By 2015 the middle class will have disappeared in most developed countries taking mid-price retailers with them (or is it the working class that will disappear?). Whichever it is, most consumer markets are already polarising between economy and premium sectors (low price versus luxury). However, customers can happily live in both segments buying $15 T-shirts one minute and $500 jeans the next.
What's Next: Top Trends
Diary of an accidental futurist – observations on current & future trends
Fashion is polarising between low cost Primark, Matalan, Supermarket clothing brands – people are proud to claim a ‘bargain’ to anyone who will listen – and luxury; designer clothes, expensive cars, gourmet dinners. The mid-range high street stores such as M&S and French Connection are struggling to compete in the market which doesn’t recognise a middle of the road cost bracket.