Apparel

Spyder Embeds NFC Technology in Latest Apparel Line

December 28, 2016

Spyder, a ski and performance brand, will implement near field communication (NFC) technology within its latest U.S. Ski Team collection. Through a partnership with Smartrac, a provider of RFID-based Internet of Things tools, Spyder is powering a select collection of its U.S. Ski Team items to connect with NFC-enabled consumer devices globally.

What Lies Ahead for Luxury in 2017

December 22, 2016

The New York Times

In 2017 the luxury industry will be faced with a precarious balancing act on multiple fronts. Brands will be forced to find an equilibrium between an exponential growth in technology and their traditional emphasis on the human hand; between understanding their customers' behavior and surveilling it; between their global presence and their local consumer groups; and between the poles of a customer spectrum that stretches not just around the world, but over decades, from Generation Z to the silver dollar.

In the Warehouse, Destination Maternity Embraces Omnichannel

December 21, 2016

SupplyChainBrain

The world's largest designer and retailer of maternity apparel saw the need to revamp its warehouse and fulfillment systems to reflect the modern-day needs of omnichannel customers. A brand new, automated facility was the result.

Don't Blink: How Pop-ups Are Transforming Retail

December 16, 2016

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

The new era of retail isn't just about the internet. Welcome to the world of the pop-up store.

Famous Footwear Takes a Giant Step Forward in Store Fulfillment

December 15, 2016

SupplyChainBrain

Caleres Inc., parent of the Famous Footwear, Naturalizer and Sam Edelman retail chains, sheds costly transportation assets and replaces them with software that supports a network of trusted pool distributors.

2016 Supply Chain Innovation Awards Presented by SupplyChainBrain and CSCMP

December 15, 2016

SupplyChainBrain

The more complex a company's supply chain, the more challenging it is to devise a sustainability program that ensures environmental protection from design and manufacturing to packaging and from product transportation to end-of-life disposal and recycling. A comprehensive plan that's truly innovative is called for.

Retailer Primark Says Constantly Looking for Slavery in Its Supply Chain

December 12, 2016

The New York Times

British budget fashion chain Primark recently said it was constantly on the watch for any slavery in its supply chain while dismissing the idea that low cost meant exploitation.

Adidas Releases First Mass-Produced Ocean Plastic Shoe

December 8, 2016

The Huffington Post

Adidas has unveiled a new shoe featuring biodegradable fabric that's designed to break down within hours of its disposal using a water and enzyme solution. The one catch: the current design appears to be attached to a foam sole - suggesting that a large portion of the shoe would still end up in a landfill.

Textile Index: Cotton, Polyester and Wool Prices on the Rise

December 6, 2016

Supply Management

Declining cotton production last season has led to prices rising year-on-year, according to Mintec's latest textile index. Yet, U.S. production in the current season is likely to rise by 25 percent and reduce pressure on prices.

Beyond Black Friday: New Challenges for Holiday Retailers

December 5, 2016

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

This year's Black Friday and Cyber Monday were bigger than ever. But the numbers could be concealing an underlying trend away from those key dates in the retail calendar.

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.