Jumat, 30 Agustus 2019

Better Buying feedback loops to turn ratings into action

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The Better Buying initiative is piloting a new process to help convert supplier ratings on brand and retailer purchasing practices into concrete actions and more sustainable business partnerships with measurable impacts.

Why tackling water risk must go beyond the factory fence

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Global fashion firms have been stepping up their efforts to tackle water use and management in the countries where their clothes are made. But with population growth and climate change set to make water an even scarcer resource, transforming the industry's approach to water is key to safeguarding its future.

Researchers remove toxic dyes from wastewater using light

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Researchers at Texas Tech University have discovered what they say is a new way to remove toxic dye pollutants from wastewater in a process that uses visible light.

Ted Baker eyes Japan expansion with new licence deal

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Ted Baker has inked an agreement with Sojitz Infinity as its Japanese retail licence partner to accelerate the long-term growth of the UK fashion and lifestyle brand in the country.

Virtual reality training programme to help cotton farmers

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The International Cotton Advisory Council (ICAC) is teaming up with German development agency GIZ to launch of a new virtual reality (VR) training programme to help cotton farmers learn best practices in sustainable cotton production strategies.

New product recalls platform to share EU and US data

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Verification, testing and certification company SGS has launched a new platform that gives retailers and manufacturers of consumer goods - including clothing and footwear products - free and instant access to product recall data from across the US and EU.

Cone Denim and Crystal collaborate on eco-friendly denim

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Two leading denim specialists - US based Cone Denim and Hong Kong based manufacturing giant Crystal International - have teamed up on a new range of sustainable denim fabrics.

Top stories this week on just-style...

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There have been more twists and turns in the tit-for-tat trade war between the US and China, with coverage again dominating just-style's top stories this week. President Trump hiked tariffs on about US$550bn worth of Chinese imports - including all clothing and footwear - by a further 5% earlier this week, prompting a letter from the US footwear industry urging the President to cancel the rise, set to take effect on 1 September. Elsewhere, Chinese industrialists are eyeing potential investments in Ethiopia's Dire Dawa Industrial Park, and a number of fashion brands are reviewing their stance on sourcing from Myanmar.

Shoe Zone boss departs amid FY profit warning

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Shares in Shoe Zone remained down by more than 34% this-afternoon (30 August) as the UK value footwear retailer announced the immediate departure of its CEO amid a warning on its full-year performance.

Kamis, 29 Agustus 2019

US footwear firms call for tariff hikes to be cancelled

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Footwear industry heavyweights Adidas, Nike, Clarks and Puma are among more than 200 companies urging US President Donald Trump to cancel the proposed new tariff hikes on shoes imported from China, which kick-in this weekend.

Lord & Taylor to be sold to fashion rental firm Le Tote for $100m

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Canadian retailer Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) has inked a deal to sell its Lord & Taylor banner for US$100m to clothing rental startup Le Tote.

PVH boss Chirico joins UN Global Compact board

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The UN Global Compact has named PVH Corp boss Emmanuel Chirico to its board in the hope his "wealth of experience in driving sustainability in the private sector" will help the body in its goal to create a global movement of sustainable companies and stakeholders.

PVH slashes outlook amid trade tensions

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Calvin Klein owner PVH Corp has slashed its full-year outlook for the second time in under a year, attributing the move to the ongoing trade war between China and the US, and protests in Hong Kong.

H&M Foundation award has eye on circular innovations

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Non-profit H&M Foundation is on the lookout for design ideas with a circular mindset, and digital ideas connecting the dots throughout the fashion value chain, as it opens the fifth round of its annual Global Change Award.

G-Star joins UN Charter for Climate Action

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Denim brand G-Star has announced it has signed the United Nations Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action. 

Gap Inc to retain name after Old Navy spin-off

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US specialty apparel retailer Gap Inc will retain its name following the completion of the planned spin-off of Old Navy into an independent, publicly-traded company.

Levi Strauss partners on Pakistan water project

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Denim giant Levi Strauss & Co is working on a project to restore the Ravi River basin in Pakistan as part of wider plans to halve the amount of water used for manufacturing in areas of high water stress.

Rabu, 28 Agustus 2019

Caleres confident in steps to minimise tariff risk

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US footwear company Caleres says it is confident in the steps it is taking to navigating the impact of US tariffs on China imports, despite sourcing much of its product from the Southeast Asian giant.

UK retailers must champion inclusivity to broaden appeal

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71% of UK clothing shoppers would like to see retailers and brands use more models of varying shapes and ages in marketing campaigns, in a move that means retailers must increase their body type representations or risk losing popularity.

Indian apparel majors ink sustainability pledge

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Future Group, Aditya Birla Retail and Arvind Brands are among 16 of India's top apparel firms that have committed to use more sustainable raw materials and processes by 2025.

