Apparel

Will Robots Put an End to Holiday Hiring in the Warehouse?

November 21, 2016

For retailers and distribution centers, the traditional method for coping with the chaos of the Christmas buying season has been to throw more bodies at the problem. But what if robots could do a better job of handling the surge of activity?

E-Commerce Expert Says More Brands Should Sell on Amazon

November 18, 2016

Apparel

At Gap's annual shareholder meeting this year, CEO Art Peck said, "to not be considering Amazon and others would be in my view delusional." Soon after, Lands' End announced that it would start selling some merchandise on Amazon, as the online behemoth's "credibility of being a desired fashion destination for shoppers continues to grow."

Group Warns of Hazardous Chemicals in Apparel Supply Chain

November 17, 2016

Apparel

Almost everyone comes in contact with some sort of textile, fabric or footwear, and these products often use chemicals during the manufacturing process - to achieve a function like water-repellency, adding texture or color. The wide use of chemicals, the large quantity of water and the presence of hazardous chemicals in the wastewater are some of reasons for the apparel and footwear sector to be regarded as one of the most environmentally polluting industries in the world, according to health and safety groups, as well as dangerous for workers and consumers.

FootLocker, Urban Outfitters Rank Worst in E-Commerce

November 14, 2016

RIS News

To uncover which retailers have the best customer experience and which are lacking, consumer-opinion analyst Aspectiva examined the reviews of over 40 of the most popular e-commerce sites. Through the use of new AI technology, Aspectiva examined over 75,000 individual reviews, averaging over 1,800 reviews per site.

HanesBrands Outperforms Apparel Peers on Carbon Emissions

November 11, 2016

Apparel

HanesBrands received a B score on the CDP's 2016 climate change report - better performance than the apparel industry average, according to CDP, formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project.

Instagram Wants to Be a Place Where People Go Online Shopping

November 10, 2016

Los Angeles Times

Instagram is making it easier for retailers to promote and sell products through photos. The photo-sharing service is giving 20 retailers the ability to add tags to pictures to convey additional information such as prices and available colors. Brands participating in the trial run include Kate Spade and Warby Parker.

SML Predicts RFID Demand, Opens 'Innovation Centers'

November 10, 2016

Apparel

As the global retail market continues its march to adopt RFID, SML RFID has announced its opening of three RFID solution innovation centers, and has launched two RFID retail pop-up store demonstrations to provide information, guidance and production assistance, the RFID technology company says.

Retail Tackles the Omnichannel

November 9, 2016

Robert J. Bowman, Managing Editor, SupplyChainBrain

Brands Should Keep Supply Chains in Turkey to Help Refugees, Human Rights Group Says

November 9, 2016

Supply Managment

Fashion brands are being urged to keep their supply chains in Turkey, despite the widespread risk of Syrian refugees being exploited in supplier factories, according to the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC). There has been "talk of brands shifting their purchasing elsewhere" amid increasing scrutiny and criticism of supply chains in Turkey, the BHRRC says, but responsible sourcing could provide decent work and valuable wages to Turks and Syrians.

Americans Prefer Ethical Brands, Dominate Online Shopping, Report Says

November 7, 2016

Apparel

American consumers prioritize risk-taking, adventure and living an exciting life when it comes to making purchases, according to global research by HSBC. This structural shift among U.S. consumers' purchasing habits is prompting companies to rethink existing marketing and business strategies.