- Exclusive management briefings
At just-style.com, we give our members an exclusive portfolio of research reports worth more than 20 times the membership fee. Covering key topics in the apparel and textile industry, we have lined up a fantastic portfolio of titles and authors to ensure you stay informed and that your membership offers the best possible value for your budget.
Got a question? Why not check our FAQ section, your question may have been answered already.
- Search the exclusive management briefing topics
November
management briefing
The role of multi-stakeholder initiatives in improving labour standards
Mounting concern over working conditions in the clothing supply chain in the 1990s spawned the creation of four initiatives, all of which sought to tackle the problem through a joint approach involving industry, NGOs and trade unions. All four organisations – the Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI) in the UK, the Fair Wear Foundation in the Netherlands, and the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and Social Accountability International (SAI) in the US – have played an important role in raising the profile of ethical concerns in supply chains and improving working conditions. This month's briefing looks at the work of the various multi-stakeholder initiatives, their impact on labour standards over the past decade, the advantages and challenges the tripartite approach presents and its effectiveness in tackling ethical issues in business.
October
management briefing
just-style’s sector research review
In this, the second edition of our now annual sector research review, we round up some findings from some of just-style’s recently published market sector research reports. All three featured reports are first editions for just-style and represent the expansion of our growing portfolio. We felt that future insights into the apparel industry, online apparel retailing and counterfeiting were all topics that needed covering – reflecting we hope, some of the hottest topics under consideration by the global apparel industry.
September
management briefing
Fairtrade cotton
The ethical trade movement has come a long way since the launch of the Max Havelaar certification mark in the Netherlands in 1988. Having been founded by activists, the movement can no longer be defined merely as a campaign. Ethical trade has evolved constantly during the past 20 years but while it has arguably grown beyond many participants’ most optimistic hopes, there is no feeling on the part of strategists of the concept having ‘arrived’.This briefing looks at how Fairtrade cotton is developing as a category, reports on recent notable events and examines the challenges and opportunities this product area presents, while also looking at some of the broader issues facing the ethical goods market in general.
August
management briefing
Product lifecycle management software: Make-or-break IT investment for apparel firms?
The fast-fashion revolution is changing the face of the global apparel industry, which is struggling to meet the demands of an increasingly fickle clothing consumer. Retailers are under growing pressure to deliver ten fashion collections a year (up from the traditional four) to cater to shoppers with short attention spans while rising manufacturing costs and falling point of sale (POS) prices are squeezing margins. One technology that everyone agrees will become a make-or-break investment is product lifecycle management (PLM) software, which helps manufacturers shorten product lifecycle times by at least half to boost efficiencies in the supply chain. This month's briefing takes a look at this technology and the market - which could grow up to 40% annually by 2014.
July
management briefing
Apparel counterfeiting in China
As China readies itself for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, its government has been cracking down on local vices to project the best image of China to the world’s TV crews who will be wandering Beijing’s streets in August. Those caught up in the clean-up include the hawkers who have been used to haranguing tourists with carry bags of counterfeit t-shirts, CDs and watches. But while this obvious example of clothing counterfeiting is now hard to spot, the business of faking clothing brands in China is alive and well, albeit currently indoors, in well-run and air-conditioned properties within Beijing’s most respectable business districts. just-style here investigates the continuing problem of China’s vast clothing counterfeiting networks. And we ask whether China’s development of its own brands will eventually create enough political and economic pressure on the counterfeiters to force them out of business.
June
management briefing
Global market review of performance apparel - forecasts to 2012
This month, we are offering our subscribers the opportunity to sample another of just-style’s global market research reports: the 2006 edition of our Global market review of performance apparel – forecasts to 2012. The new edition has just been published and is in our research store (click here). If you are interested in the new edition, feel free to drop Kathryn an email at kathryn.wedgbury@just-style.com
May
management briefing
Middle East denim market review
This briefing looks at the denim sector in the Middle East - a market that is as diverse as it is fragmented. The sector has developed significantly over the past decade as denim wear, and jeans in particular, have become as much a part of people's wardrobe as in Europe or the Americas. Driving consumer habits towards buying denim has been the rise of advertising and pan-Arab media in the region, which has increased the exposure of consumers to western fashion trends. Denim sales have also been fuelled by recent significant changes to the Middle East retail sector, with malls springing up throughout the region and multinational retailers moving in to establish a presence in both its emerging and wealthy markets.
