26/9/2023
Since the pandemic fashion industry talk has moved from sustainability to the nearshoring market with some remarkable consequences, writes Gherzi Textile Organization partner Robert P. Antoshak.
The drumbeat of fashion environmentalists remains loud, but the cacophony of voices comprising the green crowd has increasingly had to share the stage with the reality of the marketplace....
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25/9/2023
The EU has moved a step ahead of the US once again, revealing the initial steps it is taking as part of its plan to eradicate greenwashing in the fashion sector.
There are almost 5,000 physical miles between the EU and US, but the nations are growing further apart in terms of green fashion legislation....
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25/9/2023
The US apparel sector urges the US government and private sector to work together to keep imports and exports moving ahead of a potential US government shutdown on 1 October 2023 due to a budgetary stand-off.
Lawmakers have warned the US is heading for a shutdown on 1 October as budget talks stall with news reports suggesting the economy could take a hit if a deal isn’t made....
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25/9/2023
UK Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures show retail sales volumes have grown 0.4% in August, up from a revised fall of 1.1% in July.
Taking a broader perspective, the UK’s retail sales volumes in the three months leading up to August 2023 increased by 0.3% when compared to the previous three months.
In terms of value, retail sales were notably higher, standing at 17.3% above their pre-COVID-19 levels in February 2020. However, in terms of actual sales volumes, there was a 1.5% decrease....
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25/9/2023
One of the most popular clothing items across the world, denim jeans never go out of style and that is why some global research conclude that between 2026 and 2030, the denim jeans market size will reach $88.1 billion. Facts Factors released its specialized and expertise-oriented industry research report that ¯scrutinizes the technical and commercial business outlook of the denim jeans industry and predicts that by 2026, the global market size will be $88 billion, growing at compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4 per cent between 2020 and 2026....
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25/9/2023
Researchers from US’ Penn State Smeal College of Business have discovered that consumers are willing to pay more for customisable clothing and are likely to keep these items for a longer duration, potentially reducing the fashion industry's environmental impact.
The study, led by Dan Guide, Smeal’s chaired professor of operations and supply chain management, and Aydin Alptekinoglu, professor of operations and supply chain management, was published in the Journal of Operations Management....
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22/9/2023
Europe was and continues to be in pole position for western wear for men, women and children. A recent report by a research house IMARC Group titled “Europe Menswear Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2023-2028” reveals a CAGR of 4.5 per cent between 2023 and 2028 in the menswear category. The baseline of the report was January to December 2022....
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18/9/2023
Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation (NRF) shares that consumers are focused on household priorities as evidenced by spending this back-to- school season, a trend which he believes will continue growing "moderately" entering fall despite uncertainties like inflation and higher interest rates....
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15/9/2023
The Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) has released the latest data on United States' apparel imports for the period of January to July 2023. This report delves into the year-on-year progress of the USA's overall apparel imports from around the globe and highlights trends in imports from top sourcing countries....
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14/9/2023
Chinese textile and clothing manufacturers are increasingly relying on Egyptian cotton due to the US ban on Xinjiang cotton.
China has become Egypt’s second largest buyer of cotton over the past two seasons not only due to Xinjiang but also because of its competitive pricing and strong demand for luxury fibres....
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13/9/2023
The impact of climate change is here and how. Random flooding is commonplace and summer heat waves are the new normal. From the US to Australia, from Japan to Germany, climate change the new reality the world is grappling with alongside inflation, political conflict and wave after wave of uncertainty.
In this mix, there is the writing on the wall for readymade garment manufacturing hubs that the continual cycle of flooding and heat waves will have a huge detrimental impact....
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12/9/2023
Traceability is leading the way in apparel company filings as digital product passports gain traction and supply chains strive to become more transparent.
Apparel company filings data by GlobalData shows “traceability” was the most-used keyword in the apparel industry over the last five years (from September 2019 to 2023)....
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11/9/2023
Retailers are optimistic about the holiday season as US imports are anticipated to hit 2 million Twenty-Foot Equivalents Units (TEU) in September, for the second consecutive month.
The latest Global Port Tracker report, jointly released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates, suggests that the US’s major container ports are on track to reach a significant milestone in import cargo volume....
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8/9/2023
The National Retail Federation (NRF) chief economist, Jack Kleinhenz indicates that while the US economy continues to expand, recent data suggests a noticeable slowdown in its momentum.
Within the context of the September issue of the NRF Monthly Economic Review, Kleinhenz observed that while the economy is indeed decelerating, it is not coming to a standstill....
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5/9/2023
The BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor (RSM) reports clothing and footwear saw weaker sales growth despite consumer confidence increasing as inflation remains dominant with families holding back on spending.
The latest retail sales data by the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor (RSM), an accurate monthly measure of UK-wide retail sales performance, has revealed a surge in consumer confidence, leading to a 4.1% increase in total retail sales for the month of August....
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4/9/2023
Fast fashion is showing no signs of slowing and the textile waste mountain continues to grow. Is tech that predicts consumer demands the answer to ending the make-take-waste cycle?
The pursuit of “material wealth” has a complex relationship with overconsumption, especially clothing. And we live in a society where consumers are highly influenced by societal pressure and advertising; where the idea of having everything irrespective of need has led to a wasteful consumption culture....
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31/8/2023
The global coated fabrics market is projected to grow from $21.6 billion in 2022 to $29.79 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.1%. The growth of the market is driven by the increasing demand for coated fabrics in a variety of applications, such as protective clothing, furniture, roofing, and industrial applications.
Coated fabrics are treated with polymers and rubber to improve their properties, such as water resistance, UV resistance, and resistance to dirt and oil....
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28/8/2023
The latest projections from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the cotton market in the 2023/24 season indicate a 6% rise in global cotton mill use, reaching 116.9 million bales, the highest since 2020/21.
Notably, Pakistan and India are expected to drive this growth, with gains of 1.4 million and 1.0 million bales, respectively. As mill use is set to outpace production, global cotton ending stocks are projected to decrease by 2.7% (2.5 million bales) to 91.6 million bales....
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25/8/2023
The global plus size women's clothing market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2023 to 2031. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing number of overweight and obese women, the growing demand for fashionable plus size clothing, and the increasing availability of plus size clothing online.
The market is segmented by product type, age group, distribution channel, and region. The innerwear segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, as there is a growing demand for comfortable and stylish innerwear for plus size women....
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25/8/2023
The women’s active wear promotional segment seems to be doing more harm than good with most women experiencing negative body image as they compare their own body shapes with fit and toned models in tight-fitting clothing on these websites. Most images are far from realistic as these photo-shopped body-focused marketing is used to attract attention and promote their products, ignoring the fact that women experience lower self-esteem and body shaming....
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25/8/2023
A report by GlobalData on global trends in the niche clothing sector suggests extending sizing across core ranges is preferable for shoppers, with 73.8% citing it would give them "greater choice."
The ‘Niche Clothing Trends in the Global Market‘ report by GlobalData states 71.1% out of the 2,000 surveyed feel that not enough retailers stock niche ranges. While 62.7% find it difficult to shop for niche clothing, with another 61.5% stating that they would like more retailers to provide styling advice for their size and shape....
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24/8/2023
Even as some companies redirect their attention to wholesale, direct to consumer mentions in apparel company filings continue to grow.
According to GlobalData’s analytics, mentions of “direct to consumer” (D2C) in apparel company filings increased threefold between 2019 and 2022.
The enthusiasm for direct to consumer apparel sales channels had appeared to be waning as several high-profile companies reported significant wholesale growth and interest....
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24/8/2023
A new research report by Advance Market Analytics titled "Insights into the Western Wear Market up to 2028" provides a comprehensive overview of the global western wear market. The report covers the market size, growth drivers, restraints, and opportunities, as well as profiles of key players.
The report estimates that the global western wear market will reach USD 82.8 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2021 to 2027. The growth of the market is being driven by the increasing popularity of western wear clothing, driven by the rise of e-retailing....
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23/8/2023
With inflation easing across the UK, apparel shoppers are feeling a bit more positive. with 54% observed in a recent GlobalData survey expecting clothing prices to drop over the next six months.
Despite an expected price decrease for clothing as inflation eases, fewer people expect to be spending discretionary income on the category, according to the Retail Trend Tracker: Consumer Sentiment August report from GlobalData, which polled 2,000 consumers....
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22/8/2023
A recent survey found that over 80% of consumers in the UK, France, and Germany expect the economic downturn to last more than a year. In response, more than 90% of shoppers are changing their spending habits.
Specifically, consumers are spending less (54%), eating out less (49%), purchasing fewer non-essential items (51%), shopping with less expensive brands (44%) and limiting spending on clothing, footwear, and accessories (54%)...
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22/8/2023
The US government continues to curb the import of goods produced with alleged forced labour, however, a recent court ruling has criticised US Customs and Border Protection for detaining goods with "little to no information."
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to support the US government’s efforts to eliminate goods from the supply chain made from forced labour....
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22/8/2023
Non-profit British Fashion Council (BFC) has introduced an industry-wide audit to assess the industry's existing demographics and ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion exist throughout the UK fashion industry,
The British Fashion Council describes ‘The Fashion DEI [Diversity, Equality and Inclusion] Census’ as the “first of its kind” and says it aims to foster collective action and engagement across all levels of the industry....
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21/8/2023
Concerns over climate change are a hot topic for apparel company filings over the last year, beating both ESG and Covid, according to GlobalData
The climate crisis is arguably more notable than ever this summer with soaring temperatures being reported all over the globe and it’s putting the fashion industry’s contribution back into the spotlight....
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21/8/2023
As apparel brands reckon with ongoing claims of labour rights abuses, consumers are becoming more concerned about environmental and social issues within the fashion supply chain.
The apparel sector has responded to several worrying reports about human rights abuses in its supply chain and consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental and social issues at play when shopping, so the key question is – can apparel brands keep up?...
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21/8/2023
Overall imports fell by 4.2% from May and 16.7% from the previous year.
In June, imports of textiles and apparel experienced a decline following several consecutive months of growth. The combined volume of textile and apparel imports in June reached 8.43 billion square meter equivalents (SME), indicating a 4.2 percent drop from May and a significant 16.7 percent decline from the corresponding period of the previous year....
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21/8/2023
A new study suggests applying certain cutting and sewing methods during the fashion manufacturing process can significantly reduce the amount of microfibres released when the garments are washed.
The research paper ‘Impact of sewing on microfiber release from polyester fabric during laundry’ reveals that laser and ultrasonic cutting methods can reduce the microfibre release of garments by up to 20 times compared to using conventional scissor-cut edges....
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19/8/2023
The price of women's hosiery in the United States decreased by 1.5% in June 2023 to $488 per thousand pairs (CIF, US). This was the third consecutive month of decline, and the lowest price since October 2022.
The decline in prices was driven by a number of factors, including strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other currencies, which made imported hosiery more expensive, increased competition from domestic manufacturers and a decline in demand for hosiery, as more women opt for pants and other legwear....
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18/8/2023
UK Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures show average weekly online clothing sales hit a record high of £1.7bn in the first half of 2023.
Online sales in the UK increased in July 2023, despite overall retail sales falling by 2.6% as wet weather and the cost of living continue to trouble customers, according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
Shoppers in the UK are increasingly choosing to shop online, with 27.4% of all retail sales in the country now taking place online in July 2023. This is the highest proportion since February 2022. The ONS says that 11p of every £1 spent online in the UK is now spent at textile, clothing and footwear retailers....
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16/8/2023
National Retail Federation (NRF) chief economist Jack Kleinhenz explains that retail sales had been slowing down, but July witnessed a revival thanks to “the special deal days orchestrated by several retailers”.
After a period of dwindling sales, the US retail sector witnessed a revival in July, powered by Amazon’s Prime Day, a flurry of enticing promotions from various brands, and an increase in wages, according to the NRF....
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15/8/2023
As the North Hemisphere swelters this August we're left knowing the fashion industry has the dubious honour of contributing to the planet's climate crisis, so what's next, asks Gherzi Textil Organisation partner Robert P. Antoshak.
The debate over climate change may have taken a turn this year as the North Hemisphere suffered through a brutally hot July. In fact, according to the United Nations, “July has already seen the hottest three-week period ever recorded; the three hottest days on record; and the highest-ever ocean temperatures for this time of year. The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived. Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning,” reported the Washington Post....
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14/8/2023
The consumer price index for all US urban consumers (CPI-U) rose by 0.2 per cent in July this year on a seasonally-adjusted basis, the same increase as in June, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS).
Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased by 3.2 per cent before seasonal adjustment....
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14/8/2023
A US budget apparel retailer was on the look out for over 10 times more employees than its second closest rival in the apparel jobs ranking list for July 2023, according to GlobalData.
Data compiled by GlobalData suggests budget apparel retail is benefitting from the cost of living crisis and rising inflation in the US as Dollar General Corp, a US chain of variety stores that includes apparel looked to hire 61,272 employees as of 31 July 2023....
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11/8/2023
National Retail Federation (NRF) chief economist Jack Kleinhenz suggests US consumers are buying more than last year, but spending growth is slowing with a greater focus on purchasing services than apparel and other goods.
Kleinhenz explains the US economy was more resilient in the first half of the year than many expected, however he adds that consumers are still spending but are under financial pressure and have been adjusting how much they buy while also shifting from goods such as apparel to services....
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7/8/2023
Health and safety becomes increasingly important for apparel supply chain hiring between July 2022 and July 2023, according to GlobalData.
Data compiled by GlobalData suggests the importance of health and safety within apparel supply chain hiring has steadily increased from July 2022 to July 2023.
How is health and safety impacting apparel supply chain hiring
The health and safety theme remained in fourth place between this July and last July, sitting behind the global macro outlook in first place, US macro outlook in second place and social in third place....
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7/8/2023
New data reveals the number of US fashion brands and retailers sourcing from CAFTA-DR members grew substantially in 2023 and with the US set to introduce new trade policies the shift is likely to increase further.
Experts from the US fashion industry have predicted overseas apparel sourcing to dip in the near future, in part as a result of consumer confidence waning as inflation soars. But with the attention of apparel brands and retailers shifting from China when it comes to sourcing, there are some big opportunities for other apparel producer majors – particularly ones positioned closer to home turf....
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7/8/2023
The US plus size clothing sector has gained prominence, capturing a dominant 40% market share in 2023 due to key factors driving demand.
The country's substantial obese population, with over 40% of adults classified as such, propels the desire for fashionable and comfortable plus size garments. Noteworthy spending upticks on such attire stem from a burgeoning middle class and increased visibility of plus size models and celebrities.
Americans' escalating caloric intake has elevated the average weight, further fueling the demand for plus size clothing. Retailers are responding to this demand by diversifying their offerings, with many major players and numerous online vendors specializing in plus size attire....
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3/8/2023
The European Union's (EU) apparel import performance for the period of January to May 2023 has seen a decline of 8.84% in value, reaching US$36.31 billion compared to US$39.83 billion in the same period in 2022. The quantity of clothing imported by the EU has also decreased by 16.54%, from US$1.75 billion to US$1.46 billion....
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2/8/2023
The global luxury apparel market is projected to reach USD 139.2 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.23% from 2023 to 2030,according to a report by Market Research Future.
Drivers
The increasing penetration of e-commerce has played a significant role in boosting market growth. Luxury brands have embraced online platforms to reach a broader audience, leading to increased sales.
Consumers prefer the convenience and vast product selection offered by online shopping, making luxury apparel more accessible to a larger customer base....
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2/8/2023
A well-executed inorganic growth strategy remains a top priority within the apparel industry.
Each week, Just Style’s journalists pick out insights from company filings that highlight sentiments in our sector. These filings signals are based on GlobalData’s analysis of earnings statements, call transcripts, investor presentations and sustainability reports. They tell us about key topics on the minds of business leaders and investors, and the themes driving a company’s activities....
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1/8/2023
With the global apparel market set to witness a substantial 11% revenue growth over the next four years, aspiring entrepreneurs are increasingly eyeing the fashion industry. To shed light on the most promising locations, JOOR, a wholesale expert company, conducted a comprehensive study evaluating several key factors, including country population, import and export figures, apparel market valuation, and the presence of 'unicorn companies' in the consumer and retail market. Unicorns are privately held startup companies valued at over $1 billion....
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1/8/2023
A recent report by Allied Market Research titled "Compression Wear and Shapewear Market by Product Type, Gender, Application, and Distribution Channel: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030" sheds light on the thriving market of compression wear and shapewear.
The comprehensive study delves into top investment prospects, winning strategies, drivers, opportunities, market size estimations, competitive landscape, and evolving market trends. The market's growth is attributed to several factors, including increased disposable income among consumers, advancements in fabric technology and garment designs, growing popularity of compression wear among the elderly, shifting lifestyles, and higher demand for compression wear from the fitness industry....
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1/8/2023
US Trade Representative Katherine Tai has unveiled a fresh approach to US trade policy, signalling a departure from the long-standing emphasis on efficient and low cost supply chains.
Addressing the challenges posed by fragile supply chains and the growing dominance of a single economy, Tai says the Biden-Harris Administration’s new strategy is focused on raising standards, driving sustainability, and prioritising the needs of US workers and producers....
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31/7/2023
Inflation and the state of the economy weighs heavy on the minds of US fashion sourcing execs as they focus on deleveraging China and strengthening sourcing ties with CAFTA-DR members, the USFIA 2023 Benchmarking Study has revealed.
The latest set of results from the tenth United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) survey shows US fashion executives are exercising a level of caution as they move into 2024, with only half expecting sourcing volumes to rise, as concerns about inflation and the state of the economy continue....
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31/7/2023
Global economy has the biggest impact on apparel supply chain hiring in Q2 2023, according to GlobalData.
Each week, Just Style’s journalists explore movements in job postings that shed light on hiring trends in our sector. These job signals provide insights into where the leading companies are focusing their recruitment efforts, and why. We reveal the skills that are in high demand in the sector, and the themes driving current hiring patterns....
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31/7/2023
The Vegan Clothing Market in the United States is set for remarkable growth, with a projected absolute increase of US$ 499.6 million, reaching a value of US$ 797.3 million by 2033. From 2018 to 2022, the market experienced a substantial Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.8%. It is expected that from 2023 to 2033, the CAGR will further accelerate to 9.4%....
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29/7/2023
A substantial increase of USD 582.93 billion is projected in global apparel market between 2022 and 2027, with a promising CAGR of 6.65%, as per a report by Technavio.
Segmentation and Growth Projections
Notably, the women's segment is anticipated to experience significant growth during the forecast period due to factors like evolving fashion trends, increased purchasing power, and the convenience of online shopping platforms.
The APAC region is poised to contribute 39% to the global market growth, driven by economic development, rising disposable income, and a burgeoning young population....
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28/7/2023
As of May, the United States continues to experience a sluggish market for textile and apparel imports, witnessing a cumulative year-on-year decline of 22.2% in the first five months. The situation remains challenging, with imports from China dropping by 27.2% compared to the same period last year, and no clear turning point in sight.
Several factors contribute to the weakened demand for textile and apparel imports in the US.
Firstly, wholesalers and retailers still hold high inventory levels and have not completed destocking, leading to reduced motivation for restocking. Secondly, inflation and interest rate hikes in the country have diminished domestic consumption capacity for textile and apparel....
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26/7/2023
The swimwear market, valued at $19.8 billion in 2022, is anticipated to surge at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2032, reaching a substantial $30.9 billion, according to a report by Allied Market Research. Swimwear serves not only as functional attire for water-related activities but has evolved into a fashion statement.
Women's swimwear, dominating the market, showcases bold colors, asymmetric designs, African and geometric prints, and modern silhouettes. High-end brands are gaining popularity as they offer trendy prints and convenient cuts that enhance the slimming effect, appealing to consumers seeking both style and functionality....
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25/7/2023
A report based on laboratory testing reveals most consumers believe there is a connection between price and clothing durability but in reality there is not.
The report, Worn out: Is price an accurate indicator of clothing durability, published by the School of Design at the University of Leeds and commissioned by environmental charity Hubbub and fashion retailer Primark has challenged the perception that paying a higher price for clothes means they will last longer....
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24/7/2023
A new market research report titled "Lingerie Market Report (2023-2028)" reveals that the global lingerie market is estimated to be worth USD 82.28 billion in 2023, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.02% during the forecast period.
The innerwear and lingerie industry has witnessed robust growth in recent years, driven by consumers' increasing focus on both style and comfort, influenced by media and advertising. Lingerie is now perceived as a fashion product that enhances body features rather than just a necessity....
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24/7/2023
UK brands, designers and retailers feel it is their responsibility to support customers in making considered purchases and to maximise the use of their existing clothes, according to a new insights report launched by the British Fashion Council’s (BFC) Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF) and Vanish....
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22/7/2023
The denim market is projected to grow at a rate of 6.7% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2029, driven by the increasing consumer disposable income levels, according to a report by Data Bridge. Denim, initially designed for work clothes, has evolved into a vital and fashionable item in modern wardrobes.
The market's growth is further boosted by urbanization, the rising popularity of denim shirts, and the use of synthetic materials blended with cotton to create stretchable denim jeans....
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20/7/2023
The overall back-to-school market for the US is predicted to drop to $31.2 billion with clothing expenditure down 14 per cent year-over-year (YoY). Back-to-school spending for K-12 students is anticipated to decrease by 10 per cent to $597 per student. Shoppers are likely to favour retailers offering competitive pricing, with 80 per cent choosing mass merchants, 60 per cent online retailers, and 33 per cent each for off-price retailers and dollar stores....
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19/7/2023
The global kids apparel market is projected to reach USD 318.34 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.96% from USD 198.80 billion in 2023. The presence of children and tweens on social media platforms has driven parents to invest in attractive, comfortable, and high-quality clothing for their kids.
Cotton remains the preferred fabric for kids apparel due to its comfort, lightweight nature, and color retention. The report analyzes key market segments, recent trends, and driving factors. COVID-19 restrictions negatively affected market growth, but the industry adapted through automation and sanitation protocols....
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19/7/2023
The global sportswear industry experienced considerable growth in media impact value (MIV) in 2022, with some notable regional differences, according to the latest Sportswear Insights report by Launchmetrics.
In 2021, the Americas topped the list in MIV contribution for sportswear, with a staggering $2.5 billion, followed closely by the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region at $2.1 billion. During the same period, China's MIV was reported at $1.2 billion, while the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, excluding China, came in at $901 million, as per the report....
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18/7/2023
US apparel imports continued to slide during May, with shipment quantities falling 28.2% compared to the previous year, owing to headwinds in the US economy and weakening consumer confidence.
It marks the third consecutive month of falling US apparel imports with a 40.2% year-on-year fall in March and a 33.9% fall in apparel shipments in April.
In value terms, US apparel imports fell 25.9% year on year....
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17/7/2023
The US has captured a significant 40% share in the plus size clothing sector, becoming the leader in 2023. This achievement is primarily attributed to the country's large population grappling with obesity and increased spending on plus size apparel. The market's growth is further driven by the rising calorie intake in middle and high-income households, which creates a demand for inclusive clothing options....
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15/7/2023
In May 2023, the United Kingdom's clothing imports amounted to £1.279 billion ($1.680 billion), marking a 28.55 per cent drop from the previous year's £1.790 billion during the same month. There was an upward month-on-month trend, with the figure for April 2023 recorded at £1.197 billion, according to the UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS)....
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15/7/2023
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), the International Apparel Federation (IAF), and 128 other globally located organisations have made a united appeal, submitting a letter to global, national, and local authorities. The collective group is advocating for the modernisation of domestic textile, garment, footwear, and related accessories labelling requirements, promoting more sustainable and economically viable digital labels for necessary labelling information....
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14/7/2023
A comprehensive report has been released, analyzing the consequences of Brexit on the fashion, textile, and technology (FTT) industry in the UK. It provides valuable insights and presents five key recommendations aimed at supporting the sector's future growth.
Jointly published by the Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology (BFTT), led by the University of the Arts London, and the Future Fashion Factory (FFF), led by the University of Leeds, the report was chaired by Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT. Mansell highlighted the significant impact of the UK's departure from the EU, emphasizing the complex trading relationship that emerged....
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14/7/2023
In a highly competitive and fragmented global lingerie market, the dynamics are shifting as working women play a pivotal role in driving its growth. Lingerie market is growing at 7.8% CAGR to reach USD 73.56 Bn by 2029, according to a report Maximising Market Research
With diverse product lines and operations in various regions, these industry leaders strive to gain a competitive edge. Utilizing a robust research methodology, the report provides a bottom-up analysis to determine the market size....
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14/7/2023
Almost nine out of ten fashion brands do not disclose annual production volumes and 99% have not committed to reducing the number of new items they produce despite proposed EU legislation to charge brands for fashion waste, according to the Fashion Transparency Index 2023.
The Fashion Transparency Index 2023, which was published yesterday (13 July), explains mitigating fashion waste remains the big elephant in the room with a 3% increase in the number of fashion brands not disclosing their annual production volumes (88% in 2023 compared to 85% in 2022)....
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14/7/2023
Wool in itself isn’t as large a natural material source cotton and traditionally wool has only been recycled when there was natural calamity that decreased the production of fleece from livestock. However, with climate change a hard-hitting reality, major wool producing countries like New Zealand and Australia are struggling with fleece production, leading to a renewed interest in recycling wool, globally....
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12/7/2023
According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global women's activewear market is projected to reach $216,868 million by 2025, with a CAGR of 7.7% from 2018 to 2025. In 2017, the market was estimated to be $119,078 million, with North America accounting for 42.4% of the total revenue. Activewear, known for its utility and comfort during physical activities, is gaining popularity due to its benefits such as water resistance, bi-stretchable function, and anti-bacterial fabric. The rise in female participation in fitness activities and the adoption of athleisure wear for everyday use are major factors driving market growth....
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11/7/2023
Is US nearshoring a thing? What about onshoring? These topics remain attractive for some fashion companies and an illusion for others. So, what's real and what's not and do consumers care if a product says 'Made in USA'?
When looking at nearshoring, onshoring and Made in USA fashion products it makes sense to start with imports....
