Find out what top analysts think of challenging topics in the apparel and textile industry

Comment: Perception is part of the Chinese apparel puzzle

By: David Birnbaum | 7 February 2012

2011 is shaping up to be the worst year for China in a decade. Full year figures have not yet been released, but in the 10 months ending 31 October 2011, China's US market share measured both in units and by value was down over 4% compared with the same period in 2010. The question, asks David Birnbaum, is why?

Viewpoint: Will Bangladesh be the next sourcing hotspot?

By: Leonie Barrie | 25 January 2012

The global clothes sourcing bandwagon is forever looking for the next hot spot, especially as nearly two decades of apparel price deflation comes to an end and worries continue to escalate about raw material and labour costs, capacity issues and the overall competitiveness of China. But is Bangladesh ready to step into the role of sourcing country of choice?

The Flanarant: Apparel 'slumpflation' is all-round confusing

By: Mike Flanagan | 10 January 2012

The biggest problem the world apparel industry faces at the start of 2012 is the ongoing combination of rising product costs and falling sales. The 'Great Apparel Slumpflation of winter 2011/2012,' as he calls it, is confusing everyone, everywhere, according to Mike Flanagan.

Upscale and value drive US retail sales in December

By: Petah Marian | 6 January 2012

Premium and value were the big winners as US retailers reported their all-important December sales results yesterday (5 January).

The Flanarant: Debunking the garment industry myths of 2011

By: Mike Flanagan | 22 December 2011

There's been a huge amount of confusion recently about the competitiveness of Chinese textiles and apparel. While China's not offering the prices Western apparel buyers would like, it is cheaper in relative terms than it was a year ago, according to Mike Flanagan. Here he debunks a few other garment industry myths that rose to the fore in 2011.

UK high street review: what the experts say

By: Petah Marian | 13 December 2011

Retail expert Mary Portas today (13 December) set out her vision for revitalisting the UK's high streets. Here's how the industry has responded to her recommendations.

Comment: India's retail ruling is more heat than light

By: Devangshu Dutta | 29 November 2011

The Indian government's decision to relax restrictions on foreign investment in the country's retail industry doesn't mean the end of the debate, writes Devangshu Dutta.

China expansion not without its challenges

By: Leonie Barrie | 25 November 2011

Gap's plans to triple its store network in China next year are hardly surprising given the country's booming consumer market, demand for western brands and, of course, the retailer's own strategic focus on global growth. But it admits the move is not without challenges.

VIEWPOINT: Heel heights and economic insights

By: Leonie Barrie | 22 November 2011

The correlation between skirt lengths and economic booms and busts - the so-called hemline index - is not only well documented but even seems to have stood the test of time. In essence, short skirts are a sign of confidence and a precursor to rising stock markets; while longer lengths signify caution and a market downturn.