10/9/2024
Major US container ports brace for a busy September amid fears of a labour strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, according to the Global Port Tracker report by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates. NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy Jonathan Gold believes this is a “critical time” as retailers prepare for the all-important holiday season, and every port in the country needs to be working at full capacity....
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10/9/2024
The latest Globaldata report says consumer spending in Germany has been hit by inflation and is expected to be slow in 2024, as consumers focus on sustainable fashion trends and opt for secondhand and capsule wardrobes.
According to ‘The Apparel Market in Germany to 2028‘ report, the German apparel market surpassed past pre-pandemic levels in 2023, growing 4.1% year-on-year to €77.6bn ($85.68bn).
However, persistently high inflation limited potential, as consumers cut back on non-essential spending. Growth was primarily price-driven, with volumes only growing 0.4%, remaining 3.5% below 2019 levels....
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6/9/2024
A new report from Coresight Research dives into how demographics influence where consumers are shopping for apparel and footwear. When it comes to apparel, footwear and accessories purchases there is a clear division between different pay brackets and ages on determining where consumers shop....
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6/9/2024
In the ever-evolving world of fashion, one trend is dominating the global landscape: the undeniable preference for casualwear. From the bustling streets of New York to the vibrant markets of Mumbai, people everywhere are embracing comfort and versatility in their everyday attire. This trend is not merely a passing fad but a fundamental change in how consumers express their style, with 'comfort' now a key consideration alongside aesthetics....
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6/9/2024
The Manufacturers' Health Index has revealed small and mid-sized clothing, footwear and accessories manufacturers saw a 2.7% increase in profitability this fiscal year up to Q2 2024 and a 7% rise in revenue. The Manufacturers’ Health Index shows the the UK apparel manufacturing sector performed well in Q2 2024 compared to other manufacturing sectors....
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5/9/2024
The US' National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) believes a more tailored and comprehensive customs modernisation legislation as opposed to limiting de minimis entirely will prevent unintended consequences for the US apparel sector and beyond. The US Congress is considering changes to the “de minimis” rule, which exempts low-value shipments from tariffs and duties. However, the NFTC believes proposals to limit de minimis could have significant unintended consequences for the apparel industry....
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4/9/2024
Egypt's clothing exports between January and July this year were worth $1.55 billion—a 20-per cent year-on-year (YoY) rise, Marie Louis, president of the Readymade Garment Export Council (RMGEC) recently said. In July alone, such exports surged by nearly 37 per cent YoY to $268 million from $195 million in July 2023. Such exports to European countries during the seven-month period rose by 29 per cent YoY to $363 million compared to $281 million in the year-ago period....
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3/9/2024
A new report from data and analytics company GlobalData reveals how demographic shifts will change fashion retail in the coming years, from the rise of secondhand to the impact of ultra-fast retailers such as Shein and Temu. The ‘Demographics in Retail and Apparel’ report says apparel will have to deal with changing consumer behaviours in the coming years as the Baby Boomer generation retires and consumers in the Millennial and Gen Z age groups become increasingly prominent....
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3/9/2024
UK total retail sales increased 1% year-on-year in August, however industry experts are concerned a challenging retail environment could dominate the rest of 2024 unless the upcoming October budget offers some decisive action on business rates. The British Retail Consortium (BRC)’s chief executive Helen Dickinson noted that sales growth picked up in August, particularly for food but also for summer clothing, health and beauty products as people came together to host barbecue and picnic gatherings for family and friends, prepared for trips away and summer social events....
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2/9/2024
The US economy has shown mixed signals in recent months, impacting consumer buying behavior and the apparel industry. Inflation, fluctuating import prices, and shifting consumer priorities have all contributed to a complex market environment. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for apparel rose by 3.6 per cent year-over-year in July, following a 3 per cent increase in June, according to Cotton Incorporated's analysis. This increase reflects a broader inflationary trend impacting the US economy, potentially affecting consumer buying behavior....
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2/9/2024
According to British Retail Consortium (BRC) chief executive Helen Dickinson, despite retail footfall being severely impacted by riots earlier in August, the numbers improved later in the month as warmer temperatures prompted shoppers outdoors to browse stores....
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2/9/2024
Supply chain agility is key for fashion brands and retailers as the recent Bangladesh floods and political upheaval suggest supply disruption could take place at the drop of a hat. “These are unprecedented times.” Remember hearing that at the turn of 2020 when the reality of the Covid pandemic had begun to sink in and the apparel sector globally suffered from factory closures, logistics complications, and a consumer pullback on store closures? The last few weeks might suggest that those “unprecedented times” were just the start of a new normal.
Once again, the apparel sector finds itself in a pressure cooker situation, where turbulence across the supply chain is filtering across to brands and retailers who are again being forced to find a new normal....
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31/8/2024
Textile and apparel (T&A) exports by the United States witnessed a 3.17 per cent declineto $11.5 billion during H1, FY2024. Beginning in the first quarter of the year, this decline persisted throughout the following months, reflecting a broader trend of decreasing exports that had already been notable in 2023. Meanwhile, imports by the country also contracted, largely due to ongoing inflationary pressures....
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30/8/2024
In an era where sustainability and ethical practices are gaining traction across various sectors, the fashion industry continues to be a significant concern. The recent report by Fashion Revolution, titled ‘What Fuels Fashion’, highlights the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry, revealing the hidden costs behind the clothing we wear. The report highlights startling data, case studies, and expert insights, urging both consumers and industry leaders to rethink their choices and practices....
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30/8/2024
Sustainable chemical management firm ZDHC Foundation has released its Air Emissions Guidelines V1.0 to establish performance criteria for air emissions within the textile, apparel, leather, and footwear manufacturing industries. ZDHC explained that the initial version of the guidelines is focused on sensitising the industry, enabling suppliers to establish their baselines and gain a comprehensive understanding of air emission requirements, rather than testing....
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29/8/2024
A new study highlights the urgent need for sustainable and circular practices in the fashion industry, offering actionable strategies for brands to minimise waste, extend product lifecycles and better align production with consumer demand. The study, ‘Towards circular fashion: management strategies promoting circular behaviour along the value chain’, explores the fashion industry’s need to transition towards sustainable and circular practices by examining how management strategies influence behaviours across the fashion value chain....
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29/8/2024
Expanding at a CAGR of 6.64 per cent, the global denim jeans market is projected to grow by $23.86 billion between 2024 and 2028. As per a report by Technavio, this growth is likely to be driven by the expanding retail space and a shift towards sustainable practices. Demand for denim jeans is particularly booming among baby boomers and women, who prefer loose-fitting, stylish jeans. Men's denim continues to be popular amongst laborers as manual attire, while women’s prefer low-rise, curve, and straight-leg skinny jeans....
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28/8/2024
Industry data reveals that one-third of all jobs advertised in the UK require at least one ‘green skill’ with recruitment software company Occupop recommending businesses to invest in upskilling their workforce to prepare for a sustainable future. Occupop believes that the growing demand for professionals with green skills in the UK spans multiple industries, including the apparel industry, revealing a significant talent shortage unable to meet this need....
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27/8/2024
A new report by GlobalData suggests apparel brands will encounter reduced demand, as Germany's society ages and birth rates decline. According to GlobalData’s ‘The Apparel Market in Germany to 2028‘ report, Germany’s population is expected to experience slight growth until 2026, before contracting in 2027 and 2028 due to falling birth rates. Its population is anticipated to reach 85.9m by 2028.
As a result, GlobalData says Germany’s population will continue to age, with the proportion of those aged 65 and over expected to increase by 1.9ppts to 24.4% between 2023 and 2028....
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27/8/2024
For the first time in almost three years, shop prices are in deflation, according to new data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) driven by slashed prices, particularly in the fashion sector, as retailers look to shift summer stock. Poor weather and a continued cost of living crunch across the nation prompted the driving down of retail prices. While, in the short term, this may help win over consumers, industry onlookers question the sustainability of this tactic and long-term deflation....
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24/8/2024
Valued at $288 billion in 2023, the global plus size clothing market is projected to expand at a CAGR of5.7 per cent to surpass $501.35 billion by 2033. As per a report by Future Markets Insight (FMI), this growth will be driven by the rise of body positivity movement, changing fashion norms, and increased consumer awareness. The body positivity movement has played a key role, encouraging inclusivity and celebrating diverse body shapes, which has fueled demand for attractive plus size clothing. As fashion norms evolve, designers and retailers are increasingly offering trendy, stylish options for plus size individuals....
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23/8/2024
Amid rising inflation and the ongoing impact of Brexit, UK suppliers tell Just Style how fashion manufacturing in the country is changing. At the recent Source Fashion trade show in London UK suppliers shared how they are using their sustainable credentials to increase the appeal of ‘made in the UK’.
Made and sourced in the UK
TS Knitwear, a family-run knitwear business based in Leicester is using wool sourced in the UK in its designs. The company also offers a high-tech knitting plant, and what it describes as the latest in seamless garment technology....
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22/8/2024
The once-booming fashion and apparel sector is experiencing a noticeable slowdown, with growth figures slipping and consumption patterns changing dramatically. While the industry seemed impervious to economic fluctuations, recent statistics highlight a sector grappling with a new reality....
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21/8/2024
The US bottomwear market, once dominated by denim and athleisure, is undergoing a change. With an estimated value of over $40 billion, this sector is witnessing a shift in consumer preferences, fashion trends, and overall market dynamics. Recent years have seen a distinct change in the US bottomwear market. American consumers are increasingly moving away from activewear, sweats, and denim, and leaning towards more polished, casual styles like chinos and dressy trousers. This shift has led to a decline in denim sales, the third-largest apparel category in the US, despite the overall apparel market showing signs of improvement....
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21/8/2024
Non-profit Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) has published new guidance on how its actionable and reliable data can help with EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) compliance. The guidance illustrates which aspects of SLCP’s Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) can support EU CSRD compliance, and which are out of its scope.
International Trade Centre Head of Trade for Sustainable Development Joe Wozniak says: “Clear and transparent guidance that outlines SLCP’s role in supporting European Sustainability Reporting Standards implementation is essential particularly for smaller companies to effectively navigate the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)....
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21/8/2024
From rising corporate taxes to new climate regulations and trade policies, industry experts weigh in on how US Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris' economic agenda could affect the US apparel industry if she were to win the race in November. In vice president Kamala Harris’ first major policy speech since accepting her Democratic Party nomination, she proposed what GlobalData retail analyst Neil Saunders describes as a “populist” economic agenda....
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20/8/2024
The Slow Fashion Caucus has told US president Joe Biden not to overlook the fashion industry’s potential to address the climate crisis. The Slow Fashion Caucus’ founder and chair Chellie Pingree is urging president Biden to include representatives from the fashion and textile industries in the new White House Task Force on Climate and Trade. In a letter written to the president, Pingree and members of the Slow Fashion Caucus highlight the significant climate challenges facing the fashion industry and argue the sector is a “fundamental missing piece” in discussions on the climate crisis....
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19/8/2024
UK retail sales in July 2024 rose 2.2% year-on-year with clothing and footwear benefitting from the return of warm and sunny weather. The Office of National Statistics’ most recent data on UK retail in July reveals sales were up 0.5%, compared to a fall of 0.9% the previous month. However textile clothing and footwear stores specifically saw a decline of 0.1%.
Total UK sales volumes rose by 1.1% in the three months to July 2024, when compared with the three months to April 2024....
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15/8/2024
How can manufacturers prepare themselves for the incoming EU Textile Strategy? ITMA outlines three changes they can expect to see.
The EU Textile Strategy, being developed by the European Commission (EC), forms part of the broader Green Deal programme of environmental measures aimed at making the 27 countries within the union completely carbon neutral by 2050.
Under the new rules, textile manufacturers globally, will see a swathe of changes to the modus operandi....
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14/8/2024
Two industry experts weigh up the current challenges facing the fashion industry as the sector attempts to tackle both sustainability and tighter consumer budgets. Does the fashion industry need to choose between making a profit and becoming more sustainable? At responsible fashion sourcing trade show Source Fashion in London, UK, the question was a reoccurring one with experts taking to the stage to discuss the current trends and issues facing in the fashion industry....
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14/8/2024
New research finds 55% of UK consumers continue to engage with their preferred fashion brands, despite ongoing economic challenges and diminished purchasing power. Specialist e-commerce platform Centra conducted a survey of 1,000 UK consumers and found consumer loyalty includes engagement through viewing new products, consuming brand content and following brands on social media, with the aim of resuming purchases once their financial situation improves....
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12/8/2024
The US experienced retail sales growth in July thanks to back-to-school shopping and retailers' special promotional events. The latest CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) reported that total retail sales rose by 0.74% on a seasonally adjusted month-over-month basis and 0.92% year-over-year. This growth outpaced June’s figures, which saw increases of 0.47% month-over-month and 3.42% year-over-year....
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9/8/2024
The National Retail Federation (NRF) has called for a return to the negotiating table after contract discussions at US East and Gulf Coast ports stalled with the NRF adding "retailers and the economy cannot afford to see a prolonged strike." According to the latest Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates, monthly inbound cargo volume at major US container ports is projected to reach “near-record” levels this month as retailers rush to import merchandise ahead of a potential strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports....
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9/8/2024
The latest set of trade data from the United States Office of Textile and Apparel (OTEXA) shows stagnating imports. Just Style examines what this “uncertain outlook” could mean for apparel for the rest of this year. According to OTEXA, in May 2024, US imports of apparel totalled 1.963m square metre equivalents (SME) – down 1.3% compared to May 2023.
Dr Sheng Lu, professor of apparel studies at the University of Delaware, told Just Style the figures show US apparel import volume is continuing to “stagnate”....
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8/8/2024
After a slow start to summer recent warm and sunny weather provided a welcome boost to UK clothing retailers with total sales increasing by 0.5% year-on-year in July 2024. According to the latest figures released by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the growth outpaced the three-month average of 0.3%. The British Retail Consortium (BRC)’s chief executive Helen Dickinson noted the late arrival of British sunshine boosted summer clothing sales as well as health and beauty as consumers prepared for social outings and holidays....
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8/8/2024
Industry experts tell Just Style the UK's recent extremist riots have disrupted apparel retailers across the country and in the short-term will "undoubtedly" have an impact on consumer spending in the areas where they have taken place. The UK apparel retail sector has faced a week of destruction and disruption after far-right extremists used social media to mobilise and start riots across the country. On 7 August many retailers made the decision to close after a warning from the police that far-right organisations had planned more than 100 rallies across the country. However, large groups of anti-racism counter-protesters gathered, outnumbering the far-right in many cases....
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7/8/2024
Just Style examines the latest OTEXA data for the month of June to see halfway through the year, who is the cheapest apparel supplier to the US and does it even matter as well as who is seeing the fastest growth? A lot of conversation around the US apparel sector particularly when it comes to sourcing, has been around diversifying away from China being the predominant supplier. Apparel brands and retailers have accepted it will never go away in its entirety and that their sourcing strategy needs to follow the format China plus many or Asia plus many. And six months into 2024, US apparel import figures reveal that is exactly what is happening....
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6/8/2024
US senator Sherrod Brown has joined a call to the Biden Administration to close the de minimis loophole, which is said to allow three million shipments a day to evade inspections and US trade rules. Brown joined manufacturers, retailers, law enforcement, and workers at MMI Textiles in Brooklyn, Ohio to push for the Biden administration to close the loophole he said allows foreign countries like China to exploit and avoid paying duties and fees they owe. Brown has introduced bipartisan legislation to address the problem, and says he has repeatedly called on President Biden to take executive action to close the loophole....
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6/8/2024
The fashion industry, like many others, grappled with significant price fluctuations due to COVID-19. Many key factors have impacted these shifts. From rising raw material costs to inflationary pressures and change in consumer demand the reasons are many.
Factors driving prices fluctuations
Several factors are responsible for price fluctuations. One major factor is supply chain snags. Pre-pandemic, globalization led to a steady decline in apparel prices....
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5/8/2024
The global wool yarn market is set to expand at a CAGR of 3.4 per cent from 2024-34 to reach a value of $8.05 billion by 2034. As per a report by FactMR, East Asia is forecasted to dominate the market, holding a 38.4 per cent share by 2034, with Japan accounting for 28.8 per cent of this share. The South Korea market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6 per cent during this forecast period. China is also projected to be a major player in the East Asian wool yarn market, commanding 57.3 per cent of the regional share by 2034....
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5/8/2024
A wave of cautious optimism has spread across American consumers, reveals Euromonitor International’ latest ‘Voice of the Consumer: Lifestyles Survey’ study. The report, which surveys consumer attitudes and behaviors across 40 countries, reveals a significant shift in sentiment compared to previous pandemic years. “Consumers are feeling more optimistic about the future and increasingly less worried about global affairs,” says Euromonitor in the report’s introduction. “This presents an opportunity for brands to connect with consumers on an emotional level and create positive experiences.”...
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5/8/2024
Big global fashion brands must urgently invest at least 2 per cent of their annual revenue into a just transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy, according to the latest report from Fashion Revolution, a not-for-profit global movement. The fashion industry remains one of the most polluting, with fossil fuels burned at every stage of production. Despite the escalating climate crisis, the report finds that big brands' reduction targets are insufficient to meet the global goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels....
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5/8/2024
Flexibility, adaptability and versatility are going to be essential sell points for fashion suppliers going forward as the market becomes more volatile due to spending cutbacks, unpredictable weather and growing concern over ethical and environmental practices in the supply chain. Globally, consumers are pulling back on clothing spend as evidenced this week in second-quarter results from brands including Hugo Boss, adidas, Kontoor Brands and Columbia Sportswear....
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5/8/2024
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification warns the partial suspension of testing, inspection and certification firm Intertek Testing Services could create issues within the supply chain. Intertek Testing Services’ partial suspension from GOTS is due to alleged “serious lapses,” however the certification body is keen to highlight its suspension could cause challenges within the value chain, especially to those who are certified by Intertek or for those who have value chain partners certified by Intertek....
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2/8/2024
A recent report titled What Fuels Fashion?, by Fashion Revolution indicates, major fashion brands including DKNY, Tom Ford and Reebok have failed to outline plans to reduce carbon emission emissions in their supply chain. The report ranks 250 of the world's largest fashion brands and retailers, each with a turnover of $400 million or more. It evaluates these brands based on 70 sustainability criteria, such as emissions targets, supply chain transparency, and the use of renewable energy in factories....
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1/8/2024
A new study by Public Desire ranks the United States with a 10.873 per cent share as the eighth largest sustainable fashion market in the world. Leading the rankings is the United Arab Emirates, followed by Estonia, Finland, Japan, France, Canada, Australia, the US, India, and Latvia. The study analyses over 20 countries to determine those most advanced in sustainable fashion....
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30/7/2024
The president of the National Council of Textile Organisations (NCTO), Kim Glas, has applauded a new law aimed at combatting international trade crimes and fraud. The “Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act,” is a bill that aims to combat trade fraud and hold those committing the crimes accountable.
The bill was introduced by chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI), alongside congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and ranking member Raja Krishnamoorth, and openly aims at the “harm” caused to US companies at the hands of companies based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) which, it says, “frequently commit crimes violating US trade laws including fraud, duty evasion, and transhipment which benefit the PRC’s non-market economy and undermine US companies and workers.”...
