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Performance apparel on a fast track for growth?- (6th November 2009)
The global economic downturn, coupled with an absence of major sporting events this year, means the performance apparel market is likely to see a “significant and painful” drop in 2009. But despite this short-term slump, the long-term prospects for the sector are good, a new report from just-style has found.
US: Retailers' October 2009 sales roundup- (5th November 2009)
The following is a general roundup of US apparel and shoe chains' October 2009 sales results. The list will be updated as new results become available.
ANALYSIS: China’s shoe makers brace for EU dumping duties- (4th November 2009)
As the European Union considers extending anti-dumping duties on Chinese leather shoes, China’s shoe manufacturers are bracing for a further hit to exports. Many have already shifted business away from Europe, while others are turning towards the domestic market, as Dominique Patton reports.
COMMENT: Luxury firms must adapt to the ‘new normal’- (30th October 2009)
Luxury retail has been one of the sectors hardest hit by the global recession, as shoppers increasingly defer new purchases, spend less, or simply trade down to discounts on higher-end brands or fast fashion alternatives. However, amid signs the market is starting to stabilise, retailers are warned the post-recession luxury market will be far different from the one that came before.
Spotlight on...Sustainability in design- (28th October 2009)
Today’s retailers and brand owners work at a frantic pace, producing and selling more and more garments at ever-cheaper prices – even though it’s a model that seems at odds with steps being taken by many of these firms to build sustainability into their supply chains. However, the keys to narrowing this divide are increasingly held by designers, as Leonie Barrie finds out.
Speaking with style: Dieter Braun, MD, Triumph International- (23rd October 2009)
Underwear, lingerie and swimwear manufacturer Triumph International celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2011. Here the company’s managing director and co-owner Dieter Braun, and Jörg Wagner from the Corporate Process Organisation (CPO) department in charge of global CAD and CAM, tell just-style about their formula for success.
In the money: Fashion brands flock online- (20th October 2009)
The evolution of the Internet has created a fresh competition platform for clothing and footwear companies. Joe Ayling reports on a frenzy of developments in the online fashion sector.
ANALYSIS: Do lean inventories mean retail holiday woes?- (16th October 2009)
As consumer spending has fallen amid the economic downturn, US retail chains have cut back savagely on inventory to save cash. An understandable reaction, but one that could spell trouble for suppliers and retailers alike in the run-up to the holiday season, reports Richard Woodard.
ANALYSIS: Asian campaign takes wage talks to the next level- (13th October 2009)
One of the biggest hurdles in the long-running debate about paying a living wage to garment workers making clothes for leading high street retailers and brands has been trying to put an actual figure on the amount that should be paid. But all this could be about to change with a new Asia Floor Wage campaign that takes apparel pay talks to the next level.
COMMENT: Pre-recession problems haunt apparel industry- (1st October 2009)
Wherever you look just now, it seems someone’s saying the recession’s nearly over. Investigate the evidence, though, and many pre-recession problems in the apparel industry are coming back. Falling prices, rising wages, the fear of protectionist action, and even indentured labour are just some of the reasons to be cheerless, writes Mike Flanagan.