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10/7/2023
The West Coast Ports resolution has brought some relief for retailers but ongoing strikes at Vancouver and Prince Rupert ports in Canada could impact retailers and have a ripple effect on other ports.
While a tentative contract agreement has been reached at West Coast ports, retailers remain vigilant as labour disputes continue to develop at ports in western Canada, along with a potential strike by the Teamsters against United Parcel Service (UPS)....
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10/7/2023
Luxury fashion, characterized by its premium, exclusive, and high-price tag products, is experiencing remarkable growth in the global market. With the expanding fashion industry and the increasing demand for aesthetic products, the luxury fashion market reached a size of US$ 237.0 billion in 2022. Looking ahead, market analysis by IMARC Group projects a significant growth rate (CAGR) of 3.60% during the period of 2023-2028, with an expected market value of US$ 294.7 billion....
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8/7/2023
EU apparel imports from the world experienced a significant decline of 7.62% during January-April 2023, reaching a total of US$29.83 billion. The quantity of clothing imports also saw a steep downturn of 15.45%.
Winners and Losers in EU Apparel Imports
Among the top ten sourcing countries for EU apparel, Vietnam and India demonstrated positive growth, while imports from other countries declined notably....
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7/7/2023
National Retail Federation (NRF) chief economist, Jack Kleinhenz, is optimistic about the state of the US economy and says it appears to be “rolling forward” but the rate of growth is likely to slow down for the rest of this year.
“The first half of the year is over, and the economy is still moving in the right direction,” said the NRF’s chief economist. “While its rhythm, tone and pattern have slowed, it has not stalled and recently revised data shows underlying strength that seems to be rolling forward.”...
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7/7/2023
Global fashion industry experts weigh the impact of the EU Commission's proposed rules to charge fashion brands and retailers for textile waste.
Earlier this week (5 July), the EU Commission announced proposed rules that will make fashion brands and retailers responsible for the full lifecycle of textile products and will require them to financially support the sustainable management of textile waste across the EU....
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6/7/2023
The impending gloom of a recession in 2023 may just be a false alarm as corporate mergers and acquisitions keep happening while inflation levels remain controlled with most countries bouncing back to post-pandemic days despite the geopolitical and other economic tensions. The US economy as a power-house that leads all others, is currently displaying strong signs of resilience. Although some industry segments may be shrinking under inflation, it seems to be a rolling recession where the overall economy does not stagger and bring a country down to its knees....
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5/7/2023
Mass fashion brands should take note of the strategies being used by luxury retailers to enhance their customer experience, writes Tobias Buxhoidt, founder and CEO of post-purchase customer experience software provider parcelLab.
In the ever-changing, fast-paced world of retail, the luxury sector has consistently set the standard for exclusivity, quality, and personalised customer experiences. As highlighted in the recent Forrester Luxury report, luxury brands have recognised the importance of prioritising digital customer experiences to drive overall sales and engagement....
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4/7/2023
The textile industry is responding to consumer demands for transparency, with fashion brands adopting QR codes on garments to disclose information like fiber content, country of origin, and recycling instructions.
However, achieving transparency remains a challenge, as indicated by a recent report from #WhoMadeMyCotton. The report highlights the industry’s size as a major obstacle, leading to fragmentation that hinders transparency efforts....
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3/7/2023
Consumers are proactively looking for conscious products and there is a significant alignment between beauty and fashion customers in their search for conscious attributes, said Farfetch in its 2023 Conscious Luxury Trends report. There was more than 78 per cent increase for conscious-related search terms. ‘Linen’, ‘vegan’, and ‘organic’ were the top conscious-related search terms for fashion on the Farfetch marketplace in 2022....
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3/7/2023
The global children's and infant wear market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2023 to 2028, reaching USD 202.2 billion by 2028.
Factors driving market growth include the growing birth rate, increased discretionary spending of working parents, and the influence of social media on parents' fashion choices for their newborns....
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30/6/2023
Fashion brands have been warned to step up cybersecurity as the industry becomes digitalised and Russian hackers pose an increased risk.?Sarah Gibbons reports.
While digitalisation brings enhanced sustainability, reduced waste, stricter inventory management, personalised designs, smart wearable tech garments, AI-enabled virtual fittings and integrated supply chains, increasing online data offers bad actors additional attack vectors, says US-based cyber exposure management company Tenable....
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29/6/2023
Slow fashion is growing with mass brands offering rental and resale options. Poorna Rodrigo explores whether consumers are ready to make the switch now or in future.
Opinion polling indicates efforts to steer demand away from mass-produced unsustainable fast fashion in favour of high quality, sustainable, made-to-last slow fashion have borne fruit. However, researchers reveal consumers are still reluctant to follow up their stated good intentions with purchases....
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28/6/2023
With 2025 its date of expiry drawing close, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) that gives duty-free benefits to goods of designated sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, is now set for a change for better or worse. The AGOA legislation was approved by the US Congress in May 2000 and signed by President Clinton to promote better economic growth through good governance and free global markets....
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23/6/2023
Apparel imports from China into the US grew 22.1% between 2016 and 2022 according to a new report from Descartes.
Descartes which provides on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses, published Global Shipping Report: China – US Trade Shift: Where Did the Market Share Go or Did It? evaluates how the market share of top imports from China into the US has changed over the last seven years....
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23/6/2023
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) in the UK has revealed a 0.3% jump in retail sales volumes during May, with non-store retail volumes seeing a spike particularly linked to strong clothing sales on better weather.
Despite soaring inflation and higher borrowing costs, this marked the second consecutive month of growth, following a rise of 0.5% in April. The ONS attributed the positive May retail sales results to factors such as bank holidays and favourable weather conditions....
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22/6/2023
A recent research study delves into the global Denim Fabric market, revealing impressive growth projections. The market, which recorded a value of USD 19,021.04 million in 2022, is expected to reach USD 27,381.25 million by 2028, exhibiting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.26% throughout the forecast period.
Denim fabric, known for its durability and commonly used in the apparel industry, finds application in jeans, jackets, shorts, and other clothing and accessories. By employing weft and warp weaving techniques, denim fabric acquires its distinctive diagonal ribbing. Reinforced by a twill weave, denim can withstand substantial friction before succumbing to wear and tear....
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20/6/2023
The US’s Department of Commerce released data analysis from its Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) that indicate the world’s largest economy is slowing down its import volumes of textiles and apparel. The analysis, which was released in the second week of June 2023, revealed since the last quarter of 2022, there has been a high level of unease in the market and amongst consumers as it became apparent that all was not well with the world’s number one economy....
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19/6/2023
US retail sales rose in May according to the latest figures from the US Census Bureau, but clothing sales remained muted.
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), retail sales rose in May as consumers continued to spend despite economic challenges.
“Consumers continued to spend on household priorities in May, supported by gains in the job market and wages,” NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Retailers recognise the ongoing pressure on cost-sensitive consumers and are offering competitive pricing, a wide product mix and convenient shopping options to help stretch family budgets.”...
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19/6/2023
In a bipartisan effort, US Senators introduce the De Minimis Reciprocity Act of 2023 to halt China’s exploitation of lax US trade laws while the Import Security and Fairness Act aims to protect Ohio businesses from unfair trade practices.
The De Minimis Reciprocity Act of 2023, introduced by US Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D and Tammy Baldwin, seeks to address the abuse of trade laws by Communist China and other nations, which currently allows them to import small dollar goods into the US duty-free. By barring Chinese exports from the expedited “de minimis” channel and adjusting the threshold for duty-free imports to match that of trade partners, the proposed legislation aims to foster reciprocity and enhance transparency at US borders....
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16/6/2023
The European Union (EU) is taking a significant step towards promoting sustainability with the ecodesign framework, aimed at making products longer-lasting, easier to repair, upgrade, and recycle.
The Environment Committee recently presented its recommendations to revise the EU’s ecodesign framework for sustainable products, calling attention to their desire for environmentally friendly, circular, and energy-efficient products throughout their lifecycle....
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16/6/2023
When buying is all about what excites and entices you, duty-free shopping is an integral part of travel adding that extra zing to flying. Duty-free shopping always been linked to tourism flow, is finally back with a bang after post-pandemic with travel restrictions waning. Globally, duty-free markets had plunge almost 70 per cent in 2020 when pandemic was raging everywhere....
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16/6/2023
Truth be told, with all the hoopla of Indian consumers thronging retail outlets to buy, buy and buy may not be entirely true. Despite analysts and retail pundits waxing about the great return to physical retail spaces, many brands are not experiencing the kind of footfalls they were hoping for. Then, what is the reality on the ground for India’s retail spaces that continue growing?...
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14/6/2023
The report found that 78% of consumers are willing to pay the same or more for next-gen materials compared to conventional options.
The consumer research titled: Next-gen materials: A 2023 assessment of the potential for U.S .consumer adoption, produced in collaboration between the Material Innovation Initiative (MII) and North Mountain Consulting Group, highlights a significant shift away from conventional animal products and current-generation synthetics....
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13/6/2023
Apparel imports to the US from China saw the biggest decline of the top 10 major suppliers as fashion brands look to reduce their China exposure.
Of the top ten major apparel suppliers to the US, China booked the largest fall during April of 1.7% to 570.56m while the largest import growth came from Mexico and Nicaragua at 0.7%.
During April US apparel and textile imports fell 22.7% year on year to 7.89bn square metre equivalents (SME)....
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13/6/2023
US retailers and brands have reduced imported readymade garment shipments by almost 25%, impacting exports from China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia.
The latest data from the US Department of Commerce's Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) reveals that in the first four months of this year, the US imported apparel worth $25.21 billion, a decrease of approximately 22.15% compared to the same period last year when imports amounted to $32.39 billion....
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12/6/2023
With heightened awareness on health and fitness worldwide, Indian attitude to swimwear has been swimming against the tide of a relatively nascent apparel segment. Many Indian fashion brands have now entered the swimwear market with innovative designs in the bikinis and one-piece cut-away swimsuits that are the most popular although other silhouettes like monokinis, swimming dresses and even burkinis are also part of the extended portfolio in India and other traditional countries....
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10/6/2023
The USA & Canada secondhand apparel market is set to reach a value of $28.1 billion in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3% from 2023 to 2033, as per Future Market Insights. The market's growth is fueled by the rising demand for sustainable fashion as consumers gravitate towards circular fashion practices and seek alternatives to fast fashion. Secondhand clothing contributes to sustainability by prolonging garment lifecycles and reducing clothing waste....
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9/6/2023
Supply chain disruptions stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic are estimated to have cost the US apparel and footwear sectors between $9bn-17bn in 2022 alone according to new data from the International Trade Commission.
The Recent Trends in US Services Trade: 2023 Annual Report from the International Trade Commission (ITC) explores the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on global supply chains....
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8/6/2023
New data released by the European Outdoor Group's (EOG) State of Trade (SoT) market research programme indicates growth in sell-in value and volume across all categories during 2022.
The EOG State of Trade report covers products sold by over 100 outdoor companies in Europe in the apparel, footwear and hardware markets, including outdoor sell-in figures from multisport or lifestyle brands....
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8/6/2023
Despite increased consumer spending, disruptions at West Coast ports have the potential to hit cargo volumes. While not yet reflected in nationwide data, concerns have arisen regarding ongoing disruptions and their potential impact on the upcoming holiday season....
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8/6/2023
Economist Jack Kleinhenz of the National Retail Federation (NRF), pointed out that although the economic indicators are giving conflicting signs, the US should be headed toward a soft landing from the rampant inflation and high interest rates of the past two years....
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8/6/2023
Sustainability in business is a topic that is often talked about. Actually making improvements in sustainability, however, can be a difficult thing to do. Will Hutchinson, director of supply chain for Claros Technologies, discusses.
Will Hutchinson, Director of Supply Chain for Claros Technologies I’m a supply chain expert, not an environmental scientist....
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7/6/2023
The Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) and the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) have welcomed the vote in favour of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) by MEPs but have called for further improvements to its text ahead of the trilogues.
The voting on 1 June by the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) resulted in 366 votes in favour, 225 against and 38 abstentions....
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5/6/2023
With governments taking control of how the fashion industry operates, fashion brands and retailers are waking to a new dawn where full supply chain accountability is no longer just a nicety but a necessity.
The fashion industry’s blissful time in Eden has come to an end. Fashion brands and retailers are being held accountable for their impact on human rights and the environment – two major grey areas that have gone under the radar for far too long....
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5/6/2023
For the last few years, the global textile industry has faced many challenges – dip in consumer demand, labour migration back to their homes, major supply-chain disruptions, high operating costs due to energy crises, lockdowns and the never-ending Russo-Ukrainian conflict. And of course green legislations that upset the manufacturing process. The recently published Global Textile Analysis 2023, Grand View Research values the global textile market size at $1,695.13 billion in 2022 that is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.6 per cent in terms of revenue from 2023 to 2030....
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5/6/2023
Huge mountains of discarded apparels are ending up in global landfills and the rest is shipped in the name of worthless donations to poorer countries in the global south. This is causing an environmental, economic, and social catastrophic situation. In fact, Africa has emerged the favorite dump yard of the world, and governments around the world including countries at fault are addressing waste colonialism from the Global North....
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2/6/2023
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) announced yesterday member states will need to incorporate a set of corporate accountability amendments to safeguard human rights and environmental impact, as part of its Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), however Clean Clothes Campaign and IndustriALL argue the new rules still don't go far enough.
The European Parliament’s negotiating position on due diligence was adopted with 366 votes in favour, 225 against and 38 abstentions....
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1/6/2023
The European Parliament adopts recommendations for the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles today (1 June), however the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (Euratex) argues it could push Europe out of the fashion market.
With 600 votes in favour, 17 against and 16 abstentions, the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles calls for textile products sold in the EU to be more durable, easier to reuse, repair and recycle. It states their production should respect human, social and labour rights, the environment and animal welfare throughout the supply chain....
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30/5/2023
The fashion industry is experiencing a profound transformation towards sustainability as the world leaves behind its wasteful history.
In a world where fashion is often synonymous with excess and disposability, a transformative wind of change is sweeping through the industry.
We find ourselves at the precipice of a fashion renaissance, where sustainability takes centre stage, and conscious practices are becoming the norm. This last week has shown how the hierarchy of the apparel and garment industry’s supply chain has led to this ongoing sustainability revolution....
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30/5/2023
European countries exporting 90% of clothing and textile waste to Africa and Asia have emerged as the fourth central environmental and climate change pressure, according to a report by the European Environment Agency (EEA).
The EEA is urging the textile trade industry to take greater responsibility for sending clothing to lower-income countries and then returning it as second-hand goods, as the consequences are significant....
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30/5/2023
The Ethical fashion market has catapulted into the limelight in post-Covid times with rising awareness among consumers through social media campaigns and government initiatives of the environmental impact of fast fashion, and the growth of e-commerce is currently bringing about this change. The brand manufacturers of the ethical fashion segment are focused on reducing harm to both people and the planet in the whole supply value chain system across garment design, production, and distribution, and consumption....
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26/5/2023
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows retail sales volumes rose by 0.5% in April, following a 1.2% decline in March with clothing and department store sales up 1.0%, indicating a slow return to consumer fashion spending.
The three-month period leading up to April 2023 also showed encouraging signs, with sales volumes increasing by 0.8% compared to the previous three months. This growth rate marks the highest recorded since August 2021, suggesting a strengthening retail landscape....
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26/5/2023
The French Government unveiled the first phase of its fashion sustainability rules in January, surpassing upcoming EU laws on eco-labelling. Avery Dennison's Debbie Shakespeare explains why all fashion companies should make the switch to digital product passports before it is widely enforced.
Retailers are required by the French Decree 2022-748 AGEC (Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy Law) to give customers comprehensive information about the environmental characteristics and sources of the products they buy....
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25/5/2023
It could take a year for the global apparel industry's outlook to improve given nine out of 15 key economic factors are weakening, writes Robert P. Antoshak, Gherzi Textile Organization partner.
Is the US economy in trouble and how will it impact the global apparel industry? That’s the big question. There are many indications that we’re about to tumble into a recession. However, not all signs indicate a fall. Many suggest a holding pattern or moderated growth – a pattern we’ve seen since at least last year....
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24/5/2023
The European Commission claims the destruction of unsold consumer products, such as textiles and footwear, is becoming a widespread problem across the EU, particularly due to the rise of online sales.
On Monday (22 May) European Union governments reportedly agreed the bloc should ban the destruction of unsold textiles. The decision aligns with the EU’s commitment to reducing waste and promoting greater reuse and recycling practices....
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24/5/2023
Just Style investigates the seven biggest challenges impacting the US apparel manufacturing industry right now and what can be done to overcome them.
The exhibitors at Texprocess Americas and Techtextil North America 2023 speak to Just Style about the seven key issues facing US apparel manufacturing and the wider industry, from labour shortages and a lack of partnerships, to ongoing supply chain challenges and an opposition to change....
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22/5/2023
Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of sustainability in fashion and are rejecting clothing brands found to be making misleading claims about their products' organic status, according to a recent poll conducted in the UK. Organised ahead of the first-ever Organic Textile Week, the survey polled 2,000 people across the UK. The results showed that 70 per cent of respondents would be less likely to purchase from a brand found to be falsely claiming their products were organic....
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19/5/2023
In a historic milestone, trade in textiles and clothing from the European Union (EU) exceeded €200 billion in 2022, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. However, this growth comes with a concerning trade deficit of about €70 billion in the segment.
The surge in total trade can be attributed to a substantial rise in clothing imports, which saw a 36.6% increase in value. The primary sources of these imports were China and Bangladesh. Despite the positive export performance, the EU's trade deficit in textiles and clothing has grown to €70 billion, representing a 48% increase from the previous year. These findings were revealed in Euratex's 2023 Spring Report, which analyzes the latest trade flows in the textile and clothing sector....
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18/5/2023
The consumer groups that spend the most money, including cross-border shoppers, luxury goods buyers, and Millennials, are primarily driven by sustainability factors when making online purchases, data from ESW reveals.
According to the Sustainable Global Growth and Shopper Expectations report by ESW, the global DTC e-commerce company, the highest-spending consumer cohorts, including cross-border shoppers, luxury goods purchasers, and Millennials, are strongly influenced by sustainability when making online purchases....
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18/5/2023
The global Clothing Fasteners, also known as Zippers, market size was valued at USD 4.2 billion in 2020 and is projected to witness significant growth at a CAGR of 13.6% during the forecast period, according to Reliable Business Insights.
The market is being driven by the growing demand for innovative and fashionable clothing, the rise in e-commerce sales, and an increase in consumer disposable income....
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17/5/2023
US retail sales rebounded in April, for both month-on-month and year-on-year comparatives, according to the latest data from the US Census Bureau, but clothing sales softened.
Overall retail sales in April were up 0.4% from March and up 1.6% year over year. In March, sales were down 0.7% month over month but up 2.4% year over year....
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17/5/2023
Things do get worse before they get better and the Bangladesh RMG segment is counting on that as their current profit margins sink deeper with international clothing brands demanding further discounts to place orders from their local apparel retailers. Global big and small clothing brands are now demanding up to 5 per cent more discount from Bangladesh’s apparel exporters, without caring it may be the last straw on the camel’s back in an economy already under pressure with constant natural disasters, political turmoil and a volatile global economic scenario....
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17/5/2023
Amidst the looming threat of a global recession, the personal luxury goods industry is defying expectations by projecting further growth in 2023. Unlike the 2008-09 financial crises, the luxury market is proving to be more resilient in the face of economic turmoil.
A combination of factors, including a larger consumer base consisting of customers who are less affected by economic downturns, customer-centric strategies, and a robust multi-touch point ecosystem, positions the luxury industry to weather economic turbulence....
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17/5/2023
The global intimate apparel market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2030. The market was valued at $81 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $99.2 billion by 2027, according to Reliable Research report. The increasing demand for fashionable and comfortable lingerie, rising awareness about the health and hygiene benefits of intimate apparel, and growing e-commerce sales are the key factors driving market growth....
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15/5/2023
Retailers are responding to the growing demand for sustainable products, but the lack of a standard definition of sustainability is proving challenging.
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), consumers are increasingly interested in purchasing sustainable products and retailers are making efforts to meet this demand but the biggest challenge faced by both is the lack of a standard definition of what makes a product sustainable....
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15/5/2023
Figures out last week showed total retail sales in the UK rose by 5.1% in April, marking a significant increase on last year, with sales in the US edging up 0.9%.
While this might suggest fashion consumers are driving demand both in store and at a manufacturing level, it seems retailers are continuing to struggle – so much so that this pressure is now reaching the supplier far more directly....
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13/5/2023
Textile and apparel imports experienced a continued decline in March, with several traditional suppliers witnessing year-over-year decreases, according to data from the Department of Commerce's Office of Textiles and Apparel. The overall imports of textiles and apparel reached 7.14 billion square meter equivalents (SME) in March 2023, marking a 23.5 percent increase from February but a 23.8 percent decrease from the same period last year....
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12/5/2023
The US consumer price index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) rose by 0.4 per cent in April on a seasonally-adjusted basis, after increasing by 0.1 per cent in March, the US Bureau of Labour Statistics reported. The index for apparel increased by 0.3 per cent in the month over the March figure. The index for household furnishings rose as well....
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11/5/2023
Keeping up with the demand for supply chain visibility, Better Cotton has updated its cotton tracing guidelines in the new Chain of Custody Standard v1.0.
The revised version of the Better Cotton Chain of Custody Guidelines, renamed the Better Cotton Chain of Custody Standard, will offer both mass balance and physical Chain of Custody (CoC) models to support the need for traceable Better Cotton whilst also continuing important work at the farm level....
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10/5/2023
According to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor (RSM), although British retail sales growth remained stable in April, the high inflation rate meant customers were receiving less value for their money.
In the latest figures released by the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor (RSM), an accurate monthly measure of UK-wide retail sales performances, the total retail sales in the UK rose by 5.1% in April, marking a significant increase from a decline of 0.3% in April 2022....
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10/5/2023
Retail apparel prices have been on the rise in the US, increasing for the fifth consecutive month, with a 0.5 per cent increase in March. Compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, apparel prices were 4.9 per cent higher, as per a recent report by Cotton Incorporated.Import costs of cotton-dominant apparel, in seasonally adjusted terms, averaged $3.92 per square-meter equivalent (SME). Although down 9 per cent from the peak in November, this remains higher than pre-pandemic levels and significantly higher than post-COVID lows, according to Cotton Inc’s Executive Cotton Update - U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain May 2023....
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10/5/2023
Premium jeans are more a statement than the standard pair of denims. As Claire Dupuis, Senior Product Trend Forecaster at Cotton Incorporated and a denim specialist explains, the basic difference between a premium and a regular pair is the price with the lowest starting point being $100 for the former. It’s all in the brand, Dupuis emphasizes.
A recent report ‘Premium Denim Jeans Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2022-2027’ by the IMARC Group forecasts the market for 2022-27....
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9/5/2023
Import cargo volume at the US’ major container ports is climbing back from a nearly three-year low in February, but will remain below recent levels until inflation rates and inventory surpluses are reduced, new figures show.
The latest figures from National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates’ Global Port Tracker report show import cargo volumes are expected to remain well below last year’s levels heading into autumn....
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8/5/2023
The jeanswear market is set to experience remarkable growth, projected to reach a value of USD 118.28 Billion by 2030, compared to USD 66.77 Billion in 2021. Verified Market Research anticipates a CAGR of 8.51% from 2023 to 2030 for this market. Jeans continue to be immensely popular, especially among the younger demographic, due to their comfort, durability, and ease of wear. Manufacturers in developed economies are placing emphasis on creating "perfect fit" jeans, driving continuous product innovation within the market....
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7/5/2023
In the apparel and textile sector of the US, the Institute of Supply Management's latest report on manufacturing business reveals a sixth consecutive month of contraction in April, following a period of 28 months of expansion. However, there were some bright spots as five manufacturing industries, including printing and related support activities, apparel, leather and allied products, experienced growth during the month....
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7/5/2023
The European Union's (EU) apparel imports have suffered a decline in the first two months of 2023, dropping by $322 million or 2.03% compared to the same period last year. However, China remains the EU's top supplier of apparel, providing 26.27% of the bloc's total apparel imports. Despite this, clothing imports from China fell by 13.11% year-on-year to $4.08 billion. On the other hand, apparel imports from Bangladesh, the EU's second-largest supplier, increased by 5.47% year-on-year, or $183 million....
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5/5/2023
Retail Economics CEO Richard Lim says UK retailers Next and Marks & Spencer are prime examples of how to master multichannel fashion retailing and argues a digitised and lean supply chain is essential given the amount of time consumers spend browsing as opposed to purchasing.
Richard Lim, CEO of consumer insights company Retail Economics, says before the pandemic most UK online sales were made by pure online retailers, but fast forward to today and there’s a competitive advantage to multichannel retailers, such as Next and Marks & Spencer selling online....
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4/5/2023
After recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the global apparel industry faced new difficulties in 2022 due to high inflation. The cost of production increased, and consumer confidence dropped, resulting in a slight decrease in revenue to 1.53 trillion U.S. dollars in 2022. However, the market is expected to rebound in 2023, with revenue forecasted to increase to more than 1.7 trillion dollars, as per analysis of statistics by Statista....
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4/5/2023
The well-intentioned efforts of fashion brands and retailers to put in place grievance mechanisms in their supply chains are missing the mark. Companies should consider sector wide approaches, writes corporate responsibility consultant, Doug Cahn.
When John Ruggie, special representative to the UN secretary general for business and human rights, conceptualised the foundational principles for effective grievance mechanisms throughout the supply chain he understood the central role that fashion brands and retailers would play....
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3/5/2023
As China’s new privacy laws take their toll and high inflation continues to bite, Nikki Baird, vice president of strategy at retail technology provider, Aptos, tells Just Style exclusively how global fashion retailers can think outside the box to boost profitability.
An hour before the doors opened for the annual Retail Technology Show, Aptos’s Nikki Baird kindly sat down with Just Style in a quintessential British café hidden behind the back streets of London’s Olympia to discuss what she’s seeing within the fashion retail sector and its supply chain right now....
