Our
recent article about category focus drew some comments from our last remaining
fabric seller in J Shed, Lana.
Lana
wanted to make the point that many things have changed about our market and in
the case of fabrics it is not just that we now have far fewer traders. Lana has
had to change her focus from a predominantly local clientele to tourists
seeking unusual fabrics including uniquely Australian Aboriginal designs. She
says she now has the largest range of aboriginal design fabrics in Australia.
Local
housewives are less likely to buy inexpensive fabrics to make dresses at home
while tourists looking for unusual fabrics have helped fill the gap. Fabrics
are an easy pack item for plane travellers which also helps.
Nothing
stays the same in retailing except perhaps a retailers search for more
customers.