Amazon Proves Right for Fashion and Beauty Markets

Among the millions of new and used items offered on Amazon Marketplace, one can find a huge selection of fashion and beauty sellers. Most recently, and to a greater extent over the remainder of 2012, more high end fashion and beauty brands will be listed among them.

By The Numbers

Clothing, accessories and shoes are the second most popular category of items that consumers consider purchasing online, second only to books, according to a Nielsen survey. Designer apparel, shoes and accessories are a newer market, but one that follows similar growth trends.

Revenue generated from online designer clothing sales is projected to reach about $4.9 billion in 2013, according to IBISWorld.

Will Top Brands Join?

Already great prices, shipping rates, high level of service and confidence in shopping attract shoppers to Amazon and other online retailers. Price control and price protection, however, are holding back major fashion and beauty brands (Estee Lauder, Clinique, Chanel, Lancome). How long can high end, designer clothing and beauty brands keep resisting eCommerce?

The characteristics of Amazon Marketplace – its advantages – are as relevant to the fashion and beauty markets as much as any. Top brands cannot ignore what Amazon offers its visitors: shopping experience, distribution and shipping, product reviews and competitive prices. Can these brands afford to miss out on the eCommerce train?

Already Amazon is entering partnerships with designer brands, which offer the brands the best that Amazon can offer, like same-day delivery.

Innovation in technology and marketing, eCommerce’s enormous market size and Amazon’s well-known advantages will all help make 2013 a strong year for fashion and beauty brands and sellers of all sizes.