April
management briefing
Impact of regional trade deals on clothing and textile sector – a global assessment
With the World Trade Organization's Doha Development Round being slow to proceed since its 2001 launch, free traders wanting to encourage global commerce have looked to bilateral and regional trade deals - the US being particularly keen to secure agreements with key trading partners. So just how have these deals impacted on the clothing and textile sector around the world? This briefing looks to find out. We focus on each of the key regions of the globe - The US, Latin America, The European Union, Russia, South Korea, The Middle East, South Africa and Japan, ASEAN and China.
March
management briefing
The great apparel sourcing issues of 2008 – and how to deal with them
By 2007, the overwhelming majority of apparel buyers and sellers had adjusted themselves to a world in which virtually all clothes sold in affluent countries were assembled in poorer countries. The relocation of manufacture had brought prices down over the previous 15 years and restrictions and taxes on international trade were generally headed for extinction. However, subtle differences between the ways each exporting country is treated has made understanding trade restrictions increasingly difficult. This briefing reviews apparel trade over the last 12 months and looks at how to deal with the major sourcing issues in 2008.
February
management briefing
The Bulgarian clothing industry – one year on from accession
The textile and apparel industry is not only one of the most important industries in Bulgaria; it is also one of the most important textile and clothing industries within Europe. Prior to Bulgaria joining the European Union in January last year, the country as a whole and the textile and clothing industry were both very upbeat. This briefing looks at the changes to the clothing industry a year after Bulgaria joined the EU, comparing the situation immediately before and after this event, providing case studies of clothing producers such as Fantasia and Kriss, and sharing views and experiences of BGate exhibitors.
January
management briefing
Apparel industry issues to watch in 2008
In the first briefing of the year we highlight some of the key issues likely to dominate the apparel sector in 2008, such as what could happen when restrictions on imports of Chinese textile and apparel products into the US expire on 31 December 2008 - perhaps the biggest issue facing US-based retailers and importers this year. The briefing also discusses whether Vietnam import monitoring will lead to anti-dumping duties, and if Chinese product safety concerns can be averted. Environmental concerns are also addressed, along with a look at what rising input costs mean for suppliers and buyers.
December
management briefing
just-style’s review of the apparel industry in 2007
As the calendar year draws to a close, it's clear that 2007 has been a busy one for the industry. Judging by just-style's news and analysis over the past year, business in the apparel and footwear sector is more dynamic than ever. The last 11 months have thrown up some intriguing news stories - from the ongoing takeover dispute at Genesco to an audacious bid by Nike to prise the German football kit sponsorship from the home-bred Adidas Group. In this month's briefing, news editor Joe Ayling offers a month-by-month round up of the year's key industry happenings, from January through to November.
November
management briefing
Perspectives on the ethical sourcing debate in the clothing industry
Adopting and projecting a more socially responsible outlook is important for every industry, but there can be few that have felt the heightened importance now being given to the area of corporate social responsibility (CSR) more acutely than the clothing sector. This briefing gathers perspectives from key stakeholders on the major initiatives that have been set up to promote buying practices that encourage fair employment, how companies are responding to heightened public opinion over ethical sourcing, and the scale of the challenges ahead.
October
management briefing
Fashion houses seek fortunes in luxury boom
This month’s briefing looks at the global luxury apparel industry, which is set to boom as a growing number of wealthy shoppers, notably in the emerging markets, fuel demand for fine apparel. As the industry develops, observers expect demand for super-luxury and ecologically-friendly brands to rise as jet-set fashionistas demand more distinguished and trendy garments. The sector’s exciting growth rates come as a string of high-end fashion houses, including Prada and Versace, are preparing initial public offerings to fund big incursions into the burgeoning markets. This move is set to generate strong interest as investors seek profits from the luxury industry’s promising outlook.
