MSNBC.com “Big Money” columnist Martha White has an interesting article: The UGGconomy: What ugly, utilitarian footwear says about the country’s financial future.
While high-end retailers had a rough holiday season, it’s always interesting to look at brands that buck the trends and not just tread water, but truly grow. In footwear, UGGs and Merrell have done just that, riding the trends toward apparel that’s comfortable and non-ostentatious.
White’s take is interesting, and we also agree with her perception that there’s been a conspicuous lack of trading down. As she puts it, “In previous years, it was quality and quantity as opposed to the quality-over-quantity movement now in vogue. We used to want it all. Now we still want the best stuff, but we’re willing to make do with less of it.”
