Responsiveness key to surviving fashion’s evolving landscape

That together with the US’s fraught relationship with China means many are turning away from China as a key or primary sourcing base. The USFIA Benchmarking survey revealed US clothing brands are accelerating efforts to bring sourcing closer to home turf where they may also benefit from greater supply chain visibility.

This year, a new record 52% of respondents plan to expand apparel sourcing from members of the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA DR), over the next two years, up from 40% in 2023.

But an added benefit of this strategy is the closer supply links which reduces order processing time. With climate change meaning unpredictable weather such as warmer, shorter winters and much wetter summers, brands are not required to order as far in advance only to end up lumbered with inventory that isn’t selling because it doesn’t fit the season.

Sales of clothing have always been a peak and trough situation, influenced and impacted by several factors. When the pandemic hit in 2020, clothing sales virtually stopped, leaving both brands and suppliers in limbo. But with people spending more time at home and in parks and gardens, those brands that capitalised on the production and sales of athleisure wear at a time when consumers were seeking comfort and prioritised health, benefitted, in a big way.

The key takeaway here is that as long as humans exist, clothing will be needed. And while that is the case there will always be a need for fashion brands and ultimately, the people that make the clothing for those brands. But remaining fluid and agile, and being able to respond quickly to consumers’ changing temperaments will be key to the survival of any fashion brand and supplier going forward.

Top news stories on Just Style this week…

Gildan’s returning CEO, strong Q2 signal ‘stability after turmoil’

Canadian apparel company Gildan Activewear has reported a 3% increase in net sales for Q2 over the prior year period, with an industry expert noting the results were not caused by the return of the company’s former CEO but his taking the top seat after recent management turmoil will “likely usher in a period of stability”.

Hugo Boss in cost-cutting mode as Q2 sales disappoint on consumer softness

German fashion giant Hugo Boss has assured shareholders plans to tighten up costs will help it drive profits in the second half after second-quarter (Q2) sales failed to meet expectations.

Fashion brands fail to tackle climate crisis, shift costs to suppliers

A new report from not-for-profit Fashion Revolution claims the world’s largest fashion brands are not working fast enough to cut their use of fossil fuels and are shifting costs onto the factories they work with.

New US law ‘puts real teeth’ in combatting trade crimes, fraud

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.

Explainer: How to build a profitable, ethical fashion sourcing strategy

Retail100 Consulting co-founders and directors Anna Berry and Sara Allbright emphasise the key to successful global fashion sourcing lies in thorough planning, clear communication and a willingness to adapt to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each new sourcing relationship.

Explainer: Is GOTS certification vital for fashion sustainability?

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification is transforming the global fashion industry from cotton fields to clothing racks. Just Style explores what it takes to earn this coveted label and whether it is worth the effort.

Africa’s bid to become the next apparel sourcing powerhouse

As fashion brands scramble to diversify their supply chains, an unexpected contender is emerging: Africa. From Tanzania’s sustainable cotton to the continent’s biggest industrial park in Ethiopia, Africa is poised to become a key sourcing destination for the global fashion industry. But can these nations overcome challenges to become the next sourcing powerhouses?

Fashion Revolution: Brands must up climate game, listen to suppliers

Fashion Revolution’s policy and research manager Liv Simpliciano tells Just Style fashion brands must go beyond the bare minimum to tackle climate change, invest in sustainability teams, accept a transfer in decision-making power and listen to the most vulnerable in the fashion supply chain.

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