Bangladesh's Shasha Denims to buy 80% stake in EOS Textile

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Bangladesh Bank has given the green light to Shasha Denims, a denim fabric manufacturer, to acquire an 80% stake in EOS Textile Limited, a woven fabric producer based in the Dhaka Export Processing Zone.

Primark expands sustainable cotton scheme to China

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Value fashion chain Primark is preparing for a five-fold increase in the number of farmers enrolled in its Sustainable Cotton Programme by the end of 2022, including expanding the initiative to China for the first time.

Brands mull Myanmar sourcing after military links exposed

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A number of fashion brands are reviewing their stance on sourcing from Myanmar after a report from the United Nations earlier this month urged brands to cut ties with suppliers linked to the country's military.

CPD-infused textiles crop up in clothing

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CPD-infused products such as skin creams, tinctures, edibles and beverages offering anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety benefits are all the rage right now - so it was only a matter of time before they cropped up in clothing.

Selasa, 27 Agustus 2019

Sri Lanka unions protest at employment law changes

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Trade unions in Sri Lanka have been calling for the withdrawal of unified employment law that is being proposed by the government, which they believe will undermine worker rights and eventually lead to poorer working conditions.

Cole Haan gears up for IPO

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US footwear maker Cole Haan is gearing up for an initial public offering (IPO) - but told just-style it had "no further comment" on the timing.

Drought set to weigh on Australian wool production

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The Australian Wool Production Forecasting Committee (AWPFC) has warned that continuing drought conditions across large parts of Australia are expected to cause a 12.7% drop in shorn wool production for 2018/19.

Trump hikes tariffs due to hit China clothing and footwear - Update

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There have been more twists and turns in the tit-for-tat trade war between the US and China, with the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) confirming it has received instructions from President Trump to hike tariffs on about US$550bn worth of Chinese imports - including all clothing and footwear - by a further 5%.

Esprit and Deichmann ink new footwear deal

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Fashion brand Esprit and German shoe retailer Deichmann have inked a deal to develop a new footwear line offering value-for-money for customers and faster reaction to market trends.

Boot Barn Holdings to acquire G&L Clothing

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Boot Barn Holdings has struck a deal to acquire certain assets of G&L Clothing, in a move that will increase the retailer's store footprint in Iowa.

China's XG picks PLM to drive digitalisation

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Chinese womenswear company Xue Ge (XG) has invested in a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solution to help to drive its digitalisation strategy.

Sabtu, 24 Agustus 2019

Trump hikes tariffs due to hit China clothing and footwear

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There have been more twists and turns in the tit-for-tat trade war between the US and China, with the latest tweet from President Trump saying new tariffs due to take effect in September and December on Chinese imports - including all clothing and footwear - will now start at 15%. 

Jumat, 23 Agustus 2019

Unions enlighten Ethiopia on collective bargaining

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Representatives from garment unions in South Africa and Ethiopia have met in Cape Town this month to share social dialogue and collective bargaining strategies that could bolster the living wage campaign in Ethiopia. 

Zara launches first denim line made from repurposed jeans

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Fast fashion chain Zara has launched its first collection made from post-consumer denim and revealed plans to scale up its repurposing efforts in the future. 

Zara launches first post-consumer denim collection

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Fast fashion chain Zara has launched its first collection made from post-consumer denim and revealed plans to scale up its repurposing efforts in the future. 

Egyptian Cotton exports at five-year high

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Egyptian Cotton production and exports are at their highest levels for five years following a promotional and sustainability drive to reset its reputation after a number of setbacks.

 Laura Ashley swings to FY loss

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UK fashion and homewares retailer Laura Ashley says it continues to invest in its website after blaming a re-platforming exercise as one of the reasons behind a year-on-year drop in profit.

Global fashion firms commit to new sustainability pact

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Thirty-two of the world's leading fashion and textile companies - including Adidas, H&M, Inditex, Fung Group, Nike and Gap - have joined a new coalition that will set practical steps to reducing the environmental impact of the apparel industry.

Covestro films Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified

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High performance thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films made by polymer company Covestro and used in sports and outdoor clothing have been certified by the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 for textile safety.

Columbia Sportswear expands global headquarters

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Outdoor apparel and products company Columbia Sportswear is expanding its headquarters campus in Washington County, Oregon to give it more space to innovate, design and collaborate to create "high-quality products for active people."

Gap works to mitigate tariff threat as Q2 profit tumbles

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US specialty apparel retailer Gap Inc has reported another fall in comparable sales for the second quarter with negative results across nearly all segments of the business - and says it continues to closely monitor tariff discussions with contingency plans in place ahead of the upcoming List 4 tariffs.

Top stories this week on just-style...

