Big W head of commercial, apparel Lowri Breed talks nostalgic brands and fashion.
Big W recently relaunched LA Gear in Australia; how is the brand performing in-store?
The launch of LA Gear in Big W stores has resonated well with our customers across all demographics with the lilac tracksuits and high top sneakers being customer favourites.
Those that were around for the height of the 80s and early 90s appreciate the nostalgic aspect of the range as they reminisce on the ‘good old days’ in the past and connect to the brand on a personal level.
Millennials and Gen Z who weren’t necessarily around to witness these great decades see this range as an insight into some of the most iconic fashion trends that is now accessible for them to trial and discover for themselves.
Big W is thrilled to be bringing LA Gear to Aussie families.
What else is happening in the retail space?
Fashion has taken a nostalgic turn recently with some of the biggest styles from past decades like mum jeans, full tracksuits and retro sneakers, re-entering the retail space as mainstream trends in 2022.
An ongoing trend that we have seen for years is the love for athleisure wear which is casual, comfortable clothing designed for both exercise and everyday activities.
LA Gear is a perfect blend of these two fashion crazes.
Our AW22 incorporates the optimism of the early 90s but reinvigorated with modern athleisure elements of comfort and minimalism.
While also celebrating the nostalgic revival with iconic retro logos, acid wash tees and pop colours that are parallelled in both apparel and footwear assortment.
What brands are currently having a nostalgic revival?
This nostalgic revival trend is not just limited to the fashion space.
We are seeing consumers frequently opt for polaroid cameras, vinyl albums, classic films, and retro video games when they are shopping in store or online.
The Nintendo Switch's top games were also trending in the 90s such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Legend of Zelda and of course Super Mario.
Vinyls are also having a nostalgic revival of both classic and contemporary albums.
These are available online only at Big W and include the likes of Michael Jackson’s Thriller Album, Midnight Oil’s Diesel and Dust Album and AC/DC’s Highway to Hell Album.