Brief one Interbrand

Interbrand have some geat resources about Branding (obviously will be skewed to suit their own agenda) however they have the resources to have a finger on the pulse.

They have the top retail brands for 2013 and give opinions on the sate of the global amrket.  they even mention RCID chips and intelligent mirrors which offer additional product information

They identify Japan as being innovative in their approach to their customers an example of this is a store called Ranking Ranqueen.  They sell top ranking brands and items based on inventory linked to live market research

The importance of a strong, differentiated proposition
In a rapidly changing world, it is that much more important for retailers to revisit their brand proposition and ensure that it is relevant, differentiated and consistently executed. In a crowded, competitive space, overflowing with options, it is imperative the retailers make an effort to understand the local habits and culture of every market they enter, address real needs, acknowledge changing preferences and bring something new and better to that market.

Flexibility, innovation, omnichannel solutions, and smarter use of technology are all part of a winning retail strategy in a competitive marketplace. Retailers that focus on delivering more choices, providing a richer experience across touchpoints, making selection and purchasing faster and easier and putting effort into staying relevant and differentiated will capture the attention of customers and keep them coming back for more.

The most valuable UK retails brands ( Says a lot about the current state of the high street I think!)

The report is interesting on another level as it gives definition for how brands make the list.  It measures Internal and external strength.

Authenticity
The brand is soundly based on an internal truth and capability. It has a defined heritage and a well– grounded value set. It can deliver against the (high) expectations that customers have of it.

There is so much resource on their website its hard to focus however the publication 'whats in store for 2013' is also insightful.

'The brands best positioned for success in 2013 are those that take seriously the significant role they play in people’s lives and work to remain relevant and authentic in our rapidly changing world.'

Agile and mobile shoppers are expecting less complexity and more transparency than ever. Clarity of the brand is crucial.
Beyond logistics, we can predict that RFID (Radio-frequency identification) will play a key role, bringing visibility and accuracy to merchandise, but also re-engaging consumers all along the value chain and helping apparel brands enter into full digital retailing
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THE IMPORTANCE OF AUTHENTICITY AND RELEVANCE
In the digital era, consumers have the power. Seeking best opportunities, shoppers are trading up or down across categories and channels. On one hand, after a good experience, shoppers are more committed to buying products and services. But after a bad experience, they will tell their community, who will then transform a destination store into a store to avoid through word of mouth and their social graphs, whether that store is physical or online.

Beyond all digital interaction, it will be about delivering a unique and differentiated experience in a consistent manner. That is where brand will have a robust proposition to express and to deliver, while staying relevant to customer needs. Because what we wear reflects who we are, the apparel and fashion category has the opportunity to reach the hearts and souls of consumers by helping them find numerous ways to express their individuality.

In 2013, the conversation and the connection that apparel brands will be able to build will strengthen their business model as well as their performance. By bringing the authentic core of their brands to life and offering merchandise that is relevant to the specific preferences of their target markets, apparel brands will inspire a desire to shop, a desire to wear and, above all, they will provide an opportunity for consumers to become their best, most beautiful selves.

Ethics matter

Because apparel and fashion mirror both the individual and society, representing our tastes, values, and aspirations, these brands are under unique pressures to make ethical choices. As such, the role and responsibility of global players to deliver on sustainability continues to grow in importance as consumers become more aware—faster than ever through the internet and social media—of both mishaps and new initiatives.

Whether the issue is authenticity, relevance, transparency, or sustainability, if there is anything apparel brands can do to elevate brand loyalty in 2013, it is this: be what you are, do what you say, and say what you do.

An emotional connection

Smart brands embrace digital platforms not merely to sell more products, but as a means to deepen brand relationships. Rather than using social media as a megaphone to blare out your own agenda, use it to listen to consumers and understand what matters most to them. Establishing and maintaining the emotional relationship between a brand and its consumers has always been a vital part of brand management. 

Due to the closeness consumers now feel with brands through TV commercials, ads, internet experiences, branded videos, and social media, this emotional connection is more important than ever. 

Just as Marshall McLuhan famously conveyed through his “the medium is the message” maxim, when it comes to shopping, the experience is an integral part of what we’re consuming. From a product’s form and design to its packaging, from the physical retail environment (or lack thereof) to the use of digital technologies to connect, inform, and inspire co-creation, we must always keep sight of the emotional relationships consumers have with a particular brand and consider how we can support, build on, and enrich that relationship.

Luxury Items I

In many ways, luxury brands express, by definition, the very notion of superior value. Whether their business model and brand paradigm is traditional luxury or meta-luxury, these global icons are best positioned to fulfill, or at least give voice to, people’s quest for unquestionable authenticity. Out there is a world of individuals wanting to escape hundreds of meaningless daily messages to engage with profound, masterful storytelling, in a way that is captivating and involving.

Cartier’s L’Odyssée short film, whose viewership has already exceeded the population of several EU states, is the quintessential example of what luxury brands can do to create relevance for new generations. Some of the most sophisticated social and digital strategies today come from brands such as Burberry. Luxury brands are uniquely positioned to combine engagement and effectiveness in messaging. Many are showing that they can use traditional channels to create mass desire while providing unique, one-of-a-kind customer journeys for high-net-worth individuals and ambassadors.