September management briefing
just-style’s sector research review
This month's briefing takes the form of the first just-style sector research review. We round up some findings from each of our recently published market sector research reports. As well as providing you with some valuable research findings, we felt it would be an ideal platform to show off what we've been busily building up over the last few years - our growing portfolio of research reports. This overview includes extracts from our latest global market reviews of outsize clothing, swimwear, discount apparel and children's wear respectively.
August
management briefing
Where’s the next apparel sourcing Shangri-la?
The world apparel industry has seen remarkable changes in the past 15 years. Buyers in rich countries now find a cheap source of production, immediately start looking for a cheaper one, and will continuously look for somewhere cheaper still or a 'new sourcing hotspot'. For this month's briefing, Clothesource spell out the key factors in apparel sourcing by mid-2007, including where apparel is sold and where it is made; the main effects on production centres; the invisible changes in the industry; the right questions to ask for ethical sourcing; where the next interesting sourcing ideas are likely to originate from; and how the complexity of data around the apparel industry can be simplified.
July
management briefing
just-style’s technology roundtable
One of the biggest make-or-break areas of apparel manufacturing and retailing is technology. It is the backbone of any successful organisation and provides the means of executing every aspect of a brand promise. Without technology, a company, be it a retailer, manufacturer or vendor, cannot get the right product to the right place at the right time, every time its customer wants or needs it. In this month's briefing, just-style asks top apparel technology analysts and researchers for their insights into what today's companies still need to know in order to run their companies more effectively and efficiently through technology. Their global perspectives will shed light on where your organisation needs to be right now in terms of solutions, and if you are not already there, what steps you should take moving forward.
June
management briefing
Global market review of the denim and jeanswear industries – forecasts to 2012
This month, we thought we’d offer our subscribers the opportunity to sample one of just-style’s global market research reports: the 2005 edition of our Global market review of the denim and jeanswear industries – forecasts to 2012. This takes the place of a management briefing. Currently priced at £597, we hope you find it interesting and informative. If you like what you read and would like to find out more about just-style’s latest reports, feel free to drop Kathryn an email at kathryn.wedgbury@just-style.com
May
management briefing
The apparel industry’s top seven mega-trends
Fads come and go, particularly in the fashion world. Often, behind those blips in consumer preferences, we see deeper, more impactful undercurrents that signal larger changes in direction in the market. Last year, just-style highlighted seven overriding trends that are causing savvy analysts, retailers and manufacturers to take pause. This month's briefing reviews those trends and the impact they have today, whilst taking a fresh look at upcoming market influences. This includes seven new trends which are expected to play a major role in how consumers behave and how brands, retailers and manufacturers respond.
April
management briefing
Micromerchandising: The next generation
Since its infancy, the aim of micromerchandising has been to determine the breadth and range of products and stocking levels for garments at particular stores for a retailer. Retailers must determine the optimal way to pair product with stores in order to maximise profits, minimise costs and eliminate waste, all while giving consumers the best possible shopping experience. Driving financial performance requires smart and effective planning and execution, whereas poor merchandising can cause a variety of problems for retailers and brands. This is one of the key concerns that micromerchandising solutions address. This review provides an introduction to micromerchandising, how apparel companies can benefit (and the hurdles they may face) and what’s in store for the future.
March
management briefing
The potential for Ethiopia’s textile and garment industry - Management Briefing
Clothing and textiles is a totally global industry, with multinational companies continuously searching the world for new sources of supply. It seems strange, therefore, that Ethiopia has been almost completely overlooked, even though its textile and clothing industries are ripe for development and the Ethiopian government is desperate to encourage investment and export growth in this industry – which is still in its infancy, but has enormous export potential. It has indigenous raw cotton and the potential to produce other natural fibres plus an integrated textile supply chain, albeit in need of modernisation and expansion. This month’s briefing offers an overview of the industry in Ethiopia, including an outline and history, SWOT analysis, the domestic and export market, machinery and equipment, expansion plans, foreign investment and examples of local manufacturing and sourcing companies.
