BFDI 073
Introduction to Fashion
IGNOU BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment July 2024 & Jan 2025
Part I
Q1- What is the role of sustainability, retail marketing and trend setting in the fashion business.
Ans. The fashion business is one of the most fast-changing and creative industries in the world. People love to wear stylish clothes and follow the latest trends.
But behind the beauty and glamour, fashion is also a big business that affects the environment, society, and economy.
Today, three important things are shaping the future of fashion: sustainability, retail marketing, and trend setting. Each of these plays a key role in how clothes are made, sold, and worn.
Sustainability in Fashion
Sustainability means taking care of nature and people while doing business. In the fashion world, it means making clothes in a way that does not harm the environment or exploit workers.
This is becoming more important because the fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters on Earth. Factories use a lot of water, energy, and chemicals.
Old clothes are thrown away in large amounts, and many workers in poor countries are underpaid or work in bad conditions.
That’s why many fashion brands are now moving towards sustainable fashion. They are using eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled fabrics.
Some companies are also making clothes that last longer, so people don’t throw them away quickly. BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Even fashion shows and packaging are becoming greener.
For example, popular brands like H&M and Zara have started special lines of clothing made from recycled materials.
Indian brands like B Label and No Nasties focus only on organic and ethical fashion. Also, many designers now create clothes that can be reused or recycled.
Sustainability is not just about saving the environment—it’s also about being fair to the people who make our clothes.
Brands that follow fair trade rules make sure their workers are paid fairly and work in safe places. BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Customers today want to know where their clothes come from and how they were made. This is why sustainability has become a big part of the fashion business.
Retail Marketing in Fashion
Retail marketing is how fashion brands and shops sell their products to customers.
It includes everything from how clothes are displayed in stores, to advertisements, offers, online shopping, and customer service. In short, retail marketing is how fashion reaches people.
With technology and smartphones, the way we shop has changed a lot. Earlier, people used to go to shops to buy clothes.
Now, many people shop online through websites and apps like Amazon, Myntra, or brand-specific apps. BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Retail marketing helps in making shopping easy and fun.
Brands use photos, videos, and catchy slogans to attract buyers. Influencers and celebrities are also used to promote clothes.
For example, when a famous actor wears a certain brand, many people want to buy the same thing. This is part of smart retail marketing.
Good retail marketing also means giving customers a good experience. Stores are now focusing on better lighting, trial rooms, and friendly staff.
Online, brands use filters, virtual try-ons, and easy return policies to keep customers happy. BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Big discounts during festivals or sales are also a part of retail marketing strategies.
Also, social media plays a big role in retail marketing. Fashion brands post regularly on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to stay connected with their audience.
They post behind-the-scenes videos, customer reviews, and styling tips. This helps in building trust and keeps the customer interested.
So, retail marketing is not just about selling clothes—it is about creating a connection between the brand and the customer.
The better the marketing, the more successful the brand.
Trend Setting in Fashion
Trend setting means creating or popularizing new styles, designs, or ideas in fashion.
Some people and brands become trendsetters when others follow their style. Trends guide what people wear and buy. BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Trends can come from many sources. Fashion designers, celebrities, influencers, movies, music videos, and even global events can start a new fashion trend.
For example, after the movie Dil Dhadakne Do, many people started wearing nautical prints.
During the pandemic, comfortable clothes like pajamas and loose t-shirts became a trend because people were staying home.
Trend setting is important because it helps fashion stay fresh and exciting.
Every season, designers launch new collections that reflect current trends—like pastel colors in summer or bold prints in winter.
People follow these trends to stay fashionable and feel confident.
Social media plays a huge role in setting trends. Instagram reels, YouTube fashion hauls, and TikTok videos make new styles go viral within days.
Influencers often get free clothes from brands to wear and promote. When people see someone stylish wearing a new outfit, they feel inspired to try it too.
Trend setting also helps fashion businesses plan what to make and sell.
If a certain color, fabric, or style becomes popular, shops stock more of it.
