Mark Brett, UK agent for costume and accessories company Boland Party, shares his thoughts on the hen and stag party market in 2019.
How important is the hen and stag market to the party industry?
“While I think it is predominantly the hen market that generates the real numbers, there is a belief that stags are starting to wake up (which may come as some surprise to some hens!). One customer said to me the other day that while the stags don’t mind spending the money, the hens were more circumspect. It is an important market for us in so far as that it is virtually year round. The difficulty is that if you have a large group come in then it can be difficualt having enough stock of the theme they decide upon.”
What’s new in the hen and stag market for 2019?
“I am not sure there is any one theme. The only feedback I get is that at the moment, most have moved on from lude and crude and into more sophisticated areas. I think most stags don’t know what any of that means apart from perhaps crude!”
What’s new for the hen and stag market for 2019?
“The Hawaiian sector can be strong for both hen and stags – more to the point they will wear the same stuff, so that’s even better! Our new deluxe petticoats are proving to be a very strong items for hens and while a well-established item our foldable wings are a great product too. The stripper set and stripper pants are a good cheap option for stags – they are crude but fun!”
Any advice for retailers looking to update their hen and stag offering?
“Social media can be a leader on this and it’s important to check out what is happening out there, particularly for the hens. The stags generally don’t have a clue and are much more happy to be led.”