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29/7/2024
As the US Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) publishes its 11th annual Benchmarking Study, Just Style explores the biggest issues weighing on apparel sourcing executives' minds, with the US economy, forced labour management in supply chains and geopolitics leading the way....
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29/7/2024
In a week that reshaped US politics, Biden's exit and Harris's ascension into the US presidential race have sent shockwaves through the nation. As the dust settles, questions loom large over policy shifts, economic impacts, and the future of the US apparel industry. Last week, the US presidential race took an unexpected turn when President Joe Biden announced he was no longer seeking re-election....
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26/7/2024
A new report from Avery Dennison has revealed the majority of US and UK retailers are in “theft crisis” mode with a third saying resources for theft detection and reduction are insufficient. Research commissioned by Avery Dennison has shown almost 42% of retailers believe theft is more of a concern today than it was 12 months ago....
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25/7/2024
Apparel is experiencing the highest level of mixed online and in-store shopping in the US, highlighting significant shifts in consumer behaviour, according to Walmart's State of Adaptive Retail Report. As customers embrace new retail channels at varying speeds across categories, the fundamental values of price, quality, and trust remain paramount. With increasing comfort in tech-powered choices, consumers are becoming more channel agnostic. Early tech adopters and Gen Z are already shopping relatively equally across all channels for general merchandise....
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24/7/2024
Europe, including the United Kingdom, accounts for more than a third of global used clothing exports, and this share may continue to grow as collection rates are expected to rise, according to a report recently published by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)....
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24/7/2024
The US government is being urged to adopt progressive apparel trade policies that are both offensive and defensive to boost domestic manufacturing and US jobs while cracking down on duty-free loopholes. “The US has a complicated relationship with China,” says National Council of Textile Organization (NCTO) president and CEO Kim Glas, kicking-off a live discussion on the ‘Progressive prescription for US-China trade’.
She claims China’s “predatory trade practices” and its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the last year has crystallised even more with the economic headwinds the Chinese economy is facing....
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23/7/2024
New EU regulation is underway to ban the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear as part of wider plans to make products sold on the EU market more sustainable. The law will enable the setting of ecodesign requirements and information for almost all categories of physical goods that come onto the EU market. Source credit: EU Commission....
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23/7/2024
Just Style investigates what US President Joe Biden exiting the US election race and vice president Kamala Harris attracting the support of Democratic delegates as his replacement means for the apparel industry. With just a few months before voters head to the polls in November, President Biden’s announcement has turned the US election on its head and a repeat of 2020’s Biden/Trump presidential race is no longer on the cards.
Writing on X (formerly known as Twitter), Biden said he believed it was “in the best interests of [the] party and the country” for him to stand down and focus on fulfilling his duties as president for the remainder of his term....
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22/7/2024
As the climate crisis makes extreme weather more likely, and blurs the lines between summer and winter, is it time that fashion stepped away from traditional seasons?
Here in the UK, we’re immune to unpredictable weather.
As we head toward the end of July, it was only last week that many of us were finally packing away our boots and rain macs, swapping them out for shorts and t-shirts as the country was finally treated to a burst of sun and warmth after weeks of damp and wet weather....
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19/7/2024
The cotton shirt, a wardrobe staple for generations, is facing a new challenge: man-made fibers (MMF). This shift in the global shirt industry is driven by a confluence of factors – functionality, affordability, and ever-evolving fashion trends.
A balancing, cost vs performance
Cotton reigns supreme in breathability and comfort, but its price fluctuations and water-intensive cultivation cast a shadow....
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19/7/2024
A wet June and a Euros loss dampened consumer spending in the UK but industry onlookers are hopeful that easing inflation and a new government will inject some confidence in consumers and boost spend in the second half of 2024. According to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), UK retail sales fell In June for the fourth time in six months on the back of a colder-than-usual June and high costs for households....
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18/7/2024
Waste from the global apparel industry is leaking millions of tonnes of plastic into the environment each year – an overlooked pollution source which may be getting worse over time, as per the findings detailed in a recent study from North Carolina State University researchers, which found that global apparel consumption resulted in over 20 million tons of plastic waste in 2019. Around 40 per cent of that waste may have been improperly managed and become environmental pollution, a process known as ‘plastic leakage’....
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17/7/2024
US clothing sales dipped in June from a month earlier but were up year-over-year according to the latest data from the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor as consumers continued to de-prioritise non-essential purchases....
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17/7/2024
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is rolling out a “groundbreaking” additional standard it has confirmed.GOTS said the new standard will be an expansion to include other sustainable fibres and does not imply a departure from GOTS as the leading organic standard. “This extension will further enhance people’s lives and the environment, as stated in the organisation’s vision....
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17/7/2024
The UK consumer price index (CPI) rose by 2 per cent in the 12 months to June 2024, the same rate as in the 12 months to May, and well below its recent annual peak of 11.1 per cent in October 2022, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The October 2022 peak was the highest rate in over 40 years. The annual rate in June this year has not been lower since April 2021, when it was 1.5 per cent, an ONS release said....
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16/7/2024
Sustainability at all levels of the fashion supply chain can only be realised with a standardised set of rules and practices, a group of industry experts has conceded. AI supply chain management platform, Inspectorio, interviewed several industry executives for its State of the Supply Chain report, authored by lead researcher Tomas Bayas Erazo, which aims to capture the dynamic and evolving landscape of the supply chain, addressing the significant influences of technological advancements, sustainability practices, regulatory changes, and consumer behaviours on how companies are managing their supply chains today....
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13/7/2024
Egypt's exports of readymade garments (RMG) increased by 19 per cent year on year (YoY) in the January-May period this year to hit $1.08 billion compared to about $912 million during the corresponding period last year, head of the Readymade Garment Export Council Marie-Louis recently said. RMG exports increased by 25 per cent YoY to European Union (EU) nations during the period to $254 million. The EU is the second largest market for Egyptian RMG....
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12/7/2024
There is an irony in the fact many apparel brands diversifying outside of China are going full circle, but it makes sense as the benefits far outweigh the cons, writes Gherzi Textile Organisation partner Robert P. Antoshak. Once upon a time US clothing brands owned their manufacturing. Today, that’s a rarity. In the 1970s, clothing companies saw manufacturing as a fixed cost, a cash drain, with limited upside. The value, so the thinking went, was in the brand itself. Making stuff took a backseat to designing stuff....
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11/7/2024
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says that as a result of its focus on enforcement in apparel and cotton products, importers have shifted supply chains from the People’s Republic of China to mitigate their risk....
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11/7/2024
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for garments experienced a modest decline of 0.3 per cent month-over-month in May in the US, following a significant increase of 1.5 per cent in April. On a year-over-year basis, average retail prices for apparel rose by 0.8 per cent. Current price levels are the highest since the early 2000s, with index values approximately two per cent higher than those recorded from 2012-18 and about nine per cent higher than those from 2004-11, according to Cotton Incorporated....
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10/7/2024
US container ports reported a 3% increase in import cargo volumes in May despite high shipping rates, unresolved port labour negotiations and ongoing Red Sea disruptions but an industry expert warns “risks to global trade growth continue to increase.” National Retail Federation (NRF) vice president for supply chain and customs policy Jonathan Gold noted: “We’re experiencing the strongest surge in volume we’ve seen in two years, and that’s a good sign for what retailers expect in sales.”...
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10/7/2024
As UK consumers’ discretionary incomes remain squeezed amid economic challenges, their apparel shopping habits have become increasingly polarised. While 66.4% of UK apparel shoppers in GlobalData’s June 2024 UK consumer survey stuck with the same brands and retailers over the past year, 22.0% traded down to more affordable players....
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10/7/2024
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has revealed June's total UK retail sales decreased 0.2% year on year with clothing and footwear particularly hard hit by the unseasonably cooler weather. The BRC’s chief executive Helen Dickinson explained UK retail sales of weather-sensitive categories such as clothing and footwear were hit particularly hard in June, especially compared to the surge in spend during last year’s heatwave....
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9/7/2024
GlobalData has revised its 2024 retail growth forecast down to 2.1% and the clothing and footwear sector now projects a 3.1% decline due to “disappointing” retail sales in the first half of the year, despite improving consumer sentiment. Global Data’s latest forecast for the UK retail market reveals that despite inflation falling to the government’s 2% target in May and wage growth outpacing inflation, retail spending remains subdued....
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8/7/2024
The Office of the US Trade Representative is backing a renewal of AGOA ahead of its September 2025 expiration, but calls for "tweaks" have faced pushback from experts that say it is more important to secure its timely and long-term renewal given its huge benefits for US apparel brands and retailers. A new report from the Office of US Trade Representative (USTR) has revealed US trade with African Growth and Opportunity Act beneficiary countries (AGOA) has increased over the past two years....
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6/7/2024
Valued at $288 billion in 2023, the global plus size market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7 per cent to reach $501.35 billion by 2033. This market expansion is likely to be driven by the body positivity movement, shifting fashion norms, and increased consumer awareness.
The body positivity movement has significantly boosted demand for plus size clothing, promoting inclusion and celebrating all body types. This shift encourages people to embrace their bodies and seek attractive clothing options. Additionally, fashion norms have evolved to prioritize diversity and openness, with designers and retailers offering trendy plus size clothing that meets the fashion-forward demands of plus size individuals....
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5/7/2024
Just Style speaks to industry experts to find out what the Labour Party's landslide victory and the UK having a new government will mean for the apparel sector and wider supply chain over the next four years. Keir Starmer has become the UK’s first Labour prime minister since Gordon Brown left Downing Street in 2010. “We did it! You campaigned for it; you fought for it; you voted for it; and now it has arrived, change begins now,” he said after his party’s victory in the UK general election....
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5/7/2024
Currently valued at $26.05 billion, the global maternity apparel market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.80 per cent to reach $50.51 billion by 2034. As per a report by Future Market Insights (FMI), growth in this market is being driven by a rising demand for comfortable and stylish clothing options by expectant mothers. The trend is expected to continue with increasing birth rates, sustaining a steady demand for maternity wear. Additionally, new mothers are contributing to this growth as they look for clothing to transition back to their pre-pregnancy body shape and size during the postpartum period....
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4/7/2024
A new consumer survey by GlobalData suggests inflationary pressure is causing increased polarisation in the UK apparel market. In the past year, 22% of consumers have traded down to cheaper apparel, while 66.4% are still shopping with their usual brands and retailers. Only 11.6% of UK consumers have traded up to more expensive apparel brands, although for consumers under 35 this rises to 22.1%. GlobalData surveyed 2,000 UK consumers in June 2024 who had purchased clothing, footwear and/or accessories in the past 12 months for the analysis....
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3/7/2024
The premium apparel industry is thriving, with a market size of $422 billion in 2023 and a projected CAGR of 3.8 per cent to reach $547 billion by 2030. This growth is fueled by several factors.
The rise of social media has been a game-changer. Luxury brands are leveraging these platforms to connect with consumers on a deeper level, fostering emotional connections through powerful branding. Additionally, globalization and rising disposable incomes worldwide are expanding the market's reach and potential....
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3/7/2024
The second-hand apparel market is expected to rise past $284 billion by 2030, fueled by a growing taste for sustainable and affordable clothing. This segment, valued at $71 billion in 2022, is projected to rise at over 14.8 per cent annually.
The trend is driven by several factors. The booming e-commerce market offers convenient platforms for buying and selling pre-loved clothes. Consumers are also becoming more environmentally conscious, seeking ways to reduce textile waste and embrace sustainable fashion....
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3/7/2024
UK shop price inflation eased to 0.2% in June, its lowest since October 2021, as retailers' investments in operations and supply chains began to yield results. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has reported a significant slowdown in UK shop price inflation, with annual rates dropping to 0.2% in June 2024, down from 0.6% in May and marking the lowest rate since October 2021....
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2/7/2024
UK fashion retailers trading and importing forced labour goods are exposed to legal risk after the Court of Appeal ruled the UK National Crime Agency's refusal to investigate Uyghur forced labour cotton imported from China was unlawful. The landmark case means if a UK fashion retailer knowingly, or with suspicion, imports goods that have been made in criminal circumstances, such as through forced Uyghur labour, they could be prosecuted under the Proceeds of Crime Act for trading criminal property....
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29/6/2024
The global apparel sector is set for a significant transformation with the creation of over 62.5 billion digital product passports (DPPs) by 2030, according to a report by global technology intelligence firm ABI Research. These DPPs, coupled with supporting software and IT revenues estimated at US$1.59 billion, are poised to accelerate traceability and drive positive change across the fashion industry....
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28/6/2024
The US second-hand clothes industry makes significant environmental and economic contributions, according to a new report from Garson and Shaw. The report emphasises that reusing unwanted clothing is the most effective strategy to reduce the environmental impact of textiles. The second-hand clothing (SHC) industry is projected to save around 20 trillion gallons of water over the next decade, equivalent to 30 million Olympic-sized swimming pools, by providing an alternative to the production of new clothes....
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28/6/2024
With less than a week until Britain goes to the polls to elect its next government, industry experts anticipate a potential "bounce back" in consumer spending post-election, with UK party manifestos offering varied strategies to boost the apparel sector's growth and address environmental concerns....
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28/6/2024
The term ‘Global South’ encompasses a diverse array of developing countries, primarily in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Traditionally viewed as reliant on raw material exports and basic manufacturing, the economic landscape of the Global South is undergoing a significant transformation....
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28/6/2024
Denim, that iconic fabric synonymous with casual cool, continues to be a global fashion staple. But the trade winds that carry jeans around the world are shifting. While the global market for denim jeans is projected to reach a $95.2 billion by 2030 at CAGR of 5 per cent from $64.5 billion in 2022, the trade landscape is changing....
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27/6/2024
Imports and exports of textiles and apparel in the US dipped in the first quarter of 2024, reveals Department of Commerce US Department of Commerce statistics. This follows a year of significant decline in clothing imports, which plunged by 22 per cent in 2023 to €77.8 billion. Notably, European luxury goods were the only category to escape this downward trend....
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27/6/2024
The global fashion market is expected to grow by almost 40% in the next three years to become a trillion-dollar industry according to new data from Stocklytics.com. Stocklytics.com points out the fashion industry has picked up its pace of growth following a lull over the past two years after inflation caused a cut in consumer spending....
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27/6/2024
Fashion companies are being forced to reimagine their entire value chain operations from design to end-of-life but circular models come with both challenges and opportunities. In an industry long defined by its linear take-make-waste model, circularity is a concept that’s rapidly gaining traction across the fashion world, promising to change how we approach production, consumption, and waste management....
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26/6/2024
Fast fashion's grip on the clothing industry may be loosening, as a growing movement – slow fashion – takes root. Fast fashion, with its emphasis on cheap, trendy clothes and frequent turnovers, has dominated for decades. However, a growing awareness of its environmental and social costs has led to the rise of slow fashion – a movement promoting ethical production, quality garments, and mindful consumption....
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26/6/2024
Robert Antoshak, a consultant for the global apparel industry presents a mixed outlook for the US apparel market, acknowledging recent improvements while highlighting ongoing concerns. In a United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) webinar featuring him, Antoshak highlights signs of recovery while acknowledging ongoing challenges....
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25/6/2024
Consumers in key European markets, including the UK, France, Italy, and Spain, have shown a clear demand for greater transparency and responsibility in fashion sourcing, according to a recent survey titled 'Fashion from Sustainable Forests'. Commissioned by forest certification organisation PEFC International and conducted by YouGov, the survey underscores consumers' commitment to making environmentally conscious choices in their fashion purchases....
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25/6/2024
A significant rise in health and wellness spending, particularly in emerging markets, is fuelling growth in the global sportswear sector with consumers continuing to prioritise their fitness and embracing more active lifestyles. A new report suggests the global wellness market is estimated at over $1.8tn and is growing 5% to 10% annually. The report by McKinsey & Co explains health and wellness products and services have seen “high demand” in advanced economies over recent years....
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24/6/2024
Despite its staggering £60.7bn contribution to the UK’s economy, the fashion industry is often overlooked and with the upcoming general election the sector desperately needs concrete policy commitments from potential leaders. With the UK election only 10 days away the apparel industry is keen on hearing positive measures to help boost the economy and be presented with unique opportunities to support the industry while simultaneously addressing pressing environmental concerns....
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24/6/2024
UK retail sales in May 2024 surged with clothing the beneficiary of an uplift thanks to better weather following a wet April. The Office of National Statistics most recent data into UK retail in May reveals sales volumes rose across most sectors, with clothing retailers and furniture stores rebounding following poor weather in April. Overall retail sales volumes (quantity bought) rose by 2.9% in May 2024, following a fall of 1.8% in April 2024 (revised from a fall of 2.3%)....
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21/6/2024
The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification International (PEFC), a forest certification organisation, revealed that nearly 74% of consumers surveyed believe it’s important that clothes made from forest-derived fibres are sourced from sustainably managed forests. A new consumer survey by PEFC, titled ‘Fashion from Sustainable Forests’, conducted in four key European markets (France, Italy, Spain and the UK), offers an in-depth exploration of consumer awareness, attitudes and expectations towards the use of forest fibres in fashion collections....
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19/6/2024
Brand loyalty is significantly under threat in the apparel sector as consumers are given a wider pool of offerings and are struggling with soaring prices. According to a new report from McKinsey & Co., weakened brand loyalty, affordability over sustainability, and heightened interest in wellness products and services reflect the preferences and priorities of consumers across ages and geographies....
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19/6/2024
Figures released by the US Census Bureau on estimates of US retail and food services for May 2024 show an increase in clothing and clothing accessories from April to May, with an industry insider suggesting much of the boost has come from sales and discounts. Advance estimates of US retail and food services sales for May 2024 were up 0.1% to $703.1bn from the previous month and up 2.3% above May 2023. These were adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes....
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13/6/2024
US textile executives told the US Trade Representative (USTR)'s newly appointed chief textiles and apparel negotiator, Katherine White they would like to see increased Section 301 China tariffs on finished textile and apparel imports and the closing of the de minimis loophole. USTR apparel negotiator White made her inaugural trip to a major hub of American textile production facilities and visited six plants in total in North Carolina, including American & Efird, Parkdale Mills/US Cotton, TSG Finishing, Shuford Yarns, Schneider Mills, and Unifi....
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13/6/2024
Apparel is the most counterfeited item according to a new report that found 54% of apparel items were suspected to be fake in the last 12 months followed by sneakers at 33%. For the first time ever, StockX, an online market for sneakers, apparel, accessories, electronics and collectables says its platform has reported apparel as the product category most susceptible to counterfeiting....
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13/6/2024
With much of fashion’s supply base located in and around Asia and Africa, one of the biggest concerns is the impact of extreme heat which is escalating as a result of the climate crisis and impacting factory worker wellbeing. Workers in the apparel and textiles industries are considered highly vulnerable to extreme heat....
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13/6/2024
An academic study compares US apparel imports from Africa and Asia to see whether the region is ready to serve as an alternative sourcing destination for US fashion companies. University of Delaware professor of fashion and apparel studies Dr Sheng Lu who conducted the study describes the prospect of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) as an apparel-sourcing base for US fashion companies as a “growing heated debate”....
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12/6/2024
The plus size clothing market has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, reflecting a shift in societal attitudes towards body positivity and inclusivity. With a market value of US$ 288 billion in 2023 and projected to exceed US$ 501.35 billion by 2033, the industry is on an upward trajectory, expanding at a steady 5.7 per cent CAGR. Key drivers behind this growth include the body positivity movement, evolving fashion norms, and increased consumer awareness....