This increases sales and keeps the brand updated. Fast fashion brands like Zara and H&M are experts in quickly picking up trends and bringing new clothes to stores within weeks. BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
However, one downside is that fast trends can also lead to more waste. When people buy cheap trendy clothes and throw them away after a few uses, it harms the environment.
That’s why many people are now supporting slow fashion, which focuses on quality over quantity.
Q2- Write a short note on:
(a) Hyper Markets
Ans. A hypermarket is a very large shopping store that combines a supermarket and a department store in one big place.
It sells a wide variety of products under one roof.
You can find groceries, clothes, electronics, furniture, toys, beauty products, and even home appliances—all in the same store.
Hypermarkets are designed to give customers a one-stop shopping experience, so they don’t have to visit multiple stores for different things.
Hypermarkets are usually located in big cities or in the outskirts of towns where there is enough space to build large buildings and parking areas.
They are often part of shopping malls or large commercial areas. Some well-known examples of hypermarkets include Big Bazaar (India), Walmart (USA), Carrefour (France), and Tesco (UK). BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
One of the biggest advantages of hypermarkets is convenience. People can buy everything they need in one place, which saves time and effort.
For example, a family can do their monthly grocery shopping, buy school supplies for their children, pick up clothes, and even enjoy a meal—all in a single visit.
Hypermarkets also offer a wide variety of brands and products, so customers have more choices.
Another benefit is lower prices. Because hypermarkets buy goods in large quantities from suppliers, they often get big discounts.
These savings are passed on to the customers in the form of lower prices and attractive offers.
Special deals, seasonal sales, and combo packs make shopping more affordable for the average person.
However, there are also some disadvantages.
Local shopkeepers and small businesses often suffer because they cannot compete with the low prices and wide choices of hypermarkets.
Also, sometimes, shopping in such a large space can be tiring and confusing for some customers, especially the elderly or those not used to large stores.
(b) Role of fabric sourcing in fashion industry.
Ans. Fabric sourcing plays a very important role in the fashion industry.
It is the process of finding and buying the right materials (fabrics) that designers and manufacturers need to make clothes.
Without good fabrics, stylish or comfortable clothes cannot be made.
That’s why choosing the right fabric is one of the first and most important steps in creating any fashion product. BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Fabric sourcing affects everything in fashion—from design and cost to quality and sustainability.
Different fabrics have different textures, weights, colors, and behaviors.
For example, cotton is soft and breathable, perfect for summer wear. Wool is warm and used in winter clothes.
A designer must choose the correct fabric to make sure the final product looks and feels right.
A good fabric choice can make an outfit beautiful, while the wrong one can ruin it—even if the design is perfect.
Cost is another big factor in fabric sourcing. The type of fabric, its quality, and where it is sourced from can affect the total cost of the garment.
High-quality or rare fabrics may cost more, while local materials may be cheaper.
Fashion companies often compare prices from different suppliers to find the best deal without compromising on quality.
Sustainability is also becoming a key part of fabric sourcing.
With growing concern about the environment, many brands now choose organic, recycled, or eco-friendly fabrics.
Sustainable sourcing helps reduce pollution, saves water, and supports fair labor practices. BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Choosing the right fabric not only helps the planet but also improves the brand’s image among responsible customers.
Fabric sourcing also involves checking availability and delivery time.
If a brand wants to launch a new collection quickly, the fabric must be ready and delivered on time.
Delays in sourcing can slow down the entire production process.
Q3- Discuss organized and unorganized fashion retailing.
Ans. Fashion retailing is the process of selling clothes, accessories, and footwear to customers. It plays a very important role in the fashion industry.
In India and many other countries, fashion retailing is mainly divided into two types: organized retailing and unorganized retailing.
Both of these types are important in different ways and have their own advantages and challenges.
Let’s understand what these two terms mean and how they are different from each other. BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
What is Organized Fashion Retailing?
Organized fashion retailing refers to the part of the fashion market that is well-planned, professionally managed, and follows legal rules and systems.
These include big fashion brands, large retail chains, shopping malls, branded showrooms, and online fashion websites.
Some popular examples of organized fashion retailing in India are Pantaloons, Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop, Reliance Trends, Westside, Zara, H&M, and online platforms like Myntra, Ajio, and Amazon Fashion.
