Blog: Gearing up for the holiday shopping season

Leonie Barrie | 11 December 2017

The volume of US apparel imports saw an increase in October on the prior year as retailers geared up for the holiday shopping season. Bangladesh booked the second highest growth behind India, reversing four consecutive months of declines.

We also unravel the ‘Indian garment anomaly’: How an industry that, for all practical purposes, is dominated by a single season can become one of the world's largest garment exporters.

Ten trends set to shape the fashion industry during 2018 are likely to include slower growth in mature markets; emerging markets overtaking those in the west for the first time; and greater polarisation between winners and losers.

Meanwhile, another article offers up a wider view of some of the key trends transforming the US manufacturing industry.

Retailers are also being urged to move away from an obsession with sourcing costs and focus instead on reinventing their operating model to unlock trapped value in their supply chains.

Supply chain transparency is an urgent issue facing retail organisations today, as it's often deep down in the supply chain where the most significant brand, reputation and financial risks live. This collaborative Q&A takes a closer look.

Recent high-profile cases involving Hollywood, the media and political figures have exposed a global crisis of workplace sexual harassment. But with garment workers among the most vulnerable, efforts to protect abuses are falling short.

A recent change of direction has seen Mike Flanagan swap some of his clothing consultancy time to run a local deli. But the move has also opened his eyes to the reasons why apparel, an industry that should be all about fun and dynamism, is in a rut.

Meanwhile, in other news, a new Fung Group partnership is looking at industry disruption and future supply chains; G-Star Raw has developed its most sustainable jeans; and forecasts for world cotton production have been lifted again.