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3/5/2023
The time is always ripe for upgrading wardrobes every season if the wallet permits as the saying goes: fashion is like eating and you shouldn’t stick to the same menu. Urban dressing has now become all about creating your unique visual style which is a reflection of attitude and personality and it’s not always about brands. The fashion sector has once again become profitable post-Covid one with a projected market volume of $336.80 bn in 2023 with most of the revenue generated in China....
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2/5/2023
Shoppers want more transparency and virtual reality (VR) experiences, according to materials science and digital identification solutions provider Avery Dennison. Avery Dennison has revealed two-thirds of global fashion shoppers want more transparency about the provenance of garments in its ‘Digital Consumer Behavior’ report produced in partnership with audience insights company GWI....
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1/5/2023
At the conclusion of 2022, the top five luxury brand values indicate that even though most of the world is in a fix with never-ending inflation, luxury just carries on as if all is well with the world. The top five luxury brands closed 2022 with brand values of: Louis Vuitton $124,273 million, Hermès $80,323 million, Chanel $53, 021 million, Gucci $37,887 million and Dior $10,534 million. Year 2023 is turning out be quite similar as the first quarter 0f 2023 shows Louis Vuitton’s sales growing 17 per cent and Hermès sales grew 23 per cent compared to the same period last year....
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28/4/2023
The legal affairs committee (JURI) of the European Parliament has voted on new rules to integrate human rights and environmental impact into companies’ governance under the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) proposal.
With 19 votes against three and three abstentions, MEPs on the Legal Affairs Committee adopted their position on so-called corporate sustainability due diligence....
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28/4/2023
Responding to the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) notice soliciting public comment on its guidelines for the use of environmental marketing claims (Green Guides), the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) recently raised questions about claim substantiation, expressed interest in mechanisms to ensure adherence to the guidelines and demanded changes to labelling rules to facilitate clear and substantiated claims....
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27/4/2023
The annual report from the US Trade Representatives Office identifies foreign countries that fail to provide adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights.
hopes that the report’s release will encourage foreign countries to improve their intellectual property protection laws and create a more equitable marketplace for American companies. Credit: [Tajuddin Molla – GettyImages]
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has expressed its gratitude to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) for releasing the annual Special 301 Review report...
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26/4/2023
With body positivity and size inclusivity now a mainstream fashion trend, plus-size fashion garments are now emerging as a big growth opportunity for brands and retailers. The old order changes yielding place to new as gone are old stereotypes of body-shaming if women did not conform to certain beauty standards have now long gone with people ready to accept and support all shapes and sizes of beauty....
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24/4/2023
The global athleisure market is set to reach USD 330.99 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2023 to 2030. The rise in health awareness and fitness activities, along with the increased adoption of casual wear in daily life, has propelled the growth of the athleisure market, according to a recent report by Reliable Business Insights....
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21/4/2023
A new report published by the American Circular Textiles group sets out what it describes as the gaps in circular fashion domestically with proposals for policy solutions. The American Circular Textiles (ACT) group has published its first whitepaper in the hope of identifying strategic bipartisan public policy objectives that will help to support a circular fashion economy in the US....
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21/4/2023
What does the US International Trade Commission (USITC)'s report on the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) reveal about its trade and economic impact on apparel, asks University of Delaware Fashion and Apparel Studies Associate Professor, Dr Sheng Lu.
Earlier this week (17 April), the US International Trade Commission (USITC) released a new report analysing the trade and economic impact of the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA)....
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21/4/2023
March UK retail sales volumes fell 0.9%, following a rise of 1.1% in February 2023, according to the latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), with analysts explaining ongoing high inflation combined with wet weather meant the sector failed to spring into action.
On a month-on-month basis, overall March UK retail sales value also fell by 0.9%....
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20/4/2023
The global textile industry is facing a perfect storm scenario as production costs continue to climb and demand declines, a new report by the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) has found. The 19th edition of the ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey found that the global business situation in the textile industry has been negative since June 2022 and is still deteriorating....
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18/4/2023
Transparency, sustainability, nearshoring, and onshoring are challenges for the apparel industry that demand attention, writes Robert Antoshak, Gherzi Textile Organization partner, and MeiLin Wan, vice president at Applied DNA Sciences.
Transparency is just one of many hot topics in the apparel industry that represents a major challenge and demands attention, planning, and problem-solving to maximise future potential and provide answers for some of today’s most pressing problems....
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18/4/2023
Consumer spending in the US has taken a hit for the second consecutive month as the latest retail sales data from the US Census Bureau shows that consumers pulled back on their spending in March.
The decline in spending is seen across several categories with clothing and accessories stores being hit the hardest, slipping 1.7% month on month and 1.8% from a year ago. Spending on electronics and appliances was also down 2.1% month over month, while furniture and home furnishings dropped by a respective 1.2% and 2.4%....
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18/4/2023
UK's textile industry continues to experience fluctuations in imports and exports, influenced by various factors, including economic conditions and global demand, according to the latest data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). UK’s clothing imports declined by 11.51% in February 2023, reaching £1.294 billion ($1.62 billion).This is a significant drop from the £1.443 billion recorded during the same period in the previous year. The decline was also observed on a month-on-month basis, with January 2023 imports standing at £1.384 billion....
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18/4/2023
The Federal Maritime Commissions (FMC) office has written a letter to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to suggest revision in its forced labour enforcement efforts.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has received a letter from Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Commissioner Carl Bentzel urging the agency to take specific actions to ensure that its forced labour enforcement efforts don’t lead to supply chain disruptions....
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17/4/2023
The apparel sector may have moved on from the pandemic but uncertainty remains in the air with recession and concerns over pay throughout the supply chain all bubbling beneath the surface.
It’s now over three years since the Covid pandemic swept across the world causing disruption like we’ve never seen before. But despite the fact life looks completely back to normal and ‘rosy’ on the surface, the state of the apparel sector right now indicates the world and the supply chain still hasn’t found its ‘new normal’....
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14/4/2023
A new generation of consumers in post-pandemic times is making it easy to buy and sell second-hand apparel, shoes, and accessories on a variety of online resale platforms. Buyers can browse through a versatile portfolio of premium and luxury brands. Analysts say one in every three apparel items bought globally in the last year has been second- online resale platforms hand with 37 per cent consumers spending their limited budget in the pre-loved segment as inflation rises....
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14/4/2023
Efforts to improve purchasing practices and embed human rights into apparel supplier contracts are just some of the changes being made to industry buying habits, argues apparel sourcing expert, David Uricoli.
Commercial compliance within the apparel industry has been getting some attention lately and at the apex of these efforts is the Purchase Order. The PO represents a binding trade agreement between apparel buyer and seller. A buyer’s mistreatment of purchase orders to benefit their revolving business plans can devastate the supplier. When production alternatives and suppliers exhaust or misuse engineering options, manufacturing and overhead costs rise. And when costs rise, margins are eroded to the point where completing an order may require more resources than planned, sometimes forcing the supplier to operate at a loss....
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13/4/2023
An analysis of US apparel import trends in the first two months of 2023 by Dr Sheng Lu, University of Delaware explores whether the US is headed in the direction of recession or recovery.
From Vietnam to Bangladesh, garment factories in many leading apparel-exporting countries recently reported a slowdown in sourcing orders. Is another recession coming, or are we on the brink of a recovery?...
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12/4/2023
Import cargo volume at the US’ major container ports is expected to begin climbing steadily through the summer but will remain below record-setting levels seen during most of the pandemic, according to the latest figures from the National Retail Federation's (NRF) Global Port Tracker.
Import cargo volume at the US’ major container ports is expected to begin climbing steadily through the summer but will remain below record-setting levels seen during most of the pandemic, according to the latest figures from the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Global Port Tracker....
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11/4/2023
Unsurprisingly, the effects of the war in Ukraine, stubbornly high inflation, and financial market uncertainty are all continuing to have an impact on global trade.
Consequently, major apparel production hubs like Bangladesh are feeling it as buyers from Europe and the US cut their clothing order books due to depressed consumer demand.
It looks likely the lingering effects of the pandemic and rising geopolitical tensions will continue to impact the sector in 2023, but many sourcing countries are hopeful of a recovery....
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11/4/2023
The global secondhand apparel market is expected to nearly double by 2027 as businesses adapt more circular business models and consumers become more environmentally conscious, a new report by ThredUp has found.
A 2023 Resale Report published by online resale platform ThredUp shows that sustainability is a top five motivator for Generation Z with nearly half now refusing to buy from non-sustainable apparel brands and retailers....
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11/4/2023
The global market for cashmere clothing is expected to experience a steady growth rate of 4.2% CAGR during the forecast period, rising from a value of USD 3.20 billion in 2022 to USD 3.33 billion in 2023, before reaching USD 4.44 billion in 2030, according to a report by Fortune Business Insights.
The women's demographic has the highest market share due to the variety of designs and garment choices available to them. Offline distribution channels hold the larger market share as luxury clothing consumers prefer to inspect the product’s quality and authenticity before purchase....
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11/4/2023
The United States witnessed a significant decline in textile and apparel imports in February 2023, reaching a new low since June 2020. The import volume of textiles and apparel stood at 5.78 billion square meters, representing a 28.3% decline year-on-year and a 15.3% decline month-on-month. The import value amounted to $7.99 billion, reflecting a 20.1% YoY and 16.8% MoM decrease....
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11/4/2023
USA's major container ports are expected to see a steady increase in import cargo volume this summer. However, it will remain below the record-setting levels seen during most of the pandemic, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates....
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10/4/2023
US imports of textiles and apparel have continued to decrease in value terms, falling by 13.01 per cent to $17.554 billion in the first two months of 2023, compared to $20.179 billion during the same period in 2022. China remains the largest supplier of textiles and clothing to the US, holding a 24 per cent market share, followed by Vietnam with a 14.97 per cent share....
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10/4/2023
Sleepwear and loungewear market projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.21% and reach USD 29,398.4 million by 2027, according to a report by Technavio.
One of the key drivers of market growth is the introduction of products with advanced features and innovative designs. Rising disposable income has increased consumers' purchasing power and positively influenced their spending on premium sleepwear and loungewear....
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6/4/2023
Global trade growth in 2023 is still expected to be subpar despite a slight upgrade to GDP projections since last fall, WTO economists have said.
Issued by the World Trade Organization (WTO) yesterday (5 April), the forecast set out in the new ‘Global Trade Outlook and Statistics’ report, estimates real global GDP growth at market exchange rates of 2.4% for 2023....
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6/4/2023
Clothing remains the top priority for teenage girls in this spring, with 28 per cent of females listing it as their top wallet priority for spending category, down 200 basis points (bps) vs fall 2022 when female clothing wallet share peaked at 30 per cent, according to a survey by Piper Sandler Companies....
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5/4/2023
The global sequins clothing market is expected to witness a steady rise at a CAGR of approximately 6% during the forecast period, driven by increasing fashion trends and the evolving landscape of retail brands, as per Future Market Insights. Millennials, who are influenced by luxury lifestyle, are particularly attracted to these sequins dresses. The market is also propelled by the growing demand for sequins clothes during wedding seasons, growing popularity of the theme party and rising trend of the entertainment industry contribute to the market growth....
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4/4/2023
The UK joining the Indo-Pacific trade bloc (CPTPP), which now has a total GDP of GBP11tn (US$13.75tn), could create new relationships for the apparel industry, UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) CEO Adam Mansell tells Just Style exclusively, however he notes the rules of origin are "very narrow".
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced last week (31 March) the country will be joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a free-trade area of 11 countries spanning the Indo-Pacific....
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4/4/2023
Textile and apparel were one of a number of industries reporting a contraction in growth in March, according to the US Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI).
The March Manufacturing PMI registered 46.3%, 1.4 percentage point lower than the 47.7% recorded in February, according to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee....
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3/4/2023
What do retail brands need to do to secure future growth and avoid going down in the history books as the once greats?
Sharon White, the boss of UK retail giant John Lewis Partnership last week was keen to provide reassurance that she’s doing everything in her power to reposition the business for success after full-year profits sank, leading to the company putting the kibosh on paying partners an annual bonus....
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3/4/2023
A new white paper that debunks a number of myths surrounding the CAFTA-DR trade agreement explains how the pact’s “yarn-forward” rules alone are insufficient, and that Asian suppliers are not the top competitors with US textiles.
The White Paper, ‘US Apparel Sourcing from CAFTA-DR and US Textile Exports: Myth vs. Reality’ by Dr. Sheng Lu, associate professor, fashion and apparel studies, University of Delaware, addresses misconceptions and myths about the impact of CAFTA-DR apparel sourcing on US textile exports to the region and related trade policy issues....
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3/4/2023
The fact that the $2.5 trillion fashion industry is contributing towards 10 per cent of carbon emissions and 20 per cent of waste water effluence is well known. What is news however is, the sector is responding to seriously contributing to decreasing its polluting presence and working towards sustainable production? The dateline for discussions and ideas has been crossed as immediate action is the need of hour....
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1/4/2023
The online clothing rental market is set to experience a significant increase in size by USD 3.00 billion between 2021 and 2026, according to a new report by Technavio.
The market's growth momentum will slow down at a CAGR of 17.91%. The report also identifies the rising popularity of experiential marketing as a key trend in the market, with vendors incorporating consumer participation in various marketing activities to attract more consumers to their platforms....
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31/3/2023
Consumers in the US remain invested in eco-conscious practices, according to a survey from Blue Yonder, a digital supply chain company. The results show that an impressive 69 per cent of respondents said they were willing to pay more for sustainable products, but just 4 per cent expressed willingness to pay 20 per cent more. Furthermore, 48 per cent of respondents shared an increased interest in sustainability over the past year....
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31/3/2023
The National Council of Textile Organisations gave a State of the US Textile Industry Address, highlighting macroeconomic challenges and opportunities in nearshoring and onshoring.
The National Council of Textile Organisations (NCTO) chairman David Poston delivered the trade association’s State of the US textile industry overview at NCTO’s 19th annual meeting on March 30....
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31/3/2023
Although global supply chains have been a key entry point for women to enter the formal workforce, especially in the garment segment however, they face numerous problems every day. Among these, gender discrimination, violence and harassment especially for women from poorer sections of society is common. The International Labour Organization's (ILO) recent report in March 2023 focuses on achieving gender equality in global garment supply chains with a more equitable set of policies and actions that could lift millions of workers out of poverty and drive inclusive economic growth....
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30/3/2023
The US retail sector is being urged to ramp up its focus on the omnichannel experience as customers continue to show an interest in shopping at physical stores, but want to do it in a convenient and interactive way.
The comments around bolstering the omnichannel experience came as part of the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) third annual State of Retail & the Consumer presentation during which chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said retail sales are expected to grow between 4-6% to more than US$5.13trn in 2023....
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29/3/2023
A new report by the United Nations Climate Change and CDP states that the fashion industry has made progress on climate action but still has a long way to go.
Signatories of the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action are making promising strides, according to a new report by UN Climate Change and CDP....
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28/3/2023
The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) has led to a US$231bn increase in trade, with developing members and least-developed country (LDC) members making the most gains.
The Trade Facilitation Agreement, the first multilateral trade agreement in the WTO’s 20-year history, entered into force on 22 February 2017. It is designed to reduce trade barriers and eliminate border transaction costs for companies around the world....
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27/3/2023
Gaining the trust of suppliers, embracing collaboration and sharing data are just some of the challenges apparel businesses need to overcome if they are to improve human rights conditions in their supply chains.
Speaking at the Xplore Sustainability conference this week, organised by supply chain data platform Sedex, Lea Esterhuizen, founder and CEO of due diligence firm &Wider, explained to delegates how worker feedback technology is enabling apparel firms to better understand working conditions at sites in their supply chains....
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27/3/2023
The international clothing and textile sector will have to take account of the first global sustainability reporting standards designed to become compulsory in many countries worldwide from 1 January 2024.
The new global sustainability reporting standards will be published by June, having been approved in February by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)....
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24/3/2023
The United Kingdom’s clothing imports stood at £1.392 billion ($1.70 billion) during January 2023, which was 12.67 per cent lower than the imports in December 2022 when the country’s inbound shipment was £1.594 billion, as per the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS)....
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24/3/2023
After reaching a record-high apparel import value of US $99.93 billion in 2022, the United States has experienced a decline in its apparel imports, both in terms of value and volume, on a yearly basis.
According to data released by the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA), the country imported US $7.27 billion worth of apparel in the first month of this year, representing a 3.44% decline on a yearly basis. However, imports increased by 9.16% compared to December 2022 when the country imported US $6.66 billion worth of apparel....
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24/3/2023
“Great merchandising, like great value, never goes out of fashion. In a dynamic and increasingly digital apparel, fashion, and luxury market, companies that get merchandising right tend to outperform their peers,” says McKinsey. In their article ‘Great merchandising never goes out of fashion’, authors David Barrelet, Matthew Chapman, Erik Eklöw, Julia Huang, Felix Rölkens and Hannah Yankelevich highlight in current economic environment and uncertainties there is an urgent need for companies to get merchandising right....
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23/3/2023
The European Commission has now published its proposal for clamping down on misleading environmental claims or “greenwashing”.
Under the proposal, which targets greenwashing businesses, any green claims made need to be independently verified and proven with scientific evidence, while new public environmental labelling schemes will be banned unless developed at EU level....
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23/3/2023
US’ University of Missouri researchers have identified two main challenges for adaptive clothing consumers. The study involved mining online reviews to understand the perspectives of adaptive clothing customers. Customers said product offerings were inadequate and didn’t meet their specific needs. Access to the few products that do exist was limited....
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22/3/2023
Innovation, sustainability and traceability are the mainstays of the 'Made in US' label, according to the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
Following a visit to the Carolinas to see US textile manufacturers in action, USTR Senior Advisors Beth Baltzan and Jamila Thompson released a blog post in which they detailed the important and innovative producers in the domestic supply chain as well as the Biden Administration’s effort to craft smarter trade policy that creates a level playing field while also enhancing the resilience of critical American industries....
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21/3/2023
The US Court of International Trade (CIT) has marked its position on keeping sanctions against China in place with recommended amendments for the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
In September 2020, more than 6,000 plaintiffs filed lawsuits challenging the List 3 and List 4A tariffs as unlawful under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 arguing that USTR exceeded its authority when it imposed tariffs without attempting to connect them to any underlying investigation of China’s trade practices....
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21/3/2023
The fashion industry is entering a new era in which consumer and regulatory interests converge, and apparel brands are beginning to change in response.
Consumers want to know where their products are coming from, how, where and by whom they were produced, and want to get a longer lifespan and recyclability from those items. Cyrus Gilbert-Rolfe, senior vice president for retail and apparel at Kezzler, looks at the challenge facing apparel with its growing data problem....
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21/3/2023
Global fashion industry, just like most other consumables industries have realised the ongoing inflation isn’t going to slow down any time soon as the world couldn’t find time to recover from the pandemic before being hit by the economically-disruptive Russian invasion of Ukraine. High inflation is a challenge, but adapting to a flexible pricing strategy can help retailers and brands control costs, protect margins, and retain customer loyalty....
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21/3/2023
Top apparel exporters have been hit badly by ongoing inflation and unstable prices across the globe.Retail outlets are finding it tough to pay electricity bills,shipping charges and other logistics. At the same time, food prices have almost doubled leaving consumers cash-strapped in many countries and may soon trigger a global crisis that will drive millions more into extreme poverty and malnutrition....
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20/3/2023
A world in which clothing and textiles are no longer discarded and all waste is diverted from landfill and incineration feels a long way off to me.
This may sound a little harsh given clothing and textile waste is an issue talked about extensively in this industry. And don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of initiatives launching regularly to try to tackle this growing problem that fast fashion has undoubtedly contributed to. But I’m not convinced it is enough right now....
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20/3/2023
The tennis apparel market in Americas is set to grow by USD 82.08 million between 2022 and 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% during the forecast period, according to a new report by Technovia. The growth of the market is attributed to the increasing awareness about the health benefits of sports and the growing adoption of a healthy lifestyle among the urban population. This trend is driving people to involve themselves in sports activities, such as tennis, to stay fit and healthy....
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20/3/2023
A comprehensive report on the Baby Apparel market has been released by Global Insight Services. Baby apparel refers to clothing specifically designed for infants and toddlers, including onesies, sleepers, and outfits for special occasions. These clothes are often designed to be comfortable, practical, and easy to care for, while also being stylish and fashionable, with a wide range of colors, patterns, and designs available....
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20/3/2023
Lingerie has come a long way since the time it was considered a female tool of seduction and titillation.The global lingerie marketwas worth $78.7 billion in 2022, reinforcing demand worldwide. A study by the IMARC Group expects the market to reach $119.4 billion by 2028, growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7 per centfrom 2023 to 2028.A similar study by Transparency Market Research, projects growth up to 2031 at $171.3 billion....
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17/3/2023
The global ethnic wear market is expected to reach $177.2 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.2 per cent from 2022 to 2031, according to a new report published by Allied Market Research.
The report cites increasing demand for fusion wear globally, the emergence of mix-and-match styles, the availability of high-end brands, and the rising number of fashion influencers as prime determinants of growth....
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17/3/2023
The global clothing recycling market is expected to be valued at US$ 5.8 million in 2022, according to Future Market Insights. However, the market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7 per cent through 2032, reaching an anticipated valuation of US$ 16 billion.
Sustainability is a key trend driving the demand for clothing recycling, as consumers and companies alike become more aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion and the importance of circularity....
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16/3/2023
Everyone is on a Refashion Journey: As refashion continues to grow in prevalence, brands must work to differentiate themselves from competitors by enhancing CX and optimising existing processes, writes Giorgio DeMarco, lead design strategist at EPAM Systems Inc.
Refashion is by no means a new or novel concept – the period of scepticism is over. In fact, those fashion retailers and manufacturers not currently selling pre-loved are missing out on a lucrative and ever-expanding market segment. Giorgio DeMarco, lead design strategist at EPAM Systems Inc....
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11/3/2023
In January 2023, a survey conducted by American luxury fashion digital platform Saks revealed that 62 per cent of US-based consumers plan to spend the same or more on luxury items in the upcoming months.
Respondents with an income of over $200K indicated a preference for spending on clothing after travel, events, and activities. Among those surveyed, 60 per cent said they plan to purchase clothing, and 36 per cent will spend on shoes for their upcoming trips....
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10/3/2023
The latest data from the US Office of Textile and Apparel (OTEXA) reveals US apparel import volumes fell in January, in both value and volume terms, however Dr Sheng Lu tells Just Style there are signs of gradual recovery.
US apparel imports, according to the latest data from OTEXA for the month of November, fell by more than 3.4% in value from a year ago, and 17.5% in quantity....
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9/3/2023
Import cargo volume at the US’ major container ports is expected to begin slowly climbing again this month after February saw one of the lowest levels since the beginning of the pandemic, according to the latest figures from the National Retail Federation's (NRF) Global Port Tracker.
The Global Port Tracker from NRF and Hackett Associates notes that while there are many uncertainties about the economy, import cargo volumes are expected to show modest gains over the next several months....
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9/3/2023
The traditional classic readymade men’s suit will always stay relevant in the premium formal wear retail segment, even if its popularity has slightly waned in post-Covd dress-down times. With an USP of making the wearer stand out whenever and wherever, this is a forever style even when bespoke or made-to-measure suits that create a new model for each customer are now competing neck-to-neck in premium outlets....
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8/3/2023
On, February 22, 2023, Amazon India went live with its plus size store that has the finest collection of plus size clothing for Indian consumers, curated from leading fashion brands in India – Biba, Bigbanana, Pluss, Allen Solly, NYKD and the U.S. Polo Association among others. The outlet offers over 6,00,000 products spanning 2XL to 8XL. While going live, the head of Amazon Fashion India, Saurabh Srivastava said India is a fast-growing plus size market, mirroring the growth worldwide and just like Amazon elsewhere, the Indian division of the global e-commerce giant is catering to the needs of a diverse range of customers and is being inclusive....
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7/3/2023
UK certification body for the textile industry, Shirley, talks to Just Style exclusively about the main opportunities and challenges it is facing today.
Behind every responsible fashion manufacturer and brand there are certifications awarded by organisations such as Shirley.
The opportunities and challenges for manufacturers and retailers are based on the impact of the economy, current affairs and the supply chain, but how do these factors affect certification bodies?...
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3/3/2023
Denim market growth has always been a steady even in the most fluctuating of global economies. Reason: it is a fundamental component of the casual wardrobe and popular across all social and economic segments for men, women and children. With casual dressing becoming the norm in a post-pandemic world, many analysts feel denim will see stronger-than-ever growth in coming years....
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3/3/2023
The World Trade Organization’s Goods Trade Barometer has lost momentum in the fourth quarter and is likely to remain weak in the first quarter of 2023.
According to the latest WTO Goods Trade Barometer released yesterday (1 March), world trade growth in volume terms is weakening after falling to 92.2, down from 96.2 in the previous release and well below the baseline value of 100....
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2/3/2023
With post-pandemic-induced shopping spree, global industry-wide Christmas sales and India’s wedding and festive season all over, apparel retailers are now doing reality checks. This is because the first financial quarter of 2023 has opened bleakly. What’s more, recession fears are looming in the horizon and a slowdown in sales growth seems likely after the sharp increase post-Covid last year....
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1/3/2023
EU energy prices are six times higher than competitor garment manufacturing hubs in the US, China and Asia. Experts discuss whether or not European garment companies will survive.
EU electricity prices are often around EUR0.56/KWh (US$0.60) at present, compared to $0.10/KWh in competing garment industrial centres, according to EU data....
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28/2/2023
In 2022, the textile and apparel industry in the United States experienced a significant increase in imports and exports. According to US government data, textile and apparel imports into the USA were worth $132.2 billion, exceeding the figure of $127.7 billion recorded in 2019. Meanwhile, textile and apparel exports topped the $30.4 billion mark, which was a considerable increase compared to the $22.1 billion recorded prior to the pandemic. This represented a growth of 37.5% over 2019....
