Latest analysis for today's apparel and textile industry

Bolland defends M&S's clothing performance

By: Petah Marian | 22 May 2012

Marks & Spencer CEO Marc Bolland moved to defend the retailer's clothing performance today (22 May) after full-year sales rose by just 0.2%.

The verdict from the City: M&S's annual results

By: Dean Best | 22 May 2012

Marks & Spencer, often seen as a barometer for wider trading conditions in the retail sector in the UK, today (22 May) reported mixed annual results. Sales and gross margin from food was higher but challenges remain elsewhere in the business - including women's wear. The retailer also cut the top end of its group sales forecasts.

Outlook bright as Gap hails product progress

By: Leonie Barrie | 21 May 2012

One of the bright spots - quite literally - in the first three months of Gap Inc's new financial year has been the success of its spring collection, which helped lift sales by 6% and prompted CEO Glenn Murphy to say the firm now has a "small win" to celebrate.

just-style’s research roundup

By: Liz Hague | 21 May 2012

Highlights from just-style's research store this week include a look at specialist retailers in Brazil, a global industry guide to footwear, and a report on the prospects for the textile and clothing industry in Indonesia.

Reshoring a key talking point at Texprocess Americas

By: John Winston | 18 May 2012

One of the hot conversation topics at the recent Texprocess Americas show in Atlanta, in addition to the technological advances on the floor, was the prospect of at least some sewing operations returning to the western hemisphere.

just-style's research roundup

By: Liz Hague | 14 May 2012

Featured research on just-style this week includes prospects for the textile and clothing industry in Indonesia, a report on trends in US textile and clothing imports, and a look at specialist apparel retailers in Sweden.

George dials up fashion credentials with shorter lead times

By: Petah Marian | 11 May 2012

Supermarket fashion brand George at Asda, a unit of retail giant Wal-Mart Stores, is working to "dial up" its fashion credentials this year with shorter lead times on fast fashion following its acquisition of the sourcing arm of its Turkish supplier GAAT.

Weather forecasts offer brighter outlook for retailers

By: Katie Smith | 10 May 2012

The wettest April on record in the UK meant last month was a washout for retailers - but contrasts with an unexpectedly warm March that saw shoppers flock to the stores to buy items like summer clothes. With the weather changing every day, forecasting upcoming trends is as important for the apparel and footwear industry as any other. Katie Smith reports.

Hikes in raw materials prices hit US and EU imports

By: Textiles Intelligence | 8 May 2012

US and EU textile and clothing import prices rose sharply in 2011 reflecting hikes in raw material prices, new research shows.

Mexico clawing back role as key US clothing supplier

By: Jonathan Dyson | 8 May 2012

Signs are emerging that Mexico's textile and apparel industry is reclaiming a growing proportion of the US market as it benefits from an increasing focus on higher-value products and greater diversification.