As the holiday season unfolds, discerning shoppers like Lauren Maginness in New York City are redefining their activewear choices. While Lululemon remains a favorite, Maginness has discovered economical alternatives, such as CRZ Yoga’s $32 high-waisted yoga pants from Amazon. This trend poses a formidable challenge to premium brands like Lululemon, Abercrombie & Fitch, Birkenstock, and Tom Ford.
CRZ Yoga, a brand gaining momentum, registers impressive monthly sales, averaging 88,633 pairs of leggings and generating approximately $2.84 million in revenue. The allure of lookalike products, coupled with consumer budget constraints due to inflation, is impacting the sales of upscale brands.
The widespread acceptance of «dupes,» particularly among the younger demographic, is evident on TikTok, where hashtag searches for replicas of major brands attract millions of views. Influencers leverage this trend to promote alternative products from retail giants like Walmart, Target, and Dossier.
While the market is inundated with lookalike products, quantifying the exact market share that «dupes» might capture from original products during this holiday season remains challenging. Beauty products, perfumes, and mid-tier clothing and footwear are identified as the most susceptible.
Despite the burgeoning popularity of «dupes,» it’s essential to acknowledge potential quality concerns. A survey reveals that 30 to 49% of online shoppers have expressed dissatisfaction with their purchases. Nevertheless, for a significant portion of consumers, the allure of affordability outweighs potential drawbacks.
Whether it’s the influence of fast fashion or the ease of finding and manufacturing replicas on platforms like Alibaba, «dupes» are reshaping consumer behavior. E-commerce giants like Amazon have emerged as hubs for these alternatives, enabling consumers to effortlessly compare prices.
Amid the ongoing debate over the impact of «dupes» on original brands, the holiday season is poised to witness a significant shift as consumers increasingly prioritize affordability without compromising on style.