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25/2/2023
The global men’swear market is growing by six per cent a year. Men’s wear refers to clothing that is specifically designed for male consumers.
The escalating product demand on account of the growing fashion consciousness and awareness of the importance of personal appearance among men is primarily driving the men’swear market....
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24/2/2023
Just Style spoke to international manufacturers at Source Fashion on the latest opportunities for sourcing in the ever-changing fashion industry.
The fashion industry today faces global issues that pose a threat to its growth. However, Just Style found many positive trends within the manufacturing sector, that if properly explored could generate big opportunities. Manufacturing companies that attended the Source Fashion London event discussed trade deals, overseas expansion, diversifying markets, sustainable fashion and alternative materials....
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23/2/2023
Just Style spoke to manufacturers at the Source Fashion London event on the challenges they face in the ever-changing fashion industry.
The global fashion industry has faced mounting challenges stemming from the pandemic, the Ukraine war, and a looming recession. At the Source Fashion event in London, Just Style asked the people working at the centre of these challenges for their views as international manufacturers. Their answers paint an alarming picture of an industry-wide lack of demand, rising costs, networking difficulties and unstable supply chains....
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22/2/2023
The global apparel industry is likely to continue to feel the knock-on effects of the Ukraine-Russia war into 2023 and beyond, expert analysts believe, as we mark one year since the beginning of the conflict. Twelve months on from the start of the Ukraine-Russia crisis and the global apparel industry has suffered both directly and indirectly as many brands closed their store networks in Russia and battled rising energy prices and raw material costs....
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22/2/2023
Recycle and reuse are terms we have become more than familiar with in recent times as the global fashion industry looks to lessen its environmental impact and we are bombarded with initiatives.
This is nothing new, of course. But just how far have we come, and exactly how much progress is the industry making right now?
Unfortunately, I don’t have the exact answer to either of these questions, but we can certainly see there is an effort there by global fashion brands to lessen their impact....
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21/2/2023
Despite swimming against the rising tide of high costs of raw materials, complicated shipping and transportation logistics, increased inflation and higher cost of living in post-pandemic years, a reasonably good growth in global fashion sales is expected in 2023 by most fashion retailers.
Global fashion companies are now focussing on strong sourcing diversification, supply chain agility, and sustainable operations to circumvent the current crunch and effectively sail through 2023 with their head above waters....
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17/2/2023
The UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed retail sales value increase in January - likely due to higher prices - but retailers face tough times ahead.
According to the ONS January retail sales report, on a year-on-year seasonally adjusted basis :
• Sales by Value (amount spent) increased 3.7% YoY (this growth is primarily due to rising prices)
• Sales by Volume (quantity bought) fell 5.3% YoY
Responding to the latest ONS Retail Sales Index figures, Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Widespread January sales helped sales growth remain positive as the industry entered the New Year. Despite this, the rise in consumer spending could not keep up with the double-digit inflation rates, with another fall in retail volumes. Larger purchases were hit harder as consumers tightened their purse strings or traded down to value brands. Meanwhile, clothing and footwear saw stronger growth last month.”...
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16/2/2023
Global apparel retailers are now realizing that what you see is not always what it seems and are seeking to verify the authenticity of their products from supply sources to protect themselves from fabric mislabelling and fraud. Many premium brands are implementing strict regulations and monitoring processes throughout their global manufacturing process to put an end to the mislabelling of a garment that claims to be what it is not....
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16/2/2023
The UK Government has said it does not expect an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for clothing and textiles to be introduced any time soon.
A consultation on an EPR scheme for clothing and textiles was expected from the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by the end of 2022.
The EPR is a strategy to add all of the environmental costs associated with a product throughout the product life cycle to the market price of that product. The UK Government, in its publication ‘Our Waste, Our Resources, A Strategy for England 2018’, committed to invoking the “polluter pay” principle and harness the potential of EPR. It identified five priority material streams for consideration under this commitment including textiles....
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16/2/2023
The US consumer price index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) rose by 0.5 per cent in January this year on a seasonally-adjusted basis, after increasing by 0.1 per cent in December, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS). The index for all items less food and energy rose by 0.4 per cent in January. Category indices that increased in the month include apparel and household furnishings....
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15/2/2023
UK inflation has fallen for the third consecutive month, with clothing prices easing on the prior month, but analysts warn many businesses may need to maintain higher prices to combat profit loss.
The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show UK inflation eased to 10.1% in the 12 months through January 2023, from 10.5% a month earlier. The Consumer Price Index had peaked at 11.1% in October....
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14/2/2023
The US cotton industry can expect a slowdown in growth from the prior two years, new data shows, as a result of increased production costs, slumping consumer demand and supply chain disruptions.
The latest data from National Cotton Council economists shows US cotton acreage is projected to be down 170% on last year to 11.4m acres. While production costs remain elevated, cotton harvest-time futures prices are currently 16.5% less than a year ago and the prices of most competing commodities are relatively unchanged....
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14/2/2023
The global denim fabric market is growing at 4.4 per cent a year. So says Allied Market Research. The obtainability of denim fabric at reasonable prices and new socio-economic trends are driving the growth of the global denim fabric market.
The rise of biodegradable denim fabric has opened new prospects. But price instability of cotton and ecological risks related with the use of synthetic dyes confine the market to some level. The Covid outbreak impacted the overall supply chain, thereby upsetting the overall growth of the global denim fabric market....
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10/2/2023
Dr Sheng Lu reveals the main US apparel import patterns of 2022 and the critical issues to watch in 2023 based on the latest trade data released by the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) and the US International Trade Commission (USITC).
2022 marked the third year since the global pandemic. While the impact of Covid showed signs of abating in areas such as supply chain disruptions, the US and the world economy encountered substantial new obstacles, and geopolitical tensions escalated further....
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9/2/2023
As retailers and consumers scurry through rising inflation, research suggests rising costs will plague 2023 retail sales with inflation adding almost GBP260bn (US$316bn) across international markets.
The Ecommerce Delivery Benchmark Report 2023, commissioned in partnership with economics consultancy Retail Economics, found that 80% of retailers were planning to increase the price of products, with 40% suggesting rising costs will be the biggest challenge this year....
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9/2/2023
Import cargo volumes at America’s major container ports are expected to drop in February 2023 to nearly their lowest level since the beginning of the pandemic. So says the National Retail Federation.
With the US economy slowing, and consumers worried by rising interest rates and still-high inflation, retailers are importing less merchandise. Retailers are being cautious as they wait to see how the economy responds to efforts to bring inflation under control....
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8/2/2023
Global technical textile market is growing at four per cent a year. The market for technical textiles is expected to increase across a variety of end-use industries, including agriculture, construction, aerospace, medicine, and packaging as more people become aware of their advantages. Modern biotechnology has accelerated the progress of conventional farming practices towards a more scientific method. It is anticipated that the adoption and use of highly effective technologies in the agricultural sector would boost crop output, which will have an impact on overall productivity and the need for technological textiles. The technical textiles market is primarily driven by elements including strengthening national economies, technological developments, and expanding end-use applications....
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8/2/2023
January import volume into the US is expected to drop to nearly its lowest level since the beginning of the pandemic, according to the latest figures from the National Retail Federation (NRF) Global Port Tracker.
The Global Port Tracker from NRF and Hackett Associates notes that with the US economy slowing and consumers worried by rising interest rates and still-high inflation, retailers are importing less merchandise....
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7/2/2023
A team of researchers led by the University of Michigan has developed woven-in labels made from photonic fibres which could increase the recycling rate of clothing and textiles. Currently, only 15 per cent of the 92 million tons of textiles discarded annually are recycled due to difficulties in sorting.
The new fibres, referred to as barcodes woven directly into the fabric, are customisable and can be made visible to the naked eye, only readable under near-infrared light, or a combination of both. This technology is more effective than traditional tags which are often cut away or become unreadable, and it can be invisible until it needs to be read, the University of Michigan said in a press release....
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6/2/2023
Clothing and footwear retailers emerge unscathed from Christmas 2022 but will be hit by reduced consumer spending.
GlobalData analysis finds that the apparel sector avoided what was expected to be a bleak Christmas period in 2022.
Despite the effects of the cost-of-living crisis and postal strikes, multichannel clothing and footwear retailers saw increased sales. While partly boosted by price rises, retailers who offer in-store and click-and-collect services excelled....
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3/2/2023
The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts “slight growth” for the US economy in 2023 but no official recession.
The National Retail Federation (NRF) announced that the US economy is more resilient than expected and will experience “slight growth” in 2023.
In the February issue of the NRF’s Monthly Economic Review, chief economist Jack Kleinhenz stated: “A month into 2023, the economy is facing stiff headwinds and – with the exception of easing inflation – will likely face more challenges before it gets better.”...
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2/2/2023
Natural staple fibers are driving this sub-sector within the textile industry as a sea change is being witnessed in terms of fabric preferences. Eco-conscious consumers, especially the millennials and Gen Z, the largest consumer groups worldwide are clear about their eco-friendly choices and the industry is trying to live up to consumer demands. As per a Future Market Insight Report, since 2022, the sub-sector of textile staples is witnessing a promising growth with sales projected to grow at 5.5 per cent. The market at present is pegged at $161.2 billion and is expected to touch $275.48 billion by 2032....
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31/1/2023
A cohort of US apparel industry associations have published a new protocol aimed at assisting policymakers in ensuring successful solutions to advance sustainability and social responsibility in the fashion industry.
The ‘THREADS Sustainability and Social Responsibility Protocol – Principles for effective policymaking concerning the fashion industry’ was jointly released by The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), the Accessories Council, The Council of Fashion Designers of America, and the Responsible Business Coalition....
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30/1/2023
The global swimwear market is growing at five per cent a year.
Swimwear is commonly worn by people participating in water-based activities such as swimming and bathing. It shields the wearer from chlorinated swimming pools and seawater, which contain salts that can cause skin rashes.
Product demand is being driven by the global increase in population and product innovation to meet the need for specialized clothing for water sports and poolside or beachside vacations....
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30/1/2023
The Section 301 Tariffs on American Consumers and US Businesses imposed by the Trump administration in 2018 in response to China’s unfair trade practices, seem to have boomeranged on the US doing more harm than good. A recent joint industry study has pointed out the negative Impacts on US consumers of Section 301, which was intended to compel US companies to move supply chains out of China and has affected many general segments of the average American consumer....
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25/1/2023
As consumers strive to reduce their fashion consumption to become more sustainable, they are becoming increasingly involved in the circular economy.
More apparel consumers are turning to rental operators like Rent the Runway and Hirestreet, rather than purchasing brand new items that they will only wear once, with 8.6% of UK clothing shoppers renting apparel for Christmas 2022....
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24/1/2023
Nearshoring has bumped right up the agenda for many US sporting brands as they look to navigate the issue of rising transport costs and shipping delays on the back of global pandemics and worker shortages. As the sportswear industry is likely to experience negative growth in 2023, a new report from McKinsey & Co explores whether nearshoring is the route to navigating this challenge....
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23/1/2023
Rising costs, the looming threat of a bigger recession, low consumer confidence, and continuing operational challenges are set to create headwinds for the global sporting goods industry in 2023, as per the industry executives interviewed and surveyed for a report by WFSGI and McKinsey. In response, companies are looking to embed resilience into their operations by going beyond raising prices to boost productivity and finding the right balance between saving and investment....
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23/1/2023
The global socks market is growing at six per cent a year.
An increase in the number of working individuals, along with the rising adoption of the formal business environment, signifies one of the key factors anticipated to create ample growth opportunities for the market.
Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest compound annual growth rate. This is attributed to the growing population in developing economies including China and India....
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23/1/2023
The global athleisure market is growing at eight per cent a year.
Athleisure clothing includes casual pants, bomber jackets, polo shirts, crewneck sweaters, and others. Athleisure appeals to several broad trends, such as the global shift toward consumers wearing more casual attire, the desire for comfortable clothing, and the increase in athletic activity among health-conscious consumers who need performance clothing for these activities....
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22/1/2023
The global shapewear market is growing at eight per cent a year. This covers bodysuits, corsets, control tights, control panties, control slips, girdles and slimming camisoles.
Shapewear is a type of underwear which helps in looking slim and improving the body figure by compressing the fats and skin folds. As people nowadays are very conscious about their appearance and their social status, achieving the ideal body shape and complying with beauty standards in society has become critical. For this purpose, people are increasingly using shapewear products. This will continue to boost the market....
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20/1/2023
After two difficult Covid years of dressing down days, the fashion resilience of denim is being felt once agin. Every year, over two billion jeans are sold globally and apparel manufacturers are now focussed on cashing onto this lucrative segment in post-pandemic days.
It is expected by 2023, the size of the market for denim jeans fabrics will reach a stupendous 4,541 million meters as demand sores globally. In the five years between 2018-23 the market is expanding at 4.89 per cent annually from 3,576 million meters in 2018. Denim is an apparel segment that shows its true potential when it comes to export diversification with other apparel....
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20/1/2023
The UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that clothing stores sales volumes rose in December 2022 despite overall retail sales volumes falling by 1% during the peak of the Christmas shopping season.
UK clothing stores saw sales volumes increase by 1.0% in December 2022, however the total non-food stores sales volumes, including department, clothing, household and other non-food stores, fell by 2.1% over the month....
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18/1/2023
The US apparel, footwear and retail sectors are at loggerheads with the textile industry over the impact of Section 301 tariffs which experts suggest are unlikely to be lifted by the Biden Administration as China and the US continue their power struggle.
The American apparel, footwear and retail industries which claim higher costs linked to tariffs are significantly pressuring US brands, retailers and ultimately consumers....
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17/1/2023
Cotton produced the world over in accordance with voluntary sustainability standards (vss) saw a 39 per cent to 40 per cent compound annual growth rate between 2008 and 2019.
In 2019, about 92 per cent of vss-compliant cotton came from Asia, led by India, China, and Turkey. Cotton compliant with vss accounted for at least 14 per cent of total cotton production in 2016. Consumers and companies across the planet are increasingly choosing cotton produced in accordance with vss, such as Better Cotton or Cotton made in Africa....
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16/1/2023
International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD) published a report recently on the growth of sustainable cotton practices and their pricing, as a part of their Global Market Report on agricultural products. Since 2008, IISD has been tracking the growth of voluntary sustainability standards (VSS)-compliant cotton production and states that this genre of cotton doubles its output every 2.5 years. Vivek Voora, Senior Associate at IISD said in the report “Sustainable cotton is in high demand as customers look to make responsible purchasing decisions and brands use sustainability to differentiate their products in the market.” He goes on to say, most of the demand is coming from Europe and North America. But awareness is rising in big developing and emerging markets that suggests the growth will continue....
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16/1/2023
Year 2022 was all about positivity and hope for the fashion industry with much hype about the return of consumers after two years of lockdown and uncertainty. Many brands went on to invest in more “on trend” collections that addressed sustainability and eco-consciousness. Fast fashion was pulled up for its wasteful and environment-damaging ways and brands jumped on the socially-conscious bandwagon. Now, that we are in 2023 and the celebratory confetti of 2022 have settled down on the ground, the sector’s emerging picture looks a little different as quite a few negative trends come to the fore affecting businesses worldwide....
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16/1/2023
This year has kicked off with several reports suggesting that, yet again, the bad purchasing practices of fashion brands and retailers are resulting in the mistreatment of garment suppliers and as a consequence garment workers. But, time has run out and it must stop now.
The fashion industry’s reputation for violating garment workers’ labour rights has existed for years and the term ‘sweatshop’ is still used to explain negative working conditions across any industry – not just fashion....
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16/1/2023
Some 3000 chemical and 300 textile industry plants in the EU will have to comply with new legal norms adopted under the EU Industrial Emissions Directive to reduce their environmental impact.
The new European Commission Decisions refer to the management and treatment of waste gas in the chemical sector and a series of activities in the textile industry....
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16/1/2023
Europe’s secondhand apparel market is growing at eight per cent a year.
Vintage and secondhand clothing play an important part in fashion sustainability. Although Russia and Eastern Europe are known for their secondhand stores and markets, buying secondhand garments was considered a sign of poverty in the Soviet Union. For the newer generations, things are shifting....
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13/1/2023
Maternity apparel is no longer a shapeless outfit designed for maximum comfort and nothing else. Contemporary mothers-to-be see no reason that maternity apparel can’t be stylish and fashionable as they juggle a normal work and social life. Scores of social media influencers, fashion magazines and celebrities have changed the way maternity clothing is looked at and pregnant women are lapping up this niche clothing lines world over....
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13/1/2023
Retail prices for garments in the United States increased by four per cent year over year in November 2022. Month over month retail prices were 0.3 per cent higher. Compared to the average before Covid, clothing prices were 1.7 per cent higher. In November, consumer spending was flat month over month and two per cent higher year over year. Spending on clothing was 0.8 per cent lower month over month and up 0.1 per cent year over year....
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11/1/2023
Slow and steady growth may win in the end for apparel in 2023. It's not as sexy, but it's real and that's something for the industry to consider as it wakes up from its New Year hangover, writes Robert Antoshak, Gherzi Textil Organisation partner.
As we begin another year, it’s hard not to worry about our industry’s prospects and opportunities for growth. For sure, the industry has been knocked around over the past few years and 2022 was no exception....
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10/1/2023
The latest data from the US Office of Textile and Apparel (OTEXA) reveals that US apparel import volumes fell sharply in November, representing the worst performance since the pandemic.
US apparel imports, according to the latest data from OTEXA for the month of November, fell by more than 30% in quantity from a year ago, and nearly 15% in value....
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10/1/2023
January imports into the US appear to be returning to what was normal prior to 2020, according to the latest figures from the National Retail Federation (NRF) Global Port Tracker.
With a pandemic-driven surge finally over, monthly import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports has fallen below the 2m Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units mark– one 20-foot container or its equivalent – and should remain there through most of this spring, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by The National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates....
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9/1/2023
The apparel retail and business analysts at Just Style's parent company, GlobalData, held a webinar recently to round up the key themes and trends that have taken the industry by storm, and uncover what the industry will encounter in 2023 and beyond.
In the webinar titled ‘Key Themes shaping the future of the global apparel market’, GlobalData’s group retail research director, Maureen Hinton, along with apparel analysts summarised major challenges that will be plaguing the apparel industry across the world in 2023. Moreover, they highlighted themes and trends for the upcoming year which are expected to shape and dominate the industry moving forward....
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9/1/2023
The children’s wear industry is becoming sustainable. Parents belonging to the eco-conscious age are readily exercising conscious consumption for their children. They are cognizant of the fact that sustainable clothing has a twofold benefit where it serves the larger cause of rendering a greener environment and at the same time vouches for comfortable organic clothing for children....
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9/1/2023
Big data is the boon the fashion sector has been bestowed with. The primary aim is to identify customer segment through the analysis of customer preferences worldwide and provide insights into the changes in mindset with culture. With this, fashion retailers can target a wider audience for their designs, thus, bringing more potential for outreach and revenue. Big data can also drive one-to-one engagement with shoppers. With nearly 1 in 3 people making purchases online, many fashion companies have personalized their e-commerce journeys. Brands have been able to offer customers what they want and when they want it to cultivate loyalty....
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9/1/2023
January is always a sobering month for retailers. Consumers are cutting back after the expense of the festive period, non-essential spending is significantly reduced, and retailers are looking ahead to the remainder of the year with caution as they attempt to evaluate how rising mortgage costs, energy price rises and inflation in essential goods will affect their bottom line during 2023. Couple that with rising supply chain costs and forecasting for the year ahead is coming with a great deal of uncertainty....
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6/1/2023
In a market fraught with post-lockdown effects and a serious energy, housing and inflation crises, the Fraser Group, Next, Primark, Marks & Spencer, French Connection among other brands shone like beacons of hope for the whole sector in the UK in 2022. High street brands in the UK proved their resilience and might by taking on the post-pandemic challenge head on and winning. As per Drapersonline, the list of winners is led by the Fraser Group, Primark, Marks & Spencer, French Connection among others too showed the way....
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6/1/2023
The fashion industry has been trying to overcome environmental issues for quite a while, with limited success, until the era of biomimicry.
Biomimicry presents a raft of options to the fashion industry that can be used to achieve true sustainability, which has been found to be a little more complicated than once assumed, with the acknowledgement of microplastic pollution and microfibre waste....
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6/1/2023
Just Style has evaluated the scores within GlobalData's Apparel Intelligence Center to reveal the top ten apparel sourcing countries to watch in 2023.
Once again, we have a real mix of likely and unlikely suspects in Just Style‘s top ten list of apparel sourcing countries to watch in 2023, including two intercontinental countries and two based in Central America....
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5/1/2023
US retailers seeking clothing made from recycled materials are relying more heavily on countries closer to home to meet their sourcing needs, rather than Asia, a new study has revealed.
The latest issue of Sustainability features a new study which explores US retailers’ sourcing strategies for clothing made from recycled textile materials and suggests that while the vast majority (over 90%) of US regular new clothing came from developing countries as of 2022, as many as 43% of the sampled clothing items made from recycled textile materials were sourced from developed countries....
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4/1/2023
Recycling textiles through sophisticated industrial processes in the apparel segment is now a thing and it’s not easy. It’s now more of an obligation rather than a choice for EU countries to collect and sort their used textiles so that there is less wastage in the apparel segment as a whole. It’s still a niche yet essential segment with the USP of being environmentally friendly. However, there is no sure fire way to ensure the quality of fibres used and blending ratios of the chemicals used in dyes, prints and other variables does not hinder the recycling process or lower its efficiency to make it unpractical in the long run....
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4/1/2023
Like it or not, the future of China as a market or sourcing base for Western fashion companies remains one of the most heated debates in 2023. University of Delaware's associate professor of fashion and apparel studies, Dr Sheng Lu, uses GlobalData's apparel brand and retail filings to investigate.
China is a US$300-$350bn annual fashion retail market, but its economic growth has slowed amid various new uncertainties in recent years. Likewise, while China continued to serve as the largest source of apparel for many Western markets statistically, its prospect is shadowed by the ongoing trade and geopolitical tensions with the United States, increasing competition from other exporting countries, and fashion companies’ switch to nearshoring....
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3/1/2023
To achieve a more sustainable future, the UK apparel industry must embrace technology, collaborate across the supply chain, promote employee well-being and win buy-in from the very top. So says business information company Textiles Intelligence.
Technology will form the backbone of the industry’s strategy of achieving sustainability. In fact, digital technologies will represent an essential component in the delivery of the change which the industry requires in order to realise a more sustainable future....
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3/1/2023
The US apparel industry has welcomed the passage of the INFORM Consumers Act, after the legislation was voted on in the US Senate and House.
The Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces (INFORM) Consumers Act (Inform) legislation was introduced in October last year. It aims to increase online marketplace transparency and accountability to combat what is being described as the rapidly growing problem of fakes and stolen goods sold through these channels....
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3/1/2023
The National Cotton Council (NCC) has applauded the approval of legislation by the US House and Senate Committee to help stabilise and offer relief to the country’s cotton sector.
The assistance, included in the FY23 omnibus spending package, includes US$3.74bn for disaster assistance for US ranchers and farmers, including cotton and other row crop producers....
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3/1/2023
2023 in the apparel world – a new year, a fresh opportunity to look at the successes and losses of the previous one, manifesting our wins for the next 12 months and weighing up a game plan to tackle our worries. Grab that cuppa, sit back as we might be here a while.
When the Covid pandemic hit (all those years ago), the expectation was apparel supply chains, and the apparel industry overall would return to normal operations by 2023. But the last three years have been anything but normal. It’s already a rocky start to 2023 for global apparel supply chains, as Covid again rears its ugly head....
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28/12/2022
Retail sales in the US rose seven per cent between early November 2022 and December 2022 end. So says Mastercard. This encompasses a majority of the holiday season as steep discounts lured deal-hungry consumers. However, this year's holiday retail sales growth is less than the eight per cent increase last year as decades-high inflation, rising interest rates and the threat of a recession turned consumers cautious....
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28/12/2022
Formal wear is a niche in the fashion sector that proves difficult to gauge statistics wise simply because the definition wise formal wear includes a wide range of apparels and continues to expand. Post pandemic, the lines have blurred as traditional occasions for formal wear have lessened and its definition even more diluted....
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27/12/2022
The European textile industry is facing a loss of competitiveness. For one the energy cost in Europe is six times higher than in the US, China, and neighbouring countries. This factor alone has almost erased the business case for producing in the EU. At present, many textile and clothing companies are producing at net loss or have shut down production. Industrial conditions have worsened in such a way that there is no business case to invest in Europe or buy products produced or processed in the EU....
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26/12/2022
The secondhand luxury goods market is growing at nine per cent a year. Secondhand luxury goods represent premium personal products that are purchased by a second or later end-user.
They generally include antique furniture, footwear, apparel, artwork, jewelry, and fashion accessories such as bags and watches. Several luxury goods are usually durable with an extended warranty period, which makes them suitable for the resale market. In line with this, the re-selling of these items instead of discarding them also offers economic benefits to the seller....
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26/12/2022
For the first nine months of 2022, the EU’s apparel imports grew by 25 per cent.
Apparel imports from China grew by 25 per cent. Imports from Turkey grew by 14 per cent. Imports from India grew by 25 per cent. Imports from Vietnam grew by 29 per cent. Imports from Pakistan grew by 30 per cent, Cambodia 41 per cent and Morocco 12 per cent during the January to September period of the current year. And imports from Bangladesh grew by 43 per cent....
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26/12/2022
The maternity clothing market is growing at six percent a year. The market is expanding thanks to a growing number of working women who do so even while pregnant.
Modern mothers are increasingly choosing maternity clothes that are appropriate for the occasion and the location, thanks to the rising influence of fashion magazines, social media, and celebrity endorsements on millennials. Several clothing companies are concentrating on creating new and fashionable maternity collections in order to take advantage of the growing demand for maternity gear....
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23/12/2022
The market for denim fabrics is growing at four percent a year.
