Latest apparel and textile analysis

Some 190 companies have now signed the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh following the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory building in Dhaka, which killed more than 1,100 people in 2013.

NRF 2015: Consumer engagement a new challenge for retailers 14 Jan 2015

The growth of e-commerce and m-commerce is on the rise but retailers still need to do more to better meet consumer expectations online, according to experts at Retail's 'Big Show', the National Retail Federation's 104th Annual Convention & Expo that took place in New York this week.

Myanmar garment sector experiencing rapid growth 13 Jan 2015

Myanmar's garment sector is in the midst of significant growth and exciting changes - and a brand new and exclusive report produced by the Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association (MGMA) offers essential reading for retailers, brands and importers looking to source from the country.

Asos trading update: What the analysts say 13 Jan 2015

Asos this morning (13 January) revealed an “encouraging” December trading statement in line with analyst expectations, demonstrating progress for the UK online fashion retailer. Analysts offered an upbeat review of the results.

US apparel imports fall from eight of top-ten suppliers 9 Jan 2015

With most holiday merchandise brought into the US early as retailers rushed to beat a possible shutdown of West Coast ports, it is perhaps not surprising that apparel imports fell in November. But with shipments plunging from eight of the top-ten suppliers, Vietnam alone was the stand-out performer during the month.

US apparel retailers' December 2014 sales roundup 9 Jan 2015

Deep discounts, lower fuel prices and an improved employment market all helped to drive better-than-expected comparable store sales gains for US apparel retailers in the crucial month of December.

Marks & Spencer trading update: What the analysts say 8 Jan 2015

Michael Jaenecke and Niki Tait

Marks & Spencer this morning (8 January) revealed a "difficult quarter" for general merchandise, with sales down 5.4% and like-for-like sales down 5.8%. One analyst believes that while M&S's strategy of becoming more fashion focused is generally sound, it still has some way to go before it fully wins the confidence of consumers. Here are analysts' views of today's results.

Texprocess: 3D CAD and Product Lifecycle Management 6 Jan 2015

3D CAD and Product Lifecycle Management are two technologies revolutionising the clothing industry. And vendors of these systems are among lining up for this year's Texprocess trade fair to help apparel retailers, brands and manufacturers navigate a range of industry challenges, including faster time-to-market and improved productivity.

Better Work Bangladesh to begin in earnest next year 23 Dec 2014

The Better Work Bangladesh initiative is due to "get going in earnest next year" as part of wider efforts to improve working conditions in the country's ready-made garment industry.

Top ten interviews on just-style in 2014... 23 Dec 2014

Among the industry executives who spoke with just-style this year were William E Connor, chairman and CEO of William E Connor & Associates; Crystal Group's CEO Andrew Lo; Helena Helmersson, head of sustainability for H&M; and Seth Ellison, Levis Strauss & Co's president for Europe.

Who has pledged to ban the use of angora? 23 Dec 2014

More than 60 brands and retailers have committed to end the use of angora in their future clothing and accessories collections, following ongoing pressure from animal rights group PETA.

Reliance-Shandong Ruyi alliance may inspire other deals 22 Dec 2014

Raghavendra Verma

The newly announced textile joint venture between India's Reliance Industries and China's Shandong Ruyi Science & Technology Group could inspire many more such deals, shifting textile and clothing production bases from China to India, experts have told just-style.

Nike sees "tremendous energy" in women's apparel 22 Dec 2014

Sporting giant Nike has homed in on the "tremendous energy" in women's apparel and believes there is a significant opportunity for the company to grow this business further globally.

Bangladesh: The road ahead on remediation 19 Dec 2014

As safety improvements at Bangladesh garment factories move from inspections to remediation, stakeholders warn the hard work is just beginning. Access to low-cost finance is one of the main challenges facing firms going forward, but so too is a shift in mindset - with a greater focus on worker training seen as key to creating lasting change.

Vietnam garment factories face fire safety challenge 18 Dec 2014

Richard Woodard

Blocked fire exits and a lack of proper equipment and training highlight a “persistently high” level of non-compliance with fire safety standards in Vietnam garment factories, says a new report.

Top company strategic reviews of 2014 17 Dec 2014

Macro factors, particularly in the US and Europe, have created a somewhat challenging environment for retailers in 2014. Many succumbed to heavy promotional activity in order to keep sales up. Subsequently, however, margins and earnings were hit. As a result, a large number of firms were forced to carry out strategic reviews on their business operations in order to turn their businesses around. Here are some of those that just-style has reported on this year.

Bangladesh: The business benefits of compliance 16 Dec 2014

Will efforts to improve fire, building and worker safety in Bangladesh's apparel industry translate into more business - and higher prices? While a major discussion point for ready-made garment exporters at the recent Dhaka Apparel Summit, retailers and brands prefer to focus instead on the business benefits of a compliant supply chain.

Bangladesh: Raising the bar on apparel exports? 15 Dec 2014

The Bangladesh ready-made garment industry has set out an ambitious goal to double its exports to $50bn over the next seven years as it works to rebuild its reputation in the wake of recent tragedies. But while the plans are big in scope they are also short on detail, and executives at last week's inaugural Dhaka Apparel Summit suggest massive challenges still remain if the country is to reach its goal.

IN THE MONEY: Lululemon confident of turning a corner 12 Dec 2014

Canadian yoga wear brand Lululemon Athletica says it has turned an important corner and will be relentless about accelerating forward, after revealing third-quarter earnings that beat expectations.

Bangladesh falls further as US apparel imports grow 10 Dec 2014