February
management briefing
Indonesia’s textile and clothing industry
This month's briefing profiles Indonesia's textile and clothing industry. Over the last three decades, the Indonesian garment industry has grown from a small sector to a major contributor to the country's total industrial revenue. Not surprisingly, the country's Ministry of Industry has categorised textiles and clothing as a "strategic industrial sector". In 2005, the sector was the country's biggest net exporter with a surplus of around US$7bn. This briefing provides an overview of this mature and fairly stable industry; including the economy, development of the industry, a closer look at the strong man-made fibre industry, foreign trade, leading companies, SWOT analysis, 2010 targets and prospects for the industry.
January
management briefing
20 apparel industry issues to watch in 2007 - Management Briefing (Download)
Despite the promise of free trade after the abolition of quotas in December 2004, international trade issues and restrictions are still dominating the apparel sourcing agenda in 2007. This month’s briefing brings together the thoughts and comments of leading industry observers, highlighting the 20 key issues that are likely to dominate the apparel sector in 2007. For manufacturers, retailers and importers tasked with sourcing apparel from around the globe, being aware of these hot topics helps just as much with forward planning and strategic direction as does knowing the answers. EU trade defence mechanisms, green and ethical sourcing, supply-chain efficiency, brand protection, RFID implementation and customisation are amongst the issues discussed.
December
management briefing
just-styles' review of the apparel industry in 2006 - Management briefing
This briefing provides a month-by-month rundown of the most memorable and important events of the apparel, textile and footwear sector during 2006, reported by just-style, as they happened. A lot can happen in a year in the fast paced style sector including Chinas' continued dominance of the manufacturing and export markets, notable mergers and restructuring, and the ongoing struggle with counterfeiting. And, as usual, there’s been the fair share of eyebrow-raisers: Adidas forcing skiers to wear another countrys' team colours, pants which claim to wave goodbye to “builders’ bum”, a shopper suing for injury from a JC Penney dummy and Nike lauding the seizure of US$16m worth of fake Nikes only to be sued for stealing a council logo just days later.
November
management briefing
RFID technology review
RFID – Radio Frequency IDentification – technology has been around for decades, but within the apparel industry, we are only beginning to see the potential effects for implementation. Across major industries, including apparel, significant impacts on supply chains are expected in the next five to ten years. While implementation will progress over the next decade, several “thought leaders” have already piloted programs to gain thorough, first-hand insights into the opportunities, the challenges and real benefits of RFID. This briefing outlines these benefits, the main issues and concerns, the thought leaders changing the apparel landscape and what’s in store for the future.
October
management briefing
The apparel industry’s top seven mega-trends
While the day-to-day life of an apparel executive remains unpredictable, there are several overriding trends that you can be certain will impact your world on a large scale. This briefing highlights seven industry-wide factors that are likely to change the way apparel does business over the course of the next few years, and which also gives you some strategies for jumping on the bandwagon while the opportunities still exist.
September
management briefing
Profile of the Lithuanian clothing industry
This month’s briefing profiles the up-and-coming Lithuanian market. Textiles and clothing constitute one of Lithuania’s most important industries. The industry has prospered since the country’s independence in 1991 and is a major contributor to textile and clothing exports - worth more than LTL3bn (EUR900m) in 2005. The Lithuanian Apparel and Textile Industry Association has drawn up a national strategy for the industry to work towards - its objective being “to make Lithuania the best supplier of women’s woven outerwear in Europe by the year 2010.” This report offers an overview of the clothing industry and its background, the markets strengths and weaknesses and what improvements have to be made in order to achieve this objective. We also profile 10 Lithuanian clothing companies.