The United States will be the largest market, with India likely to experience the most growth, followed by China and Latin America.The market was 3,299.36 million meters in 2016. It reached 3,576.68 million meters in 2018, 3,429.93 million meters in 2019, 3,737.21 million meters in 2020, and 4,105.64 million meters in 2021.Despite being smaller than China, Latin America, and the United States, India’s market is expected to grow at the fastest rate between 2018 and 2023. India’s market is supposed to arrive at 419.26 million meters in 2023 from 228.39 million meters in 2016. It has the potential to reach 382.49 million meters this year....
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22/12/2022
Sourcing diversification, supply chain agility and sustainable operations are key for brands to navigate the current crisis and successfully sail through 2023.
2023 is around the corner and three years post-Covid; global apparel supply chains are still in limbo. While the initial fallout was a result of dampened consumer demand leading to order cancellations at the supplier end, headlines in the subsequent years have been dominated by higher raw material costs, increased fuel and shipping costs, rising inflation and a cost-of-living crisis that is having a detrimental effect on consumer spending. Following on from our Outlook 2023: Challenges and Opportunities feature, we now consider the steps brands need to take to ensure survival including sourcing diversification, creating a more agile supply chain and shifting to a more sustainable operation....
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22/12/2022
The European Energy Ministry has finally set a 'market correction mechanism' and capped gas wholesale prices to support the economy and industry against wavering prices, however, Euratex says the textile industry needs more support against foreign markets.
On Monday (19 December), the EU energy ministers reached a temporary consensus on setting the market correction mechanism to protect its citizens and the market from excessive gas prices after months of deliberation....
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21/12/2022
The lastest Covid outbreak sweeping China has begun impacting the global textile and apparel supply chain, an industry expert has warned, raising uncertainty over production delays and factory closures.
The Omicron variant of the Covid virus is making its way across several big cities in China after President Xi Jinping made a U-turn on his former zero-Covid policy of containment earlier this month....
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20/12/2022
2023 could be a year full of risks but also opportunities for the industry.
The Ukraine war, inflation, soaring energy costs and a turbulent market environment are all taking their toll on the global apparel and textiles industry. Weakened consumer demand is inevitable next year, while the US and China trade war is likely to continue impacting supply chain decisions. While challenges will be rife, opportunities will be found in sustainability and reducing waste, investment in technology and exploring ways to bring the supply chain closer to home....
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19/12/2022
Cotton had enjoyed significant growth and prices for a while but the current status is that its consumption worldwide is on the downslide with China, India and Pakistan, the three of cotton’s largest customers, slow down on cotton requirement. As per recently released US Department of Agriculture (USDA) figures, China being the largest customer and importer is the industry barometer on the direction in which cotton heads and statistics reveal in China, consumption projected down one million bales this month to 35.5 million, marginally above the previous year but more than five million below two years prior. USDA cites many reasons such as declining supplies, downsizing of orders for yarn from fabric and apparel companies, lower profit margins for spinning mills and the overall higher inflation across the board....
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19/12/2022
Fast fashion is going out of fashion, but a complete industry transformation will take time. In an exclusive interview, the International Apparel Federation’s (IAF) president, Cem Altan discusses the need for education, digitalisation, higher quality pieces combined with lower production to reduce waste as well as fairer prices to ensure everyone embarks on the journey together....
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19/12/2022
United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai has spoken of the significance of Africa’s integration into global supply chains after the signing of an MoU between the two nations.
During the US-Africa Business Forum, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Cooperation for Trade and Investment between the US and the African Continental Free Trade Area with Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Wamkele Men.
“The future is Africa – for the United States and the global economy,” Tai said in a statement following the Forum....
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15/12/2022
European social partners representing those working in the EU clothing and textile sector have outlined several points they say the EU Commission needs to consider to ensure the forthcoming industrial policy is "fit for purpose".
IndustriALL European Trade Union and Euratex note the EU’s forthcoming industrial policy, which features a strategy for sustainable and circular textiles, aims to ensure that by 2030, textile products placed on the EU market are long-lived and recyclable with the industry moving from a linear to a circular business model....
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15/12/2022
The UK consumer price index (CPI) rose by 10.7 per cent in the 12 months to November this year, down from 11.1 per cent in October. On a monthly basis, CPI rose by 0.4 per cent during the month compared with a rise of 0.7 per cent in November last year. Prices of clothing and footwear rose, overall, by 7.5 per cent in the year to November 2022, down from 8.5 per cent in October....
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14/12/2022
The growing personalised fashion market is ripe for the taking. In a Just Style exclusive, Michael Colarossi, vice president, product line management, innovation, and sustainability at custom design and manufacture specialists, Avery Dennison Retail Branding and Information Solutions (RBIS), explains how mainstream fashion brands can capitalise on this lucrative opportunity....
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14/12/2022
Fashion brands that do not conduct business with a sustainability-first approach are putting their future profitability at risk, industry experts warn.
As due-diligence legislation across the globe moves closer to being realised, fashion brands are being warned to take the necessary steps to future-proof their supply chains from a sustainability perspective before it is imposed upon them....
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13/12/2022
The US Administration has not given an indication to date on whether it intends to lower, or eliminate, the Section 301 additional tariffs it has imposed on imported goods from China.
According to international law firm Travis, Sandler & Rosenberg, there are a number of ways for importers, exporters, and manufacturers to effectively escape or limit the impact of these tariffs....
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13/12/2022
Supply chain agility will be crucial for clothing brands looking to secure their industry positions and grow in a world where macroeconomic pressures are increasingly making for a difficult business environment, a group of experts has conceded.
Over the last three years, the Covid pandemic, rising wages and transport costs, a shortage of workers and rising inflation impacting consumer spending, have all contributed to chaos in global clothing supply chains....
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13/12/2022
The value of UK goods imports decreased by £1.4 billion, or 2.6 per cent, in October this year, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). However, removing the effect of inflation, imports of goods rose by £0.9 billion, or 2.3 per cent. The value of goods exports fell by £0.7 billion, or 2.2 per cent in the month, with exports to both European Union (EU) and non-EU countries falling....
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12/12/2022
With the Bank of England predicting the UK will be mired in recession until the second half of 2024, the country’s clothing industry has been left considering how much worse the slump will be due to Brexit. Keith Nuthall investigates.
The UK’s central bank has put Brexit aside to focus on more recent challenges – saying that “high energy prices and materially tighter financial conditions” (through interest rate increases fighting inflation) “will weigh on spending”....
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12/12/2022
From January 2022 to October 2022, America’s apparel imports grew by 30 per cent.
Imports so far in 2022 have been the best of all time surpassing previous best figures that were witnessed during the same period in 2019.With a substantial rise in import values, all Asian apparel exporting countries experienced increase in their shipment to the US during January 2022 to October 2022. Imports from Bangladesh grew by 48 per cent. Imports from China grew by 20 per cent. Imports from Vietnam grew by 18 per cent. Imports from India were up by 45 per centwhile shipments from Indonesia to the US were up 47 per cent....
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12/12/2022
From January 2022 to October 2022 jeans imports into the United States increased by 24 percent.
As retailers and brands brought in goods for their final fourth-quarter push, women’s and girls’ blue denim trouser shipments slightly surpassed men’s and boys’ jeans imports. Imports of women’s jeans rose by 25 percent while imports of men’s jeans were up 24 percent....
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9/12/2022
Will China remain a stable, reliable supplier to the world's clothing brands? That's the question of the day for the apparel industry, writes Gherzi Textil Organisation partner, Robert Antoshak.
There was a fire in Urumqi, China. And repercussions in Beijing. Media reports suggest ten people died in a high-rise fire recently. A tragedy. But for some observers, the tragedy was avoidable; if only firefighters had arrived at the building sooner....
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9/12/2022
The latest data from the US Office of Textile and Apparel (OTEXA) reveals that during October, apparel shipments into the US fell year-on-year as consumers cut spending habits on money worries.
US apparel imports, according to the latest data from OTEXA for the month of October, fell by more than 22% from a year ago, the worst performance since the pandemic....
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9/12/2022
December imports into the US will be “significantly below records set earlier this year”, according to the latest figures from the National Retail Federation (NRF) Global Port Tracker.
The Global Port Tracker from NRF and Hackett Associates notes that while monthly cargo numbers for the US repeatedly broke previous records this spring before hitting a new all-time high of 2.4 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units – one 20-foot container or its equivalent – in May, volume has fallen since and Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said current lower imports are the result of retailers balancing inventory built up earlier against slowing consumer demand and expectations for 2023....
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8/12/2022
US and European clothing brands are increasingly turning to Egypt for their sourcing needs; a country offering shorter lead times as supply chain upheaval globally leaves brands in limbo.
While sluggish consumer demand in the US and Europe has seen sourcing orders slow in the third quarter of 2022 – after a spike post-Covid – many clothing suppliers are still betting on Egypt for the future....
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8/12/2022
US’ imports of textiles and apparel have continued to grow despite the impact of the economic challenges on discretionary expenditure globally. It rose by 22.76 per cent to $114.787 billion in the first ten months of 2022, compared to $93.505 billion in the same period of 2021. With 25.60 per cent share, China continues to be the largest supplier of textiles and clothing to the US, followed by Vietnam with 14.53 per cent....
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7/12/2022
Economic activity in the US manufacturing sector contracted in November 2022 for the first time since May 2020.
The November manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index registered 49 percent, 1.2 percentage points lower than the 50.2 percent recorded in October 2022. Six manufacturing industries reported growth in November, led by apparel, leather and allied products, while among the 12 industries reporting contraction were textile mills, furniture and related products....
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7/12/2022
Investment in growing Africa's clothing sector is being stunted as consumers cut spending on the back of rising inflation and concerns of a looming recession.
The US and Europe, two primary export markets for Africa, are seeing their consumers reduce spending as inflation and recession concerns grow, hampering a rebound for the textile and clothing sector following the Covid-19 pandemic....
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7/12/2022
Some brands have been so preoccupied with sustainability messaging and marketing that they've forgotten to put their money where their mouth is, writes Coats Digital's brand director Stuart McCready-Stocks.
We all know the fashion industry and fashion brands have a bad rap when it comes to sustainability and the environment. We know our industry is the second largest polluter on the planet – responsible for 10% of all global greenhouse gases and 79 billion cubic metres of water every year....
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5/12/2022
Jerseys and T-shirts will be the top performing products in the apparel segment during 2020-2025. The global jersey market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.78 per cent in this period, while that of T-shirts may grow at an annual rate of 6.55 per cent. Global apparel market is expected to grow at 4.50 per cent to reach $1,574 billion by the end of 2025....
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2/12/2022
US’ imports of knitted sportswear are on an annual growth trajectory. The COVID-19 pandemic had slightly affected the shipment, but it recovered soon. Latest data shows that the US’ imports of the product were worth $61.091 million in the first nine months this year. Last year, the country’s imports of these apparel products had amounted to $72.614 million....
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1/12/2022
The US apparel and retail sectors have welcomed a move by lawmakers to pass legislation to prevent a rail strike they said could “devastate” the country’s economy and impact their sectors.
The US House voted this week to approve H.J. Res. 100. The resolution, which now heads to the Senate, will implement the Tentative Agreement that was negotiated between the administration, the rail labour unions and the railroads....
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1/12/2022
Due to the energy crisis in Europe it has been receiving requests for thicker winter clothing to cope with the cold since the use of in-house heaters has been reduced. So that is a market in which Hayleys sees an opportunity. Hayleys Fabrics, based in Sri Lanka, produces around 17,326 metric tons of fabrics a year....
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1/12/2022
Every cloud has a silver lining and industry analysts are predicting good things for 2023. After rampant inflation in 202, with disruption in supply chains after the pandemic, there is a positive projection that the cost of goods as a whole, including apparel, should start to come down by next year....
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1/12/2022
The much-awaited ‘The State of Fashion 2023’ report launched on the second day of the annual gathering of industry experts in London by the Business of Fashion Voices in association with McKinsey & Co reiterates a fact that has already been trending, i.e. global slowdown of the fashion sector....
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30/11/2022
The global fashion industry is headed for a global slowdown in 2023, a new report has revealed, with supply chain pressures, the Ukraine war and rising inflation all creating a bleak picture.
McKinsey & Company’s annual The State of Fashion 2023 report published with The Business of Fashion, highlights how over half of global fashion industry executives expect conditions to worsen in 2023....
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29/11/2022
The global sportswear market is growing by six per cent a year. The rising demand for comfortable yet stylish apparel is driving the sports wearables market growth. During the lockdown, consumption has increased even more. Besides, its use while playing sports and exercising, this comfortable apparel can be worn at and off home. Demand for joggers, hoodies, and sneakers has increased in large numbers and varieties by adults and children. The footwear segment holds a market share of 33 per cent. This is attributable to increased sports activities worldwide and growing awareness about various fitness programs....
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29/11/2022
American imports of suits from January 2022 to September 2022 grew by 105 per cent. Of total suit imports, US imports from China grew by 158 per cent year on year. Suit imports from Vietnam and Indonesia grew by 148 per cent and 216 per cent. Suit imports from India grew by 93 per cent. And imports from Bangladesh grew by 142 per cent....
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29/11/2022
The global luxury market has grown 21 per cent from 2021, says a recent report by Bain & Co. and Altagamma. Despite worsening economic conditions, high inflation and rising costs of living, coupled with ongoing Covid restrictions, some 95 per cent luxury brands have clocked in positive growth in 2022....
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29/11/2022
At the beginning of 2022, across the world few brands were surpassing their pre-Covid performances. They benefited from a burst of pent-up consumer demand that was expected to continue. But the Ukraine War, cost-of-living crisis and ongoing supply chain issues has eroded this optimism somewhat. Next year will likely be a continuation of what the fashion industry faced in the second half of 2022....
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28/11/2022
America’s imports of garments between January 2022 to September 2022 increased by 34 per cent. However imports in September 2022 fell compared to imports in August 2022. Though the import value fell in September, it is still the second highest in 2022. All major Asian apparel exporting countries have seen significant increases in their shipment to the US during January to September. China is still the largest supplier to the US though its share in the US market has shrunk to 22 per cent in 2022 compared to 2021....
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28/11/2022
Just Style catches up with Euratex green chief Mauro Scalia to understand the impact of the incoming German Due Diligence law on fashion brands where their supply chains are concerned.
From January 2023 brands selling fashion in Germany, or operating within the country will be bound by the Due Diligence Law concerning environmental and social responsibility....
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26/11/2022
The global denim market is growing at six per cent a year. Major factors that are expected to boost the growth of the denim market are the rise in the urbanization and the increasing trend of denim shirts. The growing popularity of stretchable denim jeans by blending cotton with synthetic material is further anticipated to propel the growth of the denim market. The rise in consumer income levels is escalating the growth of the denim market....
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26/11/2022
The European Union’s imports of textile and apparel increased 13 per cent in August 2022. From January 2022 to August 2022 the year on year increase was ten per cent. In terms of import value, textile and apparel imports in August 2022 were up 50 per cent and the cumulative year on year growth rose 35 per cent from January 2022 to August 2022....
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21/11/2022
Based on the latest trade data released by the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) and the US International Trade Commission (USITC), this article analyzed the US apparel import patterns in the first three quarters of 2022.
The findings, outlined by Dr Sheng Lu, associate professor in the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University Delaware, help fashion brands, retailers, and suppliers navigate the shifting business environment and capture the critical emerging US apparel import trends....
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21/11/2022
UK retail sales volumes rose by 0.6 per cent in October 2022 compared to the previous month.
So says the Office for National Statistics. The value of retail sales rose 1.8 per cent compared to the previous month. Looking purely at volumes and on a month-on-month basis, increases were seen in all of the main sectors apart from food stores. Non-food stores sales volumes rose by 1.1 per cent. Clothing stores sales volumes rose by 2.5 per cent month on month but were 3.7 per cent below their February 2020 levels. And department stores volumes fell by 0.3 per cent. The proportion of retail sales taking place online was 26.1 per cent, a broadly consistent level since May 2022....
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19/11/2022
Factory workers in apparel supply chains across the globe are more likely to quit due to wage and benefit violations, relative to violations of other code provisions, such as environment protection and safety standards, according to a new study.
For the study, Professor Sarosh Kuruvilla, from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR), Cornell University, and his co-author, Chunyun Li, from the London School of Economics and Political Science, secured data from a multinational company, dubbed Pangia, and compared code violations and turnover rates at 622 factories in 28 countries, according to a press release by ILR....
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18/11/2022
US retail sales grew again in October as consumers set aside concerns about inflation and many got a jump start on the holiday season, the National Retail Federation (NRF) said.
“October retail sales data confirms that consumers continue to stretch their dollars on household priorities, including gifts for family and loved ones this holiday season,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said....
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16/11/2022
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has called for developing countries and LDCs to explore ways of diversifying their exports to include “climate-conscious” products.
Speaking at a WTO event on the sidelines of the COP27 climate summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan cited the urgent need to transition to low-carbon economies. She said product standards are a considerable barrier for developing countries but that there were some companies that are ready to make the transition that should serve as an example....
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16/11/2022
The UK, US, Norway and the Netherlands have pledged to roll out green maritime links between the countries at this year’s COP27 conference in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.
So-called ‘green shipping corridors’ are specific maritime routes decarbonised from end to end, including both land-side infrastructure and vessels.
Setting up such routes involves using zero-emission fuel or energy, putting in place refuelling or recharging infrastructure at ports, and deploying zero-emission capable vessels to demonstrate cleaner, more environmentally-friendly shipping on a given route....
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15/11/2022
The world spent two years in lockdown, with varying intensities based on local laws and work from home became the norm. Indeed, professionals are finding it hard to break in 2022. Is it any wonder then that sleepwear and loungewear the preferred garments for spending time at home has turned to comfortable clothing at work as well? In a study, Technavio, a leading global market research company has stated the global category classified as sleepwear and loungewear is experiencing growth momentum since 2022 with CAGR of 10.21 per cent. The categories’ market share is predicted to reach $29,398.4 million in the next five years with the market growth at a 9.66 per cent year on year. The report was compiled after researching consumers in APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and the Middle East and Africa....
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14/11/2022
The US consumer price index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) rose by 0.4 per cent in October on a seasonally-adjusted basis, the same as in September, according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS). Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased by 7.7 per cent before seasonal adjustment. The energy index increased by 1.8 per cent over the month as the gasoline and electricity indices rose, but the natural gas index decreased....
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11/11/2022
There is no dispute over the tremendous success of fast fashion and despite questions being raised about it using the planet as a dumping ground, its popularity continues. Globally, this segment of the fashion industry grew from $91.23 billion in 2021 to $99.23 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate of 8.8 per cent. Millennials and Gen Z can’t seem to have enough of it with the lure of quick trends and affordable pricing. However, as this consumption continues, there is a cost that the planet is paying....
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10/11/2022
New research from Avery Dennison suggests US$15.3bn is lost as a result of supply chain waste stemming from stock inefficiencies.
Data gathered in Avery Dennison’s new report The Missing Billions: The Real Cost of Supply Chain Waste suggests 6% of stock is lost – either through the 2% which is damaged or perished or the additional 4% which is overproduced. This loss is the equivalent of 3% of annual profits....
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9/11/2022
US denim imports in September 2022 rose 27 per cent compared to September 2021. However this is a decline from a 31 percent rise in the first eight months of the year and a 42 percent first-half rise.
A slowdown in consumer demand has caused merchants to take stock of their inventory positions. US denim imports in September 2022 from Bangladesh increased 42 percent year over year. This was down slightly from a 46 percent hike in August 2022....
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8/11/2022
Non-food retail sales in the UK fell 1.2% in the three months to October, with clothing and footwear sales declining in particular according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
The BRC’s chief executive Helen Dickinson has warned for many, Christmas will be more gloom than glitter as families focus on making ends meet with mortgage payment rises, and retail could be set for a bumpy ride ahead as a result.
Non-food retail sales in the UK fell 1.2% in the three months to October, with clothing and footwear sales declining in particular according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
The BRC’s chief executive Helen Dickinson has warned for many, Christmas will be more gloom than glitter as families focus on making ends meet with mortgage payment rises, and retail could be set for a bumpy ride ahead as a result....
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4/11/2022
Robert P. Antoshak, Gherzi Textil Organisation partner explains why all roads seem to indicate the end of globalisation for the apparel industry and what it means for sourcing executives moving forward.
We’ve read the headlines. Seen the markets. Experienced changes in everyday life. Stuff costs more or is harder to get. We live in a time of rapid change — and unwinding. In fact, some say we’re living through the end of globalisation for the apparel industry. That may be an exaggeration, but the fundamental underpinnings supporting globalisation are weakening....
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3/11/2022
The apparel manufacturing industry recorded the highest growth in October, according to the US Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which was down on last month at 50.2%.
The US manufacturing sector continues to expand, but at the lowest rate since the coronavirus pandemic recovery began, according to the Institute for Supply Management (Ism) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee....
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2/11/2022
Fashion industry is always the scapegoat when it comes to pollution and environmental damage. While many experts claim the industry is second biggest global polluter in after oil and is responsible for 20 per cent of water pollution and 10 per cent of carbon dioxide output, there is no strong research evidence to back this claim....
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1/11/2022
With ongoing price increases making shoppers increasingly selective about where they shop and what they buy, it is more crucial than ever for apparel retailers to pay close attention to their customers’ needs.
In GlobalData’s UK monthly survey conducted in September 2022, value for money was highlighted as the most influential apparel purchase driver for consumers, so retailers must offer good quality, classic and multifunctional products to reduce cost per wear. GlobalData’s apparel analyst Pippa Stephens explains....
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31/10/2022
The global intimate wear market is growing by eight per cent a year. Rise in awareness regarding hygiene, fluctuation in demographic dividends, and customization of product portfolios are boosting the growth of intimate wear market. New measurement and design techniques combined with production methods and innovative materials are transforming the quality, range, and applications of intimate wear....
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31/10/2022
The apparel market in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region is expected to reach a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3% between 2020-2025 according to the latest figures from GlobalData, and brands are being urged to capitalise on the growing opportunity in resale.
According to a report from GlobalData, the resale market is growing in popularity among APAC consumers, with 27% of shoppers intending to purchase clothing via resale in the next 12 months....
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31/10/2022
Sustainability and brand authenticity are key decisions for UK shoppers when making a fashion purchase, new data shows. According to the latest research from ecommerce platform Centra, UK consumers are increasingly rating sustainability and brand authenticity as key consideration factors in their fashion buying decisions....
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28/10/2022
The pandemic rang in bad tidings for apparel exporters in South and Southeast Asia as the dip in US’ imports was significant. Compared to imports worth $111.033 billion in 2019, year 2020 recorded a dip to $89.596 billion. The trend took an upward turn in 2022 as The US Department of Commerce released figures for the first half of the year. The import figures indicate that US economy is witnessing fast recovery, and the world’s largest economy is continuing to support economic recovery in developing countries....
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28/10/2022
The global fast fashion market size is expected to grow from $91.23 billion in 2021 to $99.23 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8 per cent. The fast fashion market is expected to grow to $133.43 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 7.7 per cent. Whilst the numbers look very attractive, it is actually an indication of how this sector can drastically affect the planet with harmful effluents and emissions. Major players in the fast fashion market include Zara (Inditex), H&M Group, Fast Retailing (Uniqlo), Gap, Forever 21, Mango, Esprit, Primark, New Look, and River Island. Western Europe was the largest region in the fast fashion market in 2021. Asia Pacific was the second largest region in the fast fashion market. This is what the EU is afraid of....
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27/10/2022
Amid consumers’ financial concerns and economic uncertainties heading into the holiday season, fourth-quarter apparel industry sales are expected to decline in the US. With average prices forecasted to rise 2 per cent, dollar sales are projected to fall by 1 per cent, according to the National Purchase Diary Panel (NPD) Group....
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25/10/2022
The global garments market is growing at four per cent a year. High-end and luxury brands are moving towards a see-now-buy-now model, in order to capitalize on consumers inclination for discretionary expenditure, thereby appealing to their desire for instant gratification.
Reshoring (in the United States and Europe) and sustainable production are key strategies of manufacturers who are making significant investments in order to gain higher social acceptance, and to ensure faster deliveries with provisions for customizations....
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24/10/2022
Polyester yarns already make up nearly half the world’s clothing and even this figure is set to increase, as the athleisure, activewear and performance wear clothing trend becomes even more popular with consumers looking for stretchable and resistant garments.
This would mean good news for the casual wear segment, if only polyester was a more sustainable and environment-friendly textile option. Being made from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), which is the most common type of plastic in the world, it remains an environmentally harmful plastic that will eventually become waste and increase the global microplastic problem....
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24/10/2022
Around 15 per cent of global fashion consumers are concerned about sustainability and consistently make purchasing decisions to lower their impact. But this percentage is likely to increase sharply, to more than half of fashion consumers as more shoppers gravitate towards sustainable practices in the coming years, creating new opportunities for brands....
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21/10/2022
An all-new body positivity and size inclusivity fashion portfolio that includes clothes that suit a diverse range of body types is the latest buzzword among brand and retailers these days. There is currently a strong focus on launching a more versatile plus-size portfolio in response to increased demand for this segment.
Although the pandemic affected the sales of plus-size clothing due to inherent manufacturing concerns such as fabric and labour shortages, order cancellations, lower exports as well as tight purse strings on non-essential items, the demand for this segment is now back with a vengeance....
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21/10/2022
The athleisure market is growing at nine per cent a year.
North America dominates the global market. Customers in North America indulge in fitness/sports activities, which is driving the demand for athleisure in the region. Moreover, the increasing presence of international and domestic brands, and the rising disposable income of people, coupled with the desire to adopt improved lifestyles, is bolstering the demand for athleisure in the region....
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21/10/2022
The denim market is growing at six per cent a year. Rise in disposable income levels is escalating the growth of the denim market.
Other major factors are the rise in urbanization and the trend of denim shirts. The growing popularity of stretchable denim jeans by blending cotton with synthetic material is further anticipated to propel the growth of the denim market. Moreover, initiatives to improve product manufacturing are further estimated to cushion the growth of the denim market....
