Latest apparel and textile news & insights
Comprehensive coverage of the apparel and textile industry's latest, breaking news and insights brought to you by just-style's leading network of international journalists.
Latest insights 
Cautious US consumers weigh on January retail sales
By: Leonie Barrie | 3 February 2012
Post-holiday discounts helped many US retailers lift their sales in January, according to monthly figures released yesterday (2 February), but overall results were mixed as many consumers shopped cautiously amid the struggling economy.
US: Retailers' January 2012 sales roundup
By: Leonie Barrie | 2 February 2012
The following is a general roundup of US apparel and shoe retailers' January 2012 sales results.
just-style management briefing: Other issues to watch in the year ahead
By: Leonie Barrie | 2 February 2012
Generally, 2012 is seen as being another challenging business year for the apparel industry. Uncertainties include the performance of the global economy, the European debt crisis, US consumer sentiment, and producer price inflation. Being able to react quickly to sourcing challenges, get more efficient in production, and reduce cycle times will help firms react to these volatile markets.
Browse all analysis articles
Browse all interview articles
Browse all comment articles
Browse all briefings articles
Current hot issue
January/February 2012 management briefing: Apparel industry issues to watch in 2012
For this year's annual management briefing on apparel industry issues to watch in the year ahead, just-style asked leading executives for their feedback on the challenges and opportunities likely to emerge in 2012. Their insight provides a fascinating overview of the state of the sector today.
Latest columns
Latest blog: M&S breathes sigh of relief as Plassat appointed to Carrefour
By: Petah Marian
1 February 2012
Marks and Spencer will have breathed a sigh of relief following the appointment of Georges Plassat as CEO of Carrefour.
just-style research roundup
A weekly roundup of the latest research reports available on just-style.
Global news roundup
just-style's summary of apparel and footwear news from the world’s local media.
Viewpoint
just-style editor Leonie Barrie shares her thoughts on some of the top stories in the news.
In the money
A regular in-depth analysis prompted by what’s happening in the financial world and how it impacts on the apparel and footwear supply chain from manufacturing to retail.
The Flanarant
A forthright take on the follies the world’s apparel buying community has to deal with, from Mike Flanagan, CEO of Clothesource – and his suggestions for putting them right.
Speaking with style
Exclusive interviews with some of the apparel and footwear industry’s leading movers and shakers. Companies already featured include Marks & Spencer, H&M, Timberland, Adidas, New Look and Li & Fung.
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.
Research updates
Facts and figures taken from some of the research reports published on just-style. Much of this information is only available in the reports themselves, so these articles provide a valuable snapshot of the latest data and forecasts.
Top stories on just-style
If you’re short of time or haven’t managed to check in to all our daily newsletters, reading these articles will ensure you’re up-to-date on the top five most-read stories on just-style in any given week.
Retail roundup
A month-by-month overview of US apparel and shoe chains' sales results. Same-store sales figures help gauge how a specific retailer has performed, making this feature invaluable for evaluating your customers or competitors.
Get connected:
Latest news
CAMBODIA: Tribunal to probe garment pay and conditions
3 February 2012
Groups representing Cambodian garment workers are holding a "people's tribunal" next week to investigate pay and conditions at factories making clothes for brands including Adidas, Puma, H&M and Gap.
WORLD: Economic slowdown could weigh on cotton prices
3 February 2012
The International Cotton Advisory Board (ICAC) has cut global demand estimates for the fibre, signalling that slower global economic growth and ample supplies could place downward pressure on prices.
ITALY: Benetton family makes EUR276.6m takeover bid
3 February 2012
Edizione Srl, the investment firm controlled by the Benetton family, has made a EUR276.6m (US$364.4m) bid to buy all the shares it doesn't already own in Benetton Group SpA and delist the clothing company.
Top stories on just-style this week...
3 February 2012
Among the most-read stories on just-style this week was a report on China's 12th five-year plan for the domestic textile industry, a temporary tariff waiver on products imported into the EU from Pakistan - and our annual management briefing on apparel industry issues to watch in the year ahead.
INDIA: Designer wear “set for boom”
3 February 2012
The designer wear business in India is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40%, hitting INR110bn by 2020, according to a leading industry body.
US: Columbia Sportswear Q4 profit soars on sales boost
3 February 2012
Double-digit sales growth helped outdoor apparel business Columbia Sportswear to record a 40% surge in net profit in 2011 – but the company expects slower growth in 2012.
US: Bebe Stores Q2 profit boosted by sales hike
3 February 2012
Women’s apparel retailer Bebe Stores posted an increased net profit for the second quarter, boosted by a double-digit net sales increase and a comparable store sales rise of 9.6%.
US: LaCrosse Footwear FY profit cut after poor Q4
3 February 2012
LaCrosse Footwear blamed falling sales to the military for double-digit revenue declines in the fourth quarter of 2011, which led to full-year net profit being more than halved.
HONDURAS: Stretchline sets up Central America production
3 February 2012
Stretchline Holdings, the specialist supplier of narrow fabrics and knitted elastics used in lingerie and activewear, has opened its latest joint venture in Honduras to help speed supply times to retailers and brands in the US and Canada.
FRANCE: LVMH FY profit breaks EUR5bn barrier
3 February 2012
Double-digit growth for its fashion and leather goods brands helped luxury powerhouse LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton to record full-year net profits of EUR5.26bn in 2011.