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12/6/2024
Following a US hearing on renewing and revitalising trade preference programmes such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act, Just Style finds out why the apparel industry is eager for it to be renewed before its 2025 expiration date and ideally with a ten-year-plus extension period....
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12/6/2024
Although the global online childrenswear market experienced a pandemic boost, its penetration still lags behind menswear and womenswear, but GlobalData expects online sales to reach $62.5bn by 2028 driven by brand investments into advanced technologies. The global childrenswear market is witnessing a shift towards online channels, but the sector’s digital transformation still trails behind its counterparts in menswear and womenswear, according to a GlobalData report titled: “Global Childrenswear Market to 2028.”...
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11/6/2024
Monthly inbound cargo volume at major US container ports is forecast to reach its highest level since 2022 this summer, driven by robust consumer spending and retailers stocking up for peak season. In the latest Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates, Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy, attributed the anticipated spike in US cargo imports to sustained consumer spending and retailers replenishing inventories ahead of the peak shipping season....
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11/6/2024
The CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor revealed a jump in retail sales during May, with clothing and accessories stores seeing a 1.44% month-over-month increase and a 6.24% year-over-year uptick, which the National Retail Federation (NRF)’s president believes is down to consumers’ resilient ability to spend. The latest CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor data, released by the NRF, showcased a rebound in US consumer spending in May with clothing and accessories stores among the top-performing categories....
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11/6/2024
Prominent industry groups have jointly called for a "visionary, confident and proactive trade agenda" in a letter to the Financial Times editor, stressing the importance of US-allied cooperation in promoting democratic values and tackling global challenges. In a display of unity, a coalition of industry associations and trade groups have penned an open letter to the editor of the Financial Times, urging the US and its allies to adopt a bold and forward-looking trade agenda....
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11/6/2024
AGOA members see imports of apparel into the US fall by 23.7% in value in April 2024 compared to 2023, according to the latest figures from OTEXA, with Ethiopia particularly affected. US apparel imports from Ethiopia dropped sharply by almost 40% between April 2023 and April 2024, according to the latest set of trade data from the United States Office of Textile and Apparel (OTEXA)....
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10/6/2024
Growing at a CAGR of 7.36 per cent, the global yoga clothing market is estimated to grow by $18.88 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The growthwill be driven by an increasing number of yoga practitioners with a trend towards introduction of new technologies and features in yoga clothing. However, unpredictable raw material prices will continue to pose a challenge to this growth. Currently experiencing several new trends, the yoga clothing market is dominated by a growing demand for items like yoga pants and tops. Besides comfort and functionality, consumers are demanding yoga clothes that allow them to move freely and breathe easily. To cater to these demands, brands are offering yoga apparels in a variety of colors and prints....
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10/6/2024
The global textile and apparel industry, while a giant in economic terms, is also a notorious environmental polluter. However, wave of new regulations around the world is targeting the sector's environmental and ethical shortcomings, pushing brands towards a more sustainable future. For decades, fast fashion has thrived on a model of cheap clothes and high turnover, often at the cost of the environment and garment workers. But the tide is turning. Consumers are demanding more transparency and accountability, and governments are stepping in with regulations to enforce these demands....
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10/6/2024
SME clothing makers in the UK saw revenues fall by 40% in the first quarter of the year according to figures from the Unleashed Manufacturers’ Health Index.
The assessment of SME manufacturers in the UK is compiled quarterly by inventory management software brand Unleashed and based on data from every purchase, sale and stock movement made by over 1,790 manufacturers over the last six years. Of all manufacturing categories, clothing suffered the sharpest decline....
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10/6/2024
New analysis from GlobalData suggests UK supermarkets’ share of the country’s apparel market has fallen as consumers become more selective and continue to cut back on less essential items. Between 2021 and 2023, the UK’s ‘Big Four’ supermarkets’ share of the country’s apparel market fell 1.6ppts from 8.4% to 6.7%....
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8/6/2024
The global wedding wear market is experiencing a notable shift towards sustainability, reflecting broader fashion industry trends. A recent market research study on the "Global Wedding Wear Market" highlights the increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable wedding attire. This trend is driven by couples who are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their fashion choices and are seeking dresses and suits made from sustainable fabrics or those that can be reused or repurposed....
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8/6/2024
Textiles and clothing imports by the US declined by 4.7 per cent to $24.6 billion during Q1, FY24.Exports by the country also contracted by 4.46 per cent to $5.7 billion. According to reports by the Department of Commerce, China was the leading supplier of textiles and clothing to the US with imports from the country increasing by 3.6 per cent to $5.5 billion. Imports from Vietnam remained stable at $3.7 billion while thos from India fell by 4.37 per cent to $2.3 billion. The most notable decline of 17.3 per cent was reported by Bangladesh totaling 1.8 billion....
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7/6/2024
Ignoring pressure to shift away from plastics could cost businesses up to $100bn annually by 2040 according to a new report which identifies the measures that brands and retailers can put in place today to accelerate diversification from the material.
The Post Plastic Economy report from Plastic Free & Fashion Snoops says the shift to natural plastic alternatives and incorporating reuse and right-to-repair models is paramount and businesses must get on board before legislation is passed requiring them to do so....
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7/6/2024
Early summer sales figures for US apparel chains offer a glimpse into consumer spending habits. While reports from big-box retailers paint a mixed picture, mall-based apparel chains are showing signs of a comeback. Mall revival with focus on fashion freshness The story of US apparel retail is one of contrasting fortunes. Mall-based chains like Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) and American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) are expected to see continued revenue growth, with on-trend styles like wide-leg pants. Gap Inc. also anticipates a modest increase in comparable sales, hoping its focus on in-season trends will drive full-price purchases....
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6/6/2024
Reports suggest companies are starting to ship products intended for the festive season earlier than usual, Just Style looks at what is causing the issue and what it means for fashion retailers. Recent reports suggest that European fashion retailers are placing orders intended for this year’s festive season even earlier than usual, due to rising shipping costs and route disruption....
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6/6/2024
Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia hold significant potential as sourcing bases for clothing made from recycled cotton for Western fashion companies, but there are a number of advancements that will need to be made to make it viable on a larger-scale. A new study has shed light on the potential of Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia as sourcing bases for clothing made from recycled cotton....
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5/6/2024
Brexit, as expected, has been detrimental for UK clothing exports to the EU, recent data suggests. But there are ways to mitigate the effect, experts say. UK clothing exports to the EU have fallen 60% since Brexit as suppliers struggle to wade through red tape. This sharp drop has put considerable pressure on brands and retailers lacking the necessary expertise, resources, or financial capacity to navigate the complexities of the new regulatory landscape....
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5/6/2024
As the UK's total retail sales in May increased by 0.7% year on year against a growth of 3.9% in May 2023, UK retailers are keen to hear positive measures from the next government to help boost the sector. The UK’s non-food retail sales, which includes clothing decreased 2.4% year on year over the three-months to May, which was against a growth of 0.7% in May 2023....
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3/6/2024
The European Union has cemented its decision by adopting the "right-to-repair" directive to make repair a more “attractive” economic activity for the EU, consumers and the environment. The EU has approved the right-to-repair directive to make it easier and more economical for consumers to repair defective products instead of replacing them and repair services will become more accessible, transparent and attractive....
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31/5/2024
As fashion's global supply chain continues to feel the strain of geopolitical tensions, brands are rethinking how they operate with more efficient sourcing models and doubled-down supplier relationships in key stable locations proving critical.
Fashion brands embracing the sector’s best ESG practices are in an ideal position to make some bold moves and turn their supplier base into a competitive advantage....
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30/5/2024
Plans to construct a readymade garment factory in Egypt, which GlobalData estimates already holds 2,500 garment factories, have been announced, as the region looks on track to become a “critical trade hub.”
Local Middle Eastern news site Amwal Al Ghad reports that the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) has signed a land usufruct agreement with Eroglu Egypt....
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30/5/2024
A new McKinsey report, based on a global survey of apparel Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs), suggests a significant shift in the way fashion brands approach their supply chains. The study, ‘Reimagining the apparel value chain amid volatility’, highlights a growing emphasis on efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. These factors are prompting a potential paradigm change in sourcing strategies, particularly for brands in the US and EU....
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29/5/2024
The EU Council has adopted the ecodesign regulation, which sets requirements for sustainable products from the design phase, however GlobalData company filings data suggests apparel ESG mentions have declined in the last 12 months. The EU’s new ecodesign regulation introduces new requirements for apparel products such as product durability, reusability, upgradability and reparability as well as a direct ban on the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear....
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28/5/2024
The signatory brands that are part of the Action, Collaboration, Transformation (ACT) initiative only achieved a “slight increase” from 2021 in scores across the ACT Purchasing Practices 2023 Survey, with specific areas requiring “special attention.” In its “Accountability and Monitoring Report 2023: Pivotal Progress in Responsible Purchasing Practices” ACT surveyed 19 of its signatory brands to evaluate the progress of garment, textile and footwear brands in meeting their due diligence responsibilities....
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28/5/2024
The latest figures shared by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that in April 2024, UK sales volumes fell across most sectors, with non-essential segments including clothing performing badly after "poor weather reduced footfall."
Retail sales volumes fell by 2.3% during April 2024 following a broadly flat February and March 2024....
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28/5/2024
A recent global survey by McKinsey & Company of apparel chief procurement officers (CPOs) highlights five key themes shaping the industry's approach to sourcing. The findings indicate a significant shift towards prioritizing efficiency, supply chain resilience, and sustainability, with a growing emphasis on collaboration with suppliers....
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28/5/2024
Valued at $194.1 billion in 2022, the global kidswear market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1 per cent from 2023-32 to reach $286.9 billion by 2032. The market encompasses a wide range of clothing, footwear, and accessories designed specifically for children aged 0 to 17.
According to a report by Allied Market Research, the apparel segment held the largest share in the global kidswear market in 2022, and is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This segment includes outerwear such as coats and jackets, special occasion dresses, tops like blouses and sweaters, and bottoms like trousers and skirts....
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27/5/2024
Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technologies can be harnessed for climate action and significantly advance environmental and market performance in the fast fashion industry, according to a new study by an international team of researchers. Research by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Business School's David Grant found AI-powered climate service innovation models can improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and increase renewable energy sources....
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24/5/2024
Can the fashion industry finally overcome the disconnect between wanting to sell as much as possible while fulfilling new sustainability objectives, asks Gherzi Textil Organisation partner Robert P. Antoshak.
As a consultant, clients ask me two questions more than any other: How do we become more environmentally sustainable, and when will the apparel market turn around?
Not surprisingly, these are the central questions of our times. Still, they set up a seemingly interconnected relationship between sustainability initiatives and business objectives....
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24/5/2024
Fashion brands are being urged to get on board with collective financing to support the global apparel supply chain's goal of becoming more sustainable. With 90% of emissions caused by the fashion sector stemming from its supply chain, the industry will need to work collaboratively with manufacturers and suppliers to tackle the issue. And collective financing for sustainable innovations could play a key role....
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23/5/2024
Fashion for Good, in collaboration with various industry stakeholders, has unveiled the Sorting for Circularity USA report, marking a significant milestone in understanding and advancing circularity within the textile industry in the United States. This pioneering report provides insights into consumer disposal behavior, textile waste composition, and the potential for fiber-to-fiber recycling, guiding strategic decisions for further investments and infrastructure development....
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23/5/2024
A survey by Optimove Insights, the analytical and research arm of Optimove found most consumers want less marketing so brands are being advised to strike a balance between staying "top-of-mind and respecting boundaries."
Optimove surveyed 305 US citizens in January to explore consumer attitudes towards marketing fatigue. The findings revealed a growing concern among consumers regarding excessive marketing messages with 81% willing to unsubscribe from brands that inundate them with communications....
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22/5/2024
Apparel industry experts discuss what the global fashion sector can do today to prepare for upcoming ESG legislation. The Realistic Road Ahead for the Greening of the Apparel Industry conference highlighted the magnitude of the Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) legislation that is on the horizon for the global fashion industry....
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22/5/2024
New research by the UK national standards body, BSI, indicates that progress towards net zero could be jeopardised, as nine in ten UK businesses are calling for greater government support to help meet their decarbonisation targets, and half of them cite cost as a significant barrier. BSI published its fourth annual Net Zero barometer, based on a survey of over 1,000 senior decision-makers from UK businesses of all sizes and across all sectors, including apparel....
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21/5/2024
The EU Commission's 2030 Vision for Textiles means products not built with recyclability in mind should not be sold in the EU market in six years' time. The EU’s Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles sets out a plan – including concrete action points – to ensure that all textile products sold in the EU are long-lasting, recyclable, made as much as possible of recycled fibres, free of hazardous substances and produced in respect of social rights and the environment by 2030....
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20/5/2024
A report by Journo Research and fintech group Plus500 has revealed a significant increase in wages in the UK with textile, leather and clothing manufacturing roles coming out on top. The research analysed the latest data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics, featuring results from its Wages and Salaries Survey and compared the percentage increase in weekly earnings from December 2022 to December 2023....
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20/5/2024
Fashion brands and retailers will continue to be tripped up by laws targeting forced labour in supply chains until they advocate for the scaling of solutions that tackle the issue.
The complexity of importing cotton-made clothing into the US just stepped up a notch after the Department of Homeland Security added another 26 Chinese suppliers to its Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List....
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16/5/2024
The NRF has cited data from the US Census Bureau to show retail sales moderated in April as consumers remain willing to spend despite 'stubbornly high inflation'.
The Census Bureau said overall retail sales in April were unchanged seasonally adjusted from March and up 3% unadjusted year over year. That compared with increases of 0.6% month over month and 3.8% year over year in March. The year-over-year increase was due, in part, to recent downward revisions to data from last year....
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15/5/2024
? El Showroom de productores textiles de Egipto se realizó el 8 y 9 de mayo en la Casa Fuster de Barcelona.
? Las empresas de moda catalanas se inclinan hacia proveedores de mayor proximidad debido a los desafíos en el transporte desde Asia y las regulaciones ambientales recientes....
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14/5/2024
El showroom “made in Egypt”, organizado por el Clúster catalán de la moda (Modacc) junto al proyecto “Reforma y desarrollo del comercio en Egipto (Trade)” tuvo lugar los días 8 y 9 de mayo en Barcelona y reunió a una veintena de productores egipcios y a un centenar de marcas españolas del sector de la moda, con la meta de impulsar los contactos comerciales entre ambos países....
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14/5/2024
A new report by Cotton Inc. highlights, US garment prices witnessed their largest monthly rise since late 2021 in March 2024. This uptick comes despite a slight year-over-year increase of only 0.2 per cent. However, it's important to note that apparel import costs remain 4.8 per cent higher than pre-COVID levels. Cotton Inc's ‘Executive Cotton Update: U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain - May 2024’, also highlights a concerning trend of declining consumer confidence for the third consecutive month. This could potentially dampen spending habits and impact the retail apparel industry....
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13/5/2024
The 2024 Textiles Market Situation Report by WRAP paints a mixed picture of the UK's clothing industry. While there's good news in terms of declining clothing costs and a rebound in consumption, significant challenges remain regarding textile waste.
The WRAP report reveals average cost per item of clothing in the UK has dipped 2 per cent to £16.70 ($20.84) in 2023, a trend observed since 2015. At the same time, while COVID-19 initially caused a significant drop in textile consumption, with a decrease of 330,000 tons between 2019 and 2020, consumption figures rebounded swiftly, reaching 1.42 million new textile products in 2022, nearing pre-pandemic levels....
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13/5/2024
In Q1, FY’24, apparel imports by the US dropped by 7.14 per cent to 18.07 billion from 19.46 billion in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
As per data from the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA), apparel imports by the US from Bangladesh declined by 17 per cent to $1.75 billion from $2.13 billion during Q1FY23, indicating a significant shift in sourcing preferences or market conditions....
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10/5/2024
Apparel brands and retailers are being warned to expect further hiccups across supply chains and increased costs as logistics provider Maersk says it will be avoiding the Red Sea route for the foreseeable future.
Maersk has updated its customers and warns the effects of the situation in the Red Sea are “widening and continuing to cause industry-wide disruptions”.
In its update, Maersk said it is rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope “for the foreseeable future.”...
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9/5/2024
The National Retail Federation (NRF) said recent import levels show that supply chains have ‘adjusted’ to disruption and consumers are set to continue spending during the back-to-school and holiday seasons.
According to recent data released by NRF and Hackett Associates, inbound cargo at the US’ major ports will be “consistently above 2m on twenty-foot equivalent units” (TEU) this summer.
The data also suggests these levels will remain until autumn 2024....
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9/5/2024
Consumers are scaling back on clothing purchases for children and are opting for more affordable alternatives due to lingering high inflation, according to GlobalData’s recent report on the global childrenswear market.
The ‘Global Children’s Market to 2028‘ report reveals the global childrenswear market experienced a modest growth of 3.5% in 2023 with a 2.7% increase in global volumes and declines in Western Europe and North America...
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8/5/2024
The National Retail Federation has revealed the US economy's pace of growth declined in the first quarter (Q1) with an unexpected bout of inflation, however a solid job market kept consumers spending.
The May edition of the NRF’s Monthly Economic Review revealed the US economy’s gross domestic product grew only 1.6% in the first three months of this year (Q1), which is less than half the 3.4% seen in Q4 of 2023 and the lowest level since 2.1% in the second quarter of last year....
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7/5/2024
Clothing sales in the UK remain “subdued” on the back of poor weather, contributing to a 2.8% year-on-year fall in non-food sales over the three months to April.
According to the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium for the four weeks to 27 April, the 2.8% year-on-year fall in UK non-food sales, which includes clothing, was steeper than the 12-month average decline of 1.5%. For the month of April, non-food was in decline year-on-year....
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7/5/2024
Fashion's ESG revolution has finally arrived, which means the fashion supply chain must prepare now to meet the EU's new ESG standards that will ensure the good no longer has to compete against the bad or ugly.
It’s been a rollercoaster but the EU is finally getting its ducks in a row for issuing every kind of ESG legislation imaginable for all sectors, including fashion....
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7/5/2024
France has proposed legislation that could see a €5 ($5.38) fee added to each fast fashion purchase. Just Style investigates the impact for global apparel if it were to go ahead as well as its similarities to US tariffs on consumer goods. The proposed fast fashion law, which could be raised to €10 by 2030 and see a ban on advertisements for the most inexpensive fashion items, received unanimous support in France’s lower house in March and has been passed on to the Senate....
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3/5/2024
Clothing’s share of the UK apparel market is expected to fall by 0.4ppts to 72.1% by 2028, as consumers opt for capsule wardrobes, second-hand and become less interested in following the latest fashion trends, even as inflation stabilises.
The UK apparel market is expected to slow further in 2024, with growth dropping 0.3% to £60.9bn ($76bn) and will ”remain soft” till 2028 as shoppers continue to spend cautiously according to a GlobalData report titled: “The Apparel Market in the UK to 2028.”...
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3/5/2024
Fashion brands and retailers are being warned to double down on implementing responsible purchasing practices to ensure compliance with the EU's new Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
The power imbalance between suppliers and buyers in the fashion sector is widely documented. As too are its its dangers....
