Abstract This research paper looks into the business of fashion's industry's most important segment, the Apparel Industry. The clothing industry in the US has been flourishing for a long time but due to the current economic situation sales in the last two years have not been very encouraging. In this paper the author analyzes the main factors that affected the industry such as dominance of foreign producers, inflation, and reduction in employment and wages. In addition, the writer gives an overview of the main players in this industry: apparel manufacturers, apparel merchandisers and retailers.
Executive Summary
Literature Review
Brief Overview of the Apparel Industry
Financial Position in Recent Years
The Apparel Industry-Chain of Actors
Current Trends in the Market
Problems of the Industry
References
From the Paper According to the American Apparel Manufactures Association, the industry for apparel goods in the country has been facing several problems, the most pressing among them being entrance of foreign producers. A U.S. Business Reporter outlined similar problems in his 2001 report on the apparel industry. The industry, which had been showing positive signs, before the slow down has been affected by the downturn in the economic situation in the country. This has been made worse by a reduction in the employment and wages due to offshore production and a declining profit margin.
An examination of the goals and achievements of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) for the textile and apparel industry in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Abstract This paper discusses the impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on the textile and apparel industry. The paper discusses the goals of the NAFTA agreement and it looks at the numerous positive and negative implications of the agreement on various industries and sectors, including textile and apparel. The paper concludes that, overall, the agreement supported the development of the textile and apparel industry in the US, Canada and Mexico. The paper contains graphs.
Table of Contents:
Introduction to NAFTA
NAFTA's Effects on the Textile and Apparel Industry
Conclusions
From the Paper "Another major impact of NAFTA upon the textile and apparel industry was that it allowed American manufacturers to move their plants to Mexico. Here, they found cheap labor force and reduced governmental restrictions. The American companies established maquilas, or factories generally located near the border line. These factories mainly employed young women and paid them less than minimum wage. But regardless of the poor working conditions in these maquilas, fact remains that the industry grew and more jobs were created for the Mexicans. From this particular instance, the situation of the American workers in the textile industry was becoming critical. They began to lose their jobs as they were being replaced with cheaper workforce. As such, a paradox was created in which the U.S. textile and apparel industry was flourishing, but its workers were out of jobs and forced to re-specialize in different fields."
Abstract This paper discusses the American apparel industry, as well as looks into the international industry. It discusses the industry's dominant economic features in the United States. It then discusses the impact of the threat to apparel producers regarding the more common replacement of high quality materials with synthetic substitutes, as well as other threats that they face. The paper describes the strategies of some of the strongest and weakest companies in the apparel industry.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Industry's Dominant Economic Features
Porter's Five Forces
Drivers for Charge in the Broad Environment
Companies in the Strongest\Weakest Positions
Key Success Factors for Competitive Success (1, 2 pages)
Industry's Attractiveness and Prospects for Long-Term Profitability
From the Paper "The quality of the products is yet another significant KSF as it aids to increase customers' interest and continuous satisfaction with the manufacturers' products. The third highly important KSF is represented by resource availability. The resources required for a successful outcome are numerous, among which are financial resources, material resources and human resources."
"A yet unexploited success factor is technology. The role of hi-tech devices and procedures is expected to increase in the course of the following years. Using high technology, apparel manufactures will come to change the internal structure of materials and make them more comfortable and more environment-friendly. The latest trend in using hi-tech in the apparel industry is developing free-sweat clothing. For instance, using nanotechnology, the apparel manufacturer No Sweat Australia has already launched their products on the market."
Abstract The paper discusses how communication barriers between distributors and suppliers caused overstocking and under-stocking that made the apparel industry lose millions of dollars in business. The paper looks at how the apparel industry has utilized technology to integrate sales forecasts with the supply-chain and establish a quick response system. The paper concludes that while there is always room for improvement, the apparel industry is much better off than it was 25 years ago and it will continue to get better as the advances in technology continue on in the future.
From the Paper "Over the past 25 years, the apparel industry has become much more competitive than it ever had been in the past. This is because it has become so over saturated with businesses that companies must be able to streamline their production and get the lowest possible shipping costs in order to be able to give lower prices, which will lead to a higher profit if done properly. Advances in technology have made it highly possible for business to effectively streamline this facet of the industry because response times are so much quick than they ever had been before. Now, it is possible for production to begin on additional units of a product before the supply has fallen too far. This has also allowed for a smaller amount of apparels to be required in stock, which leads to fewer markdowns to be necessary."
Abstract Describes technological, social, and economic influences on the retail apparel industry, particularly diversified branding, the online store, and limitations of the current model.
Abstract Describes technological, social and economic influences on the retail apparel industry, particularly diversified branding, the online store and limitations of the current model.
Abstract This paper addresses the apparel of upper middle class British women, 1837-1887. The main ideas that this paper discusses are social context, advent of UK textiles and colonial textiles as result of Industrial Revolution and colonialism. The paper further discusses the meaning of apparel in a society that worshipped progress and that harboured large class gaps with a growing middle class of great prosperity.
