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 
Gap hopes for a global alliance on factory safety
By: Leonie Barrie | 22 May 2013
The chairman and CEO of US retail giant Gap Inc says he hasn't given up on the idea of a global accord to tackle fire and building safety in Bangladesh - but that the current agreement largely backed by European brands and retailers "didn't make sense for us."
M&S plays up its clothing revamp as sales slide
By: Leonie Barrie | 21 May 2013
The challenges faced by Marks & Spencer's clothing business have already been well-documented, so it was no surprise that a fall in annual sales has weighed on the retailer's bottom line.
Comment: Understanding China's success
By: David Birnbaum | 20 May 2013
China ranks number one as the world's largest garment exporter with a 38% global market share. Bangladesh ranks number two with a 5% market share. We all acknowledge that China dominates the global garment export market. But how did it get here, and what are the upcoming challenges? asks David Birnbaum.
Browse all analysis articles
Browse all interview articles
Browse all comment articles
Browse all briefings articles
Current hot issue
Transatlantic divide on Bangladesh factory safety
Apparel brands and retailers have been rushing to agree new rules to improve safety in Bangladesh garment factories. But while European firms are favouring the new Accord on Fire and Building Safety, a coalition of North American retailers has gone its own way with the Safer Factories Initiative.
Latest columns
Latest blog: Bangladesh safety plans leap forward
By: Leonie Barrie
20 May 2013
Some of the largest retailers and brands sourcing apparel from Bangladesh - including H&M, Primark, C&A, Tesco and Inditex (operator of the Zara stores) - last week committed to support a new Accord on Fire and Building Safety, intended to improve safety in the country's clothing factories.
Trade Finance and Supply Chain Visibility
The latest supply chain insights and best practices for apparel brands and retailers.
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
US: Manufacturing adds most to shoes' carbon footprint
23 May 2013
A new assessment of the carbon footprint of a pair of running shoes has shown that most of the environmental impact comes from manufacturing processes - a result that surprised researchers.
US: Delegation to discuss Bangladesh factory safety
23 May 2013
A US government delegation visiting Bangladesh next week is set to lead a discussion on labour law reforms and safety standards in the garment sector in the aftermath of the Rana Plaza tragedy.
SOUTH AFRICA: Clothing workers strike against low wages
23 May 2013
Around 10,000 South African clothing workers have taken part in a two-day strike this week to protest at wage levels that are below the minimum level.
WORLD: Organic cotton sector starting to stabilise
23 May 2013
Following dramatic fluctuations in output over the last seven years, organic cotton production is finally showing signs of stabilising, according to new figures released this week.
US: Crailar Technologies joins Sustainable Apparel Coalition
23 May 2013
Crailar Technologies, developer of the Crailar Flax fibre, is the latest company to join the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), which is working to reduce the environmental and social impacts of global apparel and footwear production.
UK: Mothercare full-year loss narrows to GBP21.5m
23 May 2013
Mother, baby and children's goods retailer Mothercare has narrowed its first-quarter loss at the end of the first year into its three-year transformation plan, despite being hampered by ongoing challenges in its domestic market.
US: American Eagle Outfitters Q1 profit falls
23 May 2013
Teen apparel retailer American Eagle Outfitters has posted a 29.5% decline in first-quarter net profit, after cooler weather dampened demand for its seasonal merchandise.
US: Limited Brands lifts outlook on Q1 profit
23 May 2013
Limited Brands (now operating under a new temporary name L Brands) has lifted its full-year earnings guidance after posting a 14.4% increase in first-quarter net profit.
US: Pacific Sunwear Q1 loss widens on charges
23 May 2013
Teen sportswear retailer Pacific Sunwear has reported a wider first-quarter loss on the back of store closure costs and a loss on a derivative liability.
SINGAPORE: Huntsman unveils fluorine-free protective finishes
23 May 2013
A range of fluorine-free products designed to protect textiles and clothing against rain and every-day stains has been launched by Huntsman Textile Effects.