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3/5/2024
Despite the apparel sector's focus on sustainability, recycled polyester still only accounts for 15% of the total polyester textiles used today. What's the solution, asks Gherzi Textile Organization partner Robert P. Antoshak and Grey Matter Concepts SVP of production and sourcing Radhika Shrinivas.
We have more than 60 years of experience together in the textile and apparel industry. Over our careers, we have witnessed significant change in the industry, with globalisation most profoundly affecting it and the invention of polyester, another major innovation....
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3/5/2024
The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) told a US Trade Representative (USTR) hearing on supply chain resilience that more free trade agreements are needed along with the removal of prison labour, while the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) focused on the impact of de minimis. AAFA’s senior vice president Nate Herman told the hearing 3.2m US jobs depend on the apparel industry and they also depend on access to foreign customers and global supply chains for their existence....
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1/5/2024
According to GlobalData's latest report, almost half (47%) of consumers are always or often influenced by how the world around them is changing. Just Style navigates the impact of geopolitics on the apparel sector. GlobalData’s Geopolitics: Executive Briefing report revealed the uncertainty created by geopolitics is influencing consumer perceptions of brands and their trustworthiness. As a result, consumer choices are being impacted by geopolitical tension....
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30/4/2024
New research from climate action NGO Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has revealed almost half (49%) of used textiles are going in the bin, as it urges stakeholders to step up efforts toward a circular fashion ecosystem. WRAP is advocating for support through grants, investments and legislation so the secondhand clothing market can fuel the transition towards a more circular fashion ecosystem....
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30/4/2024
Inflation is expected to ease to 2.9% in 2024, however US consumers are not “reassured” about the outlook of the US economy with 51.5% planning to cut back on retail spend. As the US economy grapples with the effects of inflation, 46.6% of US consumers believe it will worsen in the first half of 2024, according to GlobalData’s latest report “Apparel Consumer Insights: United States of America.”...
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30/4/2024
GlobalData shares a roadmap to help fashion businesses navigate the changing tides of the $2.1tn global apparel industry. The global apparel market’s growth forecast for the first half of 2024 is expected to be just 2.2%, before rebounding to a more robust 4.4% in 2025, explained GlobalData’s apparel analysts, Chloe Collins and Louise Deglise-Favre during a recent apparel market trends webinar....
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29/4/2024
Though the global luxury market is experiencing a slowdown following the post-pandemic surge in demand, it is poised to regain momentum in 2025 as inflation rates begin to stabilise and aspirational shoppers re-engage, with the market forecast to grow by 27.8% between 2024 and 2028 to reach $268.6bn. According to GlobalData’s latest report GlobalData’s Global Luxury Apparel Market to 2028, while capturing growth in 2024 will remain challenging due to low consumer confidence, luxury will still outperform the total apparel market....
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26/4/2024
A coalition of US apparel and retail organisations is urging the US Trade Commission to eliminate import tariffs on apparel sourced from key sourcing countries and to renew and expand the scope of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) to include certain apparel products.
The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), the National Retail Federation (NRF), the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), and the United States Fashion Industry Associated (USFIA) have submitted a post hearing statement to the chairman of the US International Trade Commission....
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19/4/2024
According to the latest figures shared by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) muted clothing sales in March contributed to a retail sales stagnation. Retail sales in March saw both sales values (amount spent) and volumes experience no change on the month (0.0%), suggesting that increased prices were affecting consumer spending habits....
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19/4/2024
Four major American trade bodies, including the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), the National Retail Federation (NRF), the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), and the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA), have united to oppose the proposal for increased tariffs on apparel imports from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Pakistan....
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18/4/2024
American consumers are opening their wallets again, with retail sales experiencing a modest uptick in recent months. According to the US Census Bureau, sales rose 0.7 per cent in March 2024 compared to February, and are up 4.0 per ent year-over-year.
However, the picture within the fashion sector is less clear. While overall retail sales data lumps fashion in with other categories, anecdotal evidence suggests a mixed bag. Some retailers report strong demand, while others continue to grapple with excess inventory from pandemic shutdowns....
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17/4/2024
US apparel imports increased by 12.9 per cent increase in quantity and a 2.9 per cent increase in value in Feb 2024 compared to the same month previous year.
Seasonally adjusted US apparel imports also increased by 10 per cent in February 2024 compared January 2024, according to a report by the World Trade Organisation....
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16/4/2024
US retail sales grew throughout March, propelled by a combination of factors including an early Easter holiday, increased tax refunds, and a growing job market which the National Retail Federation (NRF)’s chief economist believes put more money in shoppers pockets. Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist of the National Retail Federation (NRF) confirmed that consumer spending from the latest data by the US Census Bureau remained steady despite “inflationary pressure.”...
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15/4/2024
A new report by data analytics company GlobalData suggests that relying solely on marketing and advertising is not enough to drive consumers purchases, instead retailers should prioritise delivering a consistently positive experience at every interaction point to effectively encourage buying behaviour. GlobalData’s report titled Connected Consumer in Retail and Apparel argues that consumers are increasingly informed about all aspects of products they buy and consume, through both active and passive use of technologies, such as conducting research, using review sites, viewing user generated content, seeing influencer campaigns and adverts and listening to podcasts....
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15/4/2024
Non-profit Textile Exchange has published a report outlining strategies for the fashion and textile industry to transition away from using virgin fossil fuels as a feedstock for materials if it is to meet the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets currently associated with synthetic fibres.
Textile Exchange’s recent The Future of Synthetics report suggests the domination of synthetic materials in global fibre production since mid-1990 has contributed to climate change....
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13/4/2024
Set to witness substantial growth, the global yoga clothing market projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8 per cent from 2021-30 and reach a value of $70,291.0 million by 2030. This growth can be attributed to several key factors driving the demand for yoga apparel.
According to the report by Allied Market Research, a significant driver of this growth is the increasing awareness of the mental and physical health benefits associated with practicing yoga. There has been a notable rise in the number of people joining yoga classes, consequently fueling the demand for yoga clothing....
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12/4/2024
US’ consumer price index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) rose by 0.4 per cent in March 2024 on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This increase mirrors the rise seen in February. The index for apparel saw a significant rise of 0.7 per cent over the month. When compared year-on-year with March 2023, the apparel index increased by 0.4 per cent, indicating a steady climb in clothing prices....
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12/4/2024
The US trade organisation National Council of Textile Organisations (NCTO)'s Chairman Norman Chapman believes "predatory trade behaviour" and "customs fraud" are some of the issues currently plaguing the domestic textile trade in the country.
During the 20th Annual Meeting on 11 April, NCTO chairman Chapman highlighted the severe economic challenges facing the US textile industry....
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11/4/2024
Just Style explores the ‘de minimis’ loophole in US import law and considers how it is affecting the apparel sector.
As e-commerce continues to increase its share of the global apparel market, and consumers increasingly look to cheaper online brands, a small piece of US customs legislation is becoming a hot topic. While the de minimis rule may seem like a simple, straightforward rule on import duty, recent years have seem the exemption for packages valued under $800 come under scrutiny....
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11/4/2024
The US apparel and footwear sector has said it is behind new legislation being weighed to investigate price discrepancies between everyday products for women and men. The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) backs the proposal of the Pink Tariffs Study Act, being introduced by Congresswomen Lizzie Fletcher and Brittany Pettersen from the New Democratic Coalition (NDC) Trade Task Force, voicing concerns over the alleged “century-long potential gender-bias and regressivity” within the US tariff system....
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10/4/2024
Baltimore's recent port closure adds to existing supply chain challenges, however the US's major container ports are still expected to top 2m units for the first time since last fall, according to the latest port figures by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.
NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy Jonathan Gold suggested US imports will continue to increase despite another disruption impacting US ports....
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9/4/2024
UK retailers are banking on warmer weather to boost summer clothing sales following a series of lacklustre months, the BRC said on the publication of UK retail sales for March. Though total UK retail sales grew 3.5% year-on-year in March 2024, against a growth of 5.1% in March 2023, the increase had little to do with clothing performance....
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6/4/2024
A recent report by Planet Tracker urges brands to adopt comprehensive water management strategies, including setting targets, collecting data, and supporting suppliers to transition to more sustainable practices.
According to the report, the fashion industry requires over 700 gallons of water to produce a single T-shirt, while the production of cotton—a staple material in the fashion world—requires a staggering 2,100 gallons of water for every 2.2 pounds of cotton lint. Despite these figures, only a fraction of fashion companies are actively reporting their water impacts, with just 15 out of 29 companies studied disclosing their data to the Carbon Disclosure Project....
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5/4/2024
The global garment industry is facing a potential paradigm shift driven by stricter regulations on sourcing and production. Export markets like the European Union (EU) are increasingly favoring garments where countries source their own textiles internally, driven by compliance with stricter Rules of Origin (ROO) regulations. ROO stipulate the geographic origin of a product for preferential trade treatment. These regulations determine the nationality of a product for customs purposes and preferential trade agreements. Countries that comply with these ROOs gain easier access to the EU market with lower tariffs or duty-free imports....
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5/4/2024
The fashion industry, known for its slow-moving behemoths, has become a surprising breeding ground for innovative startups. Forget the notion that fashion startups struggle to make a significant impact. Today's innovative companies are redefining the industry, from sustainability to personalization, with a focus on agility and technology....
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4/4/2024
With fashion brands soon being legally required to account for sustainability failings in their supply chains, blockchain adoption is on the rise. But is it the silver bullet? It’s pretty obvious that very soon fashion brands are going to come under immense pressure about where the goods they sell were made, by whom and in what conditions. It’s also alarmingly obvious that many of the hundreds of thousands of fashion brands that operate within the US, Europe and UK are unable to answer those questions. Not for want of trying but simply because their globalised supply chains are so complex that while they believe they are working with one supplier there is a lack of awareness of the various other supply relationships that supplier has....
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3/4/2024
Two thirds of fashion brands are behind on their own decarbonisation targets, however research suggests these brands could reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60%, using less than 2% of their revenues. Two fifths (40%) of fashion brands have seen their emissions output increase since making their commitments to decarbonise, according to an analysis by research company McKinsey & Co....
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28/3/2024
A new report by Wazir Advisors reveals a significant decline in apparel imports across major global markets in January 2024 compared to the same period last year. The US, EU, UK, and Japan all witnessed double-digit drops, with the US leading the decline at 16.53 per cent to $6.04 billion.
This slump in imports coincides with a complex economic picture. While US consumer confidence dipped in February, apparel store sales surged 10 per cent compared to February 2023. This suggests a market clearing out existing inventory, potentially paving the way for a rebound in imports later in the year....
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28/3/2024
Apparel's secondhand market is set to grow three times faster than overall global fashion, according to a new report. The global secondhand apparel market will be worth $350bn by 2028 and will comprise 10% of the fashion market worldwide by 2025.
The Resale Report, written for online fashion thrift store Thredup by data research company GlobalData reveals the sector grew 15 times faster than the broader retail clothing sector in 2023. With 163 brands owning resale shops in 2023, retailers are already embracing the opportunities presented by resale....
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28/3/2024
Concerns about sustainability and ethics within the fashion sector remain but affordability has become a greater focus for apparel consumers. In GlobalData’s consumer survey conducted across Germany, France, Spain, Italy, China and the US in December 2023, apparel shoppers showed that they prioritise sustainability and ethics far less than factors like price, quality and value for money, exacerbated by the ongoing economic crisis....
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25/3/2024
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) ambassador Katherine Tai visited textile manufacturer Glen Raven as part of her wider goal of gaining public and industry input to help shape domestic textile and apparel sector supply chain resilience policy in future.
Tai’s visit to Glen Raven’s yarn-spinning manufacturing facility and the headquarters of its Sunbrella brand in Burlington, North Carolina coincided with the USTR’s call for public comments on promoting supply chain resilience....
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25/3/2024
Tremors ran through the apparel industry with the announcement of Renewcell's bankruptcy, but assigning blame is easy — it's finding solutions that will be hard, writes Robert P. Antoshak, partner at Gherzi Textile Organization.
The angst among environmental advocates was palpable after Renewcell shared its bankruptcy woes with the apparel sector....
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22/3/2024
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced its Freight Logistics Optimizations Works (FLOW) platform will publish data on inland freight hubs to give an enhanced view on future container import volumes and traffic.
FLOW’s platform, which will include rail terminal and warehouse end destination data, aims to inform capacity decisions, reduce supply chain disruptions and ultimately drive down costs for consumers....
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22/3/2024
Spring collections and promotions contributed to a UK clothing stores sales volume rise of 1.7% in February, according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics after repeated declines in previous months. The ONS said non-food stores sales volumes (the total of department, clothing, household and other non-food stores) rose by 0.7% over the month to February 2024, but fell 0.5% over the year....
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21/3/2024
The sports inspired clothing market is witnessing a transformation as it merges the worlds of athletics and fashion. As per study by Persistence Market Research, the global sports inspired clothing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3 per cent from $315.03 billion in 2023, to $452.2 billion by the end of 2030.
This dynamic segment within the fashion industry offers consumers a blend of performance features and fashion-forward designs, catering to the growing demand for comfortable and versatile attire suitable for both active pursuits and everyday wear....
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20/3/2024
Headline inflation has fallen to 3.4% in the UK according to the latest figures from the Consumer Price Index with the British Retail Consortium saying it was driven by falls in clothing and footwear. UK consumer prices are down to 3.4% in February from 4% in January following a fall in inflation and now sit at the lowest level in more than two years....
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19/3/2024
The children's apparel market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.8 per cent from 2023-33 to reach $386.19 billion by 2033. As per a report by Future Market Insights, some of the factors driving this growth include an increasing demand for kids garments made from cotton fiber due to their easy washability, minimal shrinkage and resistance to color fade....
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18/3/2024
Every apparel business is being impacted by high interest rates and to make matters worse, since these higher rates have followed decades of low ones many fashion brands and companies are finding themselves without a playbook to navigate this ongoing challenge, writes apparel industry expert Roit Kathiala....
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18/3/2024
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has rolled out two new statistics dashboards focused on the Enforce and Protect Act and e-Allegations programme with insights on country of origin, volume and types of trade violation. CBP’s executive director of trade remedy law enforcement Eric Choy explained US Customs’ new tools “underscore our dedication to fair and effective trade enforcement by making key data accessible”....
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18/3/2024
China was one of only four of the top 10 apparel suppliers to the US to see market share increase in January, but across the board, apparel imports in 2023, sank on weakened consumer demand. The year 2023 was a rocky one for the US apparel market with political turmoil including global wars, disruption to shipping and logistics, surging energy costs causing a spike in inflation and in turn increased living costs, all contributing to a weakened confidence in a consumer unwilling to prioritise apparel spend....
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12/3/2024
The global sports apparel market is poised to reach $75.6 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.82 per cent between 2022-2027, as per a report by Technavio Research.
The market is expected to be dominated by industry giants like Adidas AG, Nike Inc., and Under Armour Inc with North America commanding 37 per cent of the global market share.
While offline avenues will thrive through specialty shops and department stores, e-commerce will emerge as a formidable force, reshaping buyer-supplier dynamics with its convenience and accessibility, as per the report...
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11/3/2024
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is seeking input to inform the development of trade and investment policy initiatives that promote supply chain resilience.
A notice submitted by the USTR to the Federal Register explains resilient supply chains provide a range of sourcing options; adapt, rebound, and recover with agility following shocks; uphold labour rights and environmental protections; and strengthen the US manufacturing base and workforce....
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11/3/2024
The negative impact to US import cargo as a result of disruption on the Red Sea appears to be tapering off according to the latest port figures by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
Supply-chain adjustments to ongoing attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea show inbound cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports remains on track to show year-over-year increases through the first half of 2024....
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11/3/2024
As US President Biden and former President Trump look almost certain to be fighting once again for the US presidency in November, domestic issues are taking precedent with US senators seizing the chance to drive apparel sourcing away from China. As all eyes turn to the upcoming US election and its presidential candidates, some US senators have suggested a new bill that would encourage the US apparel and textile industry to focus on sourcing locally from both the US and its ‘partner countries’ instead of the likes of apparel sourcing major, China....
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7/3/2024
A bipartisan coalition hopes to close the de minimis imports loophole that allows packages valued at $800 or less to reach US consumers without facing any taxes, fees or inspection.
The coalition of labour unions, business associations, and stakeholders, including the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), Alliance for American Manufacturing and American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) seeks to draw attention to the de minimis provision in Section 321 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which exempts shipments valued at less than $800 from import tariffs....
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6/3/2024
The British Retail Consortium, UK fashion retailer New Look, UK luxury sector body Walpole and shopping centre Westfield express "utter disappointment" after the UK government failed to address apparel retailer concerns on business rates, VAT and investment in its Spring Budget.
While the UK government claimed its latest budget delivers “lower taxes and more investment”, a number of apparel retailers and representative bodies say the latest financial statement will not help the fashion retail sector....
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6/3/2024
UK retail sales slumped in February 2024 as consumers took a noticeable swerve away from clothing and into homeware, dining, health and beauty as the BRC urges the government to find ways to stimulate the economy. The British Retail Consortium, commenting on the sales figures from the Office of National Statistics and the February SPI, said wet weather impacted consumer demand....
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5/3/2024
The European apparel industry's environmental challenges are becoming increasingly pronounced, with the sector's critical issues such as waste management, carbon emissions, circularity, and physical climate risks, according to the Sustainability Insights report by S&P Global. This comes at a time when the industry, known for its high-volume and low-cost model, faces potential disruptions from new environmental taxes, regulations, or supply chain complications....
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5/3/2024
Currently valued at $425.5 billion in 2022, the global activewear market is expected to reach $771.8 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.2 per cent from 2023 to 2032.
As per a report by Allied Market Research, an increase in awareness regarding the benefits of engaging in sports activities has led to the rise in popularity of fitness and sports apparel and footwear, particularly among young people....
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4/3/2024
The fashion industry waxes lyrical about the mission to become greener but do the CSDDD legislation failure and textile-to-textile recycler Renewcell's collapse last week point to it being more talk and less action?
Collaboration. It’s a word that has been floating around in the apparel industry for some time now. In fact, it formed the basis of a chat with the former Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s (SAC) executive vice president Andrew Martin last week amid the organisation’s rebranding to CASCALE, whose entire ethos is centred around collaboration....
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4/3/2024
Having surged to a staggering $863 billion in 2023, the global women's apparel market is projected to rise to $1,280 billion by 2033-end, growing at a 4 per cent CAGR over the coming decade.
As per a report by FactMR, encompassing clothing, footwear, and accessories, the women’s apparel market has witnessed remarkable evolution over the years. The market's dynamism is propelled by changing fashion inclinations, cultural shifts, economic fluctuations, and technological advancements....
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2/3/2024
US Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro along with 40 lawmakers recently wrote to homeland security secretary Alexander Mayorkas urging him to provide an enforcement plan to address illegal customs practices that undercut US competitiveness and violate international trade and labour laws.
The letter requested a crackdown on the de minimis trade loopholes allowing cheap fast-fashion products to flow into the country....
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1/3/2024
US Homeland Security Secretary Alexander Mayorkas is being urged to create a detailed action plan with immediate effect to crack down on customs practices that are said to be undercutting US competitiveness and threatening US textile and apparel manufacturers.
US congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and 40 bipartisan lawmakers sent a letter to Mayorkas asking him to come up with a “concrete action plan” to address illegal custom practices that undercut US competitiveness and violate international trade and labour laws....
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29/2/2024
An increasing number of apparel brands are setting up their own fashion resale platforms or offering a rental service for their garments. What is behind this trend and what does it mean for both the fashion sector and consumers?
Resale and rental have become an increasingly large part of the fashion sector. While eBay, Vinted and Thredup have been offering consumers a chance to buy and sell apparel second-hand for many years, more recently we’ve seen apparel brands launching their own fashion resale platforms and rental sites....
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29/2/2024
The latest Economic Experts Survey paints a concerning picture for the global economy, with a significant risk of recession looming by the end of 2024. While experts remain cautiously optimistic overall, the potential impact on the textile and apparel industry is particularly worrisome. The World Trade Organization (WTO) predicts a 2-3 per cent decline in global trade in 2024, impacting textile and apparel exports. In fact, a recent study by McKinsey & Company found that 70 per cent of apparel companies expect a decline in sales in the next recession....
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29/2/2024
The UK sportswear market is expected to experience another testing year despite consumers’ intending to be more active in 2024. 2024 looks to be another challenging year for the UK sportswear market, as despite 71.7% of consumers stating they intend to do more exercise in 2024, significantly less expect to buy sports clothing and footwear than last year, according to GlobalData’s UK monthly survey in January 2024....
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29/2/2024
The European Union has failed to approve the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence directive (CSDDD) with an industry expert warning that without the directive, fashion brands and factories will face an "ever-growing patchwork of local rules and regulations".
In the wake of the CSDDD being blocked by European Union countries, Fair Wear Foundation’s executive director, Alexander Kohnstamm, told Just Style exclusively all involved in making global supply chains work for consumers, workers and businesses “want this legislation”....
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28/2/2024
Just Style investigates how fashion brands will need to pay closer attention to any green product claims when new European Union (EU) laws come into force.
The EU Council of Ministers approved on 20 February a new EU ‘empowering consumers for the green transition directive’, which will enter into force in March; while progress is being made on talks between the Council and European Parliament on the final text of a ‘substantiation and communication of explicit environmental claims’ directive. The Council’s current Belgian presidency wants to reach a ‘general approach’ on this marketing legislation by June, ahead of the European Parliament elections that month....
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28/2/2024
The landscape of apparel exports to Europe is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by changing consumer demands, sustainability concerns, and geopolitical shifts. The European Union (EU) represents a vast and lucrative apparel market, one that is undergoing a significant shift in its import dynamics. While traditional giants like China continue to hold sway, a new wave of players is rising, driven by factors ranging from economic diversification to ethical concerns....
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27/2/2024
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has revealed the Red Sea crisis has led to increased costs and delays for 53% of UK manufacturers and retailers.
The BCC report, which surveyed 1,087 businesses found some firms saw a 300% hike in prices for container hire, and others experienced logistical delays that added up to three to four weeks to delivery times.
Knock-on effects of these impacts included cashflow difficulties and component shortages on production lines....
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27/2/2024
Industry onlookers have warned Fast Retailing must focus on "getting the marketing right" as it reportedly weighs the option of expanding its value GU brand in the US and EU markets.
Takeshi Okazaki, chief financial officer of Fast Retailing, which also owns the Uniqlo brand, believes GU has just as much potential as Uniqlo. He told Bloomberg of plans to bring the Japanese fashion label to the US and Europe....
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27/2/2024
Europe, the world's leading apparel importer, is experiencing a dynamic shift in its consumption patterns and sourcing strategies. This transformation is driven by numerous factors, including changing consumer preferences, sustainability concerns, and evolving supply chains....
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26/2/2024
The US economy defied recessionary whispers, growing robustly in Q3 and Q4 2023. This presents both opportunities and challenges for the apparel industry, navigating a "swirl" of economic influences. While interest rates remain a headwind, tailwinds like a strong labor market and rising consumer confidence fuel optimism for the apparel industry. However, key questions linger....
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26/2/2024
US senators Sherrod Brown and Rick Scott are calling on the Biden administration to use executive action under the Tariff Act of 1930 to close a key loophole known as the ‘de minimis’ rule, which they believe foreign competitors exploit to evade duties and fees, giving them "unfair" advantage over American businesses.
Senators Brown and Scott explained that based on “de minimis” rule, packages under $800 in valuation are exempted from US duties, taxes and fees and allowed to enter the country with little to no inspections....
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24/2/2024
The global yoga clothing market is poised to reach $70,291.0 million by 2030, exhibiting a robust CAGR of 7.8 per cent from 2021 to 2030, as per a recent report by Allied Market Research.
The market growth is propelled by various factors. Firstly, the escalating incidence of obesity and lifestyle-related disorders has prompted individuals to adopt fitness practices like yoga, driving the demand for associated accessories such as yoga clothing. Additionally, governments and fitness clubs globally have actively promoted yoga, following initiatives like the proposal of International Yoga Day by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Such efforts have increased awareness and participation in yoga, thereby driving the market....
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22/2/2024
Valued at $480,991.8 million in 2019, the global plus size clothing market is projected to reach $696,712.1 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.9 per cent from 2021 to 2027, according to a recent report by Allied Market Research titled ‘Plus Size Clothing Market by Type, Gender, Age Group, and Price Point: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2027.’
The surge in demand for plus-size clothing is attributed to the increasing obese population, heightened consumer confidence, and a greater number of brands offering plus-size garment ranges. However, challenges such as high pricing for retailers and manufacturing complexities somewhat restrain market growth. Nevertheless, the rise in availability through omnichannel retail and expanding brand presence present lucrative opportunities for market players....
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22/2/2024
The European Council has made several proposals to tighten up guidance banning products made with forced labour for sale on the EU market. But what does it mean for fashion brands and retailers? And how should they prepare?
The European Council announced proposals for improvements to the text that prohibits products made with forced labour from the EU market....
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21/2/2024
Projected growth rates for US cotton over the next two years are set to be well below the recent historical average on the back of weak demand, according to the National Cotton Council of America.
In its 2024 cotton industry economic outlook, the NCC said weak demand has translated to pressures throughout the supply chain....
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21/2/2024
The growing sway of celebrities and influencers on brands' success means social media strategies are increasingly important.
Social media’s influence over what is seen as cool is contributing to the growing trend of globalised retail, perhaps more so than sustainability concerns, GlobalData analysts suggest.
The comments follow recent survey results from market researcher YPulse which found that 69% of 13 to 39-year-olds are more likely to purchase brands that are considered cool than those that are not....
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21/2/2024
The disruption to shipping through the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi militants is having a mixed impact on Egypt's apparel exporting industry. Egypt, which is a key European nearsourcing hub, has seen shipping rates increase since the Red Sea crisis, and the import of raw materials from east Asia impacted. However, it has also experienced an uptick in orders from European clients to take advantage of Egypt’s proximity to Europe, without running the gantlet of Houthi attacks....
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16/2/2024
Just Style's round-up of this week’s news in numbers explores why the US footwear market is struggling, The Children's Place battling falling revenues and the impact of the Red Sea crisis on apparel imports.
This week’s top apparel-related datasets come from The Children’s Place, the National Retail Federation, the US Office of Textiles and Apparel (Otexa) and Shoe Carnival....
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15/2/2024
Companies will now be required to seek approval for any environmental marketing claims before use or face severe penalties after new rules were adopted by The EU Internal Market and Environment committees yesterday (Wednesday 14 February).
Under the directive accredited verifiers will evaluate any environmental marketing or green claims within 30 days, as per the adopted text. Violations of these regulations could result in severe penalties, including exclusion from procurements, revenue confiscation, and fines of a minimum of 4% of the offender’s annual turnover....
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15/2/2024
New rules proposed by the European Commission aim to prevent and reduce textile waste across the EU.
MEPs in the EU’s environment committee have voted in favour of adopting a proposed revision of the Waste Framework Directive.
The new rules will set up extended producer responsibility schemes for textiles sold on the EU market....
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15/2/2024
According to the latest figures shared by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK's gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have fallen by 0.3% in the fourth quarter of 2023 (October to December) indicating a recession as consumers tighten budgets.
ONS explains that this follows an unrevised estimated fall of 0.1% in the previous quarter (July to September 2023)....
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15/2/2024
The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have led to shipping delays and additional costs for fashion brands and retailers. Just Style takes a deep dive into the crisis to reveal the short and long-term implications for the global fashion sector.
The armed rebel group from Yemen, which calls itself Houthis started targeting ships in the Red Sea in mid November 2023 as a response to the Israel war in the Gaza strip.
In early December global freight companies including MSC, Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM Group reported attacks on their vessels....
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14/2/2024
US-based non-profit Accelerating Circularity has released the next phase of the Building Circular Systems (BCS) initiative which aims to amplify the development of circular textile-to-textile systems, mitigating the industry's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and curbing the disposal of textiles into landfills and incinerators.
Accelerating Circularity’s BCS initiative aims to significantly ramp up material volumes, develop new tools and expand educational outreach based on insights from its previous work....
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14/2/2024
UK consumer price index (CPI) rose by 4 per cent in the 12 months to January this year. The rate was the same as the December 2023 figure.
On a monthly basis, CPI fell by 0.6 per cent in January 2024—the same rate as in January 2023.
Core CPI—excluding energy, food, alcohol and tobacco—rose by 5.1 per cent in the 12 months to January, the same rate as in December 2023....
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14/2/2024
Analysis of December data from the US Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) suggests US brands and retailers are gradually increasing their sourcing from suppliers based in CAFTA-DR regions. US apparel imports in December enjoyed a 4.5% uplift on the previous month after several months of straight decline, but were down on a year-on-year basis after six of the 10 top supplier countries reported lower shipments....
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13/2/2024
Fashion retailers will find pockets of growth, despite ongoing economic pressures, writes Lectra’s Americas president Leonard Marano. Each new year signifies a time of transformation for the fashion industry with 2024 being no different. While the fashion industry has seen many changes over the past few years due to new technologies, economic strains, and supply chain disruptions, it remains resilient. This year, retailers will work to identify pockets of growth and how they can maximise benefits, despite any uncertainties that may be looming from an economic standpoint....
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13/2/2024
The latest Global Port Tracker suggests that despite ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea due to attacks on ships, US inbound cargo volume is expected to have a “year-over-year increase” in the first half of 2024.
The National Retail Federation (NRF)’s vice president for supply chain and customs policy Jonathan Gold pointed out that only 12% of US-bound cargo passes through the Suez Canal, but added “the situation is bringing volatility and uncertainty that are being felt around the globe”....
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13/2/2024
US’ consumer price index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) saw a 0.3 per cent increase in December on a seasonally adjusted basis, marking a rise from the 0.1 per cent increase witnessed in November, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The index for apparel noted a slight uptick of 0.1 per cent during the same period.
The energy sector experienced a 0.4 per cent increase over the month, driven by notable rises in both the electricity and gasoline indexes, which helped counterbalance a decrease in the natural gas index. Similarly, the index for all items excluding food and energy maintained a consistent growth, matching November's 0.3 per cent increase....
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9/2/2024
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) have issued a joint letter with over 100 signatories calling for greater government support in ensuring the safety and accessibility of shipping routes. The signatories which represent a range of industries including retail, clothing and footwear, are urging governments to join, support, or align with the mission to support safe and secure maritime commerce in the Red Sea and across the globe....
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8/2/2024
The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) comes into force on 24 February 2024. But what is it? And what does it mean for the apparel supply chain?
The IPEF is described as a “first of its kind” agreement, bringing coordination between the US and 14 partner nations in four key areas....
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7/2/2024
International organisation Human Rights Watch criticises Germany’s Free Democratic Party (FDP)’s refusal to support the new Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The FDP’s decision not to support the new laws could now cause the German government to abstain from voting in favour of its introduction, which Human Rights Watch says could cause other countries to reconsider or withdraw their support....
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7/2/2024
According to Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), continued higher cost of living accompanied with weak consumer demand dampened sales, while milder temperatures hit clothing sales, particularly winter and footwear.
BRC reported that UK total retail sales, increased by 1.2% year-on-year in January, against a growth of 4.2% in January 2023. This was below the three-month average growth of 1.9% and below the 12-month average growth of 3.4%....
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4/2/2024
National Retail Federation (NRF) chief economist Jack Kleinhenz has reported that while inflation is down from its peak, it has slowed less than expected and is still an important problem that remains to be solved. Kleinhenz underscored the role of consumer behaviour in driving the strength of the US economy, particularly in light of the Federal Reserve’s attempts to mitigate inflationary pressures....
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2/2/2024
Supply chain disruptions in the Red Sea are driving up apparel sector shipping costs, causing alternative routes to be used and could result in longer-term shifts in sourcing as well as logistics, if the crisis continues.
Since October 2023, Yemen’s Houthis, a Zaidi Shia Islamist militant group that controls much of northern and western Yemen, have attacked dozens of cargo ships in the Red Sea in response to the Israeli invasion of and bombing of Gaza, following Hamas’ October terrorist attacks. This has caused insurance companies to stop insuring vessels on that route and forced major shipping lines to divert cargo around the Cape of Good Hope, adding some two to three weeks in transport times....
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2/2/2024
Reports have surfaced suggesting apprehension in the German government on voting in favour of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) which may delay its introduction.
The EU vote on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) takes place next week (9 January) but a Reuters report cites a letter sent by Finance Minister Christian Lindner and Justice Minister Marco Buschmann, which reveals the German government plans to “abstain”, though Just Style was unable to verify this at time of press....
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1/2/2024
Denim, the iconic fabric of rebellion and self-expression, faces a crossroads in 2024. While still a wardrobe staple, evolving trends and consumer preferences is leading to a dynamic shift in casual wear. Denim now faces competition from the revival of khakis. But is this a complete dethroning, or simply a wardrobe diversification?...
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1/2/2024
The National Council of Textile Organisations (NCTO) has welcomed a plan from the US Administration to crackdown on "unfair trade practices" which it says are responsible for the closure of eight production plants in the last three months. Secretary of US Homeland Security Alejandro N Majorkas has committed to a 30-day immediate textile enforcement action plan to tackle unfair trade practices and ensure the country’s domestic sector “is here long into the future”....
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31/1/2024
The demand for climate-adaptive clothing isn’t entirely new. What has changed is the type of clothing likely to be in demand due to climate change, writes Hologenix senior business developer Lucas Tyson.
Climate change is heating up the fashion industry with consumers beginning to seek out apparel that’s ready to adapt using tech given average global temperatures are steadily rising and the hottest years on record happened in the last decade....
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31/1/2024
A new study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and LightCastle has sparked a debate in the Bangladeshi garment industry: Can e-commerce platforms directly connect manufacturers with Western consumers, cutting out middlemen and boosting profits? The research suggests immense potential, with an estimated $489 million in additional revenue by 2027 across the US, EU, and Africa....
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30/1/2024
Millennial and Gen Z shoppers lack awareness of the environmental and social harm of fast fashion, according to research by Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), which suggests education is needed to change consumer behaviour.
Dr Yunzhijun Yu, a psychology instructor at KPU, conducted a trio of studies that shed light on the clothing consumption of young consumers and their understanding of fast fashion — a quick and inexpensive approach to making fashion trends available to consumers....
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30/1/2024
Apparel sector urged to create a solid fibre-to-fibre recycled PET polyester industry, given polyester is predicted to account for more than half of total fibre production by 2030.
Polyester will remain by far the most widely used type of fibre in textile and garment production for the foreseeable future, despite strong growth in other fibres, such as cellulosic, natural and those derived from bioplastics, according to a new report titled ‘Fibre innovations aid the creation of circular textile and apparel supply chains’....
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29/1/2024
The EU's new durability and anti-greenwashing law means the fashion industry can no longer hide behind sweeping statements of “environmentally friendly”, “natural”, “biodegradable” or “climate neutral” without solid proof, so what's next?
The European Union (EU) has officially adopted a law that will see a ban on greenwashing and other environmental claims or so-called ‘eco marketing’ being plastered across fashion items with a clear shift towards information on how long an item should actually last.
The European Parliament explained this new directive is meant to work together with the green claims directive which is currently being discussed at committee stage in Parliament....
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26/1/2024
Coach, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and the Circular Economy Institute share insights into unlocking the next stages of circularity in the apparel sector and moving from supply chains to ‘supply networks’.
Speaking at the Practical and Scalable Implementation of a Circular Economy, an online event hosted by news agency Reuters in collaboration with The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), representatives from key organisations shared insight into the current state of the circular economy....
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25/1/2024
Just Style reveals three key growth opportunities for the fashion sector given 2024 is set to be the biggest year of travel since before the pandemic.
Fashion brands and retailers are being urged to refresh distribution and category strategies to meet travellers wherever they are in 2024.
According to McKinsey’s State of Fashion 2023 report, 80% of consumers surveyed in the US, UK and China expect to shop for fashion while embarking on travel in 2024, with 28% planning to spend more than the previous year....
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24/1/2024
Global hosiery market, encompassing socks, stockings, tights, and leggings, is expected to reach $75.71 billion by 2029, thanks to a perfect blend of comfort, fashion, and function.
The rise of dance culture is fueling demand for specialized hosiery. Dancers, from professionals to enthusiasts, crave flexibility, breathability, and a touch of flair, driving innovation in this niche.
With eco-consciousness among consumers, the industry is moving towards green options. Biodegradable fibers, organic cotton blends, and recycled materials are replacing traditional fibers, while brands are adopting sustainable practices across the board....
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24/1/2024
The online apparel market is expected to make up 29.3% of total apparel sales by 2027, however a new report has warned fashion brands and retailers face four key challenges that could inhibit growth. GlobalData’s Global Online Apparel Market to 2027 report projects that by 2027, the online channel will make up 29.3% of total apparel sales, which it adds is only 0.9ppts higher than the share it reached in 2020 and stands as a testament to the “enduring appeal and benefits of stores.”...
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23/1/2024
The bustling world of textiles and apparel finds itself in a complex situation of progress and peril in 2024. While consumer demand for sustainable and conscious clothing rises, challenges and concerns weave a tangled web across key regions, economies, and industry segments. Here is a look at the current state of this dynamic industry, examining the pivotal points, pressing concerns, and intricate issues within....
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23/1/2024
Just Style shares four key strategies for tapping the lucrative sportswear market which continues to outperform the global apparel sector and was worth $441bn in 2022. The Global Sportswear Market to 2027 report by GlobalData forecasts a 5.9% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the global sportswear market from 2022 to 2027, growing to a value of $587.2bn.
The report highlighted this growth will be driven by Asia-Pacific which is set to rise at a CAGR of 8.6% as its large emerging middle-class continues to embrace global trends such as streetwear and athleisure....
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22/1/2024
Days of scratchy recycled sweaters and uninspired eco-conscious options are passé. The European fashion market is embracing recycled textile materials with gusto, and a recent study by MDPI reveals the fascinating sourcing strategies behind this trend. Titled: “Importing Clothing Made from Recycled Textile Materials? A Study of Retailers' Sourcing Strategies in Five European Countries", the report highlights, how major retailers in the UK, Italy, France, Germany, and Spain are tapping into a global network of suppliers to bring sustainable style to their customers....
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22/1/2024
The European Union (EU) has adopted a new law to ban greenwashing and other environmental claims with a focus on clearer information especially on the durability of goods to help consumers make better purchasing choices.
The Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have adopted a directive that seeks to protect consumers from misleading marketing claims, with 593 votes in favour, 21 against and 14 abstentions....
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20/1/2024
The US International Trade Commission (USITC) is undertaking a new fact-finding investigation to examine the export competitiveness of the apparel industries in India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia and Pakistan.
The probe was requested by the US trade representative (USTR) last December.
USITC will prepare a public report that will provide a comparison of the relative US market shares held by these nations at present and five and ten years ago. It will analyse changing patterns in market shares and trade, including against other top suppliers, noting any significant shifts....
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20/1/2024
While leading on innovation, the global fashion industry finds it difficult to transition to circularity and still largely depends on a linear business model, according to a report by Geneva-based World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
Misaligned incentives and reward systems that do not factor in externalities prevent progress on the more circular and sustainable use of resources, and current incentives do not support the transition to circularity and companies lack actionable decision-making information, it notes....
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19/1/2024
US clothing sales jumped 3% in the two months from November to December as consumers enjoyed the easing of prices in certain categories, data analysis from the NRF reveals. The holiday season, defined by NRF as 1 November through 31 December, saw online and non-store sales increase by 8.2% to $276.8bn, surpassing the NRF’s forecasted growth of 7% to 9%.
Core retail sales surged 3.8% to $964.4bn according to data released by the US Census Bureau....
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19/1/2024
Move over, conspicuous consumption. In 2024, luxury is getting a makeover, with a focus on quality, sustainability, and accessibility. The rise of "bridge-to-luxury" fashion is reshaping the industry, blurring the lines between high-end and high-street.
This trend is driven by a growing awareness of fast fashion's environmental and ethical costs, coupled with a shift in consumer values. Shoppers seek today pieces that are well-made, long-lasting, and tell a story. They're willing to invest in quality over quantity, even if it means stepping outside the traditional luxury brands....
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19/1/2024
A new report found resale players are struggling to remain profitable despite the resale apparel market growing by 114.8% between 2017 and 2022 to reach $193.7bn with additional competition from major brands like Zara, Shein with their in-house resale services.
The Global Apparel Resale Market to 2027 report attributes the dampening of profits largely to the high operational costs associated with running resale platforms, which cannot be offset by user fees alone....
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18/1/2024
A new study with the board directors and senior executives who work for fashion brands and retailers in the UK, US and Australia, by Aquapak Polymers Ltd, which specialises in polymer-based material technologies that can deliver both performance and environmental responsibility at scale, has revealed that 12 per cent expect their business to be fully circular within one to two years, 34 per cent within two to three years and 31 per cent within three to four years. One fifth is expecting to reach this goal in four to five years....
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18/1/2024
Rising political tension is overshadowing the trend for friendshoring within the apparel sector with civil unrest unlikely to subside in key garment hubs in 2024.
The trend for friendshoring – or manufacturing and sourcing apparel from countries which are geopolitical allies – is under threat from rising political tension, according to a new report by risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft.
Verisk Maplecroft analysed five-year trends across 40 emerging markets, including key manufacturing hubs Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, Thailand and Türkiye, for risk across a combination of issues....
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18/1/2024
As the fashion sector combats a spike in counterfeit goods amid its mission to become more transparent with consumers about the journey of the goods they buy, an expert tells Just Style how blockchain can be leveraged to give customers "deeper insights" into their purchases including its origin and previous ownership.
Data analysis company GlobalData defines blockchain as an electronic ledger of transactions that is continuously maintained in blocks of record and is jointly held and run by all participants. It is coupled with cryptographic security making the ledger tamper-proof....
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17/1/2024
About 58 per cent of US’ consumers consider clothing labels as very important sources of information, with 7 out of 10 (72 per cent) agreeing that clothing labels are convenient to use, according to a recent survey conducted by Cotton Incorporated.
In terms of helpfulness, consumers rated various aspects of clothing labels, finding garment size information to be the most useful at 83 per cent. Description of garment care came in close behind at 80 per cent, followed by fibre content at 61 per cent and country of origin at 50 per cent, as per the Supply Chain Insights – Clothing Label Survey....
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16/1/2024
US clothing retailers benefitted from a strong holiday shopping season in 2023 according to new figures from the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor.
According to the latest figures, US clothing and accessories stores were down 0.44% month over month but up 4.28% year over year unadjusted in the December 2023 holiday period.
“December’s numbers combined with November’s results show retailers had a very successful two-month holiday season,” NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Clearly, retailers got it right this holiday season, providing consumers with what they wanted, options on when and where to make their purchases and with prices customers were comfortable paying.”...
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16/1/2024
Spurred by the growing integration of electronic devices into clothing, the global e-textiles and smart clothing market is project to grow at a robust CAGR of 32.3 per cent from 2024-2030 to reach $2.7 billion by 2030.
According to a report by Ameco Research, growth in the global smart clothing market will be led by upper wear including smart jackets and shirts, due to the speedy real-time data collection and processing capabilities of these garments....
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16/1/2024
European industry leaders, represented by EURATEX and 22 industry associations, have urgently appealed to the EU Presidents in a joint letter to expedite the finalization of trade negotiations with Mercosur. The letter, addressed to Presidents Metsola, Michel, and von der Leyen, emphasizes the time-sensitive nature of reaching an agreement. The associations, spanning diverse sectors from manufacturing to food-related industries, stress the potential economic benefits of the EU-Mercosur deal....
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16/1/2024
The American dream has long been stitched with visions of bustling factories and workers earning their fair share. But beneath the "Made in America" slogan lies a tangled reality, one where ethical production clashes with cost and convenience. Unravelling the complexities of ethical fashion, exploring the struggles of a small Maine-based manufacturer, the dark underbelly of the American garment industry, and the hopeful whispers of a future where fashion aligns with fairness, the story is beyond just patriotism, delving into the intricate web of economics, consumer choices, and the human cost of cheap clothing....
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15/1/2024
From audacious acquisitions to ethical awakenings, 2023 painted a vibrant yet starkly contrasting picture for the fashion industry. While some brands surged ahead with bold strategies and a tech-savvy embrace, others grappled with financial woes and ethical quandaries. This captivating story delves into the key themes that defined the year, from M&S's roaring comeback to Shein's explosive growth amidst legal controversies. But the tale doesn't end there....
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15/1/2024
As we move into the third week of the new year and Blue Monday, the apparel sector is still struggling with the same familiar problems, but it's not too late to start again.
The third Monday of the year — often dubbed ‘Blue Monday’ — is supposedly the most depressing day of the year. The concept is based on winter weather conditions, post-holiday season debt and the average time since new year’s resolutions have been broken....
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15/1/2024
Chemical management company Oeko-Tex will update its application test criteria, limit values and guidelines for its certifications in April, however a new limit value for total fluorine (TF) as part of its ban on the intentional use of PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) came into immediate effect on 1 January.
Oeko-Tex said its new regulations, based on “new scientific findings and legal developments,” will come into force from 1 April 2024, following the regular transition period....
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12/1/2024
Egypt is opening what it claims to be the world's largest spinning and weaving factory next month with investments exceeding £30bn ($38bn), according to local news reports.
Mahmoud Esmat, the minister of the public business sector, told local news publication Arab Finance the factory is set to commence operations in the city of Mahalla al-Kubra during the next month as part of Egypt’s national project to develop the textile industry....
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12/1/2024
Renowned sustainability leader, Fashion for Good, is set to spearhead a groundbreaking strategy aimed at propelling regenerative fashion innovations to new heights. The bold move involves a substantial commitment to fortify the Innovation Platform, intensify efforts in brand integration, supplier collaboration, financing, and impact measurement. Simultaneously, the iconic Fashion for Good Museum is set to close its doors in a grand finale at the end of January, metamorphosing into a dynamic blended-use and co-working space by June 2024....
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11/1/2024
US’ textile and apparel (T&A) imports rose by 1.5 per cent in November 2023 as against the corresponding month previous year, as per a report by the Office of Textiles and Apparel of the US Department of Commerce (OTEXA).
The country’s imports from Mexico surged by 79.8 per cent to 443.9 million SME during November 2023 as against 246.9 million SME in November 2022, as per OTEXA....
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10/1/2024
Expected growth in the UK retail sector over Christmas was thwarted by dampened spending as cautious consumers hesitated over purchases.
The British Retail Consortium has warned 2024 looks set to be another challenging year for UK retail with spending constrained over high living costs.
In the three months to December, non-food sales fell 1.5% on a total basis, steeper than the 12-month average decline of 0.1%....
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10/1/2024
The National Retail Federation (NRF)'s chief economist Jack Kleinhenz warns tighter credit conditions and escalating borrowing costs may dampen US consumer spending in 2024.
Speaking in the January issue of the National Retail Federation (NRF) Monthly Economic Review, Kleinhenz acknowledged the resilience of the US economy throughout 2023 and the unexpected strength of consumer spending in the face of challenges such as high inflation and soaring interest rates....
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9/1/2024
High inflation rates and lasting macroeconomic troubles have driven the popularity of resale, with a new report from GlobalData revealing the sector grew 17.7% in 2023.
As customers seek more affordable options, the Global Apparel Resale Market to 2027 report revealed an increase in the importance of online platforms such as Vinted and Vestiaire Collective, which have also helped raise consumer awareness about the practice of secondhand online shopping from the perspective of both buyers and sellers....
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9/1/2024
The latest Global Port Tracker report revealed a "traditional" slowdown post the bustling holiday season but the recent attacks in the Red Sea have caused trade disruptions, leading to prolonged transit times and increased costs. According to the Global Port Tracker report released on 8 January by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates, the inbound cargo volume at the US’ major container ports should gradually slow during the first quarter of 2024 with the holiday season over, before beginning to build again in the spring....
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8/1/2024
The minimum wage protests and political violence that preceded Bangladesh's ruling party winning its fourth term serve as a stark reminder for why the fashion manufacturing sector must prepare itself for the biggest global election year in history.
More than 50 countries around the world with a combined population of around 4.2bn will hold national and regional elections in 2024, according to Forbes....
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5/1/2024
The insatiable appetite for denim took a surprising turn in 2023, as the global denim fabric trade wove a new narrative on the export and import scene. Some countries emerged as trendsetters, sporting vibrant threads of growth, while others faced a re-adjustment in their textile tapestry. Let's unravel the intricacies of this captivating story, revealing the winners and contenders who reshaped the denim landscape. We'll then peek into the looming threads of 2024, anticipating where the next twists and turns might lead....
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5/1/2024
UK clothing retailers are advised to brace themselves for multiple cost pressures this year with business rates set to soar in April and shipping disruptions in the Red Sea likely to impact product availability and pricing.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC)-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor (RSM), which is described as an accurate monthly measure of UK-wide retail sales performance showed shop price annual inflation held steady at 4.3% in the period 1-7 December, maintaining a level below the three-month average rate of 4.6%....
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4/1/2024
The world's love affair with denim took a fascinating turn in 2023, with some countries strutting in stylish new threads while others faced a wardrobe re-think. Let's unravel the tale of who soared and who slumped in the global denim trade, both exports and imports, and the reasons behind the sartorial shift....
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4/1/2024
The US fashion market witnessed a notable shift in 2023, as fast fashion brands exerted a substantial influence on consumer preferences, reshaping the dynamics of luxury fashion sales. A comprehensive report by Consumer Edge highlights, the allure of high-end fashion labels such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Burberry faced a challenging scenario due to the reproduction and sale of their designs at affordable price s by fast fashion counterparts....
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3/1/2024
Currently valued at $71.23 billion, the global jeans market is expected to grow at 6.31 per cent CAGR from 2023-29 to reach $109.32 billion by 2029.
By 2029, the online sales channel segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate of 11.2 per cent. The growth will be driven by the rise in participants and the popularity of e-commerce sites that offer a large selection of products, such Myntra, Amazon, Alibaba, and Flipkart....
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3/1/2024
In this essential guide to the ever-evolving world of fashion due diligence legislation, Just Style uncovers what it means and how it will impact everyone working within the fashion supply chain.
Regulators worldwide are cracking down on poor labour and environmental practices in fashion supply chains amid growing concerns about upstream parts of the clothing industry. Probes into major international fashion brands, who have been criticised about alleged malpractice by their suppliers have been encouraging legislation and regulation reforms....
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3/1/2024
Danish freight company A.P. Moller-Maersk has announced a suspension of all transits through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden until further notice, in response to the escalating Houthi attacks on its shipping vessels in the region.
Moller-Maersk has paused all transits through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and is conducting an ongoing investigation into the attack on its vessel, Maersk Hangzhou, which occurred on 30 December....
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3/1/2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) software company Smartex says the apparel supply chain is shifting from one focused solely on price to one focused on price, speed, quality and compliance but without modernisation, factories will be overwhelmed by these competing priorities.
Smartex’s report titled ‘The Modern Textile Factory’ says the status quo of how an apparel factory is run will not serve the purposes of either financial growth or impact reduction....
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3/1/2024
A "rapid decline" in US job openings in November 2023 is being attributed to job closures outpacing the creation of new jobs along with the tightening of company money policies and advancements in generative AI with apparel jobs in particular seeing a strong decline by the end of 2023.
Data analysis company GlobalData said the upcoming US Job Openings and Labour Turnover Survey (JOLTS) report for November 2023, which is due to be released later today (3 January 2024), is expected to print between 8.3 to 8.5 million job openings....
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2/1/2024
A National Retail Federation (NRF) report has revealed that for every $1bn in sales, the average retailer incurred $145m in merchandise returns with shoppers taking advantage of policy, process and system gaps.
The report titled ‘2023 Consumer Returns in the Retail Industry,’ explained total returns for the US retail industry amounted to $743bn in merchandise and the total returns rate as a percentage of sales was 14.5%...
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2/1/2024
The certification label Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) has passed the requirements for the Green Button 2.0 certification scheme for sustainable manufacturing and wet processes.
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) has received recognition from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) who expressed gratitude for GOTS’ active involvement and contributions to the Green Button 2.0 recognition process....
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2/1/2024
The Americans for Free Trade (AFT) coalition is “frustrated” with the short notice the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has given to businesses to prepare for an extension to its reinstated and Covid-related exclusions in its China Section 301 investigation and urges USTR to release the results of its four-year tariffs review "immediately".
AFT, which is a coalition of US businesses, trade organisations and workers united against tariffs, said it appreciates the short-term extension of the China Section 301 tariff exclusions by USTR to 31 May 2024....
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2/1/2024
Fashion brand and retailer success in 2024 and beyond will largely rely on repairing frays within the value chain, according to the latest McKinsey report, which says the "bullwhip effect" that kicked off around the Covid period is likely to linger well beyond 2024.
McKinsey & Co noted in its State of Fashion 2023 report that demand volatility has continued since the pandemic and disproportionately impacted upstream suppliers. It calls this the “bullwhip effect” and added that factories that were at full capacity in 2021 have been operating at 30%-40% below capacity in 2023....
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2/1/2024
New year, new start, big changes in the fashion world. The penultimate week of 2023 saw announcements around acquisitions, divestments and restructures roll in as the industry gears up for what looks set to be a challenging year.
It’s the start of a whole new year and fashion brands and retailers are keen to get their houses in order as evidenced by the raft of acquisition and divestment announcements in the last week of 2023....
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2/1/2024
Currently worth $70 million, the global denim jeans market is projected to grow to $114.6 million by 2030-end.
As per the 'Denim Jeans-Global Strategic Business Report' by ResearchAndMarkets, growth in the global denim jeans market will be driven by a surge in online sales that are expected to grow by 12 per cent CAGR during the analysis period.
On the other hand, the offline sales of denim jeans are projected to grow att 4.2 per cent CAGR and reach $77 million during the analysis period....
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30/12/2023
Despite malls witnessing an uptick in footfalls during the Christmas weekend, consumption across apparel category remained muted.
Apparel retailers witnessed a subdued demand during the October-November festive season as consumers continued to spend with caution. While demand surged during Christmas, the weakness in consumption spilled into December.
This year, consumers seem to have directed their spending to other essential categories. However, this may normalise next year, says Rajneesh Mahajan, CEO, Inorbit Malls....
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30/12/2023
In the period from January to October 2023, the United States encountered a significant 27.45% year-on-year decrease in trouser imports, tallying up to a worrisome $5.64 billion loss in the total value. This downturn raises concerns for global trouser exporters reliant on the US market.
Amid this challenging landscape, Vietnam managed to retain its lead as the top exporter to the US, despite a 29% decline, with exports totaling $3.02 billion. Bangladesh, the second-largest exporter, faced a substantial drop of 29.74%, reaching $2.57 billion, intensifying the competition with Vietnam in a sluggish market....
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29/12/2023
Forget your traditional fashion capitals! In 2023, the world's most captivating runways stretched far beyond the cobbled streets of Milan and the Champs-Élysées. From the vibrant bazaars of Mumbai to the sun-drenched shores of Rio de Janeiro, local designers and age-old traditions took center stage, redefining luxury fashion with a kaleidoscope of cultural influences and sustainable practices.
As 2023 gracefully twirls towards its finale, the global luxury apparel industry finds itself draped in a tapestry woven with shimmering threads of reinvention, resilience, and a dash of uncertainty. Let's embark on a sartorial odyssey, unraveling the key trends that defined the year and peeking into the crystal ball for 2024's prospects....
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28/12/2023
As 2023 draws to a close, the global fashion industry presents a tapestry woven with contrasting threads. While glimmers of recovery and innovation shine through, the year has been marked by uncertainty, economic anxieties, and the ever-present shadow of climate concerns. Let's unravel the key trends that shaped global fashion in this tumultuous year:...
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21/12/2023
Fashion sourcing experts share a roadmap for navigating transparency in 2024 and explain why the future of successful fashion sourcing will depend on collective responsibility throughout the supply chain.
Transparency and accountability have superseded sustainability as the driving forces for fashion sourcing as we head towards 2024....
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21/12/2023
Just Style reveals the top five fashion deals of 2023, ranging from luxury fashion company Tapestry buying its rival for $8.5bn to UK fashion retailer Next ending its recent acquisition spree with the purchase of mid-priced fashion brand Fat Face.
This year saw fashion brands plagued by high energy and material costs on the manufacturing end of the supply chain and a cost of living crisis with high inflation dampening sales and creating excess inventory at the consumer end....
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20/12/2023
Once upon a time, luxury was the symbol of exclusivity, an expensive proposition for the select few. For decades, there were a few luxury brands, mainly of European origin, that had the rights on exclusivity. Leading global luxury brands like Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Dior maintained a tight grip on retail operations, mainly through their own outlets which allowed them to avoid discounts and fully control their brand image. The marketing mantra for this upper-most echelon of brands was they were never on discount. Of course these brands held the much-awaited sales a couple of times a year to clear stock and move in with the next season’s collections, tantalizing and teasing those who couldn’t afford them otherwise....
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20/12/2023
The relative absence of the fashion industry at COP28 suggests sustainable fashion has a marketing problem.
The textiles industry is estimated to account for up to 10% of global emissions – more than international flights and shipping combined – yet you probably wouldn’t realise that from scanning the schedule of events at COP28, the annual UN climate conference held in Dubai earlier this month. Of the many hundreds of side events that took place during the conference, just a handful centred on sustainable fashion. During one of those events, a panel exploring strategies to decarbonise the sector hosted by the Alpine Group, the apparel maker that was COP27’s official uniform sponsor, noted the industry’s absence in Dubai....
