Happy New Year! When it comes to Fashion and E-commerce, it’s important to keep abreast of what’s happening in technology and the industry. There was a time when the focus was on fashion brand collaborations, now it’s more about collaborating industries. Pimpkie (a European Retailer) has recently collaborated with some high-end Hotels to provide their recipients with what I’ve come to understand is “Fashion Room Service”. Here is the link to a video that explains the dynamics of what it is. Basically when you arrive to your room, there are a few clothing items from Pimpkie waiting in the closet. It’s like the refreshments that are in your tiny hotel fridge; if you choose an item or two, you get charged. Although it’s a great idea and a luxury, there are still risks to consider. First off, people come with clothing when they travel, unless their luggage gets lost. Heavy data analysis would have to go into selecting items fit for any taste level. Also, I wonder if the price points are higher, and if the selection is exclusive. I personally hate seeing someone in the same outfit I’m wearing. Well, I assume Pimkies’ idea is doing well, since they’re actually expanding throughout Europe, but what about the U.S? Will people catch on here?

As a professional Fashion Writer who specializes in E-commerce content, I see a lot of opportunity with Pimpkies’ idea. There’s plenty of planning and web coding to consider with this new advent. If the hotel industry really starts merging with the fashion industry, then it could only benefit both. Brands will now have the opportunity to expose potentially new clientele to their goods. Hotels could even increase their occupancy based on what clothing brand they carry. With so much competition in the hotel industry, FASHION could be a determining factor for where the customer chooses to stay. Fashion brands can even offer exclusive items that are only available to people staying in the hotels they’re collaborating with. Right now the marketing is directed towards women, but it’s only to work the kinks out I assume. Shopping has changed so much, and now brick and mortar stores are finding that they have to compete by creating CONCEPT STORES (click here for article). Stores are even adding sitting areas and free Wi-Fi like Topshop in London. Although shopping is still considered a fun pass time, how far will technology take us from the REAL shopping experience? Only time will tell.