just-style authors and correspondents

Articles by Guest author

The high price of retail returns – and how data can help 8 January 2020

There's no escaping returns, but trying to change customer behaviour risks losing sales altogether. The trick is for retailers to manage the process more efficiently to minimise lost profits. Georgia Wickes and Hamish Wilson, of change management specialist Newton, explain the returns conundrum and how retailers should embrace the changing consumer landscape to ensure supply chains are fit for the future.

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UK fashion manufacturers must consolidate or die 13 December 2019

In Britain there are too many small clothing and footwear manufacturers making too little money. It is time for the sector to take a leaf from the German market and realise that for many it is merge or die.

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How blockchain can reshape the fashion supply chain 30 October 2019

The fashion industry managed to rake in well over a trillion dollars in 2018 – but its supply chain continues to faces challenges ranging from excess waste to ethical issues and counterfeiting. However, blockchain might have the power to solve or, at the very least, alleviate these concerns.

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Steps to successful sourcing in Vietnam 14 October 2019

Trade and political tensions between China and the US have moved many companies to consider sourcing in other areas in Southeast Asia, and especially Vietnam. While challenges abound, it is possible to build good relationships with factories, as Alexander Twibill, director of marketing for HQTS Group, explains.

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Eco-friendly fashion – Where are we still falling short? 11 October 2019

Despite current efforts to create more eco-friendly fashion, the industry needs a more deliberate approach to integrating sustainability across the entire value chain. Here Feng Xin, VP of downstream business & corporate development at viscose major Sateri, sets out three key areas that should be addressed.

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The Grinch to American retailers – no more love! 1 September 2019

A new round of US tariffs kicks in today (1 September) that will result in a direct tax on 92% of all apparel products and 53% of all footwear items imported from China. Here Rick Helfenbein, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), explains the industry's concern at the likely impact of this tariff manoeuvring, both now and into the future.

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Why the fashion industry must get ahead of its massive pollution problem 8 August 2019

Levi Strauss has taken the lead on climate commitment – but where does the rest of the fashion industry stand today? asks Todd Paglia, executive director at Stand.earth.

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Three steps to the next generation of warehouse operations 4 July 2019

The next generation of warehouse operations can not only deliver new levels of retail profitability, but can stop margin erosion in its tracks. Craig Summers, UK managing director at Manhattan Associates, looks at steps retailers can take to make their warehouse operations succeed.

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Tariff threats stand in the way of apparel supply chain investments 28 June 2019

With the Trump Administration mulling up to 25% additional duties on all US imports from China, Matthijs Crietee, secretary general of the International Apparel Federation (IAF), argues that even the threat of new trade barriers is likely to have a long-term impact on complex global clothing supply chains.

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Why it's time to share your views on trade 24 June 2019

Ahead of her testimony against the proposed Section 301 tariffs on all imports from China – which would include all clothing and footwear – Julia Hughes, president of the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA), explains why the negative impact of tariffs on China will not just hurt brands and retailers, but also their global supply chains. And, she says, it's not too late to speak out.