Latest textile & apparel news

Abercrombie & Fitch Co said it needs to work on improving comparable sales trends in its US and international stores after it posted fourth-quarter and full-year results somewhat below expectations.

Target to axe thousands of jobs in restructure 4 Mar 2015

Target Corp is to axe several thousand jobs over the next two years as it looks to save US$2bn in costs, and focus on key initiatives it believes will put the US retailer “on a clear path to growth”.

Hugo Boss attacked over labour rights record 4 Mar 2015

German fashion house Hugo Boss has come under attack from union activists over its treatment of factory workers in Turkey.

Child labour “traps millions” in South Asia 4 Mar 2015

Almost 17m children are involved in child labour across South Asia – one in five of them aged 11 or under – according to a new report.

Cotton stocks set for 35-year high 4 Mar 2015

World ending stocks of cotton outside China could reach close to 10m tons by the end of the 2014/15 season, the highest level in 35 years, according to the latest forecasts.

Kate Spade posts huge Q4 profit gain 4 Mar 2015

Apparel and accessories business Kate Spade & Company increased its fourth-quarter net profit by nearly US$100m, thanks to 50%-plus revenue hikes for its core divisions.

Justice mars Ascena Q2 performance 4 Mar 2015

Ascena Retail Group recorded a steep decline in second-quarter profit, with falling sales at its Justice brand offsetting growth elsewhere in the business.

Filippa K utilises fluorocarbon-free technology 4 Mar 2015

Swedish fashion label Filippa K has become the first apparel brand to incorporate fabrics produced using a water repellent technology that is free from fluorocarbons, non-toxic and readily biodegradable.

Supply chain segmentation becoming mainstream 4 Mar 2015

The increasing complexity of global supply chains means manufacturers and retailers recognise the need to explore more advanced techniques such as segmented production strategies if they are to meet customer expectations.

UK clothing price deflation accelerates in February 4 Mar 2015

Deflation continues to persist on the UK high street, with clothing and footwear prices continuing to decline year-on-year in February, accelerating from the rate seen the month before.

Myer promotes supply chain chief Umbers to CEO 4 Mar 2015

Australian department store retailer Myer Holdings has promoted chief information and supply officer Richard Umbers as its new chief executive officer and managing director with immediate effect, following the resignation of Bernie Brookes.

Hampshire Group CFO Darwin departs 4 Mar 2015

Trey Darwin, the chief financial officer for US apparel business Hampshire Group, has had his position terminated.

American Eagle in management restructuring 4 Mar 2015

Teen apparel retailer American Eagle Outfitters has implemented a new management structure with the naming of two global brand presidents.

Woolworths Australia moves to single PLM platform 4 Mar 2015

Leonie Barrie

Woolworths Australia is replacing multiple legacy systems and spreadsheets with a single PLM platform across all divisions and product categories.

Xperia launches PLM suite for apparel and footwear 4 Mar 2015

Xperia Solutions has launched a new product lifecycle management (PLM) software suite aimed at helping apparel and footwear firms speed up the product development cycle, lower costs and improve communication.

Jesta and RPE partner on software rollout 4 Mar 2015

Software supplier Jesta IS is partnering with Retail Process Engineering (RPE) to promote, implement and host its Vision Suite to retailers seeking a streamlined supply chain solution.

US labour concerns at Honduras apparel makers 3 Mar 2015

The US has raised “serious” concerns over worker rights in Honduras and the enforcement of labour laws under the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA), following a probe into working conditions at facilities, including apparel factories.

M&S Asia head quits as China stores to close 3 Mar 2015

UK retailer Marks & Spencer is to close five of its stores in Shanghai and has confirmed its head of Asia is to step down.

Ethical cotton sourcing key topic for Forum 3 Mar 2015