Apparel

KnowTheChain Ranks Supply Chains That Are Fighting Forced Labor

January 3, 2017

KnowTheChain has launched a ranking of 20 large apparel and footwear companies on their efforts to eradicate forced labor and human trafficking from their supply chains, finding that only a small group of companies seriously addresses exploitation. Most companies have systems in place to monitor and react to forced labor and human trafficking, but few companies address systemic causes, the human rights group says.

Wal-Mart's Labor Scheduling Overhaul Could Transform Retail

December 7, 2016

Apparel

Wal-Mart has announced it will change employee scheduling systems and processes across 650 of its U.S. stores - with the goal of improving peak hour staffing and provide more predictability over hours for employees.

Amazon May Be a Threat to Apparel Brands This Holiday

December 5, 2016

Apparel

Amazon may bring a very real threat to apparel brands banking on online sales this holiday season, according to a survey by e-commerce services provider Onestop Internet. Of the 57 percent of respondents saying they plan to purchase apparel online this holiday season, 64 percent said they intend to buy apparel from Amazon.

Report Says Shoppers Expect Better Deals to Come in December

December 1, 2016

Apparel

The 2016 International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Thanksgiving/Black Friday Shopping Report shows that three quarters of Americans spent the same or more this year than last year, and 44 percent of that spend was on gifts for other people. Americans shopping on Thanksgiving and/or Black Friday spent an average of $373, including approximately $100 on dining and entertainment in a shopping center.

Survey: More Than Half of Consumers Have Started Holiday Shopping

November 29, 2016

Apparel

With the middle of the holiday season approaching and shoppers eager to take advantage of early promotions from retailers, more than half of consumers have started making dents in their holiday gift lists, according to the annual mid-season survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

Software Giant Is Launching 3D Print Manufacturing Labs

November 23, 2016

Apparel

SAP says it's establishing a global network of 3D printing co-innovation labs to educate and enable customers, employees and partners on the adoption of additive manufacturing as an integral part of the manufacturing production line.

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.

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.

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.