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21/10/2022
After making a strong recovery from the pandemic, Europe’s luxury goods industry must now contend with the challenges brought by much higher than anticipated inflation, particularly around energy prices.
Almost 30 per cent of the European luxury goods industry's revenues are derived from abroad, with travel a key driver of income. The industry, which is at the very top of the consumption pyramid, managed to exit the pandemic in a stronger position than many others by significantly improving e-commerce coverage, especially with regards to the all-important Asian customers, who were affected by strict travel restrictions....
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21/10/2022
Over 60 per cent of consumers in the US will cut down on non-essential categories like apparel, footwear, jewellery, and accessories if they are forced to reduce their holiday shopping budget. So says International Business Machines (IBM).
Nearly half of consumers will spend less if inflation continues to drive price increases. As Covid pandemic concerns abate for many consumers, worries are shifting towards uncertain economic and supply chain conditions this holiday season....
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20/10/2022
As the effect of stimulus dollars wanes and consumers spend more on services, demand for goods like apparel could slow, according to a recent report by Cotton Incorporated. Consumer spending pattern have changed, with stimulus supporting increased spending on goods. The shipping crisis has also made it difficult for retailers to keep up with consumer demand....
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18/10/2022
With the global menswear market expected to register a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period of 2022 to 2027, the demand for occasion-specific clothing among a rising class of consumers with more spending power.
Chinos and casual wear garments are the bestsellers
The global menswear product portfolio is segmented by product type, distribution channel, price ranges, and geographical layouts among others. The distribution retail market is segmented into offline and online retail stores in both emerging and established markets across the globe. The versatile product portfolio for 2022 includes new trends such as athleisure, high-street, anti-fit, sustainable fashion, and androgynous fashion. Commando shoes, bowling shirts, and ethical fashion apparel as an addition to the usual portfolio of top and bottom wear....
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18/10/2022
Post pandemic, the US is sitting pretty, watching the US dollar rise in value and other currencies decline. The latest on the Euro is that hit a 20-year low and the Pound Sterling just experienced a crash that it hadn’t seen in the last 40 years. In this currency related chaos, exporters from countries with weakening currencies are hoping to cash in on lower prices but there is a flip side to it – importing the raw material is becoming dearer, therefore shooting up production costs locally....
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18/10/2022
We are in the midst of a real-time, seismic shift as consumers transform expectations of global supply and demand models.
The pandemic exposed the fragility of many supply chain networks. Global economies and brands suffered from an inability to adapt dynamically to shifting signals of demand, consumer preferences, labour requirements, and transportation, storage, inventory, as well as trade policy changes....
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14/10/2022
The European Union (EU) exports to preferential partners surpassed the EUR1 trillion (US$900bn) mark for the first time in 2021, according to the European Commission's Second Annual Report on the Implementation and Enforcement of EU Trade Agreements.
The European Commission explains in its new report on EU trade agreements that the EU’s exports in 2021 were EUR7.2bn higher thanks to the removal of several trade barriers between 2015 and 2020, and points out EU trade deals mean increased exports, more stable economic relations and secure access to resources....
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14/10/2022
The US Consumer Price Index September inflation figures are up 0.4% on a seasonally adjusted basis, despite apparel showing a 0.3% decline, and a supply chain expert predicts a wider fall later this year.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September reveals apparel’s annual inflation fell to -0.3% from 0.2% on a seasonally adjusted basis, and it fell to 2.2% from 5.5% on an unadjusted basis....
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14/10/2022
The US apparel industry has mixed views on the next stage of The Office of the United States Trade Representative's Four-Year Review of China 301 Tariffs for US imports and its handling to date.
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced the next steps of its four-year review on the Section 301 tariffs against China, following requests for continuation from the US’ domestic industries, however the US apparel industry has mixed views on the upcoming public comment part of the process and handling so far....
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13/10/2022
The US Department of Labor has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on guidelines around how contractors are classified, much to the concern of US retailers.
The rule could result in more people being deemed employees instead of “independent contractors”, that are granted federal protections like minimum wage and overtime pay which the retail industry believes could increase costs for businesses.
When employers classify their workforce as contractors they are not under obligation to pay payroll taxes that fund Social Security or unemployment insurance programmes....
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12/10/2022
Retail prices for garments in the US have been increasing more slowly than the overall inflation rate, according to the latest report by Cotton Incorporated (Cotton Inc). Relative to averages in 2019 (pre-COVID), the CPI for apparel was 2.2 per cent higher in August, while the overall CPI was 15.8 per cent higher....
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11/10/2022
Menswear is a booming business. In some cases it’s growing faster than women’s. Expanding into menswear simply allows brands to reap the benefits of both phenomena. There has been exponential growth in the men’s designer ready-to-wear market that presents an opportunity for womenswear brands to move into the category and create organic brand expansion....
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11/10/2022
Imports at the nation’s major container ports are expected to fall to their lowest level in nearly two years by the end of 2022 even though retail sales continue to grow, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
US ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.26m Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU) – one 20-foot container or its equivalent – in August, the latest month for which final numbers are available. That was up 3.5% from July but down 0.4% from August 2021....
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11/10/2022
The estimated value of the apparel, footwear, and accessories resale market is between $100 and $120 billion worldwide—more than thrice the size it was in 2020, according to new research by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Vestiaire Collective, a global platform for preowned fashion. The second-hand market is already worth 3 per cent to 5 per cent of this overall sector and could grow to as much as 40 per cent....
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10/10/2022
Given the volatility and roller coaster ride cotton has been going through in recent times, in terms of pricing and demand- supply; is adding further to the existing uncertainty in fashion business as well as disrupting the supply and global value chains. A peep into the three of the cotton world leaders India, China and the USA, at their cotton production, consumption and participation in global trade may reflect on the immediate future outlook, as what lies in stock for the fashion business....
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6/10/2022
Babywear imports by the United States has been on a rise since April this year. The imports increased to $255.955 million in July 2022 from $245.802 million in June 2022. The country imported babywear worth $1,633.762 million in the first seven months of this year, while they amounted to $2.414 billion last year, an analysis of the latest data showed....
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6/10/2022
The pandemic was not a happy period for the clothing industry in general with the exception of activewear. The fact that it is projected to becoming USD 276.61 billion in the next six years is the proof of its popularity and staying power. UK-based research agency Technavio presented a report titled Activewear Apparel Market by Distribution Channel and Geography - Forecast Analysis 2022-2026 – it stated that the growth momentum is anticipated to accelerate at a CAGR of 11.24% during the forecast period. The report attributed this growth due to innovative use of fabrics and styles as well as creating an activewear line that is premium and on trend....
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5/10/2022
Sustainability is taking a backseat to price when it comes to shopping for fashion, a new report has found.
Consumers want online fashion retailers to address sustainability by offering slower deliveries, enabling apparel repairs and reducing product returns, but they want it all at a lower price, according to a survey from commerce platform Nosto....
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30/9/2022
From Covid-19 lockdown times to economic slowdowns, the pandemic has hugely affected health, wealth and happiness parameters around the world. The cost of living for each income bracket has now changed and a brand strategy of smart retail intelligence is now the strongest line of defence for a company against economic uncertainty.
To cut down costs, consumers are now pulling the plug on the more expensive homeware items such as furniture, kitchen equipment and electrical sales. Home appliances are undergoing a major shift as compared to last year while absorbing price inflation from shipping and materials....
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30/9/2022
Gym apparel market shows good growth, expanding at six percent a year.
During the first few months of the Covid pandemic, gym apparel sales significantly decreased. However some positive effects were crucial in driving up the demand for gym clothing in the years that followed. Many people were urged to start their own personal gyms or join ones in their communities in response to the lockdown’s increasing length. There was a significant increase in the number of people going to the gym every day, which fuelled the expansion of the gym clothing business....
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28/9/2022
As underdeveloped countries transit to developing status, their retail sectors are getting better organised and enabling a large number of brands use the affordability and accessibility platforms to reach out to the masses. The global fast fashion market size is expected to grow from $91.23 billion in 2021 to $99.23 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8%. The fast fashion market is expected to grow to $133.43 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 7.7%....
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27/9/2022
As fibre-to-fibre textile recycling commitments increase across Europe, as well as the amount of textile waste collected, the infrastructure required to drive the move towards circular systems requires significant investment to scale.
A report published today (27 September) by global sustainable fashion initiative Fashion for Good details how the amount of textile waste collected across Europe is likely to increase, due to growing consumption and disposal, and incoming legislation, such as the Waste Framework Directive....
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26/9/2022
With Europe rushing to cut its reliance on Russian fossil fuels, gas prices across the continent are soaring. Countries are scrambling to introduce policies to curb the impact of increasing prices on businesses as well as households but in Europe’s textile and fashion sector, it seems this is just not enough.
Last week, the European Commission proposed to change the Title Transfer Fund (TTF) benchmark parameters and decouple the TTF from the electricity market and revise the merit-order principle for the electricity market, and amend the state-aid framework....
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26/9/2022
The pandemic rang in bad tidings for apparel exporters in Asia and South East Asia as the dip in US’ imports was significant. Compared to imports worth USD 111.033 billion in 2019, in 2020 imports worth USD 89.596 billion were registered. The trend took an upward turn in 2022 as The US Department of Commerce released figures for the first half of this year. The latest import figures indicate that US economy is witnessing fast recovery, and the world’s largest economy is continuing to support economic recovery in developing countries....
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26/9/2022
Established disruptor brands the likes of Shein, ASOS, Boohoo, and PrettyLittleThing, who are maturing at their peak, are hot on the heels of luxury brands in terms of conversations surrounding fashion. So says leading consumer intelligence platform Talkwalker.
As sustainability continues to dominate and define the fashion industry, challenger fast fashion brands are shaking things up, by developing products people want at the price and convenience level consumers now demand.For both luxury fashion houses and fast fashion brands, sustainability and ethics are hot topics....
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24/9/2022
Global textile powerhouse China’s apparel exports amounted to $71.423 billion during January-June 2022. Trousers and shorts continue to remain the top apparel export products, accounting for 20.36 per cent at $14.542 billion during the period under review. The share of coats, sportswear and suits remained negligible at less than 1 per cent each....
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24/9/2022
On average, 82 per cent of consumers in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and the US have less confidence to spend, according to a recent study. With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, rising prices are negatively impacting consumer confidence. In terms of spending, apparel, footwear, and accessories are among the several categories that consumers are cutting back on....
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23/9/2022
A surge in nationalist sentiment and growing hostility to foreign labels is compelling global fashion brands to reduce their footprint in China. A report by SCMP indicates, US clothing brand Gap is reducing its retail footprint in China by cutting down the number of stores to 143. And experts say, foreign brands in China continue to struggle with competition from domestic brands that offer cheaper products via live-streaming and e-commerce platforms....
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21/9/2022
Optimisation within the supply chain is the answer to solving fashion's inflation problem, writes apparel industry expert, Roit Kathiala.
Even with the closest look into history it would be hard to find parallels to the current economic environment. Never have we seen before an environment with high inflation, recessionary interest rate hikes, plunging stock markets, high commodity prices and still high job growth all rolled into one, but optimisation as opposed to globalisation will be the solution to fashion’s current inflation problem....
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21/9/2022
The UK apparel sector will likely welcome news this morning (21 September) of an energy support package for businesses.
The Energy Bill Relief Scheme will see a significant cut in energy bills for UK businesses and applies to both fixed contracts agreed on or after 1 April 2022, as well as to variable and flexible tariffs and contracts.
The discount will apply to energy usage from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, running for an initial six-month period for all non-domestic energy users....
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20/9/2022
The United States and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) has revealed its objectives, however apparel experts believe it also highlights the US' wider aim to reduce sourcing from China.
The 13 countries that sit within the United States and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), including apparel sourcing countries Vietnam and India, announced four negotiation objectives last week (9 September), as part of a wider aim to create a high-standard and inclusive economic framework....
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20/9/2022
The fashion industry has a prolific carbon footprint and research suggests it accounts for around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, consuming more energy than both aviation and shipping combined, writes David Dillon, a global labelling solutions executive at Loftware.
The size of its carbon footprint is no surprise when you consider the entire lifecycle of a garment, from manufacture and transportation to laundering and eventual disposal into a landfill. There is also water pollution caused by dyeing processes, as well as microfibres that escape into the environment....
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19/9/2022
The exports of textile and apparel from the United States went up by 12.78 per cent year-on-year in the first seven months of this year. The value of exports stood at $14.516 billion during January-July 2022 compared to $12.871 billion in the same period of 2021, according to data from the Office of Textiles and Apparel, US department of commerce....
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19/9/2022
Global custom T-shirt printing market is expected to surpass $9,009.3 million with a CAGR of over 9.7 per cent to 2023 says a new study by Future Markets Insights (FMI) a premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services. In its latest report, FMI cited customized T-shirts are gaining immense popularity among the younger generation and a growing trend of wearing graphic, pre-printed T-shirts with movie logos and slogans is propelling sales in custom T-shirt printing market. Today, many prefer wearing printed T-shirts because of their unique design and trendy look on both men and women. These prints are usually extracted from computer. Usually, graphic professionals provide design to the fashion designers....
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16/9/2022
Seventy-one per cent of consumers across the world are concerned about sustainability in the apparel category, while 38 per cent of them are already adopting sustainable behaviours for protecting the environment and tackling climate change, according to a survey by global management consulting firm Boston Consulting Group (BCG)....
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16/9/2022
Chinese exporters are having a difficult time. Softer foreign markets are forcing them to shed workers. They are switching to lower-value goods and even renting out their factories. Customers are placing fewer orders and are reluctant to buy expensive products.
Compared to 2020 and 2021, this year is more difficult for exporters. Sales could decline by 20 per cent in the third quarter compared to last year.These alerts echo in workshops in China’s eastern and southern manufacturing centers, in industries ranging from machinery parts and textiles to high-tech household appliances, where businesses shrink while export orders dry up. Export growth has been well below expectations and slowed for the first time in four months....
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16/9/2022
The pursuit of pre-loved clothing is emerging as the most prominent trend in the African market with consumers continually upgrading their wardrobes by donating or reselling used items.
As per an Euromonitor International report, known as Madunusa in South Africa, Okrika in Nigeria, and Mtumba in Kenya, the African secondhand clothing market is diverse. Aimed at all income groups, the market ranges from basic everyday use worn clothes to luxury apparel and thrift clothing. The Voice of the Consumer: Lifestyles Survey 2022 by Euromonitor International shows, Nigerians are the biggest buyers of second-hand clothing with nearly 10 per cent reporting buying and selling used items at least once a week....
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16/9/2022
Old habits die hard in the post-pandemic global active-wear segment as consumers still prefer to wear comfortable the clothes they have become used to over the last two years. With healthy lifestyles taking precedence over having a good time and an indulgent lifestyle, majority of consumers (76 per cent) say they are trying to put more emphasis on improving their physical health, revealed a Coronavirus Response Survey (Wave 12, July 2022)....
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16/9/2022
The US apparel sector has applauded a decision that has avoided a shutdown of the nation’s freight rail system.
On Wednesday (14 September) night, a tentative agreement was reached between US freight railroads and rail labor organisations – avoiding a shutdown of the nation’s freight rail system – which would have put severe pressure on the apparel supply chain....
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16/9/2022
Clothing stores across the UK saw sales volumes fall 0.6% during August according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics.
The ONS said non-food store sales volumes in the UK fell 1.9% during the month because of falls in each of its subsectors: other non-food stores (negative 2.8%), department stores (negative 2.7%), household goods stores (negative 1.1%) and clothing stores (negative 0.6%)....
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15/9/2022
Even after 18 months of UK officially leaving the European Union, the country has failed to resolve bilateral trade issues. As Mark Neale, CEO, Mountain Warehouse opines, supplying materials to retail stores in Europe has become more complicated and tiresome post Brexit. Increased costs and bureaucracy have made trading more challenging in the region with sales of smaller brands and businesses declining....
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15/9/2022
The import of textiles and apparel by the US continues to grow at high rate and it rose by 29.83 per cent to $78.402 billion in the first seven months of 2022, compared to $60.388 billion in the same period of 2021. With 26.90 per cent share China continues to be the largest supplier of textiles and clothing to the US, followed by Vietnam with 14 per cent....
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14/9/2022
Following the US' decision to continue the Section 301 tariffs against China, associate professor of apparel and textile studies at the University of Delaware, Dr Sheng Lu reveals what it means for the apparel sector four years on.
On 2 September 2022, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) announced it would continue the billions of dollars of Section 301 punitive tariffs against Chinese products....
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13/9/2022
The compression wear and shapewear market is growing at a CAGR of seven per cent a year.
Compression wear and shapewear are tight-fitted apparels designed specifically to keep the body in a certain posture. Change in lifestyles, rise in disposable income of consumers, high-end advancements in fabrics and garment design and a surge in demand from the geriatric population are driving the growth of the market. Male users are leading the global compression wear and shapewear market. Men prefer compression garments during a workout, further fueling the demand from the male consumer segment. The women’s segment too is growing owing to interest in fitness and comfortable clothing and an increased participation of women in sports activities....
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10/9/2022
The global custom T-shirt printing market is expanding at seven per cent.
The T-shirt design and printing industry has evolved, driving fashion trends in the form of personalized T-shirts, graphic T-shirts, vintage T-shirt designs, and long sleeve custom T-shirts. With leading fashion brands across the globe embracing T-shirt printing, the outlook appears positive.
Custom-print shirts are specifically targeted toward the young population segment. One of the main reasons behind the popularity among youth is that customized T-shirts strike a chord with the creativity hidden inside each teenager....
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9/9/2022
The global denim market is growing at six per cent. The rise in disposable income levels is aiding the growth of the denim market. Other factors are the rise in urbanization and the trend of denim shirts. Further, the growing popularity of stretchable denim jeans by blending cotton with synthetic material is further anticipated to propel the growth of the denim market....
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8/9/2022
With inflation continuing and the Federal Reserve hoping to cool demand through higher interest rates, imports at major US container ports are expected to fall below last year’s levels for the remainder of 2022, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates....
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7/9/2022
During January 2022 to July 2022, the total exports of China’s textile and apparel goods were up 12 per cent year-on-year.
Apparel exports alone were up 13 per cent year-on-year.Viewed from the proportion of major products exported, knitted garments made of chemical fiber took the largest part, and cotton knitted garments came second, followed by woven fabrics made of chemical fibers and other fabrics.
From January to July, the share of fabric exports was rather large, accounting for about 23 per cent of total textile and apparel exports.China’s exports of textile and apparel made of chemical fibers performed better than cotton goods. One of the reasons lies in the ban on Xinjiang cotton and another reason is that the unit price of cotton products increases faster than the unit price of products made of chemical fibers....
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5/9/2022
US economic growth has slowed, recent figures show, but it is unclear whether the nation is in a recession according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).
Gross domestic product fell by 1.6% year over year in the first quarter and another 0.6% in the second quarter, according to the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis, with the National Retail Federation (NRF) saying economic indicators are signalling “an unsteady US expansion in the face of several headwinds”....
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1/9/2022
The UK Government has established a new regulatory framework to boost industrial emissions standards and reduce air pollution for the textiles and chemicals industries.
The textiles and chemicals industries in the UK will be required to adopt sustainable best practices under the Best Available Techniques framework launched this week as the government looks to reduce emissions and improve the environmental performance of businesses....
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31/8/2022
In the 27 years from 1992 to year to date July 2022, garment retail market share fell from 5.9% of total retail sales to 4.4%: A decline of 26%.
Our industry may well be in the final phase of a three-year disaster that began in 2020 with the Covid-19-pandemic and hopefully will end in 2022 that will long be remembered as the garment industry year of chaos, when US retailers increased imports by 40% compared to the same period in 2021 expecting a great increase in consumer demand that never materialised, with the result that the retailers faced mountains of unsold and possibly unsaleable goods....
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27/8/2022
The plus size clothing market is projected to grow at a 5.7 per cent CAGR to reach $1,044.3 billion by 2032. Sales of plus size clothing are anticipated to increase at the quickest rate during the duration of the prediction. The need for products that give the same level of luxury as customers in other sizes will increase the market for plus-size clothes between 2022 and 2032....
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26/8/2022
As the UK announces domestic energy bills will rise up to GBP3,549 (US$4202) per year from 1 October and there are no caps for apparel factories or retailers, a GlobalData analyst says apparel spend will be reduced and some retailers will struggle with overheads, which could restrict growth for the sector.
The UK’s regulator Ofgem’s new energy price cap means a home in England, Wales and Scotland using a typical amount of energy will pay nearly GBP300 a month, according to BBC news, meanwhile companies, including apparel factories and retailers will not benefit from energy bill caps so will be at the mercy of wholesale gas markets, explains The Guardian....
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25/8/2022
The United States apparel imports totalled at $48.176 billion during first half of this year. Of these, trousers & shorts was on top on the list of imported apparel items with a share of 26.52 per cent. The top three items i.e., trousers & shorts, jerseys and T-shirts together accounted for over 50 per cent of the total apparel import during the same period....
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23/8/2022
UK clothing brands and retailers have applauded a new framework offering developing nations lower tariffs and simplified rules of origin requirements for exporting.
The UK has rolled out the Developing Countries Trading Scheme which applies to goods including clothing and food and cuts tariffs for 65 developing exporting countries....
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22/8/2022
The imports value of US textile and apparelsincreased by 28.1 per cent Y-o-Y to $11.45 billion in June. The imports volume increased by 18.2 per cent Y-o-Y to 10.65 billion sq m. US apparel imports value in June 2022 rose sharply by 40.3 per cent Y-o-Y to 8.64 billion and the imports volume increased by 18.9 per cent Y-o-Y to 2.76 billion sq m....
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19/8/2022
UK retail sales volumes rose by 0.3% in July and were 2.3% above their pre-coronavirus February 2020 levels, but demand for clothing waned as the cost of living restricted wallet spend on ‘nice-to-haves’.
Official data released today (19 August) by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows retail sales volumes rose by 0.3% in July, following a fall of 0.2% in June (revised from a fall of 0.1%) as the cost of living in the UK continues to rise....
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18/8/2022
Propelled by growing health and wellness trend, the global functional apparel market is forecast to reach $519.04 billion by 2027. A new report by Reports and Data indicates, rise in the number of people engaging in fitness activities and outdoor adventures like hiking, cycling etc, works as a growth driver for global functional apparel market. Future growth is also likely to be driven by rising youth participation in various sporting activities....
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18/8/2022
The US is to benefit from an inland port designed to relieve supply chain pressure at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
The Mojave Inland Port will be situated 90 miles from San Pedro Bay, allowing goods to arrive by rail from nearby ports more efficiently and to be redirected to their final destinations more quickly. Ground on the new facility is expected to be broken in 2023 and it is expected to be fully operational in 2024....
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18/8/2022
US consumers are continuing to shop despite high inflation but failing to prioritise wallet spend on clothing, new figures show.
Core US retail sales, as calculated by The National Retail Federation (NRF ), rose in July even as overall sales reported by the Census Bureau remained flat on a monthly basis, and both calculations showed strong year-over-year gains as consumers kept shopping despite high inflation....
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18/8/2022
The metaverse, technology, 'phygital retail', and transparency online have all been flagged as key trends influencing the global online apparel market.
A sustained desire to purchase apparel online following the closure of bricks-and-mortar stores in the midst of the Covid pandemic will continue to boost online spend in the years ahead, a new study shows....
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16/8/2022
All clothing sold in the EU might need to be recyclable from 2030. The University of Delaware's Leah Marsh and Dr Sheng Lu investigate the future potential of Europe's recycled clothing market.
Consumers’ increasing sustainability awareness has encouraged fashion retailers to carry more clothing made from recycled textile materials. For example, in Europe, one of the world’s largest apparel consumption markets, a growing number of fashion companies, from fast-fashion leaders like Zara and H&M to luxury brands such as Prada and Burberry, have entered the recycled clothing business....
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15/8/2022
Some economists may rely upon qualifiers, but Gherzi Textil Organisation's partner Bob Antoshak argues that despite rising levels of employment, the US is already in a technical state of recession and the rest of the world is following suit.
What a mess. For the past two quarters, US GDP has declined and the same may be the case in Europe, although it hasn’t yet been reported in the statistics....
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15/8/2022
The exports of textile and apparel from the United States went up by 13.10 per cent year-on-year in the first six months of this year. The value of exports stood at $12.434 billion during January-June 2022 compared to $10.994 billion in the same period of 2021, according to data from the Office of Textiles and Apparel, US department of commerce....
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12/8/2022
US' textile and apparel imports grew by 30.97 per cent to $66.308 billion in the first six months of 2022, compared to $50.626 billion in the same period of 2021. With a 26.8 per cent share China continued to be the largest supplier of textiles and clothing to the US, followed by Vietnam with 13.87 per cent. As per a Fashion Network report, apparel dominated of textiles and garments imports of the US in January-June 2022, and were valued at $49.578 billion, while non-apparel imports accounted for $16.729 billion, according to the latest Major Shippers Report, released by the US department of commerce....
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12/8/2022
The consumer price index for all US urban consumers (CPI-U) was unchanged in July on a seasonally-adjusted basis after rising by 1.3 per cent in June, according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased by 8.5 per cent before seasonal adjustment. The index for apparel declined in July by 0.1 per cent from the June figure....
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12/8/2022
The US Government can tackle record inflation for apparel and footwear shoppers by cancelling both Section 301 and consumer goods tariffs, says the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)'s president and CEO Steve Lamar.
After years of inaction, Washington finally has scored a decisive trade victory for US families and the timely and unanimous win may even show a bipartisan path forward out of our years-long trade quagmire, however, more can be done to help US apparel and footwear shoppers....
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12/8/2022
July US inflation figures moderated to 8.5% from a very high 9.1% in the prior month, however retail analyst Neil Saunders suggests there are signs that non-essential categories such as apparel are 'fraying around the edges'.
US apparel retailers saw sales decline by -0.1% month-on-month in July, according to data released by the US Census Bureau, after rising the prior two months...
