Edexcel A level Business Paper 3 2024 - Global clothing market trends: customer tastes & preferences

1a. Global Clothing Market Trends: Customer Tastes and Preferences Consumer Behaviour and Preferences. (not ethical considerations yet - see video on bullet point 1b)

Fashion Industry Analysis: Start with a broad overview of the fashion industry, including key players, market size, and growth trends. Understanding the industry's structure will provide context for customer preferences.
Assess the likely impact of Brexit on the UK fashion industry, particularly in terms of supply chain and international trade. (10 marks)

Consumer Behaviour in Fashion: Delve into how consumers make purchasing decisions in the fashion sector. This includes understanding the psychological, social, and economic factors that influence what, how, and why people buy clothing.
Assess the likely limitations of traditional market research methods in understanding the fast-changing tastes of Gen Z consumers in the UK. (8 marks)

Trend Forecasting: Explore how trends are predicted in the fashion industry. This includes both the methodologies used for forecasting and the agencies or influencers who are often behind trendsetting.
Assess the likely limitations of relying heavily on influencer trends for long-term fashion forecasting in the UK market. (12 marks)

Sustainability and Ethical Fashion: With growing awareness of environmental issues and social responsibility, researching how these concerns are shaping consumer preferences and industry practices is crucial. Topics can include sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing processes, and the circular economy.
Assess the likely benefits for UK brands adopting a transparent supply chain in terms of consumer trust and loyalty. (10 marks)

Technology's Impact on Fashion: Investigate how technology, including e-commerce, social media, virtual reality, and AI, is changing the way consumers discover, evaluate, and purchase clothing. This also covers online shopping trends and the digital customer journey.
Assess the likely reasons for the increasing adoption of AR (Augmented Reality) in online shopping experiences by UK fashion retailers. (10 marks)

Cultural Influences: Look into how different cultures around the world influence fashion trends and consumer tastes. This can also include how globalisation is creating a blend of styles and preferences across borders.
Assess the likely impact of global cultural trends on traditional British fashion brands. (12 marks)

Demographic Trends: Understand how different demographic segments (e.g., Gen Z, Millennials) have distinct tastes and shopping habits. This includes preferences for certain types of clothing, brands, and shopping channels.
Assess the likely impact of an ageing population on the fashion retail sector in the UK. (10 marks)

Fast Fashion vs. Slow Fashion: Explore the dynamics between fast fashion's appeal of affordable, trendy clothing and the slow fashion movement's emphasis on quality, sustainability, and ethical practices.
Assess the likely limitations of fast fashion retailers attempting to integrate sustainable practices into their business models in the UK. (8 marks)

Luxury Fashion Dynamics: Research the luxury fashion sector to understand what drives consumer demand for luxury goods, how these brands maintain their allure, and how they are adapting to changing market trends.
Assess the likely reasons for the resilience of the luxury fashion sector in the UK during economic downturns. (10 marks)

Influence of Social Media and Influencers: Assess the role of social media platforms and influencers in shaping fashion trends and consumer tastes. This includes understanding the impact of Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms on brand visibility and consumer engagement.
Assess the likely impact of influencer marketing on small and medium-sized fashion brands in the UK. (10 marks)

Market Segmentation and Niche Markets: Study how the fashion industry segments its market to cater to different consumer groups, including niche markets like plus-size, maternity, adaptive clothing, and more.
Assess the likely reasons for the success of niche market brands like Rapanui, known for its sustainable practices, in the UK fashion industry. (10 marks)

Global vs. Local Trends: While global trends have a wide influence, local trends and preferences can vary significantly. Research how local cultures and climates influence clothing choices and how brands adapt to these local needs.
Assess the likely benefits of UK fashion brands focusing on localised trends and consumer preferences in their product development strategies. (10 marks)