August
management briefing
Global market review of discount apparel retailing – forecasts to 2010
This month, we thought we’d offer our subscribers the opportunity to sample one of just-style’s global market research reports: the 2005 edition of our Global market review of discount apparel retailing – forecasts to 2010. This takes the place of a management briefing. Currently priced at £477, we hope you find it interesting and informative. If you like what you read and would like to find out more about just-style’s latest reports, feel free to drop Kathryn an email at kathryn.wedgbury@just-style.com
July
management briefing
IMB 2006: the latest advances in sewn product technology
As the leading international trade fair for the sector, IMB has a long heritage as a breeding ground for innovations and ideas. As a show for the technology of making up sewn products, today its scope is internationally unparalleled in its breadth and depth, both of exhibits and visitors. Held in Cologne, Germany on May 10-13 2006, IMB certainly retained its reputation as the show that exhibited the higher-quality, more advanced technology, greater innovation and a much wider spectrum of the industry. This month’s briefing offers a review of this years exhibition.
June
management briefing
Trends in online apparel retailing
Internet sales have undoubtedly grown at a tremendous rate in the last five years. In spite of the continued reluctance by some retailers to separate out or release their sales by channel, namely high street, out-of-town, catalogues and internet, a consensus has developed of the size of the UK internet market, and the share of fashion within it. By the end of 2006, e-tailing will be worth GBP26bn and will be 10% of total retail. UK e-tailing in total is estimated to be running at a monthly rate which is now in excess of GBP2bn each month.
May
management briefing
China’s market for clothing and footwear – forecasts to 2012
This report covers the market for clothing and footwear in China for the period 2000 to 2005, with forecasts from 2006 to 2012. During the last 25 years, China’s economy has changed from being a centrally planned system that was largely closed to international trade to a more market-oriented economy that has a rapidly growing private sector and is a major player in the global economy. China of course has had a huge clothing and footwear industry for many years. Today China still has a major silk industry. It also is a major manufacturer of all forms of textiles which are exported in large quantities either in the form of finished products or as lengths of materials to be made up in other countries.
April
management briefing
Purchasing trends in the fashion industry
One fundamental that no-one can ever afford to neglect is the blindingly obvious; get the product right and it will sell. This management briefing looks at: offered product and Own label retailing, cost purchasing trends, purchasing on time, today’s purchasing management mantras and tomorrow’s purchasing trends. The final chapter looks at how purchasing has changed and will change to minimise supply chain risks.
March
management briefing
Brazil’s textile and clothing industry
Brazil is currently the world’s second largest denim fabric producer, third largest knitted fabrics producer and fifth largest apparel producer. Highlighted in this briefing are the major issues facing the Brazilian textile market including the evolution of Brazil’s textile and garment trade balance, the hidden export potential of Brazil’s fashion industry, Brazil’s China policy and Brazil’s future role in the global fashion business.
February
management briefing
Turkey: The prospects for technical textiles
Based on three recent just-style visits to Turkey in late 2005 and early 2006 and an extensive number of interviews conducted with Turkish industrialists and trade staff, this briefing presents an overview of the existing “traditional textiles” sector and the potential for technical textiles growth within Turkey. For the purpose of this briefing technical textiles are defined as “advanced flexible materials” for which the technical performance and physical properties are more important than features such as colour and pattern. As the traditional textiles sector in Turkey has matured and is seeing increasing competition from other lower-cost countries, many are turning to innovation in Turkey to keep driving the industry. According to Ahmet Temiroglu, president of the Turkish Textile Dyeing and Finishing Industries’ Association, rather than compete with Chinese processors Turkey must produce more sophisticated products rather than basic products. Read the full story of Turkey's textiles industry prospects here.
January
management briefing
Apparel sourcing in 2006: what can be learnt from events in 2005?
Roll the clock back one year to the end of 2004, and what were the key issues dominating the headlines? The abolition of quotas, protective measures (safeguards and anti-dumping measures), the trade relationships between the US and China, and the EU and China? These are all reflected on in this month's management briefing, and the implications from these issues for 2006 are discussed. The underlying message of this briefing is to expect change to continue to be a feature of the apparel sourcing environment.