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12/8/2022
A GlobalData apparel analyst tells Just Style UK apparel retailers will need to make smart decisions in the coming months as clothing and footwear is attributed to the UK's gross domestic product (GDP) falling 0.1% in Q2 following the Bank of England increasing interest rates and announcing a recession later this year.
The UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed the decline in the UK’s gross domestic product (GDP) for the second quarter of 2022 a week after the Bank of England announced the country is projected to enter recession from the fourth quarter of this year and made the decision to increase interest rates by half a percentage point (the largest increase for 27 years)....
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12/8/2022
Two categories—trousers & shorts, and T-shirts—together accounted for 40 per cent of total apparel imports by Germany in the first three months of 2022. Trousers & shorts comprised 27.65 per cent of all apparel imports worth $9.755 billion during January-March. T-shirts was the second largest product 13.19 per cent share in total imports....
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11/8/2022
During the first half of 2022, the US apparel imports increased by 40.14 Y-o-Y to $49.58 billion. Particularly in June ’22, the imports grew by 40.30 per cent Y-o-Y to $8.64 billion, while the growth noted on monthly basis over May ’22 was 1.52 per cent. As per OTEXA data, analyzed by team Apparel Resources, top six Asian countries (China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and Cambodia) together exported garments worth $32.82 billion to the US in H1 ’22, which is 66.20 per cent of total import values of the US....
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10/8/2022
The import of textiles and apparel by the US continues to grow at high rate and it rose by 30.97 per cent to $66.308 billion in the first six months of 2022, compared to $50.626 billion in the same period of 2021. With 26.80 per cent share China continues to be the largest supplier of textiles and clothing to the US, followed by Vietnam with 13.87 per cent....
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10/8/2022
UK clothing manufacturers are to see significant challenges as energy bills look set to surge again, with many unable to pass on the cost to consumers, the UK Fashion and Textiles Association tells Just Style.
Head of UKFT, Adam Mansell explains the impact of rising energy prices has been felt by the UK manufacturing sector for some time now and clothing manufacturers are being forced to absorb the cost increases....
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9/8/2022
After a record-setting spring, imports at major US container ports are expected to slow significantly for the remainder of the year but 2022 should still see a net gain over 2021, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.
“Retail sales are still growing, but the economy is slowing down and that is reflected in cargo imports,” says NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy, Jonathan Gold....
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9/8/2022
The global denim market is expected to grow at a rate of 6.7 per centCAGR in the forecast period of 2022 to 2029. The rise in the consumer disposable income levels is escalating the growth of denim market.
The size of the global denim jeans market size is projected to reach $88.1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.2 per cent from 2021 to 2030.Rise in spending capacity, per capita consumption of the denim jeans, consciousness regarding the cloths suitable for the body types and acceptance for casual wears for office work is likely to garner the growth of the denim jeans market....
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8/8/2022
Clothing was one of only two UK online retail categories to record year-on-year sales growth in July.
UK online retail sales growth dipped 2.3% year-on-year in July thanks to a boost from clothing retailers, according to the latest IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index, which tracks online sales for 200 retailers. This represents the joint lowest decline the Index has seen this year – and a considerable improvement on the three- (-3.6%), six- (-13.5%) and 12-month (-18.1%) averages....
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8/8/2022
Presently valued at $16.760 million, the global zippers market is expected to grow by 4.1 per cent CAGR to $22.280 million by 2028. According to an analysis by Market Research Guru, top five zippers producers including YKK, Coats Industrial, SBS, Weixing Group and YBS Zipper, account for around 20 per cent of the market....
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6/8/2022
US will retain top position in the global denim jeans market, but its annual growth will be lower than the global average. The growth rate of market size is projected at 3.14 per cent for 2021-2026 while global market will grow at an annual rate of 3.65 per cent in the same period. Developing economies like China and India are chasing the US very closely....
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6/8/2022
The plus size clothing market is expected to grow at a 5.7 per cent CAGR from $601.7 billion in 2022 to $1,044.3 billion by 2032.
The COVID-19 epidemic had a negative impact on the market share for plus-size clothing. The sales of plus size apparel have fallen as a result of a lack of labour, production issues like fabric shortages and order cancellations, lower exports, and a decline in consumer spending on non-essential items....
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6/8/2022
We live in an age of uncertainty and with this uncertainty comes a shaky economy and a challenging business environment for the apparel industry, but what does it mean for sustainability, asks Robert Antoshak, partner at Gherzi Textil Organisation.
The pandemic, supply chain disruption, a war, tensions over Taiwan, and accelerating inflation. All of this adds up to uncertainty and that’s just the economic situation. How about other aspects of our business besides economics, like sustainability? What happens to sustainability initiatives during times like these?...
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5/8/2022
Latest Future Markets Insights report shows, global sales of maternity apparel will increase 5.8 per cent year-over-year in 2021. Demand for maternity apparels will be driven by growing number of women professionals continuing to work through their pregnancy. From 2021-2031, global maternity apparels market is projected to grow at 6.7 per cent CAGR and reach $41.3 billion by 2031....
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4/8/2022
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew in July, new data shows, with the overall economy achieving a twenty-sixth consecutive month of growth.
US supply executives offered their thoughts on raw material prices in the latest ‘Manufacturing ISM Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Report On Business. Those in the textile industry reported a continued increase in the price of raw materials.
The ISM Prices Index registered 60% in July, 18.5 percentage points lower compared to the June reading of 78.5%, indicating raw material prices increased for the twenty-sixth consecutive month, albeit at a much slower rate....
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4/8/2022
Economic activity in the US manufacturing sector expanded in July, with the overall economy achieving a 26th consecutive month of growth, the nation's supply executives said in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report on Business released by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). Eleven manufacturing industries reported growth in July, with apparel, leather and allied products reporting the highest growth....
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3/8/2022
Fashion companies are facing a major change in how they report their performance with the launch of three new initiatives that will push them to generate and declare social and sustainability data.
Draft mandatory requirements are being consulted upon in the European Union (EU) and the United States, with optional reporting rules being developed by an International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) for the fashion and textile industry....
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3/8/2022
Nearly 59 per cent of respondents to a survey by the Global Expert Network members of the Luxury Institute believe, current economic slowdown will lead to a downturn in the global luxury goods and services sector. Around 41 per cent predict, current situation will lead to a recession in the global luxury sector with aggressive interest hikes from central banks to result in mass scale unemployment, especially in the technology sector. The survey predicts, consumer spending across all income levels will tighten with persistent fluctuations in the stock market to influence the budgets and psyches of rich consumers....
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2/8/2022
Increasing focus on sustainability is propelling the growth of global secondhand apparel market that is likely to expand at 11.2 per cent CAGR from 2021-2031. Sales through online channels are likely to grow at 17.9 per cent CAGR through the assessment period, says latest Future Markets Insights report.
Accounting for over 10 per cent of the world’s carbon footprint, the fashion industry is becoming more eco-conscious. With consumers expecting more transparent processes, the industry is championing the cause for a sustainable fashion movement while abandoning fast fashion that contributes to pollution, climate change and unethical labor practices....
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1/8/2022
Consumer’s desire for fast fashion continues to grow stronger with each passing year, shows the latest data from FactSet compiled with the data from United Nation’s Comtrade.
Using UN customs export data by countries, the report shows, the apparel and footwear industry manufactured and exported goods worth $582,1 billion in 2021. The value of apparel and footwear products manufactured by the industry surged by $47.8 billion compared to levels seen in 2017....
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1/8/2022
The number of sustainable and second-hand fashion small businesses has increased by 23% in the UK in the last year as demand for circular fashion grows, new data shows.
There has been a surge in the number of people looking to switch to eco-friendly shopping styles, coupled with a growth in small sustainable fashion businesses....
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30/7/2022
Badly hit by Brexit and COVID-19 pandemic, the value of UK’s apparel imports has been declining from 2019, when it became imminent that Brexit is going to take place. The subsequent onset of COVID-19 only increased this declining trend. However, home textiles imports performed better in 2020.
UK’s apparel imports peaked in 2018 at $26.502 billion, compared to $24.308 billion in 2017. But the declining trend started since 2019 when the import value was $25.809 billion. It further decreased to $22.943 billion in 2020 and 20.886 billion in 2021. Imports in the first four months of this year stood at $7.634 billion....
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29/7/2022
Apparel industry experts tell Just Style exclusively the US Inflation Reduction Act 2022 needs to get passed by Congress quickly to have a positive impact on the US apparel industry.
US President Joe Biden released a statement earlier this week (27 July) in support of a new bill to lower inflation, called the US Inflation Reduction Act 2022, however, apparel industry experts tell Just Style the impact it will have on the wider apparel industry will depend on the speed at which the bill is passed and how quickly it can bring down inflation....
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26/7/2022
The latest Fashion Transparency Index by Fashion Revolution says, world's largest fashion brands and retailers will have to increase transparency to tackle the climate crisis and social inequality. Ranking 250 of the world’s largest fashion brands and retailers for their public disclosure of human rights and environmental policies, the seventh edition of the index shows, around 85 per cent brands are not honest in disclosing their annual production volumes despite mounting evidence of clothing waste around the world, and around 96 per cent brands and retailers do not reveal the number of workers in their supply chain paid a living wage....
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25/7/2022
The pandemic has fuelled US consumers’ love for pre-owned fashion. A report by resale clothing website ThredUp, shows, in 2020, the pandemic year, around thirty-three million consumers in the country bought secondhand apparel for the first time. Around 76 per cent of these first-time buyers plan to increase their spending on secondhand clothing in the next five years. The secondhand apparel market in the US is projected to double to $77 billion in the next five years. Analytics company GlobalData, also pegs the growth of clothing resale market to be 11 times faster than the broader retail clothing sector through 2025. Mapped by online resale pioneer eBay, Tirath Kamdar, General Manager-Luxury, opines, growth has accelerated as more consumers are becoming eco-conscious. It is also being driven by the increase in luxury shoppers, he adds....
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25/7/2022
The import of apparel by the United Kingdom was badly hit by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. The value of UK’s apparel import has been declining from 2019, when it became imminent that Brexit is going to take place. The subsequent onset of COVID-19 only increased this declining trend. However, home textiles imports performed better in 2020....
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25/7/2022
The EU and China have agreed on the need to prevent supply chain disruptions, primarily caused by Covid.
The EU and China have agreed to increase cooperation in supply chain disruptions in addition to bilateral trade and investment.
Speaking at the 9th EU-China High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue (HED), the two sides discussed global economic challenges, disruptions to the supply chain caused by Covid and the impact of Russia’s invasion on Ukraine....
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25/7/2022
Just Style deep dives into the sourcing strategies of Europe’s biggest clothing brands from Inditex and Adidas to Hugo Boss and Primark.
Sourcing clothing today is no mean feat as global supply chains are incredibly complex. Today’s consumer is wholly invested in the entire supply chain process and demands transparency from brands at every stage....
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25/7/2022
A new survey suggests digitalisation has become key to survival for small and medium-sized manufacturers.
If small and medium sized (SME) manufacturers are to survive, they need to invest in digitalisation, according to a survey conducted by Made Smarter, which explores how UK manufacturing industries can prosper via integration of digital technology tools and innovation.
SME manufacturers across all sectors are being urged to accelerate technology adoption to adjust to the economic challenges around the supply chain, energy costs, post-Brexit and Covid....
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22/7/2022
Sales volumes at UK clothing stores decreased by almost 5% in June from the month prior as rising inflation impacts consumer spending.
Official data released today (21 July) by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows UK clothing stores reported a monthly decline in sales volume of 4.7% in June 2022, down from an increase of 2.2% in May 2022 as inflation impacts consumer spending despite it being the peak of holiday travel season based-demand....
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20/7/2022
The European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) has launched the ‘Good Clothes, Fair Pay’ campaign to demand legislation on the living wages for garment workers. The ECI wants European Union (EU) laws to make it compulsory for companies selling garments, textiles, and footwear in the EU to regulate living wages in their supply chains. If this law gets passed, brands and retailers would be legally mandated to evaluate wages, and publicly disclose their development....
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19/7/2022
The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA)'s annual report has revealed most of the key challenges facing the US fashion industry in 2022 are related to the economy.
The USFIA’s 2022 Fashion Industry Benchmarking Study, which features 34 fashion companies of various types from within the industry, has revealed the main issue facing the sector right now is increased production and sourcing costs....
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18/7/2022
The clothing and footwear industry has managed to slash its delivery lead times by almost half since 2020.
Digitisation, nearshoring and reducing the number of options in stock have helped clothing, footwear and accessories brands cut lead times by almost half in the last two years, according to industry experts....
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15/7/2022
European Union (EU) apparel manufacturers prepare to carry out more checks on clothing safety under a new EU rules proposal to protect consumers from potentially dangerous products.
The proposal’s new product safety rules for the apparel industry, which was approved by the European Parliament’s internal market and consumer protection committee on 16 June includes addressing potential flammability, dyes that may cause allergic reactions and dangerous drawstrings....
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14/7/2022
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) tells Just Style an end to Section 301 Tariffs is the solution to rising US inflation levels as official June figures reveal overall inflation is up 9.1% versus last year with apparel increasing 5.2%.
The AAFA believes the US Government ending Section 301 tariffs on basic consumer goods like apparel and shoes could be a quick-fire solution for tackling rising US inflation levels, however apparel industry consultant Robert Antoshak predicts the US Federal Reserve will opt to raise interest rates....
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14/7/2022
Imports of denim jeans by US brands and retailers increased 40 per cent year over year through May compared to the same period in 2021, reveals OTEXA figures. Imports from top supplier Bangladesh increased 54 per cent, outpacing the 51 per cent year to date gain through April and giving the country a 22 per cent market share. Pakistan’s shipments rose 67 per cent, slightly below privious month’s 72 per cent year-to-date gain. Imports from Vietnam were on par with the prior month with a 40 per cent increase to $170.54 million, while China’s shipments rose 24 per cent, gaining ground on the 20 per cent year-to-date hike in April....
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13/7/2022
New figures released by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) signal a decline in sales volumes not seen since the depths of the pandemic, with sales for the three months to June for non-food retail falling 3.3%.
The BRC says during 2020/21 much of UK retail “bounced between being open and closed”, significantly impacting sales and changing consumer behaviours....
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13/7/2022
A political agreement could see a European Union directive guiding member states on setting minimum wages to boost pay in lower salary sectors, such as apparel manufacturing.
European countries have traditional strengths in making apparel and textiles, especially luxury lines, but relatively high costs have left the region exposed to competition from near-sourcing hubs in north Africa and the Middle East, such as Turkey....
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12/7/2022
The US trade deficit in goods and services declined by 1.3% in May, reflecting a decrease in the goods deficit of US$2.9bn and a fall in the services surplus of $1.7bn.
The deficit amounted to US$85.5bn in May, down US$1.1bn from US$86.7bn in April, revised, according to trade statistics released by the Department of Commerce....
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12/7/2022
We've analysed companies' annual reports and other filings to see which key issues are receiving the most attention.
Mentions of digitalization within the filings of companies in the fashion industry fell 30% between the first and second quarters of 2022.
In total, the frequency of sentences related to digitalization between July 2021 and June 2022 was 92% higher than in 2016 when GlobalData, from whom our data for this article is taken, first began to track the key issues referred to in company filings....
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12/7/2022
Even as a few sectors continue to reel under the COVID pressures, across the world, apparel retail, is booming. Figures show, 2022 was particularly a good year for fashion retail as it managed to navigate through all challenges, be it the Omicron scare or the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict....
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12/7/2022
Even though most apparel sold in the US is made overseas, many designers and brands in the country continue to flaunt their garments as ‘Made in the US’.
As per a Lifestyle Monitor report, the US currently makes 97 per cent of its apparel overseas. This is in sharp contrast to the 1960a when about 95 per cent of the apparel sold in the country were made in the country, says the American Apparel and Footwear Association. However, change in the trade policies in the 1990s led the industry to seek low-cost manufacturing from developing countries. The apparel and textile industry lost 81 per cent of its jobs from 1979 and 2019, shows data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics....
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11/7/2022
Global non-profit Textile Exchange has successfully challenged a number of apparel brands to explore lower impact sourcing options for the apparel industry's two most commonly used fibres - cotton and polyester, however more companies need to join to help the wider industry tackle climate change.
Textile Exchange, which has published reports for both its Sustainable Cotton Challenge and Recycled Polyester Challenge, explains it has successfully encouraged apparel brands to use lower impact sourcing to replace conventional counterparts, rather than substitute other fibre categories or justify increased industry growth....
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11/7/2022
The proportion of apparel supply chain companies hiring for digital media related positions rose significantly in June compared with the equivalent month last year, with 100% of the companies included in our analysis recruiting for at least one such position.
All of the apparel companies included in our analysis were recruiting for digital media-related positions in June....
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6/7/2022
After spending almost two years in their sweatpants, customers across the world are yearning to get back into denims. As a report by the Edited shows, demand for straight cut jeans made up 21 per cent and 23 per cent of the total apparel demand in the US and the UK respectively. Skinny jeans dominated menswear demand in Fall 2021 in the US. In terms of colors black jeans dominated demand with 22 per cent rise. The sell-out rate for black denim was also higher at 24 per cent than blue denims....
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5/7/2022
Cost of living pressure is prompting more people to repair their own clothes according to new research from Primark’s Ireland arm, Penneys.
Penneys Ireland conducted research which revealed Gen Z is repairing clothing more than any other age group, with 77% mending their clothes in the last 18 months. This compares to just over a third (36%) of 25-34-year-olds and 45% of 35-44 year olds....
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5/7/2022
Portfolio transformation, green business building, green premiums and green operations focused on circularity can help European consumer goods firms shift to circular value pools of over €500 billion of annual revenues by 2030, estimates McKinsey. In the fashion industry, about 63 per cent of emissions reduction potential lies in more efficient, cleaner energy, it says....
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5/7/2022
A report by GlobalData Plc says, the US sportswear market is expected to grow at over at 6 per cent CAGR during the forecast period of 2020-25. Titled, ‘The United States of America (USA) Sportswear Market Size and Analytics’ by category (apparel, footwear accessories), segments (gender, positioning, activity, retail channel and key brands 2020-25), the report estimates, the US sportswear market reached $126.1 billion in 2020 with sports clothing accounting for the largest share in the growth....
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4/7/2022
The US apparel industry has joined a call for the government to engage in talks to
avoid potential disruption at ports after the expiry of the US West Coast port contract. A letter to the White House signed by over 150 local, state and national trade associations urges the administration to engage in talks over a new contract after the current one expired on 1 July and concern grows over supply disruption at ports....
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28/6/2022
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global zippers market, currently worth $16.760 million, is forecast to a readjusted size of $22.280 million by 2028 with a CAGR of 4.1 per cent during the forecast period 2022-2028.
As per a report by Market Research Guru, key players in the global zippers market include YKK, Coats Industrial, SBS, Weixing Group, YBS Zipper, etc. Global top five manufacturers hold a share about 20 per cent. Asia-Pacific is the largest market, with a share about 60% per cent followed by Europe and North America, both with a share about 15 percent....
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27/6/2022
China displaced the US to gain top position in terms of apparel retail market size during COVID-19 years of 2022 and 2021, mainly owing to milder impact of the pandemic compared to the world’s largest economy. It is projected that China would gain further lead over the US by 2025 because the market size growth will be more than double for the Asian giant....
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27/6/2022
Apparel experts tell Just Style exclusively how the US apparel sector will be affected by the US Supreme Court overturning the Roe Vs. Wade case that gave US women the right to an abortion.
On Friday 24 June, the US Supreme Court overturned its 50-year-old Roe v Wade decision which means millions of US women will lose the constitutional right to have an abortion and apparel sector consultant Bob Antoshak believes it will have a ripple effect on the entire apparel sector....
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24/6/2022
Sales volumes at UK clothing stores rose by more than 2% in May from the month prior, with feedback from some retailers suggesting the increase was linked to consumers shopping for summer holidays.
Official data released today (24 June) by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows clothing stores reported a monthly increase in sales volumes of 2.2% as consumers are planning holidays and therefore buying new clothes....
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24/6/2022
The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) is urging the US Trade Representative (USTR) to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for at least another ten years, noting as companies are poised to diversify out of China, Africa is a logical place for many of them.
In a letter to William Shpiece, chair of the Trade Policy Staff Committee for USTR, Beth Hughes, vice president of trade and customs policy for the AAFA, says if AGOA were to be renewed this year for at least another ten years, companies would have the necessary certainty and timeframe they need to grow a vertical, responsible, and competitive industry in Africa up to and past 2025....
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24/6/2022
Luxury has just become more expensive, says a new report by Edited. Prices of luxury fashion products have surged 7 per cent above 2020 and 25 per cent above 2019, the report analyzes. They are currently at a four-year low though there’s less than 1 per cent year-on-year difference from last year.
Women’s outwear dominates price-rise
Prices of women’s outerwear have surged most during the three-year period increasing 20 per cent over 2019 to $3,395.12 on average. Products like Dolce & Gabbana’s Jacquard coat with embroidery are retailing at $66,000 now; these are followed by menswear retailing at $3,053.94....
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23/6/2022
New figures from the European Outdoor Group suggest the public’s increased appetite for getting out into nature has led to strong growth, topping EUR6bn for the first time.
The European Outdoor Group’s (EOG) State of Trade market research programme indicates that the outdoor sector has bounced back strongly following the height of the Covid-19 pandemic....
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22/6/2022
Supply chain management, virtual and augmented reality, and unsurprisingly, Covid-19 are among the top ten major themes set to impact the apparel sector in 2022, new research from GlobalData shows.
Utilising its thematic research ecosystem, GlobalData pinpoints the ten themes in its latest thematic research report for the sector, ‘Top 10 Themes in Apparel 2022’....
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21/6/2022
Circular business models of rental and resale are not a new phenomenon, but there has been a significant uptake of the schemes among fashion firms in recent months. But why now, and will these programmes actually help to move the needle when it comes to creating a more sustainable sector?
Apparel players from Boohoo Group’s PrettyLittleThing to Burberry are unsurprisingly eager to dip their toes in the rental and/or resale markets, as consumer awareness of sustainability continues to rise. Not to mention the potential of a lucrative new revenue stream....
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20/6/2022
US textile groups are urging the Biden Administration to maintain Section 301 penalty tariffs on finished textiles and apparel or risk reversing investment and efforts into nearshoring and US jobs.
The National Council of Textile Organisations, The Narrow Fabrics Institute and the United States Industrial Fabrics Institute penned a formal submission to the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) office, which is conducting a four-year statutory review of the tariffs, the associations expressed strong support for the continuation of penalty tariffs on imports from China and warned of the consequences associated with removing the tariffs....
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17/6/2022
New research shows 78% of UK shoppers care about the authenticity of apparel and fashion items, with 59% noting transparency into how and where a product was made is key to their purchasing decisions.
The research was carried out across 2,000 UK consumers by independent research firm Censuswide for the Digimarc Corporation....
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17/6/2022
As per the latest data from the CCF Group, textile and apparel imports by the United States increased by 34.4 per cent Y-o-Y to $10.99 billion in April 2022. The imports volume in increased by 65.2 per cent Y-o-Y to 10.18 billion sq m. The value of US apparel imports rose by 43.2 per cent Y-o-Y to $8.12 billion while the imports volume increased by 29.7 per cent Y-o-Y to 2.68 billion sq m....
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16/6/2022
US retail sales slowed in May as consumers faced continuing inflation and higher prices for essentials like food and gasoline, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).
“Retail sales are reflecting Americans’ growing concern about inflation and its impact on the cost of everything from groceries to gas,” NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay says....
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15/6/2022
The US trade deficit in goods and services fell by more than 19% in April after topping US$100bn for what was understood to be the first time a month prior. The goods and services deficit amounted to $87.1bn in April, down 19.1% or $20.6bn from $107.7bn in March, revised, according to trade statistics released by the US Census Bureau and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis....
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15/6/2022
European, Chinese and American consumers are increasingly on the lookout for digitally-accessible detailed information about the history of garments they purchase and their aftercare, according to new research from Avery Dennison Corp. Avery Dennison recently published research in its Made to Mention Magazine which details consumer expectations of digital experiences....
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13/6/2022
UK online clothing retailers bucked the trend in May, with sales rising by 14% during the month compared to the same period last year, as online retail sales growth fell by more than 8% overall.
Online retail sales growth fell by 8.7% year-on-year (YoY) in May, despite being measured against a negative performance in the same month last year (-6%), as trading conditions continue to be tough....
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13/6/2022
Imports of denim apparels the United States grew by 40.84 per cent to $1.25 billion in the January-April ’22 period, as per a report by OTEXA.
Exports by all denim manufacturers to the US increased during the period with largest growth recorded by Pakistan, Bangladesh and Egypt.
As per Apparel Resources, US; imports of denim apparels from Bangladesh grew by 51 per cent Y-o-Y to $ 248 million during the January-April ’22 period....
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13/6/2022
Boosted by growing brassieres imports, the US lingerie market is projected to reach $11.50 billion by 2025. As per a report by the Statista, the market is currently worth $9.13 billion.
From January-April’22, brassieres imports by the US grew by 24.58 per cent, as per the latest data from OTEXA. China remained the top exporter of brassieres during the period with exports increasing by 21.79 per cent to $55.74 million during the period....
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10/6/2022
Imports at major US retail container ports should see near-record volume again this month, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released this week by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
Volume remains high at US retail container ports as retailers work to meet still-strong consumer demand and also protect themselves against potential disruptions at West Coast port as the contract deadline approaches....
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10/6/2022
The latest figures to come from the US Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) for April reveal Pakistan is becoming an increasingly important partner to the region, now overtaking Honduras and Mexico to become its seventh-largest supplier of apparel.
According to an analysis of OTEXA data, US apparel imports during April rose 29.73% on the same month last year to 2.68bn million square metres (MM2), with Bangladesh proving the most popular apparel sourcing destination during the month, with shipment growth of 51% year-on-year....
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9/6/2022
The import of woven apparel and clothing accessories (HS code 62) by the United States were valued at $10.464 billion during the first quarter of current year 2022. After declining in second quarter (April-June) of 2021, import of woven apparel by the US has shown an upward trend during the subsequent three quarters, with China being the largest supplier....
