Spotlight on...
With a focus on individual companies, new or emerging markets, and issues such as product safety – this column takes a behind the scenes look that sheds new light on stories hitting the headlines.
Spotlight on...JC Penney “fresh air” revamp a bold vision
26 January 2012
Few incoming CEOs have put their stamp on their new company as quickly as JC Penney’s Ron Johnson. His former life as head of retail at Apple is evident in the title of the new strategy for the ailing department store business: “In Praise of Fresh Air”.
Spotlight on...A better way to grow cotton
15 December 2011
Global brands and retailers are working together to source more Better Cotton for their products in the hope that creating demand down the supply chain will eventually see sustainable cotton become the norm. As the first fibres from the initiative start to make their way into clothing, Levi Strauss and Marks & Spencer joined other stakeholders to explain what they hope to achieve.
Spotlight on...Fashion firms plan for a toxic-free future
2 December 2011
What started out as a challenge back in July by environmental pressure group Greenpeace to try to persuade global fashion brands and retailers to eliminate the discharge of hazardous chemicals from their supply chains and products has been gaining momentum ever since. So much so that the firms involved believe their efforts have the potential to "change apparel manufacturing."
Spotlight on...PPR ramps up its green profit and loss report
16 November 2011
French luxury and sporting goods group PPR has revealed the first full set of green accounts for Puma - and says it now plans to roll out environmental profit and loss (EP&L) statements across all of its brands by 2015.
Spotlight on...Apparel and textiles split on new US FTAs
13 October 2011
The drafting of new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) is a tricky balancing act at the best of times; but these are not, for the US and indeed the world at large, the best of times. As such, perhaps it’s little wonder that the long-awaited passage this week of legislation implementing no fewer than three FTAs – between the US and Panama, Colombia and South Korea – has divided opinion among the US retail, apparel and textile industries.
Spotlight on...Mobile commerce revamps retail
13 September 2011
Smartphones and tablet computers are changing the way consumers shop and gather information about products before they buy. And as their uptake accelerates, savvy retailers will need to ensure their mobile presence engages with consumers and builds loyalty. After all, price comparison engines are just a short click away, writes Petah Marian.
Spotlight on...California law on supply chain transparency
30 August 2011
Apparel retailers and brands are already closely scrutinised on corporate social responsibility issues across their supply chains - but a new law coming into force in January adds another dimension to the accountability of large retailers and manufacturers trading with the US state of California.
Spotlight on...Soaring wool prices
29 July 2011
Falling supply and rising demand have left apparel companies scrabbling around for scarce wool stocks, with costs rising fast as a result. Add this to other factors currently impacting the supply chain, and wool pricing is piling yet more pressure on their already stressed operations.
Spotlight on...Turkey's apparel industry
12 May 2011
The traffic in Istanbul is notoriously congested, and the Turkish fashion industry also finds itself approaching an important set of crossroads. Joe Ayling reports from the Istanbul Fashion Apparel Conference 2011.
Spotlight on...H&M sustainability report
14 April 2011
For sceptics who view corporate social responsibility as being more about talk than action, a look through the 167 pages of the latest sustainability report from Swedish retailer H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB provides a valuable insight into just how seriously some fashion firms take their obligations.
Spotlight on...Peltz pouncing on Family Dollar Stores
21 February 2011
Nelson Peltz, the US activist investor, has grabbed the headlines in recent years with investments in firms he believed needed to change strategy. Now, he has tabled a full takeover bid for US discount retailer Family Dollar Stores which values the discount retailer at more than $7bn.
Spotlight on...Grupo M stitches growth with Haiti
28 January 2011
Leading Dominican Republic apparel maker Grupo M is growing fast by applying its technical expertise to neighbouring Haiti, where the Haitian Economic Lift Program is opening up new prospects for trade with the US. Jozef De Coster reports.
Spotlight on...J Crew buyout
24 November 2010
Private equity buyers have this week agreed to buy US apparel retailer J Crew, with the leadership skills of Millard 'Mickey' Drexler a major selling point of the US$3bn deal.
Spotlight on...Speed to market key to Gap's US growth
15 October 2010
Even though Gap Inc is upbeat about plans to grow its business online and internationally as part of a raft of strategic changes earmarked for the business over the next three to five years, the retailer's boss admits he's still "not happy" with recent performance at its namesake chain.
Spotlight on...Cotton prices
23 September 2010
A perfect storm of supply and demand issues have sent cotton prices soaring the world over. Joe Ayling reports on what caused this spike and how it will affect the garment industry.
Spotlight on...Mothercare's Blooming Marvellous buy
16 July 2010
UK children's wear retailer Mothercare has this week snapped up maternity wear brand Blooming Marvellous, a move that analysts believe makes sense for both parties.
Spotlight on...Phil Clarke, Tesco CEO-elect
8 June 2010
The news of Sir Terry Leahy's plans to leave Tesco next year has led to a flurry of plaudits for the UK retailer's chief executive but what of the man set to replace him?
Spotlight on...World Cup branding battle
27 May 2010
Four years is a long-time in football, but the moment French captain Zinedine Zidane headbutted an Italian defender during the World Cup final at Berlin's Olympic Stadium will live long in the memory. The next question is, how many fans remember what brand of shirt he was wearing? Joe Ayling reports.
Spotlight on...Tommy Hilfiger buyout
15 March 2010
The acquisition of Netherlands-based fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger by apparel giant Phillips-Van Heusen signals further industry consolidation, but seems to make operational sense for both companies. Joe Ayling reports on today's (15 March) US$3bn deal.
Spotlight on...Doing business in China
15 December 2009
Selecting the right partner, building strong personal relationships and understanding local laws are all-important when doing business in the sourcing powerhouse of China. Joe Ayling found out more at a UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) Seminar on 'China: Today's source: Tomorrow's market'.
