Top stories on just-style in August included the first roadmaps from members of the German-based partnership for Sustainable Textiles, an interview with Roger Lee, CEO at Hong Kong apparel giant TAL Group, a look at the knock-on impact of Myanmar’s refugee problem on the country’s garment export sector, and the latest sourcing trends from the MAGIC trade show.
1. Adidas, C&A, Esprit set out new sustainability roadmaps
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Brands and retailers including Adidas, C&A, Esprit, Hugo Boss, KiK, Lidl, Primark and Puma are among 116 members of the German based Partnership for Sustainable Textiles who have submitted roadmaps outlining concrete steps to increase sustainability in their textile supply chains.
2. How TAL Apparel is rebalancing for growth – CEO Interview
By his own admission, Roger Lee, CEO at Hong Kong based apparel giant TAL Group, is an optimist. And it’s a trait that has stood him – and the 70-year-old company he leads – in good stead in recent years as he focuses and rebalances the business for future growth.
3. Trump to the American retail consumer – “You’re Fired”
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By GlobalDataWe are all trying hard to rationalise or explain what the Trump administration is trying to do, writes Rick Helfenbein, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA). Apparently, we are attempting to stop unfair trade practices – promoted by China – by taxing ourselves and taking money out of our own pockets. Makes sense, right?
4. Can Myanmar’s garment sector reach its full potential?
After a United Nations (UN) report this week branded Myanmar’s refugee problem one of the world’s worst humanitarian and human rights crises, David Birnbaum looks at the knock-on impact for the country’s garment export sector. He argues that while Myanmar is one of the few alternatives to China for high value-added, complex and difficult-to-make products, its poor reputation may prevent it from reaching its full potential.
5. Timeline – Trump’s track record on trade – Update
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.
6. Key apparel supply chain takeaways from Sourcing at MAGIC
The MAGIC trade show held earlier this month in Las Vegas provided Dr Sheng Lu, associate professor in the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware, with an ideal opportunity to talk with vendors from some leading apparel sourcing destinations about the latest sourcing trends and the overall business environment.
7. Lesotho workers win 62% jump in minimum wages
Marches and demonstrations – and threats of strikes at textile plants – have persuaded the Lesotho government to approve a 62% increase the minimum wage for factory workers.
8. New US-Mexico deal could replace NAFTA
The US has reached a preliminary agreement regarding a new trade accord with Mexico that could replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), including stronger textile provisions than the original trade pact, and are designed to incentivise greater US and Mexican production in textiles and apparel trade.
9. Speeding the footwear cycle is no fast-fix solution
Nike, Adidas and Under Armour are all on parallel missions to supercharge their supply chains through the introduction of so-called “speed” factories, but it’s becoming clear that there’s no quick-fix solution and the process requires a steep learning curve.
10. New call for brand support ahead of Bangladesh wage talks
A group of human rights organisations in Bangladesh has renewed its call for brands to support better wages for the country’s garment workers ahead of a meeting of the Minimum Wage Board on Wednesday (29 August).