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9/6/2022
As COVID-induced lockdowns in China snap the links of global suppliers, US manufactures are benefitting from growing ‘Made in USA’ sentiment among consumers. Established in 1992, New Jersey-based Unionwear saw a rapid surge in business this year. With 100 per cent local supply chain, the manufacturer of customized baseball hats, scarves and backpacks, the company witnessed a surge in buyers no longer able to import goods due to lockdown....
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6/6/2022
On the eve of its Global Fashion Summit, Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) has released a new report to help guide fashion leaders towards a net positive fashion industry.
Global Fashion Agenda (GFA), the non-profit organisation that fosters collaboration on sustainability in fashion to drive impact, has unveiled its ‘The GFA Monitor‘ report to accelerate alignment with the 1.5-degree pathway and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals laid out by the United Nations....
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5/6/2022
Economic activity in the US manufacturing sector grew in May, with the overall economy achieving a 24th consecutive month of growth, the nation's supply executives said in in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report on Business. Fifteen manufacturing industries reported growth in May, with apparel, leather and allied products topping the list....
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2/6/2022
To maintain its competitiveness, China's textile and apparel sector plans to develop innovative fibers and focus on sustainable production while expanding its reach to markets covering the regions included in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement.
China’s textile and garment exports are currently under tremendous pressure owing to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Uncertain global economic recovery and geopolitical issues have impacted growth, points out Sun Ruizhe, President, China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC)....
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1/6/2022
US and Central America apparel and textile trade groups encourage the Biden/Harris administration to continue its support of the China 301 tariffs on finished apparel imports, ahead of the Summit of the Americas.
The manufacturing trade groups sent a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris yesterday (31 May), requesting the US Government uphold its strong rules of origin in the US free trade agreement with the region....
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1/6/2022
After 18 months of non-stop acceleration, growth in the Chinese luxury market is set to slowdown to low double-digits in 2022, as per latest Bain & Co research. However, the pace of Chinese luxury consumption will remain stable with the local Chinese market overtaking the US market by 2025. As per a Women’s Wear Daily report, Chinese luxury market will account for almost 27 per cent of the global market in the forecast period with most of the growth driven by digital sales channels....
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31/5/2022
GlobalData's apparel analyst Pippa Stephens predicts clothing brands targeting younger UK consumers and females will be most impacted by high inflation rates.
Most UK consumers (69.6%) plan to change their clothing and footwear shopping habits as a result of the ongoing surge in inflation rates and living costs, explains GlobalData’s apparel analyst Pippa Stephens, however clothing brands targeting young females could be hardest hit as discretionary incomes will force them to cut back on non-essential purchases....
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27/5/2022
The first status report of an initiative launched last year to tackle audit and standard fatigue in the apparel sector says brands and retailers should consider dropping their proprietary standards in favour of more streamlined third-party standards.
The Standard Convergence Initiative (SCI) was unveiled by the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) at the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector in February of last year....
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26/5/2022
Latest research report from the NPD Group shows, socks have become shoppers’ top clothing purchase, replacing T- shirts over the last two years As per the report, one out of every five items of clothing bought in the US in 2020 and 2021 was a pair of socks.
The trend dovetails with people staying at home for longer periods, as nearly 70 per cent of American adults wear socks around the house....
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25/5/2022
US apparel trade bodies have welcomed the launch of a new Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) but say there should be a tariff negotiation component, particularly for goods such as clothing and footwear.
US President Joe Biden launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) in Tokyo, Japan, earlier this week with a dozen initial partners: Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Together, the partners represent 40% of world GDP....
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21/5/2022
Compared to 2019, sales revenue for women’s plus-size apparel in the US grew by three times faster by 18 per cent in 2021, compared to 2019, which is over three-times faster than consumer spending on the remaining women’s market, according to The NPD Group.
After casual apparel, basics make up the largest share of apparel units sold in plus-size apparel, at 27 per cent, compared to 19 per cent for the rest of the market, based on the new Inclusive Apparel Market Trends report from NPD....
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20/5/2022
UK retail sales volumes rose by 1.4% in April and were up by more than 4.1% on their pre-pandemic levels, with stronger clothing sales helping to drive the increase.
Official data released today (20 May) by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows non-store retailing sales volumes, which are predominantly sales from online-only retailers, rose by 3.7% in April, led by stronger clothing sales. Sales volumes were 26.7% above their pre-coronavirus level....
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19/5/2022
GlobalData apparel analyst Pippa Stephens tells Just Style exclusively why women's clothing prices are rising faster than men's and predicts it could have an impact on clothing sales in the coming months.
An analysis of the data reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggests womenswear clothing prices in the UK have increased 37% over the last five years, while menswear has only gone up by a quarter (25%), according to Sky News....
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18/5/2022
Consumers accustomed to inflation continued to spend in April as US retail sales overcame higher prices to show both monthly and year-over-year increases, with sales at clothing stores up by 0.8% and 8% respectively, according to US Census Bureau data.
Overall retail sales in April were up 0.9% seasonally adjusted from March and up 8.2% year over year, according to data released by the US Census Bureau. That compared with increases of 1.4% month over month and 7.3% year over year in March....
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18/5/2022
UK inflation hit a 40-year high this morning (18 May) at 9%, with experts warning clothing retailers will see demand sink as consumers prioritise spending on essentials.
The hike in inflation means the cost of everyday items such as food, fuel and clothing will go up for consumers across the UK.
And with the Bank of England forecasting inflation will continue to rise to 10% this year, the situation is likely to become even more strained in the coming months....
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17/5/2022
A new report ‘Western Wear Market’ by the Allied Market Research estimates, global western wear market valued at $74,497.50 million in 2020, is projected to grow 5.37 per cent to reach $136,881.41 million by 2031. The formal wear segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8 per cent in value during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific region is expected to register the highest CAGR of 6.6 per cent during period. Developing lifestyle and rise in disposable income of consumers are expected to drive the Asia-Pacific market....
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17/5/2022
Increased sourcing from Bangladesh and China led to 33.87 per cent rise in India’s apparel imports in the first two-month period of 2022. As per official data released by Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India imported garments worth $219.23 million during January-February ’22 period, as compared with $163.78 million in the same period of previous year....
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12/5/2022
How will falling birth rates in East Asia affect the apparel industry and is overpopulation still a problem? Apparel industry consultant Robert Antoshak discusses what the next 30 years could have in-store.
It’s an understatement to say that we live in challenging times, particularly when considering how our industry has changed due to supply chain and lockdown disruptions caused by the pandemic. And now we have a war in Ukraine to further complicate things....
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12/5/2022
The US trade deficit in goods and services soared by 22.3% in March, topping US$1bn for what is understood to be the first time.
The goods and services deficit amounted to $109.8bn in March, up $20bn from $89.8bn in February revised, according to trade statistics released by the US Census Bureau and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis....
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12/5/2022
US inflation moderated slightly in April compared to March, while apparel prices fell, although for the year prices are still up over 5%.
US apparel retailers saw sales decline by -0.8% month-on-month in April, according to data released by the US Census Bureau, which ends six months of consecutive increases, however, sales still increased by 5.4% compared to the same period a year ago....
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10/5/2022
Online retail sales fell by 12% year-on-year in April while inflation continued to rise and consumers prioritised wallet spend on apparel, with clothing sales up 4.2% against a tough comparative.
The findings of the IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index, which tracks the online sales performance of over 200 retailers, show online retail sales growth for April fell to -12%, a significant improvement from -25.7% the month before, but nowhere near a return to pre-pandemic levels....
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9/5/2022
Imports at US major retail container ports set a new record this spring and are expected to see near-record volume this month as retailers bring in merchandise ahead of rising costs and further supply chain issues. The figures for US imports are according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates....
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9/5/2022
Denim imports by the US increased by 37.55 percent year to date though March to a value of $965.32 million. The sourcing of blue denim apparel by the US from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey increased significantly while those two mainstays posted more moderate gains.
As per a Sourcing Journal report, Levi’s shipments from Bangladesh rose by 47.26 percent in the period to $196.26 million, Pakistan’s imports jumped 69.65 percent to $116.04 million and Vietnam’s shipments increased 41.42 percent to $107.03 million....
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5/5/2022
As the US Trade Representative issues notice for the statutory process leading up to the four-year anniversary of the Section 301 tariff actions against China, the US apparel industry tells Just style what it could mean for apparel....
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29/4/2022
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has praised the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) following the release of its Special 301 Review, which identifies countries that fail to protect intellectual property (IP) rights on goods, including apparel and footwear.
The latest annual “Special 301” Report conducted by the USTR has reviewed more than 100 trading partners and placed 27 of countries on the Priority Watch List or Watch List....
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26/4/2022
The pandemic has created new opportunities for activewear brands like Vuori and Gymshark. Demand for sportswear is expected to increase from €295 billion ($384 billion) in 2021 to €395 billion by 2025, says a McKinsey & Company report However, foraying in this market can be challenging as newcomers have to compete with global distribution and high-budget marketing campaigns of Nike and Adidas. They have to also convince lifelong customers of these established retailers of offering better quality products, indicates a Business of Fashion report....
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25/4/2022
We've analysed hiring patterns using data from GlobalData
The proportion of apparel supply chain companies hiring for cloud related positions rose significantly in March 2022 compared with the equivalent month last year, with 87.5% of the companies included in our analysis recruiting for at least one such position....
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22/4/2022
UK retail sales volumes fell by 1.4% in March, with clothing store retailers among those feeling the pinch.
The latest data released today (22 April) by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows clothing store retailers saw sales volumes fall by 0.5% in March.
Overall, UK retail sales volumes fell by 1.4% last month, following a fall of 0.5% (revised from a fall of 0.3%) in February. Sales volumes were 2.2% above their pre-coronavirus (Covid-19) February 2020 levels....
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21/4/2022
The price of apparel in the United States is rising faster online than offline. In March 2022, prices for apparel increased 16.3 per cent year-over-year (YoY) and 0.3 per cent month-over-month (MoM), more than any other category, according to the online inflation data by Adobe. This has marked the 22nd consecutive month of YoY inflation online....
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21/4/2022
In contrast to regular fashion market, the global kidswear market has been growing in a robust fashion for the last two years. Statista reports, the global infant and toddler wear market has been growing at 3.7 per cent since 2018 and is projected to reach $239 billion in 2023. Segment growth will be dominated by girls’ wear, projected to reach $132.3 billion by the end of analysis period while boys’ wear will grow at 2.8 per cent CAGR....
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21/4/2022
The US trade deficit in goods and services edged down by 0.1% in February, reflecting a US$1.1bn decline in both the goods deficit and services surplus.
The goods and services deficit amounted to $89.2bn in February, down less than $0.1bn from $89.2bn in January revised, according to trade statistics released by the Department of Commerce....
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19/4/2022
Kidswear imports by the United States grew by 21.34 per cent during January-February’22 to reach $485.48 million. Data from Apparel Resources shows, imports from China, India and Vietnam grew significantly while those form Bangladesh witnessed marginal growth.
US kidswearimports from China grew by 24 per cent Y-o-Y to $119.74 million in January-February ’22, growing 24 per cent on yearly basis, while the same valued $76 million from India as the shipment grew by 24.81 per cent on Y-o-Y basis....
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19/4/2022
With sales and exports growing at a sustained pace, the EU clothing industry witnessed significant improvement in Q4 FY21performance. Most clothing companies in the region reached their pre-pandemic levels of growth during the quarter, says latest Euratex report. Clothing production surged 10 per cent during the quarter over Q4 FY20 while turnover increased 21.4 per cent. Retail sales during the quarter also rose 17.9 per cent...
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19/4/2022
US retail sales grew in March even as inflation edged higher, with demand for apparel up both year-on-year and sequentially.
US apparel retailers saw sales rise 2.6% month-on-month in March, according to data released by the US Census Bureau. Sales increased by 7.3% compared to the same period a year ago....
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14/4/2022
The proportion of apparel supply chain companies hiring for robotics related positions rose significantly in March 2022 compared with the equivalent month last year, with 18.8% of the companies included in our analysis recruiting for at least one such position....
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14/4/2022
Consumer prices in the United States increased by 8.5 per cent in March compared to a year ago, according to the monthly report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Compared to February, prices increased by 1.2 per cent in March on top of a 0.8 per cent rise in February....
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13/4/2022
As the US Consumer Price Index reveals the March inflation figures, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) tells Just Style exclusively "record high prices" on apparel and footwear are already "tripping up consumers" and need to be addressed as soon as possible....
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12/4/2022
UK online retail sales fell by more than a quarter in March compared to last year but demand for apparel remains strong with womenswear and menswear recording double-digit increases.
UK online retail sales fell 25.5% year-on-year, last month, which is to be expected when compared to March 2021’s growth of 57%. That is according to the latest IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index, which tracks the online sales performance of over 200 retailers....
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8/4/2022
Denim apparel imports by the US declined 2.94 per cent M-o-M to $299.12 million in February while increasing by 43.41 per cent Y-o-Y, as per the latest report by OTEXA. Of the top five shippers, imports from Pakistan grew 6.94 per cent M-o-M and 117.63 per cent on a Y-o-Y basis. Bangladesh again topped the list with $ 60.80 million in export to the US....
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8/4/2022
Alpine Group, a manufacturer for brands including Under Armour, American Eagle Outfitters and Abercrombie & Fitch has announced the launch of its “factory of the future” due to open in the fourth quarter of 2022 in Egypt.
The factory of the future will add an additional 10 million garments to its annual capacity in Egypt. Alpine Group is in the process of securing LEED Gold certification for the facility, which is expected to provide an additional 2,000+ jobs for the local community....
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8/4/2022
GlobalData analysts examine the data to give Just Style an exclusive overview of how the top ten global apparel companies have fared during the Covid pandemic.
When the first Covid outbreak instigated lockdowns of ‘non-essential’ stores across the globe, including clothing and department stores, some apparel companies were quick to adapt to the ‘new normal’. Most already had a thriving online presence or had upped their direct-to-consumer sales models. But for those that relied solely on bricks and mortar, lockdowns led to a complete halt in business....
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8/4/2022
Major US retail container ports have begun to catch up with the backlog of cargo seen over the past several months but could experience another surge this summer.
The latest Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates says US ports handled 2.11m Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU) – one 20-foot container or its equivalent – in February, the latest month for which final numbers are available. That was down 2.3% from January but up 13% year-over-year....
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6/4/2022
Influenced by growing emphasis on health and wealth, the global market for functional apparels is forecast to grow at 7.3 per cent CAGR to reach $519.04 billion by 2027 says a new report by Reports and Data. In North America, the professional athletic apparel segment is anticipated to grow from $46.81 billion in 2019 to $80.37 billion by 2027. Sportswear manufacturers have initiated efficient commercial campaigns to raise awareness among target customers about their products. Under Armour has launched aggressive promotional activities after witnessing a surge in demand for sportswear products in 2017....
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6/4/2022
Egypt’s Readymade Garments Export Council (RMGEC) recently signed a cooperation protocol with the country’s customs authority's exporters and producers unit to help garment exporters get access to foreign markets. RMGEC chairperson Mary Lewis said the protocol comes as part of government directives to double Egyptian exports to $100 billion annually....
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6/4/2022
Apparel brands that capitalise on the casualisation trend and seize the online opportunity stand to do better than others post-pandemic, says GlobalData.
Research from GlobalData exploring the future of the apparel market post-pandemic reveals that throughout the pandemic, apparel was one of the hardest-hit retail sectors since it lacks the essentiality of some of its counterparts such as food, grocery, and health and beauty....
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6/4/2022
The likes of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Cambodia’s apparel exports to the US have now surpassed pre-Covid levels as buyers look to diversify their sourcing portfolios. But will they continue to pick up pace? Just Style explores.
Two years ago Covid hit, sending the US apparel industry into chaos with global retail closures and huge supply delays weighing on imports....
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4/4/2022
Two years on from the initial devastating impact of Covid, Just Style explores the rate of recovery of the top ten apparel suppliers to the US. All but three appear to have not only steadied the ship but surpassed pre-Covid volume levels – with Bangladesh and Pakistan leading the charge....
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1/4/2022
The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) has joined a letter urging the US Trade Representative Katherine Tai for a fully transparent review of the Section 301 tariffs on products from China.
The letter from Americans for Free Trade calls for a comprehensive economic assessment of the tariffs’ impact on American businesses, workers, farmers, and consumers and asks the USTR to share its plans for reviewing the tariffs, including timing and opportunities for stakeholder input....
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28/3/2022
Retaliatory tariffs on blue jeans have been dropped as a result of an agreement between the US and UK to remove steel tariffs which the US apparel industry says is “welcome news”.
On 22 March the Department for International Trade announced the UK and US had secured a resolution to end the ongoing issue regarding steel and aluminium tariffs with the US....
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28/3/2022
The global custom T-shirt printing market is expected to grow at a 9.70 per cent CAGR to surpass $9 billion upto 2032, as per a recent report by Future Market Insights (FMI). As per an Apparel Resources report, growth in this market is being triggered by the growing trend of wearing graphic, pre-printed T-shirts with movie logos and slogans....
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26/3/2022
Valued at $983.7 billion in 2019, the global readymade garments market size is projected to reach $1,268.3 billion by 2027. As per report by Allied Market Research Report, the market will grow at 8.8 per cent CAGR from 2021 to 2027. The outer clothing segment is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.8 per cent during the forecast period....
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25/3/2022
UK clothing store sales volumes soared by more than 13% in February, which may be linked to wider socialising and a return to the office following the lifting of Plan B restrictions at the end of January.
The latest data released today (25 March) by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows non-food stores sales volumes rose by 0.6% in February, compared to the prior month, with strong growth in clothing stores at 13.2% and department stores up 1.3%....
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24/3/2022
The value of textiles and apparels imports by the US increased by 28 per cent Y-o-Y in January 2022 to $10.19 billion. As per a CC Group report, volume increased by 38.1 per cent Y-o-Y to 8.59 billion sq m. The value of US’ apparel imports surged 36.6 per cent in January 2022 to $7.54 billion and volume grew 22.5 per cent Y-o-Y to reach 2.614 billion sq m....
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24/3/2022
A radical rethink of the fashion industry's economic model is the only way to curb its sustainability problem, a new report claims. The new ‘Wellbeing Wardrobe’ study commissioned by the European Environmental Bureau, makes the case for moving fashion beyond growth towards a system where human and ecological health come first....
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23/3/2022
The US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved the bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform bill yesterday (22 March), which the US apparel industry believes will strengthen the overseas apparel supply chain.
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) sent a letter to the committee ahead of the vote, outlining why the bill is vital for bolstering the Federal Maritime Commission and strengthening the overseas supply chain for the wider industry....
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22/3/2022
Restrictions on airspace over Ukraine and Russia will pressure already strained global supply chains and could result in a jump in consumer prices of apparel.
Higher freight rates could see consumers pay around 10.2% more for their clothing and textiles the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has warned as restrictions on trade routes through Russia and Ukraine are further complicated....
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22/3/2022
Sharad Amalean, Chairman of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), says, the global apparel industry will reach $2.2 trillion by 2025. With sharp price points and constant pursuit of cost efficiencies, the apparel industry currently faces competing priorities, Amalean adds. The pandemic has brought these aspects even more sharply into focus; brands and companies have increased their vigilance on the social, environmental, governance and ethical aspects of manufacturing....
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22/3/2022
Just Style asks a panel of industry experts if apparel business strategies have changed due to the supply chain challenges that arose during the Covid pandemic and if the industry is better prepared now than it was in 2020 to handle another global crisis in future.
While some believe the industry has made positive changes to weather another global pandemic, others are yet to be convinced....
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18/3/2022
What were the greatest lessons the industry learned from the pandemic, and what opportunities has it presented? Supply chain vulnerability, partner-based relationships, and a multi-channel offering are all among the biggest takeaways from the last two years.
Industry executives also point to the importance of flexibility and say change is here to stay....
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17/3/2022
US retail sales are expected to grow between 6-8% in 2022 with the National Retail Federation (NRF) anticipating durable growth this year, notwithstanding risks related to inflation, Covid, and geopolitical threats.
Issuing its annual forecast, NRF said it expects retail sales will reach more than US$4.86 trillion in 2022. The announcement was made during NRF’s annual State of Retail & the Consumer virtual event where retail industry leaders discussed the strength of the consumer economy and the future of retail....
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17/3/2022
US retail sales showed a strong year-over-year gain in February, with clothing stores leading growth, but the monthly pace slowed compared with January as inflation drove up prices and lingering effects of Omicron affected the supply chain.
Overall US retail sales in February were up 0.3% seasonally adjusted from January and up 17.6% year-over-year, according to US Census Bureau data. That built on a monthly increase of 4.9% in January over December – more than a percentage point higher than the original estimate of 3.8% – and January’s 14% increase year-over-year....
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15/3/2022
Egypt's garment exports grew by 54 per cent to $204 million in January 2022 compared to 132 million in January 2021, says Marie Louise, Head, Apparel Export Council. The US emerged largest destination for Egyptian garment exports with a value of $123 million in January 2022, compared to $78million in 2021; followed by European markets which received clothing with a value of $37 million compared to $28 million....
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15/3/2022
The February 2022 online prices increased 3.6 per cent year-over-year (YoY) and 0.1 per cent month-over-month (MoM) in the United States, as per a latest online inflation report. This is a new record high, after the previous record in November 2021 when prices rose 3.5 per cent YoY. It marked the twenty-first consecutive month of YoY online inflation. February marked the twenty-first consecutive month of online inflation....
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11/3/2022
Apparel exports from Turkiye increased by 5.52 per cent year-on-year in January 2022, according to the data from the Turkish Statistical Institute and the country’s ministry of trade. During the first month of the current year, Turkiye exported apparel worth $1.418 billion, compared to exports of $1.344 billion during the corresponding period of 2021....
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11/3/2022
The US trade deficit in goods and services rose by 9.4% in January, reflecting an increase in the goods deficit of US$7.1bn and a decline in the services surplus of $0.6bn. The trade deficit in goods amounted to $89.7bn in January, up $7.7bn from $82bn in December, revised, according to trade statistics released by the Department of Commerce....
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9/3/2022
Imports at major US retail container ports are expected to be at near-record levels this spring and summer as consumer demand and supply chain challenges continue to result in congestion. “Consumers are still spending and the supply chain is still working to keep up,” NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy, Jonathan Gold says....
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9/3/2022
UK online retail sales growth dropped to 27% year-on-year in February, versus a 24.4% decline in January, according to the IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index.
Despite February’s year-on-year online retail growth dropping even lower than the previous month’s record, there were signs of a return to normal spending patterns within the broader set of results, according to the Index, which tracks the online sales performance for over 200 retailers....
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7/3/2022
Several global fashion and footwear brands including Nike, Mango, Zara owner Inditex, H&M, Marks & Spencer, Under Armour, Canada Goose, Puma as well as home furnishings brand Ikea have suspended operations in Russia following its invasion in Ukraine. Luxury brands like LVMH, Hermès and Kering among others have also temporarily closed their Russian stores....
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7/3/2022
The failure of Bangladesh’s backward-linkage industry to support the apparel subsector is causing the share of woven garments in its export earnings to wane.
Bangladesh's woven apparel subsector faces strict rules-of-origin (RoO) requirements in its major destinations, including the European Union, after Bangladesh's LDC graduation. Manufacturers in the country will need to comply with double-transformation requirement irrespective of their access to GSP or GSP-plus schemes....
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5/3/2022
Pakistan's textile industry has set a target a increase textile exports to $20 billion in the next few years. Its textile exports rose by 37 per cent to $1.69 billion in February 2022, as against $1.23 billion in February 2021, reveals All Pakistan Textile Mills Association. The exports of textile commodities surged by 24.73 percent during the first seven months of the current fiscal year (2021-22) as compared to the corresponding period of last year, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported....
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4/3/2022
The importance of manufacturing in fashion was reemphasized in the last two years as the pandemic and US-China trade war disrupted production in China and other parts of the world. Virus flare ups continued to disrupt production across countries like Italy and Vietnam. Besides, manufacturers in countries like Ukraine are also contending with geopolitical tensions....
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4/3/2022
China's share of US apparel imports has grown for the first time since 2017, with new figures suggesting sourcing executives relied on the country at a greater rate in 2021 – despite the industry being awash with talk of re- and near-shoring.
Just Style has analysed full-year import data from the US Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) which reveals the top ten apparel suppliers to the US in 2021....
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3/3/2022
The European Apparel and Textile Confederation (Euratex) is urging the EU to control spikes in oil and gas prices, saying many textile and clothing companies will be forced to shut down production due the rise in energy costs....
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3/3/2022
Bangladesh’s garment accessory makers recently sought renewal of various licences once every three years to help the industry save time and money. They also demanded suspension of corporate tax for three years, saying many factories remained closed or failed to resume operations due to non-payment from buyers and insufficient government financial support since March 2020....
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28/2/2022
Defying global slowdown, the textile and apparel manufacturing sector has been growing at a steady rate. The sector has emerged as one of the most well-established industries across nations. The top 10 highly prospective apparel exporters in 2022 according to Textile Today were:...
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25/2/2022
Indonesia’s garment industry is likely to grow 10.44 per cent in the first half of the 2022, as the upcoming Ramadan festival will drive demand, estimates Elis Masitoh, Director- Textile, Leather and Footwear Industry, Ministry of Industry. Production volume of the apparel industry could grow 10.44 per cent on an annual basis in the first quarter of 2022. However, demand is likely to rebound to only 75 per cent of pre-COVID levels, adds Masitoh....
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25/2/2022
As the US announces a broad range of restrictions and sanctions on exports to Russia following the country's invasion of Ukraine, the US apparel industry reveals it is taking measures to ensure operations are fully compliant....
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24/2/2022
The European Commission has adopted a proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence, meaning clothing brands selling and operating within the bloc will be held to account over the impact of their operations on the environment and people working within their supply chains. However, there are some exceptions....
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