Task 2: P.E.S.T analysis example

Chosen Client group - fashion Industry.


Local - Blue rinse
National - BHS, New Look
European - Marks and Spencer, Bon Marche
Transnational - French Connection, American Apparel 




BLUE RINSE


Political

• Fabric recycling and reusing
• Environmental Impact
• Hygiene standards for reselling

Economic

• Charity donations
• Priced lower than other vintage stores

Sociologic

• Trend in vintage clothing
• On the eco-friendly bandwagon
• Celebrity endorsement 
• Branding

Technological 

• Ebay store + website
• Tailoring Machinery

I have used the clothing industry as a base to work from as I am interested in packaging, identity and environmental issues, and I believe this local example encompasses all three. Blue Rinse could offer a wide range off possible design opportunities, and the results of this analysis show that their ethics are very well suited to my own. Their own client base would be an excellent group to work with, being ethically aware, or at least conscious. Blue Rinse has two shops, located in Leeds city centre, and Manchester. They also have an Ebay store and a website with contact information. My interest in the company lies with their identity and packaging needs. Blue Rinse has gone so far in creating itself as a brand, though would definitely benefit from a proper identity, logo and packaging. To reach this company, I would have to market myself as a designer, and a person that they would want to work with. I feel, as this is a local company, that a more informal approach would be more advisable, I would want them to trust me to make decisions on materials etc.. and know that I was making a choice that fitted best with their ethos. As this is a local company, communication wouldn't be an issue, as I could walk into the shop and speak to the owner without any real problems. 

However, if this was a large company the method would be completely different. I would first have to consider advertising myself in a way that would attract the attention of that particular market. A website would be the most logical step, with a portfolio of relevant items. I would approach the company with a lot more caution, and more formality, professionalism would be a key factor here. They wouldn't particularly be interested in someone they could be friends with. Lastly I think a good network of co-workers and industry friends does a lot to aid the communication process, a business card of some form or another is a great aid in these situations.