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20/12/2023
Experts from across the fashion supply chain share their predictions for 2024 as the sector navigates ongoing geopolitical and environmental concerns alongside unexpected twists and turns.
As we head towards 2024 and share expert predictions, there is no doubt that 2023 has been another challenging year for fashion sourcing. The world seemed to be ready to get back on its feet post-pandemic, however the ongoing impact of high inflation led to increased production costs and reduced consumer spend....
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19/12/2023
The price of cotton is depressed and weak demand combined with hefty crops in some parts of the world have dampened prices, but by mid-2024 the cotton market could regain its mojo, writes Robert P. Antoshak, Gherzi Textile Organization partner. Common sense suggests that cotton demand would pick up when prices are down, except in 2023 and potentially 2024 demand for yarns, fabrics, clothing, and home textiles is anaemic. Nothing is selling; production sits in inventory or is side-lined in the shadow of idled equipment....
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18/12/2023
This year has been a rollercoaster ride for the fashion industry with the hype of the metaverse and China reopening its doors post-Covid feeling like a lifetime ago, but has the sector learned anything in 2023 or will the same merry-go-round keep spinning in 2024?
If we rewind back to January 2023, global fashion brands were still raving about the potential of the metaverse and there were high hopes for fashion supply chains to return ‘back to normal’ when China finally reopened its borders and bid farewell to Covid lockdowns for good....
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15/12/2023
The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) ended with the announcement of a new agreement described as “the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era”, as leading apparel sector bodies react to the new deal.
UN climate change executive secretary Simon Stiell said in his closing speech at COP28: “Whilst we didn’t turn the page on the fossil fuel era in Dubai, this outcome is the beginning of the end.”
Stiell added that all governments – as well as businesses – need to turn the pledges made into “real-economy outcomes, without delay”....
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15/12/2023
Frequent extreme weather events are having a negative impact on the fashion value chain according to McKinsey & Co’s latest report with GlobalData's filings data showing an increase in natural disaster mentions in 2023.
McKinsey & Co’s recent State of Fashion report warned the fashion industry needs to build resilience into its supply chain as climate change makes extreme weather events more frequent. It estimates that extreme weather events could jeopardise $65bn worth of apparel exports by 2030....
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15/12/2023
A new study suggests the US adaptive clothing market has significant growth potential but fashion retailers could make it more affordable to people with disabilities by using the import duty-free tariffs available.
One in four US consumers have experienced at least one type of disability, indicating significant growth potential for the adaptive clothing market, according to the authors of a recent study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education Journal....
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14/12/2023
Multiple experts speaking at the World Fashion Convention echoed the same key fashion sourcing regions and countries to watch in 2024 based on the diversity, agility and transparency criteria that remain high on fashion sourcing executives' priority lists.
This year is coming to an end filled with uncertainty but there are still rays of hope in terms of new fashion sourcing countries to watch in 2024.
Fashion sourcing executives preparing strategies for 2024 have a lot to navigate. There are wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe as well as geopolitical tensions between the US and China....
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14/12/2023
Global apparel brands are realizing the importance of diversified partnerships in today's market. The working between retailers and suppliers requires more flexibility to enhance relationships and drive sales. The global supply chain, originating from low-cost sourcing destinations, is currently facing logistical challenges due to geopolitical tensions and fluctuating demand driven by inflation....
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14/12/2023
The rise of knitwear from its traditional role as innerwear to a fashion statement has been remarkable, capturing the attention of both consumers and designers. The fabric's exceptional versatility has empowered designers to break barriers and explore novel trends, with emerging fashion creators enthusiastically embracing its flexible and unconventional characteristics. The period of global lockdowns in 2021 and 2022 underscored knitwear, as consumers gravitated towards its comfort and adaptability. In a noteworthy shift, knitwear appears poised to outshine its conventional counterpart, woven fabric....
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14/12/2023
In early December 2023, the Consumer Wise team at McKinsey published a report on consumer research findings from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK. The study, based on Q3 data ending September 31, highlighted on the varied sentiments of European consumers regarding the recovery of their respective economies. The prevailing Russo-Ukrainian conflict and unrest in the Middle East have intensified feelings of uncertainty among....
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14/12/2023
The EU has agreed a new set of rules that will require EU and non-EU textile and apparel companies to safeguard human rights and the environment within their policies and risk management systems or risk financial penalties. The EU Parliament and council negotiators have informally agreed on new legislation for corporate sustainability due diligence that will apply to all big companies as well as smaller companies deemed to be in high-risk sectors, such as the textile and apparel sector....
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13/12/2023
The consumer price index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) increased by 0.1 per cent in November on a seasonally-adjusted basis, after being unchanged in October, the US Bureau of Labour Statistics reported. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased by 3.1 per cent before seasonal adjustment.
That index for apparel fell by 1.3 per cent in November, after rising by 0.1 per cent the previous month, a BLS release said....
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13/12/2023
Just Style sits down with the man behind the fashion supply chain industry's most hotly anticipated report of 2024 to find out how its new business model intends to turn the industry on its head - from a global laggard into a global leader for sustainability, social ethics, and of course, profitability.
It’s no exaggeration to say this interview was a year in the making and a case of third-time lucky (perhaps persistence pays-off). Just Style first met John Thorbeck, chairman of Chainge Capital LLC, which is an expert on speed-to-market applications at retail and short life-cycle product companies, in November 2022 at the International Apparel Federation’s World Fashion Convention in Bangladesh....
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13/12/2023
At current estimates, clothing and footwear consumption is expected to increase by over 60%, from 62 million tonnes in 2022 to 102 million tonnes in 2023 as GlobalData figures reveal company mentions of sustainability are flagging.
Sustainability is struggling to move from beyond talk to measurable action, according to McKinsey & Co’s State of Fashion 2023 report which notes while there is some industry progress, the pace of transformation falls short of what is needed to prepare for impending regulations....
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12/12/2023
US apparel shipments from all sources sank in October as consumer demand continued to wane with Bangladesh bearing the brunt after wage protests in the country and a sluggish economy.
US apparel imports fell 8.3% in October to 2bn SME with shipments from six of the ten biggest suppliers showing a decline according to the latest data from the US Office of Textiles and Apparel....
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11/12/2023
The latest Global Port Tracker report suggests the inbound cargo volume at the US' major container ports should continue to slow in the final weeks of 2023 after reaching its peak in fall, which was later than expected.
The Global Port Tracker report, which is released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates revealed October should turn out to be the peak of the holiday shipping season in 2023....
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11/12/2023
Sportswear retail companies have thrived in recent years, so could the fact a handful have fallen into financial difficulty recently signal the wider fashion sector is about to face yet another crisis?
Last week saw two European sports companies fall on hard times despite the activewear category usually being one of the most resilient in the sector....
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8/12/2023
A new study suggests US policymakers should consider supporting small and medium sized US textile and apparel manufacturers, strengthening US fabric production and supporting exports from outside the Western Hemisphere to improve US apparel manufacturer and export strategies.
Textiles and apparel “Made in the USA” have gained growing attention in recent years amid the increasing supply chain disruptions during the pandemic, the rising geopolitical tensions worldwide, and consumers’ increasing interest in sustainable apparel and faster speed to market....
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8/12/2023
The European Apparel and Textile Confederation (Euratex) believes the European Commission's approved rules aimed at facilitating trade and investment across Pan-Euro-Mediterranean countries will unlock the "biggest and most integrated region of sustainable apparel manufacturing and trade".
European textile and clothing industry body Euratex has welcomed the new rules on origin, which will be introduced across the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) region, covering 27 EU member states and 24 partner countries in the region....
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7/12/2023
The European Parliament and the Council have reached a provisional agreement on the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation which promises to redefine product standards and make sustainable products the “new norm” in the EU.
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation builds upon the success of the Ecodesign Directive, which has played a key role in enhancing energy efficiency across EU products for nearly two decades....
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6/12/2023
The primary focus when purchasing children’s clothing is on ensuring safety, comfort, and ease of wear. These factors constitute the core value proposition in the global market for kids' wear. Despite the evolution of trends in kid’s apparel sector, cotton remains a fundamental and enduring choice as the staple fiber, catering to the sensitivity of children's delicate skin.
The market is experiencing substantial growth propelled by the demand for sustainable and ethically produced textiles that align with environmental concerns. Additionally, the surge in popularity of gender-neutral unisex clothing and heightened brand awareness among young children, driven by the widespread influence of social media, are key factors contributing to market dynamics....
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5/12/2023
UK retail sales witnessed a 2.7% increase in total retail sales in November, a slight slowdown compared to the 4.2% growth recorded in the same period last year as Black Friday momentum failed to hold out due to cautious consumers delaying Christmas spending.
The 2.7% increase in UK retail sales exceeded the 3-month average growth of 2.6% but fell below the 12-month average growth of 4.1%, according to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor (RSM), which is an accurate monthly measure of UK-wide retail sales performance over the four weeks 29 October to 25 November....
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4/12/2023
Fashion brands have not fully embraced sustainable practices involving chemical recycling, particularly in adopting innovative methods to transform old textiles into new ones for a more eco-friendly approach. High-tech materials like circulose-containing viscose, utilized in these fabrics, are not readily available and come with a significantly higher cost compared to traditional virgin materials derived from oil, cotton, and wood....
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4/12/2023
After the crazy times of Covid, the way we see denim is changing. Now, everyone's into being eco-friendly and thinking more about the planet. The fashion world, dealing with money ups and downs and global issues, isn't growing as fast. Big clothing companies had big plans for denim, but now it's not the superstar anymore; it's more about keeping things steady....
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1/12/2023
McKinsey’s 2024 ‘State of Fashion’ report points towards significant uncertainty looming over the global fashion industry. Prevailing sluggishness in global economic growth and unabated inflationary pressures signal a challenging landscape. With consumer confidence remaining pessimistic, if not weakened, leaders in the fashion industry are now confronted with the imperative task of pinpointing ‘pockets of value’ and uncovering ‘new performance drivers’....
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1/12/2023
An exclusive content analysis reveals how US fashion companies’ sourcing strategies have evolved in response to rising geopolitical tensions and economic slowdowns as well as the emerging sourcing trends worth watching in 2024.
The sourcing environment facing US fashion companies has significantly shifted over the past few years, from Covid-related supply chain disruptions, hiking inflation and economic slowdown, to rising geopolitical tensions....
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30/11/2023
Fast fashion online retailer Pretty Little Thing appeared to take a lower profile for Black Friday 2023 with Year over Year (YoY) traffic decreasing by almost half (45%). A record 200.4 million consumers shopped over the five-day holiday weekend (from Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday through to Cyber Monday) in the US, surpassing 2022’s record of 196.7 million, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey.
Some 36% of surveyed consumers said they shopped at clothing and accessories stores, while 49% of all gifts bought were clothing and accessories....
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30/11/2023
Supply chain resiliency will be a key area of focus for fashion industry executives in 2024, with transparency and communication across all supply chain stakeholders paramount in future-proofing businesses, the latest McKinsey & Co State of Fashion 2024 report reveals.
According to the eighth annual fashion report by McKinsey & Co, The State of Fashion 2024, 70% of chief procurement officers responding to the survey, believe that improving demand transparency with suppliers through systems and processes is critical in navigating market turmoil....
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30/11/2023
Supply chain resiliency will be a key area of focus for fashion industry executives in 2024, with transparency and communication across all supply chain stakeholders paramount in future-proofing businesses, the latest McKinsey & Co State of Fashion 2024 report reveals.
According to the eighth annual fashion report by McKinsey & Co, The State of Fashion 2024, 70% of chief procurement officers responding to the survey, believe that improving demand transparency with suppliers through systems and processes is critical in navigating market turmoil....
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29/11/2023
With heightened awareness around health and wellness in the post-Covid era, sports-inspired clothing has injected new vitality into the fashion industry. Particularly, the youth segment seeks stylish attire not only for gym sessions but also for home workouts. The surge in global sports events and tournaments has further amplified the demand for athletic clothing styles....
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29/11/2023
Continuing its efforts Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) introduces ongoing pilot for ‘Controlled Supply Chain Scheme’ (CSCS). Initiated in 2022, the CSCS pilot project is designed to aid small-scale operators in surmounting challenges associated with obtaining GOTS certification.
GOTS crafted the scheme to address the administrative and financial hurdles confronted by these operators. The project seeks to enhance supply chain efficiency by simplifying the group certification process, thereby reducing costs and mitigating administrative barriers....
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28/11/2023
Fashion industry experts reveal how digital technologies are already being used to lower the fashion industry's environmental footprint and are forging a path towards more sustainable production.
The intersection of technology and sustainability has sparked a revolution. We are all too familiar with the challenges facing the fashion industry, like excessive stock, overconsumption, and unsustainable production practices....
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27/11/2023
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts continue, the disconnect between consumerism and sustainability within the fashion industry is ever more apparent.
Shoppers continue to seek out the best deals during the Black Friday weekend, but the instant gratification of a bargain and the growing need for sustainability in the fashion sector are very much at loggerheads.
At a time when the fashion industry is striving to reduce waste, promote slow fashion, and embrace sustainability, the irony of Black Friday cannot be ignored, especially as it lands just days before COP28....
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22/11/2023
GlobalData's Energy Monitor takes you through what to expect at COP28, the UN climate conference taking place in December in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
On 30 November, some 75,000 delegates including politicians, ministers, representatives from civil society, the private sector, international organisations and media organisations (including Energy Monitor) will descend on Expo City Dubai for what is expected to be the largest COP ever. Leaders including Pope Francis and King Charles III are set to attend (although reportedly, US President Joe Biden will not). Why is COP28 the most important COP since Paris in 2015?...
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22/11/2023
Unseasonable weather has become a key theme in apparel company filings as changing climate impacts consumer choices. Fast fashion brands have been defying the traditional four fashion seasons for decades, as products make their way to consumers faster than ever. Some online retailers now introduce 1000s of products every week, blurring the once clearly defined transitions between summer and autumn, winter and spring....
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22/11/2023
Research suggests sustainable “Made in the USA” apparel featuring recycled textile materials has growth potential. In recent years, the increasing awareness of fashion sustainability and the environmental impact of apparel production and consumption has motivated many fashion brands and retailers to provide “sustainable apparel” products. Although the concept of “sustainable apparel” continues to evolve, using preferred fibres like recycled materials and organic content are among the most popular and essential practices....
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21/11/2023
Latest stats from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal, prices of men’s apparels rose 5 per cent in October 2023 as against the previous year. Comparatively prices of women’s apparels, rose just 1.6 per cent during the month. Prices of all items in men’s wear category surged 3.2 per cent in October, which was less than half the 7.8 per cent increase seen a year earlier....
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21/11/2023
Anticipation grows ahead of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in the United Arab Emirates and the apparel sector is desperate to try and shake off its reputation as being one of the most polluting industries.
The fashion apparel industry has for long borne the burden of being one of the major contributors to pollution and inadvertently climate change; its impact stemming from pre-and post textile waste generation, chemical usage, water usage, energy consumption and carbon emissions among others....
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20/11/2023
As per a OTEXA report, apparel and textile imports to the US saw a 4.5per cent decline, equivalent to 8.4 billion sq. mt. (SME), in September this year compared to 8.8 billion SME during the same period the previous year. Over the first nine months of 2023, imports recorded a significant 16.5per cent decrease, amounting to 71.0 billion SME compared to 85.0 billion SME in the corresponding period of the previous year....
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17/11/2023
A bipartisan group of senators, led by Ron Wyden, have submitted a letter to the acting commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Troy Miller, urging enhanced enforcement of textile and apparel trade agreements due to the potential impact on American livelihood and Central American partners.
The letter by a group of US senators including Ron Wyden, Bill Cassidy, Tim Kaine, Thom Tillis, Mark Warner, Lindsey Graham, Sherrod Brown, and Tim Scott, highlighted concerns about the potential impact on American livelihoods and Central American partners due to the reported closures of textile and apparel mills in the US....
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17/11/2023
The most recent annual survey conducted by the National Retail Federation (NRF) in collaboration with data-serving firm, Prosper Insights & Analytics unveils an unprecedented surge, with 182 million individuals gearing up for shopping sprees both in-store and online from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday.
This figure reflects an increase of 15.7 million shoppers compared to the previous year, marking the highest estimate since NRF commenced tracking this data in 2017....
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17/11/2023
One year on from its release, OpenAI’s ChatGPT has started a public conversation about the effects of AI. But what will it mean for business?
ChatGPT will be celebrating one year since its launch at the end of November, a moment that many believe was a turning point for artificial intelligence (AI) leaving the realm of fiction and entering the mainstream.
The popularity of OpenAI’s breakout generative AI (GenAI) chatbot can not be understated. Four days after its launch on 30 November 2022, the site set the record for the fastest sign up of one million users....
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15/11/2023
In general, the goal of COP27 centered around adaptive measures to save those that are in danger of the effects of climate change.
The main perceived success of COP27 was the agreement between 200 nations to set up a “loss and damage fund”.
As part of the agreement, a fund would be established that would provide support to “developing countries” that have been impacted by climate change and need money to reconstruct social and physical infrastructure....
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15/11/2023
A report from UNESCO has suggested Africa has “all it takes” to become one of the next leaders in global fashion.
The African continent exports textiles to the value of $15.5bn annually.
A UNESCO analysis titled “The Fashion Sector in Africa: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities for Growth”, reveals as well as the African continent exporting textiles to the value of $15.5bn annually, it is a major producer of raw materials, with 37 out of 54 countries producing cotton....
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14/11/2023
People and planet should be prioritised in equal measure but the fashion sector continues to come under fire for neglecting its role in paying for a happy and productive workforce throughout the supply chain.
Last week UK retailer Boohoo made headlines following a BBC Panorama investigation for allegedly pressuring suppliers to drive down prices, even after deals had been agreed.
Boohoo maintains that it is continuing to deliver on the commitments it made as part of its Agenda for Change following the criticisms it received around the pandemic....
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13/11/2023
The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA)'s Apparel Importers Trade and Transportation Conference discusses the impact of a potential US shutdown on 17 November for the wider apparel sector as well as the latest on US-China trade dialogue.
After a turbulent few months in US politics the USFIA’s Washington council and partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP David Spooner told delegates at the Apparel Importers Trade and Transportation Conference in New York the newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson is “a relatively new” member of Congress elected to the position after three weeks of negotiations....
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10/11/2023
International Apparel Federation's secretary general, Matthijs Crietee, hopes more fashion manufacturers and factories will break out of the low price trap in 2024 whereby higher volume orders are made to compensate for goods being sold at discounted prices.
The drinks, canapés and fashion industry networking are in full swing on the top floor of Philadelphia’s Bellevue Hotel when Just Style manages to pull Crietee away from his guests to discuss the first day of the 38th World Fashion Convention, which is being co-hosted by the IAF and the Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA)....
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9/11/2023
The National Retail Federation (NRF)'s chief economist predicts a “record-breaking” 2023 holiday sales season in the US, despite challenges and opportunities, due to the resilience of consumers and the retail sector.
As we approach the 2023 holiday season, NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz predicts that it will come with a fresh set of dynamics, building on the unique challenges and trends of the past few years....
