Apparel

J.Crew's CEO Confesses: I Underestimated How Tech Would Upend Retail

May 31, 2017

Millard "Mickey" Drexler, the fashion genius whose ability to spot trends reshaped how Americans dress, has a humbling admission. He missed what might be the biggest trend of all - how quickly technology would change the retail industry.

Apparel Retailers Lag in Brand Loyalty, Report Says

May 30, 2017

Apparel

Bond Brand Loyalty, a brand loyalty agency, recently released its seventh annual consumer loyalty report. The Loyalty Report 2017 finds that company loyalty programs remain one of the biggest drivers of brand choice and loyalty.

European Sportswear Retailer Brings RFID to Smart Fitting Rooms

May 22, 2017

RFID Journal

After several months of piloting smart fitting rooms at a single store, a global sports apparel retailer is now installing the technology at 350 of its stores across Eastern Europe. The solution consists of a touchscreen and an RFID reader within each fitting room, as well as software to manage the data and smart watches for employees.

Tesco Uses AI to Stock Shelves, Route Drivers With Google Assistant

May 18, 2017

CIO

Tesco is starting to incorporate machine learning algorithms across the business, from internal applications such as driver routing to customer-facing apps like integration, with Google's home assistant device. Tesco is starting to incorporate machine learning algorithms across the business, from internal applications such as driver routing to customer-facing apps like integration, with Google's home assistant device.

Can Coach Create an American Fashion Empire?

May 18, 2017

The New York Times

In 2000, a company called Pegasus Apparel Group was founded with private equity money and a big idea: Buy a group of fashion brands based in the United States and create a homegrown version of the major European luxury conglomerates.

Coach's Kate Spade Deal Is Next Step in Quest for Fatter Margins

May 12, 2017

Bloomberg

Coach Inc.'s $2.4bn acquisition of rival Kate Spade & Co. is part of its broader push for fatter profit margins, even if that means settling for lower sales.

Planned Obsolescence: A 'Crisis of Civilization'?

May 12, 2017

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Can't wait to ditch that old phone, computer, car or sweater? You're a victim of planned obsolescence.

'Buy American' Push Ruffles Some Fashion Feathers

May 5, 2017

The New York Times

"It's America first, you better believe it," President Trump said, standing over a tool cabinet at the Snap-On Tools headquarters in Kenosha, Wis., where he signed his "Buy American, Hire American" executive order this month to favor American companies for federal contracts.

Puma Supply Chain Racing to Keep Up With Demand for Popular Shoes

May 3, 2017

The New York Times

German sportswear firm Puma has seen such strong demand for products promoted by celebrities like model Cara Delevingne and Canadian rapper The Weeknd that its supply chain is racing to keep up, its chief executive said last week.

H&M Backs Fabric Made From Cow Manure

May 2, 2017

Supply Management

H&M has pledged to use 100-percent recycled or sustainably sourced materials by 2030 in its latest sustainability report.

Apparel

The latest supply-chain news, analysis, trends and tools for executives in the apparel industry — which consists of companies that manufacture clothing, accessories and footwear. Learn how apparel companies and their suppliers around the world are managing the flow of products across all channels of the enterprise. Experts sound off on forecasting and demand planning, supply-chain visibility, logistics outsourcing, inventory optimization, transportation management, warehouse management, supply-chain security, corporate social responsibility and more.