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Wanted: new skills for a new garment industry- (6th January 2009)
The global garment industry is changing quickly and radically, with the worldwide recession exacerbating this change. Old jobs are disappearing and new ones emerging. But, as David Birnbaum points out, the new jobs are invariably on the supplier side and they not only require the right skills but also the right people.
COMMENT: What are the great apparel industry issues for 2009?- (23rd December 2008)
Amid the welter of articles looking ahead at trade and business prospects for 2009, three issues dominate the apparel industry. Will anyone stop the slowdown in Western clothing markets? Will the collapse of input prices mean cheaper clothes? And what about US and EU protectionism? Mike Flanagan wonders just how important they really are.
Christmas promises little festive cheer for apparel retailers- (19th December 2008)
The week ahead will find US retailers at the eye of the Christmas trading storm, with seven out of the ten top grossing days of the holiday season all occurring in the eight-day period from 19-26 December. Richard Woodard looks at what lies in store.
COMMENT: Has the supply chain reached the end of the road?- (16th December 2008)
The purpose of supply chain management is to deliver a product in the shortest period of time and at the lowest cost. In reality, however, it substantially increases both delivery time and product costs, says David Birnbaum, because the supply chain concept is deeply flawed. Here he proposes a new approach to garment sourcing.
Latvian makers struggle amidst economic downturn- (12th December 2008)
Latvia’s textile and clothing industry has been hit hard by the recent reversal of the country’s economic fortunes, as competitors in this labour intensive sector either close down or move production to cheaper locations. Monika Hanley reports from Riga.
Outsize clothing an expanding market- (8th December 2008)
Clothing that is specially made for petite, plus-sized and tall customers is one of the most dynamic segments of today’s apparel market, according to a new report from just-style. As such, it offers significant profit potential to manufacturers and marketers who can tailor their products to fit this outsize niche.
US: Retailers' November 2008 sales roundup- (4th December 2008)
The following is a general roundup of US apparel and shoe chains' November 2008 sales results. The list will be updated as new results become available.
COMMENT: Apparel sourcing shifts likely to be short-lived- (2nd December 2008)
Apparel makers around the world are profiting from the rising value of the Chinese currency. But this outbreak of optimism is totally misplaced believes Mike Flanagan, who says any shift in orders away from China is likely to be short-lived.
In the money: Retailers pin hopes on Black Friday- (28th November 2008)
The Black Friday shopping bonanza sets a precedent for holiday season sales in the US. But rarely has it been more important to fashion retailers as many try to manoeuvre their way out of the red after an all-round colourful third quarter. Joe Ayling reports.
Will ethical trade be a casualty of the credit crunch?- (25th November 2008)
The last decade was marked by huge gains in ethical trade and consumerism, as many retailers and brands put worker welfare at the heart of their global supply chains. But was this just a luxury of a booming economy? With the business agenda resetting, recession looming, and many firms fighting for survival, the challenge now is to make sure social responsibility isn’t just a matter of financial convenience. Leonie Barrie reports.