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9/11/2023
As we hit the third quarter of the year, official figures from the US Office of Apparel and Textiles (OTEXA) reveal US imports of apparel have fallen 25.2% in the year to September, with all 10 major apparel suppliers to the US experiencing a shipment decline over the period.
Over the nine-month period, the apparel supplier to see the biggest decline was Cambodia, with shipment volumes falling 32.9% to 759m SME....
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9/11/2023
The latest Global Port Tracker report, jointly released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates, explains that inbound cargo volume at major container ports in the US is expected to decelerate as the holiday season approaches.
Even though US imports are winding down for the year, Ben Hackett, the founder of Hackett Associates, says the economic conditions in the US remain stronger compared to Europe and Asia....
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8/11/2023
In October 2023, UK retail sales witnessed a moderate increase of 2.5%, compared to the growth of 1.6% in October 2022, tempered by inflation and cautious consumer spending habits.
The BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor (RSM), an accurate monthly measure of UK-wide retail sales performance said that over the three months leading up to October, UK retail total sales increased by 2.5%, which is below the 3-month average growth of 3.1% and the 12-month average growth of 4.2%....
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6/11/2023
The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) projects global cotton reserves will reach the highest level ever recorded in its 83-year history of data collection, with China’s 23/24 stocks expected to rise to 9.16m tonnes.
Global cotton production for the 2023/24 season is expected to rise by 3% to 25.41m tonnes, while consumption is anticipated to decrease by 0.43% to 23.35m tonnes.
As a result, global cotton stocks are poised to jump by 10%, following a 9% increase in the previous season (2022-2023), reaching 23.32m tonnes....
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6/11/2023
Recent research reveals a potential shift in consumer behaviour, with sustainability poised to influence over 50 per cent of purchasing decisions, marking a significant increase from the current 15 per cent. Where sustainability is taking centre stage, it has emerged as a pivotal metric for evaluating corporate conduct, shaping governance and policy frameworks, and even informing financial strategies. There’s no doubt that companies that embrace sustainability as an integral part of their business model are winning the public sentiment....
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6/11/2023
The latest Textiles 2030 Annual Progress Report from environmental NGO WRAP warns that steps towards sustainable production are being wiped out by “spiralling” production levels.
Apparel brands signed up to WRAP’s voluntary scheme Textiles 2030 have managed to reduce the carbon impact of the textiles they produce by 12%, while reducing water use per tonne of product by 4% between 2019 and 2022....
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3/11/2023
Non-profit Textile Exchange, business strategy firm Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and sustainability consultancy Quantis claim apparel brands can increase net profits by 6% through closing the raw materials gap with sustainable sourcing.
The researchers explain demand for sustainable raw materials could exceed supply by 133 million tonnes by 2030.
The report also cites 85% of leading fashion brands publicly declaring plans to decarbonise their supply chains as well as 35 pending pieces of sustainability-linked legislation due to come into effect in the next two to four years, as drivers of this change....
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3/11/2023
The Biden Administration is being urged to use its executive authority to impose guardrails around the Section 321 de minimis provision to stop the "abuse of duty-free shipments that put US manufacturers at a disadvantage".
The National Council of Textile Organisations (NCTO) has welcomed a call from Congressman Jeff Duncan for the US government to clamp down on the Section 321 de minimis loophole, noting that nearly three million de minimis shipments enter the US each day....
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3/11/2023
At the 38th World Fashion Convention Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) president Michael McDonald explains why now is the time to invest in the US apparel manufacturing sector.
Literally minutes before McDonald officially opened the World Fashion Convention to a live audience in Philadelphia, US, he casually sat down with Just Style for a chat on the balcony of the Bellevue Hotel’s exquisite ballroom overlooking grand chandeliers and a sea of empty chairs facing the main stage....
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3/11/2023
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword, it's the driving force behind the fashion industry's evolution. Every decision a fashion brand makes design to where sourcing of raw materials, how the products are created even how they communicate their values must resonate with consumers.
An important part of a sustainable business is accounting for where raw materials come from. While sustainable sourcing can be a challenge due to the complex nature of global supply chains and market dispersion, stakeholders increasingly expect companies to maintain updated information on feedstock origin and demonstrate their efforts to mitigate environmental and social risks associated with sourcing....
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3/11/2023
Better Cotton, the world's largest cotton sustainability initiative, has launched a first-of-its-kind traceability solution for the fashion and textile sectors. The solution will provide visibility of cotton's journey through the supply chain and enable companies to accurately trace and disclose the origin of raw materials....
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2/11/2023
Global cotton stocks are poised to jump to 23.32 million tonnes in 2023/24, the highest level ever projected in the 83-year history of data collection by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC). This represents a 10% increase over the 2022/23 season, and is driven by a projected 3% increase in global production and a 0.43% decrease in global consumption....
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2/11/2023
Fashion, one of the largest industries in the world, pulls in trillions of dollars in revenue annually. It’s no secret that the fashion industry’s practices greatly impact communities, natural resources, and the climate. With increasing pressure from consumers driven by intensifying climate change effects, reduced energy supply, rising costs, and the Covid-19 pandemic, many players in the fashion industry are rapidly shifting towards a greener, more socially accountable approach. Environmental and social impact have become a crucial benchmark for assessing company practices, influencing governance and policy strategies, and even financial decision-making. Companies that adopt a sustainable business model from design to sourcing, production, and communication gain market share, positive media attention, and stakeholder trust....
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30/10/2023
There's no 'silver bullet' for fashion sourcing executives but sourcing from a geopolitical lens is more important than ever given the US is no longer leading on free trade deals.
The World Fashion Convention, which was co-hosted by the International Apparel Federation and Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) in Philadelphia, US observed the world of fashion sourcing from both an international and US standpoint....
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30/10/2023
Wazir Advisors’ monthly report that covers latest apparel consumption and import data of the US, EU, UK, and Japan along with exports data of India has just released its October 2023 edition. Highlighting global market scenario in August and September, the report shows US import market is not too strong with online sales of clothing and accessories registering only a nominal 1 per cent growth in Q2 of 2023 over Q2 2022. Lower figures have also been recorded month-wise, with US apparel imports at $7.8 billion in August 2023, which is 25 per cent lower than August 2022....
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27/10/2023
The European Commission has proposed a revision of the EU Textile Labelling Regulation (TLR) to promote sustainable practices and enhance transparency in the textile sector. The revision will cover both physical and digital textile labelling, with a focus on incorporating sustainability and circularity provisions aligned with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.
The revision seeks to bring about significant changes, including:
Standardizing fibre composition testing methods, rules on leather, and sizing standards across EU Member States....
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27/10/2023
The European Union (EU) is set to implement a number of new sustainability regulations, with significant implications for businesses. The Empowering Consumers Directive, Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and Waste Shipment Regulation are all in the pipeline, with businesses given varying periods to prepare for compliance.
The Empowering Consumers Directive will ban unfounded generic environmental claims, unverified emissions offsetting schemes, and planned obsolescence....
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27/10/2023
The voluntary, farm-level science-based sustainability programme US Cotton Trust Protocol reports that there are now 1.6m acres of cotton crop under its progamme in the US, as GlobalData filings analysis shows an increase in interest in US cotton.
The total number of cotton acres has increased 25% since the 2022 crop year, which is the single largest growth reported in the Trust Protocol scheme in any single year.
The increase means that 16% of all planted cotton acres in the US in 2023 are now enrolled in the programme, which the Trust Protocol says is a key milestone in the development of the programme....
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26/10/2023
A new Circular Design Toolkit has been released by the UK government’s Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), with the aim of assisting the textile industry in reducing the environmental impact of textile products at the design stage.
According to WRAP, nearly 80% of the carbon footprint of a textile product is determined during its design phase. The Circular Design Toolkit serves as a comprehensive resource for the textile sector, presenting a consistent framework of circular design strategies....
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26/10/2023
For years, fast fashion brands the likes of H&M and Zara have been pulled up for not being truthful about their sustainable supply chain, mostly dismissed off as ‘green-washing’. What is interesting is sitting at the topmost echelons of fashion, most European luxury clothing labels haven’t been truthful either about their supply chains – the fact that from textile to stitching to embellishments, most haute couture are actually produced in Asian hubs that have been reliable providers of craftsmanship and quality for the likes of Saint Laurent, Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and so on....
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26/10/2023
The apparel import of the European Union (EU) from the world has declined by 9.61% during the first eight months of 2023, according to data released by EUROSTAT. This represents a decrease from US$ 67.66 billion in January-August 2022 to US$ 61.15 billion in January-August 2023. The quantity of apparel imported by the EU also declined by 14.64% during the same period, from 3 billion kilograms to 2.56 billion kilograms....
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25/10/2023
As the apparel industry debates the use of recyclable and non-recyclable materials, it seems that interest in "recycled" is simmering down, as suggested by GlobalData's company filings data.
In the last few years, we have heard discussions about the apparel industry undergoing a transformation, with circularity increasingly becoming a priority. This has led industry stakeholders and consumers to raise questions on the materials used in the production of apparel and textiles and whether or not they can be recycled or upcycled at the end-of-life....
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23/10/2023
Environmental industry experts have come together to address their concerns on the revision of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles and voice recommendations to the EU government.
The proposed Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles, has come under scrutiny by environmental advocates and industry stakeholders who have voiced their concerns regarding the effectiveness of the proposal....
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20/10/2023
Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures for September 2023 reveal a 1.6% fall in clothing sales in the UK, as consumers put off shopping for warmer clothing.
September saw unseasonably warm weather in the UK, with the Met Office reporting that the month was the joint-warmest September on record. The ONS says many consumers delayed purchasing new seasonal items, such as warm coats and boots, as a result....
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20/10/2023
The European Parliament is taking steps to prevent products made by forced labour from entering the EU market by proposing a new legislation framework to investigate the use of forced labour within corporate supply chains.
The European Parliament’s Internal Market and International Trade Committees explain if this proposed regulation is ratified, it will introduce a comprehensive framework that would suspend the import and export of company-related goods at the EU’s borders if it is proven that it has used forced labour....
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19/10/2023
While cheap and cheerful fast fashion clothes are currently rocking the ready-to-wear garment industry, those who want to create their own sense of style are still going to their tailor for customized fits and a personal touch. Bespoke or customized clothes stitched to an individual buyer's specifications by a tailor have always been popular in India until the international and domestic fashion brands with their ready-to-wear item took over the bespoke category. Bespoke styling has had a long history in India because tailoring was cheap compared to Western countries and these garments become timeless legacies with a USP of individuality and craftsmanship....
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18/10/2023
American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) president and CEO Steve Lamar explains how the changing direction of US trade policy under the Biden-Harris administration is impacting global fashion sourcing and supply chains.
Lamar tells apparel industry executives, veterans and other stakeholders at the 16th Istanbul Apparel conference that US trade policy is at crossroads, adding that trade should be for the benefit of all....
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18/10/2023
"Made in the USA" fashion is not immune to social responsibility issues in its supply chain with California reporting what is being described as the state's “first” garment manufacturing business owner wage theft prosecution.
The State of California Department of Industrial Relations explains it is the first criminal prosecution of a garment manufacturing business owner under California Penal Code Section 487m (Grand Theft of Wages), which came into effect 1 January 2022....
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17/10/2023
Industry experts argue US fashion sustainability legislation is moving in the right direction at a state level but there is little appetite for country-wide policies that would give real incentives for fashion companies to change.
While many consider sustainability and climate legislation in the United States to be lagging behind Europe, a panel of speakers at the Global Fashion Summit in Boston argue that many state-level laws are starting to push for real change in the US....
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13/10/2023
A new National Retail Federation (NRF) report estimates the cost of adding tariffs to imported household goods, including apparel and footwear.
The NRF’s report considers how ending the country’s permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) trade status would impact common household products, including apparel and footwear as policymakers express a growing interest in changing current practice between the US and China....
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13/10/2023
The latest data released by the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) for the period of January-August 2023 shows that USA's apparel import from the world has declined by 22.77% to US$ 53.45 billion from US$ 69.21 billion in the same period of 2022. In terms of quantity, the import has declined by 26.80%.
USA's apparel import from Bangladesh also dropped significantly by 21.77% year-over-year to US$ 5.18 billion from US$ 6.62 billion. It has also declined by 29.10% in terms of quantity....
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11/10/2023
Import cargo volume at major container ports in the US has reportedly peaked for the year and is anticipated to gradually slow down as the holiday season approaches.
The most recent Global Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates indicates that discretionary spending growth has been impacted by concerns over inflation and high-interest rates, particularly in categories such as groceries, automobiles and mortgages....
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10/10/2023
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says it welcomes the Global Framework on Chemicals to reduce chemical pollution and implement policies to promote safer alternatives by 2030.
The Global Framework on Chemicals is said to represent a shared vision for a world where chemicals and waste pose no harm, fostering safety, health, and sustainability....
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10/10/2023
The controversy just gets deeper and deeper as media fill column after column chiding the global fashion sector over its apparent half-hearted attempts at understanding the gravitas of climate change and coming up with solutions that work rather than making it all look good. In the process, allegations of green washing got thrown around, fast fashion was turned into the dirty outcast of the industry and sustainable supply chains couldn’t provide the required proof and so on....
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9/10/2023
As decarbonisation becomes essential for a sustainable future, the fashion industry is taking steps to reduce its carbon emissions, with global brands and organisations leading the way.
The textile and apparel industry has built up a bit of a reputation when it comes to its environmental footprint. The industry’s entire supply chain, ranging from the production of raw materials to manufacturing, transportation, and disposal, is closely linked to processes that emit high levels of carbon. This has led to an alarming prediction that global emissions from the fashion industry will rise by 50% by 2030, according to earth.org data....
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9/10/2023
Better Cotton and Cotton Egypt Association (CEA) inaugurated the launch of their renewed strategic partnership at a multi-stakeholder event in Cairo.
The event brought together representatives from Better Cotton, CEA, Better Cotton’s Programme Partners in Egypt (Alkan, Modern Nile and El Ekhlas), and a number of leading Better Cotton retailer and brand Members, as well as these members’ suppliers....
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7/10/2023
The Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS) by ITMF, conducted in September 2023, reveals a cautious sentiment prevailing in the global textile sector. The key news angle is the persistent struggle of companies across the textile value chain, grappling with mounting costs and sluggish demand.
The business situation indicator paints a grim picture, standing at -27 percentage points, while business expectations have stagnated at around +20 pp since July, defying hopes of a boost from the Chinese economy....
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6/10/2023
Euratex urges the EU President to develop a new competitiveness strategy for the manufacturing industry to keep it competitive and says including the textile and clothing industry in the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) would be a positive first step.
Euratex’s president, Alberto Paccanelli together with CIE President, Jose Vte Serna, made the call ahead of the council in Granada on 6 October....
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6/10/2023
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) launches its GOTS Due Diligence Handbook for Certified Entities to promote sustainability and ethical business conduct in the fashion and textile sectors.
The GOTS Due Diligence Handbook, which was compiled in cooperation with the Hague-based UpRights Foundation, follows the inclusion of due diligence criteria in the latest GOTS 7.0 version, which launched in March....
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6/10/2023
The car industry realised the world was changing, clean technology was happening and it needed to embrace a new way of operating. Industry experts argue the fashion sector is at a similar crossroads in terms of tackling sustainability.
The fashion industry has considered ‘what’ it needs to do to become sustainable and it’s now time to move towards the ‘how’ and make it happen, argues Yuly Fuentes-Medel, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Program Director for Textiles, Climate Grand Challenges....
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6/10/2023
The American Circular Textiles (ACT) coalition for organisations advancing circularity in the US fashion industry have submitted a public comment to the Biden-Harris administration urging it to consider textile circularity within its efforts to expand sustainable product and service procurement.
ACT executive director Rachel Kibbe submitted the letter to the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the coalition, outlining the need to incorporate textiles into the procurement strategy and extend collaborative opportunities to textile industry stakeholders....
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4/10/2023
There are three key trends that could impact fashion sustainability compliance over the next year, according to market independent business sustainability rating company EcoVadis.
During the business sustainability fireside chat at Sourcemap’s Supply Chain Transparency Conference 2023, EcoVadis corporate development advisor Victoria Chartier revealed there are three key market-defining trends that will need to be looked at more closely in 2024....
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3/10/2023
Global fashion brands had hoped to grow a customer base in leading fashion sourcing countries such as China, India and Brazil, but 2023's choppy economy has impeded domestic sales.
In 2011 Brazil, which is the world’s 10th largest economy was considered by US-based consultants A.T. Kearney to be the most desirable country for global retail expansion....
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3/10/2023
China’s chips have been down since Covid started four years ago with a chain reaction of global supply-chain upheavals. The effects are expected to persist for many more years as the negative effects of a global economic slowdown has led to a continued drop in the country’s exports. The mega apparel sourcing power houses of the US and European Union are continuing their de-risking operations by cutting down imports and taking steps to make their trade with China less risky....
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2/10/2023
US senators and the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) call on President Biden to tackle the impact of China’s so-called "predatory" trade practices" on the country's domestic apparel manufacturing sector.
A bipartisan group of US Senators seek immediate action to combat what they describe as China’s “illegal trade practices,” which they warn could lead to a “coming disaster” for domestic textile and apparel production and employment and throughout the Western Hemisphere....
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2/10/2023
The apparel industry is leveraging technology more than ever before, to drive efficiency and streamline processes, with leading brands at the forefront of this transformation.
In the ever-evolving apparel world, staying ahead of the curve is vital and technology is helping to deliver on just that.
Today, the apparel industry is undergoing a digital revolution that promises not only to transform the way garments are designed, produced, and sold but also to enhance overall efficiency with technology driving innovation across the board from streamlined supply chains to personalised shopping experiences....
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29/9/2023
US retailer Target cites retail theft as the reason for its upcoming store closures but an industry expert argues inventory mismanagement could be to blame.
US retail behemoth Target announced on Tuesday (26 September) that it would shut nine stores on 21 October, citing the threat of “theft and organised retail crime”....
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28/9/2023
The EU is ready to help the US "reach the same level of ambition" in terms of developing and enforcing fashion legislation to slow the effect of climate change but the task needs to be addressed as a matter of "urgency".
During the Global Fashion Agenda in Boston, the head of global issues and innovation at the European Union Delegation to the United States, Javier Sancho shared the EU stands ready to help the US develop its fashion legislation....
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27/9/2023
Active jobs in the global fashion sector have slipped during September as the industry continues to navigate falling sales with consumer confidence waning on economic pressures.
Global jobs across the fashion industry have gradually fallen over the three months to September with active jobs at 39,828 for June, 36,066 for July and 32,836 for August according to GlobalData’s jobs database. But by 1 September, active jobs had fallen to their lowest during the period — 27,118....
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27/9/2023
Circular fashion business models are on the rise, but too many initiatives today fail to scale because they are not rooted in business reality, writes Matthew Hawthorne, a footprinting expert at sustainability consultancy Quantis.
Fashion circularity is still treated as a quick fix – something to be done because of a push for innovation rather than potential solutions to minimise environmental impacts and maximise the creation of sustainable value....
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27/9/2023
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) commends the reintroduction of the US Shop Safe Act, which aims to stop unsafe counterfeit products being promoted and sold online.
AAFA president and CEO Steve Lamar says counterfeit goods often pose product safety and environmental risks, sidestep social responsibility and sustainability standards, and evade accountability....
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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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