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.
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Bolland defends M&S's clothing performance
By: Petah Marian | 22 May 2012
Marks & Spencer CEO Marc Bolland moved to defend the retailer's clothing performance today (22 May) after full-year sales rose by just 0.2%.
The verdict from the City: M&S's annual results
By: Dean Best | 22 May 2012
Marks & Spencer, often seen as a barometer for wider trading conditions in the retail sector in the UK, today (22 May) reported mixed annual results. Sales and gross margin from food was higher but challenges remain elsewhere in the business - including women's wear. The retailer also cut the top end of its group sales forecasts.
Outlook bright as Gap hails product progress
By: Leonie Barrie | 21 May 2012
One of the bright spots - quite literally - in the first three months of Gap Inc's new financial year has been the success of its spring collection, which helped lift sales by 6% and prompted CEO Glenn Murphy to say the firm now has a "small win" to celebrate.
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Current hot issue
Is garment production coming home?
Suggestions that reshoring, or bringing back jobs lost to China, would benefit the Western apparel industry make no economic sense - but there is still a need for businesses in developed countries to provide a range of sewing services.
Latest columns
Latest blog: A colourful start for Gap
By: Leonie Barrie
21 May 2012
One of the bright spots - quite literally - in the first three months of Gap Inc's new financial year has been the success of its spring collection, which helped lift sales by 6% and prompted CEO Glenn Murphy to say the firm now has a "small win" to celebrate.
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.
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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.
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Latest news
US: Ralph Lauren hails "spectacular" Q4, FY growth
22 May 2012
Luxury apparel and accessories business Ralph Lauren Corporation today (22 May) booked "spectacular" double-digit gains in both fourth quarter and full-year results - but warned that measures to change its distribution in China and economic uncertainty in Europe are likely to weigh on wholesale revenues in the year ahead.
US: Timberland lays off workers amid structural changes
22 May 2012
Outdoor and action sports wear brand Timberland has confirmed to just-style that an unspecified number of employees have been laid off at its Stratham site amid ongoing changes to its organisational structure.
US: DSW lifts FY view on higher Q1 sales and earnings
22 May 2012
Footwear retailer DSW Inc has raised its full-year earnings guidance after getting off to a strong start to the year with double-digit sales and profit growth.
HONG KONG: Ports Design chairman resigns over loans
22 May 2012
The chairman of Hong Kong based fashion retailer Ports Design has been forced to resign after the company failed to disclose a number of interest-free advances.
US: Urban Outfitters Q1 profit falls on weaker margins
22 May 2012
Retailer Urban Outfitters Inc has posed a 12% drop in first-quarter profit after the cost of opening new stories and higher markdowns on a few women's apparel lines offset a rise in sales.
UK: M&S FY profit falls amid "mixed" clothing sales
22 May 2012
Retailer Marks & Spencer today (22 May) unveiled its first fall in full-year profits in three years and said it was taking steps to improve its buying and merchandising after seeing a mixed performance in its clothing lines.
US: Delia's narrows Q1 loss on higher sales
22 May 2012
Delia's Inc, the retailer that sells clothing for teenage girls and young women, has narrowed its first quarter loss, helped by higher sales of new fashions.
US: Express cuts outlook despite Q1 profit rise
22 May 2012
US apparel retailer Express has today (22 May) posted a 20.2% rise in first quarter net profit on the back of increased sales.
US: Ross Stores lifts view as Q1 profit jumps 21%
22 May 2012
Off-price retailer Ross Stores Inc has raised its full-year guidance after higher sales helped it to a better-than-expected 21% hike in first quarter earnings.
US: Mount Vernon Mills expands FR fabric capacity
22 May 2012
US textile maker Mount Vernon Mills has more than doubled its capacity to produce flame resistant (FR) fabrics at its manufacturing facilities in Trion, Georgia, to meet rising demand.