From the Paper "The study of women's costume involves social and economic history as much as the history of fashion or aesthetics. The Industrial Revolution in the United Kingdom produced a middle class of propertied persons and a corresponding women's culture in which appearances were important. A woman of the Victorian upper middle class did not labour but was seen in public where it was important that she reflect Victorian morals and standards stressing modesty and respectability. The Industrial Revolution had generated a textile revolution in Britain, in addition to materials arriving from colonies led by those in Asia."
Abstract This paper presents a case study of the apparel store, Steve and Barry's. It provides a background and history of their business model and describes their goals and objectives. The paper then specifically discusses the marketing strategy that Steve and Barry's launched in 2006 and discusses how it was unique in the apparel industry.
Table of Contents:
Background and History of the Steve and Barry's Business Model
Goals and Specific Objectives
Audience
Message and Response Measurement
From the Paper "While the low-cost viral marketing type of approach to advertising has already proven itself successful with respect to young people, it may be that more traditional modes of advertising may be required to reach parents and older adults, provided the studies and focus groups suggest that the additional cost of separating the campaign that way is worthwhile. The success of campaign will be measured by revenue increases during the quarter immediately following any such changes in marketing efforts. Additionally, the success of the campaign will be measured by increased brand recognition as determined by electronic media such as Google trends and response rates to promotional initiatives designed to quantify apparent changes in brand awareness, Internet presence in social messaging sites and blogs."
Abstract The paper relates that it is questionable whether or not Liz Claiborne, Inc., the international fashion apparel and accessories company, can maintain its streak of quarterly sales increases due to increased competition and cut-rate pricing. The paper presents an external factor evaluation matrix, internal factor evaluation matrix, a SWOT matrix and an analysis of the retail apparel industry using Porter's Five Forces. The paper shows how despite the competition, there are a variety of opportunities that Liz Claiborne can capitalize on, with a variety of strengths at their disposal.
From the Paper "The key external factors affecting Liz Claiborne, Inc. vary greatly. Growth in online spending, growth in the retail apparel industry, with a 21.3 percent growth from 2002 to 2007 (Leonard, 2007, p. 118), growth in the Asian retail sector, growth in mass merchandising retailers, and increased demand for high quality, low-cost apparel are important opportunities the company can't afford to miss. Threats to the organization involve: the economic slowdown in the United States, increase in counterfeit products, increased competition from regional and international competitors, a decline in the world's cotton production ("Liz Claiborne", 2008), and increased shipping costs. When assessing Liz Claiborne's effectiveness using an external factor evaluation (EFE) matrix, it becomes clear there are several areas where the organization could improve."
Abstract In a recent Business Week article on September 20, 2001, Pepsi Co Inc. created a line of young men's and women's apparel, footwear, and accessories that would serve not as a crude brand billboard but rather reflect the lifestyles of Pepsi and Mountain Dew drinkers. Why would Pepsi invest in such a venture even though the Pepsi icon might not be visible on these products? Do you think this marketing strategy is a trend or an effective long-term strategy?
From the Paper " PepsiCo Inc. is best known for its soft drink Pepsi and Mountain dew and yet, over the years it has also created logo items, such as T-shirts, hats and duffel bags with the Pepsi globe design. These are part of its marketing strategy to promote the drinks in the minds of the people making the drink a part of the life of their life. But that sort of marketing has its limitations. These items can be taken to the beach but they are not a 'brand'. In today's lifestyle a brand name is what is needed to succeed. It is the brand name that grabs the attention of the consumer and retains their loyalty as price, quality etc. become associated with the name accordingly. So the logo accessories that were promoted by Pepsi may have been used but they did not create an awareness of Pepsi in any market other than that of soft drinks."
Abstract Analysis of planning and control at the upscale apparel retailer. Business strategy and objectives. Organization's concept (shopping as entertainment). Competative environment. Annual sales. Organizational structure. Focus on customer service. Planning and control system. Ration analysis. Information Systems (IS). Target market. Impact of Internet. Recommendations for store to achieve greater profit margins. 2 Charts.
From the Paper "Planning and Control at Nordstrom's
I. The Organizations Sources of Influence
IA. Business Strategy and Objectives
One primary source of influence for Nordstrom's is the fact that it is the third largest upscale apparel retailer in the United States (trailing behind Federated Stores and the May Company.) The term "Upscale" is always used in reports about the store, although that is such a relative term in the United States economy that it has come to be almost meaningless. "Upscale" used to mean more affluent buyers who had more discretionary income, and wanted to spend it on more stylish items. However, such mass retailers as Wal-Mart, Target and K-Mart have also started billing much of their merchandise as "upscale." The financial results of Nordstrom's, illustrated later, suggest that the "upscale" definition has ..."
