban Behavior, we take pride in being able to offer our customers exactly that!
In past times mens’ styles were much more flamboyant than women’s – I’m thinking back to costume period dramas. It seems in our present era that mens’ styles have become very ‘grey’ – other than the occasional brightly colored tie. Do you think there is room for more imaginative male styles?
In fashion, anything is possible! All it takes is the right inspiration for men’s fashion to turn in a drastically different direction. I can assure you that with the expansive range of styles available from Urban Behavior, it is easy for our male clients to get creative with their wears again.
To what extent to you think the clothes that your customers choose represent a statement about themselves as people and individuals? Is what people wear an expression of behavior other than just a reflection of their living environment – urban or otherwise?
We all wear things that represent ourselves, intentional or not. Some of us tend to flock towards the sequins, some of us stay clear of brights, some prefer lace, while others get giddy about stripes. At Urban Behavior, we encourage our customers to challenge the limits of their personal style to find styles that suit every mood and every occasion.
If you have a crystal ball can you give a clue to what new ideas might be presented by Urban Behavior in the months ahead.
I don’t want to give anything away, but you can be sure that Urban Behavior customers can expect the same extraordinary style and value we have always provided!
No comments yet.
