Latest apparel and textile analysis
Comprehensive coverage of the apparel and textile industry's latest, breaking news brought to you by just-style's leading network of international journalists.
Target launches new JoyLab activewear brand
US department store retailer Target Corp has revealed a first look at its new activewear brand, JoyLab....
Honduras sets sights on hike in activewear exports
Honduras is making an aggressive push to attract new textile and apparel industry investment – with the goal of becoming the Americas’ leadi...
Still no apparel sourcing alternatives to China
While China might have passed its zenith as the dominant player in apparel sourcing, the country's indispensable role is expected to remain...
Digitisation – The next apparel sourcing hotspot?
So far, the promise of digitisation in the apparel industry remains largely unfulfilled. But with opportunities for new cheap supplier count...
Consolidation of the international trade of apparel 13 Sep 2017
The two largest apparel import markets in the world – the European Union and United States – are dominated by a comparatively small group of supplier countries. At the same time, fewer types of products are also sold in greater quantities. Here, Robert Antoshak, managing director at Olah Inc, wades through the trade data.
Key trade issues facing US textiles and apparel 12 Sep 2017
The current state of play when it comes to NAFTA renegotiations, the Trump administration’s trade policy, China Section 301, what's going on with retail, where next for supply chains, US labelling requirements, and Made-in-USA were among the many topics covered in the latest 'Kingpins Goes to D.C.' panel discussion.
US apparel imports surge on back-to-school orders 11 Sep 2017
The volume of US apparel imports saw a double-digit increase month-on-month in July as retailers stocked up for the back-to-school season – but were marginally lower than the same time last year. The biggest gains were booked by Vietnam, Cambodia and India, but shipments from Bangladesh slipped again.
How the global apparel sourcing landscape is changing 6 Sep 2017
As usual MAGIC, one of the largest fashion trade shows in the United States held 13-16 August in Las Vegas, was crowded and hot. The event attracted over 81,000 attendees, including vendors, buyers, service providers and educational institutions coming from over 40 countries and regions. Dr Sheng Lu, assistant professor at the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware, presents his thoughts from the event regarding the industry outlook and the changing landscape of apparel sourcing.
Preserving the high street from the online giants 5 Sep 2017
Today’s consumer is demanding, well-informed and technologically savvy when it comes to shopping either online or in physical shops. They expect to be impressed before parting with their hard-earned cash or they will go elsewhere. And so, it makes sense that shoppers research online before they commit to buy. Their expectations are high, which means the level of service from retailers needs to be sophisticated and convenient while delivering an engaging experience. Power is now in the hands of the consumer, so retailers must be nimble to keep up with the ever-evolving consumer demands.
Lululemon switches supply chain focus to speed 4 Sep 2017
As yogawear retailer Lululemon Athletica continues towards its vision of reaching revenues of US$4bn-plus by 2020, the Canadian company is confident its ongoing supply chain endeavours have already helped expand margins and cut costs – with further scope to dramatically improve speed and flexibility in how the brand brings product to market.
How Li & Fung is getting smarter, faster, more efficient 29 Aug 2017
As global sourcing specialist Li & Fung works to differentiate itself from traditional buying agencies, the Hong Kong company is confident the traction it is gaining since the start of its current three-year plan is already enabling smarter, faster and more effective decisions.
NAFTA renegotiation – Key issues for textiles and apparel – Update 24 Aug 2017
As the United States, Canada and Mexico embark on talks to renegotiate the 23-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), we take an in-depth look at key issues for textile and apparel supply chains. In the latest developments, the three partner countries concluded the first round of talks saying they were committed to "an accelerated and comprehensive negotiation process"; but US president Donald Trump has revived threats to pull the US out of NAFTA.
US fashion sector taking climate change seriously 23 Aug 2017
When President Trump announced the US withdrawal from the Paris climate accord three months ago, there was concern the move would undermine international resolve behind the global push on climate change. Nevertheless, the reaction of major US-based clothing companies speaks to the importance the sector attaches to addressing climate change.
How higher cotton prices have weighed on demand 22 Aug 2017
High prices and lower import levels suggest the market, for now at least, is moving away from cotton. Robert Antoshak, managing director at Olah Inc takes a closer look.
Why is the German sustainable textiles scheme losing members? 16 Aug 2017
A German initiative designed to boost sustainability in the clothing and textile sector has been losing members, but a senior manager has told just-style it will continue working hard to extend its influence and fix operational problems.
India clothing export boss hails new sustainability scheme 15 Aug 2017
The chairman of India's Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has told just-style how a new national sustainability programme should help Indian clothing exporters become more competitive.
Vietnam again leads US apparel import growth in June 11 Aug 2017
Apparel imports into the US in June have risen as merchants stocked up for summer and prepare for the back-to-school season, climbing on the previous month but down on the year before. Exports from Vietnam continue to surge, but Bangladesh has swung back into negative territory.
American Apparel relaunches with higher US-made prices 10 Aug 2017
Gildan Activewear sees a bright future for its newly acquired and just relaunched American Apparel brand – but is giving shoppers the option of deciding whether to pay more to buy products that have been made in the USA.
Modern slavery risk rising in European supply chains 10 Aug 2017
An influx of migrants into the European Union has raised the risk of modern slavery across 20 EU member states, according to a new global ranking, which also suggests forced labour violations remain high in Asia’s top sourcing locations.
Ralph Lauren doubling-down on its digital offering 10 Aug 2017
Ralph Lauren has become the latest US brand to announce it is doubling-down on its digital offering and scaling back its retail presence as it discovers millennial consumers are "not interested in going into brick and mortar" stores.
How to build winning buyer-supplier relationships 7 Aug 2017
Regular communication, ensuring buyers are fully trained, and that both sides are up-to-date with the latest trends are all important ingredients for a good working relationship between a supplier and a retailer.
US apparel retailers' July 2017 sales roundup 4 Aug 2017
July was another difficult month for the handful of US apparel retailers still reporting their monthly comparable sales figures, with same-store sales coming in ahead of expectations but consumer spending softening going into the key back-to-school shopping season.
Under Armour eyes a more responsive positioning 3 Aug 2017
As Under Armour's rapid growth trajectory starts to ease up, the athletic wear maker is now looking to position itself as a more responsive organisation, capable of fuelling and self-funding its growth more effectively.
Haiti garment industry says union wage claims unrealistic – Update 3 Aug 2017
Haiti’s garment industry has struck back at demands by workers’ unions for additional salary increases after the government approved a 16% minimum wage hike last week, saying that they are insensible and that negotiations are closed.
Most Popular
Insights
- Still no apparel sourcing alternatives to China
- Digitisation – The next apparel sourcing hotspot?
- Consolidation of the international apparel trade
- Honduras sets sights on hike in activewear exports
- How the apparel sourcing landscape is changing
News
- The myth of fast fashion's 'circular economy'
- How Lidl is making money on new fashion range
- Nike Flyleather as "game-changing" as Flyknit
- Brands urged to set supply chain climate targets
- Gap, Nike and VF pledge to tackle climate change
Market research
- adidas Group in Apparel and Footwear (World)
- Global apparel markets: business update, August 2017
- Global market review of denim and jeanswear – forecasts to 2022
- Performance apparel markets: product developments and innovations, July 2017
- World textile and apparel trade and production trends: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey, June 2017
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