In organized retailing, everything is done in a proper way. Shops are registered with the government, and they pay taxes.
The business is managed by trained staff, and customers get bills for everything they buy.
The shops have modern infrastructure, changing rooms, air conditioning, attractive displays, and a wide variety of branded products.
Advantages of organized fashion retailing:
Professional Service: Customers get better service, with trained staff and helpful return/exchange policies.
Better Quality: Organized stores sell original, branded products that are usually of higher quality. BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Comfortable Shopping: These stores offer a clean and pleasant shopping experience.
Variety: Customers can find many styles, sizes, and brands under one roof.
Discounts and Offers: Organized retailers offer seasonal sales, loyalty programs, and discounts that attract shoppers.
However, there are some challenges too. Organized stores usually have higher prices than local shops.
Also, they are mostly located in cities or big towns, which means rural people may not have access to them easily.
What is Unorganized Fashion Retailing?
Unorganized fashion retailing refers to the part of the fashion market that is less structured and not professionally managed.
These include small local shops, street markets, roadside stalls, weekly markets, and small-scale sellers.
Many people in India still prefer buying clothes from unorganized retailers because of lower prices and easy availability.
Some common examples are the local tailor shop, the nearby clothing store, stalls in local bazaars, and vendors who sell clothes on footpaths or weekly haats.
These businesses may not have formal registration, and they usually do not issue bills. BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
They mostly run with the help of family members or a few workers.
Advantages of unorganized fashion retailing:
Affordable Prices: Clothes are usually cheaper, which is helpful for low and middle-income groups.
Easily Available: These shops are found in every small town and village, so people don’t have to travel far.
Personal Touch: Shopkeepers often know their customers personally and give customized service.
Local Taste: These sellers understand what people in the local area like, and they stock clothes accordingly.
Challenges in unorganized fashion retailing:
1. Lack of Quality Control: Since these are not branded clothes, the quality may not always be good.
2. No Return Policy: Once you buy something, you often can’t return or exchange it.
3. No Trial Rooms or Comfort: Most unorganized sellers do not provide dressing rooms or other modern shopping facilities.
4. Limited Variety: They may not have many sizes, styles, or choices compared to big stores.
Comparison Between Organized and Unorganized Fashion Retailing
| Feature | Organized Retail | Unorganized Retail |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Well-planned and legal | Informal and less structured |
| Prices | Usually higher | Generally lower |
| Variety | More options, more brands | Limited variety |
| Location | Mostly in cities, malls, and online | Found everywhere, even in small towns |
| Quality | Branded and good quality | Mixed or uncertain quality |
| Customer Experience | Modern, clean, and professional | Traditional and personal |
| Return Policy | Easy return and exchange | Usually no returns allowed |
Importance in the Indian Fashion Industry :
Both organized and unorganized fashion retailing play an important role in India’s fashion industry. Unorganized retail has been around for a long time.
It provides jobs to millions of people and helps small businesses grow.
It also serves the daily fashion needs of people in rural and semi-urban areas.
On the other hand, organized retail is growing fast due to urbanization, better income levels, digital shopping, and brand awareness.
Today, more people prefer shopping in malls or online because it saves time and gives them more choice. BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
However, unorganized sellers are also changing. Many small retailers are now learning to use digital payment systems, and some are also trying to sell online.
The gap between organized and unorganized retail is slowly becoming smaller.
IGNOU BFDI 073 Assignment Question 2024
Part II
Q4- Write a survey report (Approx 1000 words) on any one kids wear brand
Ans. Survey Report on Hopscotch: A Leading Kidswear Brand in India
1. Introduction
In recent years, the kidswear market in India has grown rapidly due to changing fashion trends, increasing awareness of quality among parents, and the rise of online shopping. BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Among many brands, Hopscotch has emerged as one of the most trusted and popular names for children’s clothing.
This survey report explores Hopscotch’s performance in the Indian market, focusing on customer preferences, product range, quality, pricing, marketing strategies, and areas for improvement.
2. Objectives of the Survey
- To understand customer satisfaction with Hopscotch’s product quality and pricing.
