Latest apparel and textile analysis

re:source monthly trade programme roundup – November 2018 7 Dec 2018

Dr Sheng Lu

The latest monthly round-up of updates to key free trade agreements and trade preference programmes involving the US, EU and Canada covers developments in November 2018. Trade agreements, rules of origin, tariffs and schedules are all covered in depth in the re:source by just-style strategic planning tool.

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UK fast-fashion retailers asked to justify their low prices 6 Dec 2018

Hannah Abdulla

Making the sums add up on ultra-cheap fast fashion was one of the lines of questioning pursued during a parliamentary hearing last week, with British lawmakers asking retailers how they can justify selling dresses and T-shirts for just a couple of pounds.

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British MPs criticise "mountain of clothing waste" 5 Dec 2018

Michelle Russell

Reducing waste, recycling and product disposal were among issues to come under the microscope in the latest parliamentary evidence session, where representatives from Marks & Spencer, Burberry and Primark were questioned by British lawmakers about efforts to deal with excess stock and unwanted garments.

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Timeline – Trump’s track record on trade – Update 4 Dec 2018

Dr Sheng Lu

Since President Donald Trump took office in January 2017, his administration has been busy fulfilling major campaign promises on trade policy – much to the concern of US fashion brands and apparel retailers. To keep abreast of developments, Dr Sheng Lu, associate professor in the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware, has compiled a timeline of all the key milestones.

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China to overtake US as world's largest fashion market, amid "urgent awakening" for industry 30 Nov 2018

Michelle Russell

Greater China will for the first time in centuries overtake the US as the world's largest fashion market in 2019, according to a new study, amid a year of "urgent awakening" for the industry as global growth slows. A new report offers the ten trends set to shape the industry during the course of the year.

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Does size matter when it comes to sustainability? 28 Nov 2018

Michelle Russell

When it comes to implementing sustainable practices, the size of a business is less important than the vision of the CEO, delegates were told during one of the sessions at this year's Fair Wear Foundation Annual Summit in Amsterdam.

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Why technology is key to the future of smart retailing 27 Nov 2018

Beth Wright

The digital disruption of the apparel industry from manufacturing to retail is being driven by virtual reality, 3D modelling, artificial intelligence and voice technology. So to be successful into the future, companies along the supply chain must embrace these new tools to better connect with consumers. 

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US-China trade war could accelerate Africa sourcing 26 Nov 2018

Paul Cochrane

While North Africa accounts for more than US$10bn of the continent's US$13.54bn in clothing and textile exports, the much discussed potential of sub-Saharan Africa as the world's next sourcing hub is starting to materialise, an industry conference has been told.

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How regional supply chains are shaping world textile and apparel trade 23 Nov 2018

Dr Sheng Lu

Textiles and apparel are, without a doubt, global industries. However, analysis by Dr Sheng Lu, associate professor in the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware, based on the re:source by just-style sourcing tool and data from UN Comtrade, suggests world textile and apparel trade is also becoming more regional. 

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Who's responsible for a sustainable garment industry? 23 Nov 2018

Michelle Russell

Creating a truly sustainable global garment industry requires input from all players, including brands and retailers, business associations, trade unions, governments, NGOs and the end consumer, was the message at this year's Fair Wear Foundation Annual Summit.

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Looming Accord closure a risk to Bangladesh sourcing 22 Nov 2018

Guest author

A crash in slow motion – it's the only way one can describe the looming economic fallout should Bangladesh refuse to extend the Accord on Fire and Building Safety. In just one week's time the Bangladesh Government may force this landmark agreement to stop operating out of Dhaka: a disaster for apparel workers' safety in an industry scarred by tragedy.

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Underperforming Gap brand stores to close as sales slide 21 Nov 2018

Beth Wright

Hundreds of store closures could be on the way at Gap Inc as CEO Art Peck says the firm is appraising the namesake brand locations that are "dragging down" the business. His comments come after the segment reported a 7% drop in third-quarter comparable sales.

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Steps to reduce risk of child labour in garment supply chains 20 Nov 2018

Michelle Russell

The prevalence of child labour in garment factories in Asia is an uncomfortable truth for many brands and retailers. But the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) believes part of the solution is to ramp up discussions on why it happens, how to avoid it, and what to do when child workers are found.

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UK manufacturing – a ticking time bomb or sourcing gold? 19 Nov 2018

Michelle Russell

Reports of poor working conditions, low wages, modern slavery and human trafficking in the global garment industry are usually focused on factories in Asia. But it’s happening closer to home as well. As more UK retailers look to reshore some of their sourcing, the local industry has come under intense scrutiny – and the findings are not good. Here executives from across the sector tell just-style what's going wrong, and why tough government action is needed.

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UK fashion industry not environmentally sustainable in current form 14 Nov 2018

Michelle Russell

A probe by Britain's lawmakers into the environmental sustainability of the UK clothing industry has heard how increasingly high volumes of so-called fast fashion items are magnifying the issues. Industry experts suggest solutions may lie in educating designers and consumers in the impacts of their choices, extended producer responsibility, and even new policy recommendations.

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US brands ponder sourcing switch away from China 13 Nov 2018

Ed Zwirn

The ongoing trade dispute between the US and China could accelerate the trend for American apparel brands to shift their sourcing away from Chinese suppliers – but any such moves will pose challenges.

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Mid-term power shift unlikely to end US-China trade war 12 Nov 2018

Ed Zwirn

The coming change of control of the US House of Representatives from the ruling Republicans to the opposition Democrats will probably do little to stop the escalating tariff disputes between the US and China, the American fashion industry has been warned.

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Four steps to start building advanced analytics into apparel 9 Nov 2018

Hannah Abdulla

The apparel industry is the laggard in embracing advanced analytics, often favouring merchant and designer-driven 'gut feel' over insight-driven decision making. But with the possibility of bagging a 10-15% cost saving in operations and supply chain, can businesses continue to afford to ignore its benefits?

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Pricing, sourcing and stock control in a multi-channel world 7 Nov 2018

Malcolm Newbery

No one can deny that the fashion industry is now operating in a multi-channel world. But when it comes to managing this approach, it seems there is no unanimity of best practice – and often no best practice at all – on the three key issues of multi-channel pricing, sourcing and stock control. Malcolm Newbery unravels some of the complexities.

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Can "restoring the basics" put M&S back on track? 7 Nov 2018

Hannah Abdulla

Sales have dived yet again at UK retailer M&S, which earlier this year acknowledged the need for drastic change to reposition it for growth. Its "restoring the basics" agenda puts every aspect of the business under "scrutiny and change" to adapt to the new retail landscape and reshape its clothing ranges to appeal to consumers. Analysts have mixed feelings about the retailer's progress so far.