Attire Accessories - Mar/Apr 2020 (Issue 81)

WOMEN’S JEWELLERY NETWORK LAUNCHES NEW SURVEY IN GENDER EQUALITY WITHIN THE GLOBAL JEWELLERY SECTOR The Women’s Jewellery Network has launched a comprehensive survey in gender equality within the global jewellery sector. The survey was created by WJN Research and Insights Director Kathryn Bishop and covers satisfaction at work, workplace support, recruitment, career progression, organisational ethics and sustainability, as well as personal ambitions. The survey has around 100 questions and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. The survey is aimed at women, however, WJN is encouraging individuals of all genders from across the trade to complete the questionnaire. Managing Director Victoria McKay said:, “We are very conscious that there is a lack of specific and relevant data on the experience of employees within the UK jewellery trade. We want to provide the trade with an annual barometer; we’re also keen to ensure that our work in improving diversity and increasing inclusion is based on as much empirical data as possible. “At the moment, we’re forced to adapt generic national data; we’re very conscious that the jewellery trade, although a microcosm of the UK landscape, will have its own nuances. We’re also keen to hear as many experiences from outside of the UK, as our vision is very much a global one.” The survey is available for completion via any of the WJN’s social channels or via its website womensjewellerynetwork.com, or @wj_network on Instagram and @wj_net on Twitter; search Women’s Jewellery Network on Facebook and LinkedIn. YOUNG CONSUMERS LOOKING TO ‘REUSE, REDUCE AND RECYCLE’ FASHION, SAYS SURVEY An increasing amount of young consumers are buying, selling, mending or swapping their clothes, according to a recent survey by Mintel. Mintel research shows that in the last year alone over half (52%) of those aged 25-34 bought second-hand clothes, compared to an average of 43%. Young Brits are turning their old clothes into hard cash, with 50% of 25-34-year-olds selling unwanted clothes in the last year, compared to 35% of consumers as a whole. And in the spirit of ‘make do and mend’, half (50%) of 25-34-year-olds have repaired damaged clothes. Chana Baram, Mintel Retail Analyst, said, “The idea of ‘reusing, reducing and recycling’ has the potential to be a big disruptor in the fashion industry. Young shoppers seem to be emulating their grandparents, who were forced to ‘make do and mend’ during World War II. As the climate crisis continues to gain headlines, consumers’ perspectives are shifting. It’s no longer enough for clothing to be priced well, or to reference the latest trends; fashion brands and retailers also have to think about working towards a goal of providing more sustainable options. Many young people today are likely to be influenced by the ‘Attenborough’ or ‘Greta’ effects, and are becoming far more aware of the negative effects fast fashion can have on the environment. As a result, we have seen a real increase in the number of businesses and retailers offering repair services, second-hand items or rental options.” Sustainable fashion is indeed making waves, with younger consumers taking heed from celebrity environmentalists such as Emma Watson and Joaquin Phoenix, and are starting to shop more responsibly when it comes to fashion. According to the study, 68% of 16-24-year-olds say they are trying to make more ethical fashion purchases now than they did in the last 12 months; this compares to an average of 57% of British shoppers. Overall, 30% of consumers agree they would choose a retailer based on whether or not they sold sustainable fashion ranges. However, 79% find it difficult to know which fashion retailers are ethical. Price is not perceived as an indicator of sustainability, with just 22% agreeing that the more you pay for fashion, the more likely it is to be ethical. However, six in 10 (59%) Brits would be willing to pay more for sustainable fashion. Finally, while Brits are interested in sustainable fashion, transparency is essential, as over two thirds (67%) of people agree that fashion retailers should let customers know when items are not made sustainably. DPD UK WINS GREEN APPLE AWARD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL BEST PRACTICE The UK’s domestic parcel carrier DPD UK was named ‘Gold winner’ in the Service Industries category, with judges hailing the company’s achievements in reducing CO2 emissions and its innovative all-electric micro depots in central London. The awards, founded by The Green Organisation to recognise, reward and promote environmental best practice around the world, have been running since 1994 and attract entries from Governments, Ministries and regional authorities as well as companies and organisations right across the private and public sectors. The award is recognition for DPD UK’s efforts to become the most responsible city centre delivery company and the leader in electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK. In October last year, DPD opened the UK’s first all-electric parcel depot in Westminster and plans to have a fleet of 500 electric vehicles by the end of 2020. The firm has also partnered with Oxford-based manufacturer EAV to create a British built e-cargo bike, the P1. The bio-mechanical hybrid electric-assisted pedal bikes have a range of 60 miles and with a 120kg payload can cover 100 parcel stops in a day and then be recharged using a normal 13amp, 240v plug socket. Last month, DPD UK issued a White Paper calling on vehicle manufacturers, energy providers, national and local Government to start working together to tackle the barriers holding back more widespread EV adoption and investment. Dwain McDonald, DPD UK’s CEO, commented; “We’re absolutely delighted with this award. We’ve made a huge commitment as a company to investigate, develop and invest in our own sustainable future. But part of that project is also about leading by example and that means sharing what we’ve learned and showing that there are better ways to deliver parcels and run logistics. “We can’t do everything overnight and we can’t do it all on our own. We’ve shared our frustrations as well as our successes, but we are passionate about this challenge and we know we can make a huge difference. Hopefully, we’ve shown through our all-electric micro depots that it isn’t just about switching to EVs, it’s about designing totally different business models and processes.” INDUSTRY NEWS 11