- To analyze the variety and design of clothing offered.
- To study the brand’s strengths and areas of improvement.
- To assess how the brand compares to other kidswear brands in the market.
3. Methodology
A survey was conducted online using Google Forms and through short interviews with parents of children aged 0–12 years.
100 respondents from urban and semi-urban areas of India participated in the survey. BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Additionally, brand reviews, social media presence, and website analysis were used to support the data.
4. About the Brand: Hopscotch
Hopscotch is an online-first kidswear brand founded in 2012. It focuses on trendy, stylish, and affordable clothing for children aged 0 to 14 years.
Hopscotch is known for offering unique collections, often inspired by international designs.
The brand operates mainly online through its website and app, as well as through partnerships with platforms like Amazon, FirstCry, and Flipkart.
5. Product Categories
Hopscotch offers a wide variety of kidswear items, including:
- Newborn essentials: Rompers, bodysuits, swaddles
- Casual wear: T-shirts, leggings, jeans, frocks, skirts
- Party wear: Gowns, tuxedos, suits
- Seasonal wear: Sweaters, jackets, raincoats
- Footwear and accessories: Shoes, socks, hairbands, bags
The brand also offers festive collections around Diwali, Christmas, and Eid, which are quite popular among customers.
6. Key Findings from the Survey
a. Product Quality and Fabric
- 78% of parents said the quality of clothes was very good.
- 16% rated it good, while 6% felt the quality could improve.
- Many parents appreciated the softness of fabric, especially for babies.
b. Design and Variety
- 85% of parents were happy with the fashion-forward and colorful designs.
- Hopscotch is popular for party wear; parents said their kids looked “stylish and confident” in those outfits.
- Respondents noted that the collection is often updated, offering new arrivals regularly. BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
c. Sizing and Fit
- 70% of parents said the clothes fit their children well.
- Some parents (especially of babies) felt that sizing guides could be clearer.
d. Price and Value for Money
- 60% believed prices were reasonable for the quality.
- 25% said it was a bit expensive, but worth it.
- The remaining 15% wanted more budget-friendly options for regular wear.
e. Shopping Experience
- 80% shopped from the Hopscotch website or app, while others used Flipkart, FirstCry, or Amazon.
- Most customers found the website easy to use and appreciated features like filters for age, occasion, and gender.
- Delivery service was rated good by 82% of users, with timely shipping and proper packaging.
f. Customer Service
- 68% had no complaints and found customer support helpful.
- A few customers faced issues with returns or exchange delays.
- Suggestions included adding live chat support and quicker return processes.
7. Marketing and Branding Strategy
Hopscotch markets itself as a trendy and fashionable brand for children. Its online ads often show kids in stylish outfits with catchy taglines like “India’s Most Stylish Kidswear Brand.” BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Marketing channels include:
- Social media ads (Instagram and Facebook)
- Email campaigns with deals and new arrivals
- Influencer partnerships (mom bloggers, parenting influencers)
- Festive campaigns to attract buyers during Diwali, Rakhi, and Eid
Hopscotch’s brand image is one of modern, fun, and affordable luxury for kids.
- Competitor Analysis
Hopscotch competes with both organized and unorganized brands. Major competitors include:
| Brand | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| FirstCry | Wide range, physical stores | Less trendy designs |
| Gini & Jony | Established brand, offline presence | Higher price range |
| Babyhug | Affordable basics | Not as stylish |
| H&M Kids | Trendy fashion, global designs | Expensive for average customers |
Hopscotch stands out with its combination of style and accessibility, making it attractive to middle-class parents who want fashionable outfits for their kids.
- Strengths of Hopscotch
- Trendy and updated fashion collections
- Easy online shopping experience
- Good quality fabric and stitching
- Fast-growing presence in tier-2 and tier-3 cities
- Affordable partywear options
- Regular discounts and offers BFDI 073 Free Solved Assignment 2024
10. Areas for Improvement
- Improve size accuracy, especially for infants
- Reduce product pricing for everyday wear
- Expand to offline stores for customers who prefer in-person shopping
- Faster return/exchange processing
- Add more inclusive and gender-neutral clothing options
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