Abstract This essay discusses some of California's most important and current labor laws, outlining how each law affects California's business climate. It also determines whether these labor laws are beneficial or detrimental to the apparel industry. It specifically outlines some of California's labor laws, which are considered some of the most stringent in the nation.
From the Paper "According to a recent study, one in every five California businesses reported that they have restricted hiring because of employment lawsuits (Sullivan, 1996). Nearly half of all businesses surveyed said that California labor laws, such as employment termination laws, have made liability insurance more expensive, while about 10 percent reported that labor laws have actually caused a reduction in the number of employees on payroll. In addition, businesses reported that labor laws have made it more difficult to get information on references on prospective employees, and more than half said that they will not provide references on former employees. Under past law, employers were protected from libel or slander suits for statements made that did not show malice toward a former employee regarding the job performance or qualifications."
Abstract This paper presents a commodity chain analysis by tracing the production, distribution, and consumption of an "Abercrombie & Fitch" t-shirt. The paper examines the apparel, textile, and footwear industries from a local and global point of view, with a focus on the work force of these manufacturing industries.
From the Paper "In general, the apparel industry is perhaps the most global of all manufacturing industries. The apparel, textile and footwear industries employ the largest workforce of any manufacturing industry in the world. At the very bottom of the chain are the garment workers, where all of the clothing production commences. Many of the workers are young women and teenagers who work in garment sweatshops producing for American retailers. About 80 percent of apparel workers producing clothing for U.S. retailers are working under conditions that violate local and international labor law. In the state of California alone there are over 140,000 garment workers who are mostly women, Latina and Asian immigrants that work 10-12 hour days, poverty wages, no paid overtime, physical, verbal and sexual abuse, dangerous and unsanitary working conditions, and suppression of the right to organize unions to change these conditions."
Abstract This paper evaluates the sports market in the US in terms of a macro environment (country economy level) and micro environment (firm/consumer level). The paper discusses the growing importance of sports for community and looks at this through an economic and social perspective. It discusses revenue trends, employment, number of companies, industry pattern, trade balance and sports consumption, as well as sports being part of American education and playing an important role for communities.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Chapter I - Country Overview - PEST Analysis
a. Political Factors
b. Economic factors
c. Social Factors
d. Technological Factors
Chapter 2 - Sport Importance and Expansion in the USA
a. Sport Importance
b. Sport Expansion
Chapter 3 - Typical Sporting Disciplines and American Model of Sports
a. Typical Sporting Disciplines
b. American Model of Sports
Chapter 4 - Sports Market Analysis and Impact on the American Economy
a. Sports Market Analysis
b. Impact on the American Economy
Chapter 5 - Sports Market Size in the USA and Business Operations
a. Sports Market Size in the USA
b. Business Operations (Distribution, Pricing, Retailing)
Chapter 6 - Retail Channel, Athletes, Brands and Major Key Industry Players
a. Products, Services and Goods
b. Athletes
c. Brands
d. Profile of Major Sporting Companies
Chapter 7 - The Sports Industry in the USA
a. Sports Media
b. Sports Marketing
c. Sports Broadcasting
Chapter 8 - Sports Infrastructure, Facilities and Stadiums and Retail Channel Network
a. Sports Infrastructure
b. Facilities and Stadiums
c. Goods and Equipment Retail Channel Network
Chapter 9 - Textile & Apparel Market in India
a. Introduction
b. Indian Textile and Apparel Market Analysis
c. Issues in the Indian Textile and Apparel Sector
Chapter 10 - Conclusion
From the Paper "The industry growth, due mainly to team sports' popularity highlights the American sports preferences towards the four main sports categories: football, baseball, basketball and hockey. In the same time, overall sports participation slightly decreased in the last decade despite increased popularity among new individual sports, such as golf or aerobics/fitness. This may translate into a shift of the basic sports consumer from an active participant role to a passive viewer role. The technological advancement that enables sports fans nationwide and international to view their favorite games/players from thousands of miles away on a variety of channels, such as TV, internet or phone may be one of the explanations behind this trend."
Abstract In the 1980s and 1990s, student violence became a common occurrence in many public schools. Even prior to the carnage at Columbine High School in Colorado, many schools were experiencing violent confrontations between various gang members, and solutions were being sought, with great attention and focus given to conformity in apparel. As a result, many schools throughout the United States have instituted policies where a standard uniform is required apparel for all students, most notably in elementary and middle schools. Among the justifications for these policies are school safety, school discipline, and last and apparently least, school academic success. Results as to academic successes resulting from uniform policies is mixed and fluid. This paper focuses on guidelines for uniform policies, schools that have had success, empirical reports that contradict other empirical reports, and schools opting out.
From the Paper "The debate as to whether or not children who wear school uniforms raise their achievement level is not new, has not been resolved one way or another ? and it is an ongoing dynamic. It appears from the literature that the main reason many school districts initially implemented the school uniform requirements was in the name of ?school safety.? Those safety reasons sprang from the violence which plagued many schools in the 1980s and 1990s, a time during which youth gangs began to emerge."
