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Retailers beware of Amazon's focus on high-end fashion

May 10, 2012

Amazon.com's move into the high-fashion business is bad news for traditional retailers, who are sure to get "a spanking similar to the one Best Buy got from the Seattle e-tailer," wrote Om Malik this week in his blog on Gigaom.

The company has sold clothing for years, but it's now focused on peddling more contemporary and high-end brands, including Michael Kors, Vivienne Westwood, Catherine Malandrino, Jack Spade and Tracy Reese. It's also on the hunt for other serious designers to add to its lineup.

Although Amazon's website is very functional, it's not exactly eye-appealing. The e-retailer is already upping its game, however, hiring stylists, models and improving its photo technology.

"Amazon can easily improve their fashion retail experience and combine it with things it is really good at — like overall customer experience, after-sales service and easy shipping," Malik said.

Do you think Amazon is going to cut into the profits of traditional high-end fashion retailers? Leave your comments below.