December
management briefing
Competing in the post-Wal-Mart world
Over the last 20 years, rapid growth - backed by innovative technologies - has allowed Wal-Mart to become the world’s largest retailer, with 5,700 stores and warehouses in a dozen different countries. Globally, the company revenues topped US$285bn in 2005 and generated more sales in one year than its next four competitors combined. Wal-Mart has redefined the way most apparel retailers and manufacturers have done business, particularly with regard to technology. Making operations more efficient with its 21,000 suppliers, the retailer raised the bar for the industry. This briefing helps to define post Wal-Mart retailing – how to compete, the good and bad competitors and self-preservation strategies for the smaller retail players.
November
management briefing
Smart and interactive apparel textiles
Despite considerable publicity and many years of research and development, to date, very few "wearable electronic" smart textile products have been successfully commercialised in any volume on a global basis. This is due to the fact that the developers of smart textiles technology have mostly been either US academic institutions, focusing on the unique requirements of the US military, or electronics/chip companies, who have not understood the very different approaches to product development, planning horizons, user needs, etc of the textiles industry. As a result, new product development is generally not market driven.
October
management briefing
New innovations in fibres and fabrics
Thanks to technology, creative applications and high consumer expectations, the percentage of clothing on the market with performance attributes is set to increase from 25% to 50% over the next few years. With increasing amounts of information available, consumers are more knowledgeable about, and more interested in, fabric technology and performance benefits than ever before. Style and comfort will no longer be sacrificed for function, nor are consumers willing to trade one feature for another - fibres and fabrics must do it all. Beyond consumer pressures, resource is of major concern for textile producers - experts say that within the next century we may run out of oil and other non-renewable resources. This month’s briefing offers some of the most important innovations in a variety of categories from smart and intelligent textiles to recreational and sports performance offerings. We also pin-point future products, concerns and expectations for this growing sector.
September
management briefing
Apparel manufacturing technology
The manufacturing of apparel has always been a labour intensive activity. As the making of clothing developed into an industry and the concepts of work-study were applied to the sewing process, the differences between a basic and a “skilled and motivated” sewing machinist were quantified. This month’s briefing takes a reflective look at the effects of manufacturing technology on the apparel industry in the past three decades, speculating what technology will do to this global manufacturing activity in the next 25 years. The study discusses what lessons can be learned from the past, including apparel manufacturing techniques and de-massification. The effect of the textile quota abolition is also considered. So what do these lessons mean for the future? We look at sewing scale, time and flexibility and the financial and technological effect. It looks like the era of supply driven developments is well and truly over and, for the next decade at least, the demands of the market will determine what technology is asked to provide.
August
management briefing
India apparel industry review – Looking ahead
India is one of the world’s oldest major textile exporters and was once by far the largest. However, when quota-restrictions slammed shut the gates to free trade, the country’s exports were accordingly channelled and fragmented. Preferential trade arrangements placed further constraints, as both the US and the EU provided duty-free and quota-free access to selected countries. As a result, India now has just over 3% of the global trade in apparel – but despite its low share, it still remains among the Top 10 exporters of textiles and clothing in the world. This month's briefing aims to present a general guide to the industry in India, including its scope, skills and recent developments. The study also looks at investments by the industry and government support whilst discussing any potential pitfalls that buyers should watch out for. After the removal of quotas, India is now expected to grow its share of the global marketplace but does it have the stamina to catch up with China?
July
management briefing
An overview of Thailand’s clothing industry
The production of textile, knitwear and garments is the largest manufacturing industry in Thailand. It has been one of the kingdom's top export earners since 1985, with annual exports of textiles and clothing accounting for more than US$6bn per year, making this the nation’s second leading export industry after the export of automatic data processing machines. This month’s briefing provides an insight into the industry’s current situation, in terms of employment, production, exports, technology, brands and the effects of the tsunami on the country’s clothing business. It looks to the future and outlines factors such as free trade agreements, reinvestment in the industry, and initiatives from the department of export, devised to aid growth and prosperity. The briefing also provides profiles of the leading knitting and clothing companies, including turnover, exports and company history.
June
management briefing
Assortment planning for apparel retailers
If you’re an apparel retailer, it’s likely you’ve heard the promise of assortment planning (AP). The purpose of AP from a customer point of view, is to match up products with stores, which becomes an issue for larger retailers as they grow. The function of getting the right products in the right stores at the right time must also match plans with financial targets. This briefing explains the concept of AP, reviews available solutions with company case studies, discusses systems implementation and looks at AP's role in the future.
May
management briefing
An apparel industry review of e-sourcing solutions
According to a 2004 research study by Aberdeen Group, more than half (58%) of the systems and solutions used in a company’s sourcing initiatives are manual, fax or e-mail driven, which is hard to believe, considering all the technology that’s available. This briefing looks at the issues apparel companies face in terms of e-sourcing, challenges found in implementation, and highlights the e-sourcing features to look out for. It also outlines the companies best suited for e-sourcing and provides case studies of Saks, American Eagle, VF Corp, Wilsons and Kellwood.
April
management briefing
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) best practices in the apparel industry
Globalisation and pressures upon companies to lower prices, move fashion to market more quickly and strive for better quality often have negative effects upon workers, developing country communities and the environment. Demands are now being made of companies to take greater social responsibility. The apparel industry is paving the way for other industries in making corporate social responsibility (CSR) an integrated part of the business mission rather than simply an afterthought or a reaction to critics. This month's management briefing addresses how apparel firms can and are implementing CSR succesfully.
March
management briefing
The clash over CAFTA – just-style’s analysis of the Central American Free Trade Agreement
The abolition of global textile quotas at the beginning of this year has switched attention to other ways in which textile and clothing producers in the developed world can compete against Asian giants such as China and India. For the US textile industry in particular, many of the responses have been little more than knee-jerk reactions, including ongoing efforts to invoke a special ‘threat-based’ textile safeguard to stall large surges in clothing imports from China under a clause negotiated as part of that country joining the World Trade Organisation. But there are also other moves underway to expand export opportunities for domestic companies and potentially provide more choices and better deals for American consumers. One of these – the pending Central American Free Trade Agreement, known as CAFTA – would provide five Central American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras) and the Dominican Republic with duty-free access to the US textile and apparel market. This month's briefing from Leonie Barrie analyses CAFTA and reports on its impact, country by country.
February
management briefing
An overview of Chinese sewing machinery
By 2003 60% of the world’s sewing machines were made in China, accounting for a gross industrial output of 23bn Yuan (US$2.78bn), a ten fold increase over 1984 figures, the year the China Sewing Machinery Association was formed. Approximately 20% of these are produced on behalf of overseas companies such as Juki, Brother, Pfaff, Sunstar, Barudan, Tajima, etc. The 2003 export market for sewing machines produced in China accounted for an estimated US$700.16m, of which, US$318.6m accounted for industrial sewing machines, over US$60.3m in embroidery machines, and US$103.4m in parts and components. This briefing profiles the major industrial and embroidery machine makers, providing apparel manufacturers with a detailed overview of one of China's hottest exports.
January
management briefing
How retailers source apparel - why what concerns buyers isn’t always what concerns sellers
A major research company estimates the world’s retail apparel market at US$780bn. It is served by tens of thousands of apparel retailers, each of whom approaches their job in different ways. The market is very fragmented: the top ten retailers account for 11% of sales. This review, inevitably, concentrates on those top ten and on similar sized operators with broadly similar concerns. Sometimes, the industry leaders are taking very similar approaches: sometimes, they are going in quite different directions. This review looks at the areas where the top retailers are not all going in the same direction, at who is doing what, and why they are doing it. The review concludes that the issues arising from the end of quota are relatively minor for many retailers. They have other, more pressing, sourcing problems of their own to solve. And they believe it is impossible to predict who will emerge stronger from the post-quota world. “Wait and see” seems to be the universal response to quota elimination. “No time to wait”, is their response to almost everything else.