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Top stories this week on just-style continue to be dominated by the US-China tariff war. With research showing more than three-quarters of all apparel and footwear products imported into the US from China will be hit with the additional 10% tariff, we've taken an updated look at the products on the hit-list. And while the US cotton industry appears to be paying the price for Trump's actions, the intensifying saga is proving to be an opportunity for some larger Chinese clothing manufacturing firms. 

Kamis, 22 Agustus 2019

Trump's Christmas gift to China hosiery makers

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Some say President Trump's decision to delay the introduction of certain new tariffs until December is a gift to American consumers. David Birnbaum believes it is President Trump's Christmas gift to China's hosiery makers.

Pressure to grow top-line hampers sustainability

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A new report suggests 40% of fashion industry executives find commercial pressure to grow sales and maintain keen prices is the biggest barrier to businesses becoming more sustainable.

Li & Fung swings to H1 profit but turnover falls

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Sourcing giant Li & Fung moved to a profit in the first half of fiscal 2019 although customer bankruptcies continued to weigh on turnover.

Sri Lanka June exports boosted by garment growth

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Sri Lanka's earnings from industrial exports rose in June, lifted by greater demand for garment and textile products.

Flexible solutions vital to reinvent retail space

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While diversifying shopping centre space is a wise long-term strategy to offset the tough retail market, analysts say short-term solutions such as online pureplay pop-ups are essential to cope with the number of struggling retailers that are currently reducing their physical presence.

Levi Strauss sets new water targets for global suppliers

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Jeans-maker Levi Strauss & Co (LS&Co) is shifting from a singular "one-size-fits-all" strategy to water management in sourcing countries to a more responsive approach that sets stringent standards for supplier facilities and allow it to focus reduction efforts where they are needed most.

Nike teams with Levi Strauss on footwear customisation

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Nike is teaming up with jeans giant Levi Strauss & Co to offer consumers the chance to customise its footwear with Levi's fabrics and trims.

Apparel and footwear top US counterfeit seizures

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Clothing, footwear and handbags are among the top five most highly pirated goods, according to a new report from the US National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center), which says the suggested retail price value of counterfeit apparel seizures in 2018 reached $115.1m.

Rabu, 21 Agustus 2019

US textile executives push for passage of USMCA

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US textile executives have today (21 August) pushed for passage of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) during a roundtable meeting with Congressman Tom Rice.

Asos seeks supplier discount to offset investment costs

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UK fashion e-tailer Asos has requested a cut in prices from suppliers to help offset ongoing investments in the business to drive sales and growth.

Catalyst adds extra 10% stake in Hudson's Bay Company

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Private equity firm Catalyst Capital is to acquire 10.05% of the outstanding stock in Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) for CAD187m in a move that could block a deal to take the Canadian retailer private by its executive chairman.

China apparel makers well prepared for US trade war

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The intensifying trade war between the US and China is proving to be an opportunity for some larger Chinese clothing manufacturing firms who have been building capacity overseas, notably in Southeast Asia - especially Vietnam.

Why vegan fashion materials require careful scrutiny

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With fashion retailers from Topshop to New Look and Asos launching new vegan clothing and footwear lines, firms are also being advised to be aware of the difficulties in entering this complex market.

Tapping into vegan fashion requires materials scrutiny

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With fashion retailers from Topshop to New Look and Asos launching new vegan clothing and footwear lines, firms are also being advised to be aware of the difficulties in entering this complex market.

New Look registers ranges with the Vegan Trademark

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UK fashion retailer New Look has become the first high-street fashion retailer to register ranges with The Vegan Society's Vegan Trademark, amid a commitment to change its components and reduce reliance on animal-derived ingredients.

ISA TanTec starts work on its second tannery in Vietnam

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Leather supplier ISA TanTec has started construction work on its second tannery in Vietnam.

Abercrombie & Fitch sets new supply chain sustainability goals

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Retailer Abercrombie & Fitch has set new sustainability targets  - including a 30% water reduction in denim production by 2022 - after joining the United Nations Global Compact initiative.

Tailored Brands sells corporate wear business in $62m deal

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US fashion group Tailored Brands - operator of the Men's Wearhouse, Jos A Bank, and Joseph Abboud brands - has sold its corporate apparel business for US$62m in cash to a group led by the unit's existing UK executive team.

Big C resumes business with 169 apparel suppliers

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Vietnam's Big C supermarket chain has reportedly completed the review of its 200-strong apparel supplier portfolio and will continue to work with 169 of them.

Monsoon Accessorize CEO steps down

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Paul Allen, CEO of UK-based fashion and accessories retailer Monsoon Accessorize, is to step down from his role just weeks after the company's creditors approved its company voluntary arrangement (CVA) proposals.

Selasa, 20 Agustus 2019

From Field to Shelf - US cotton pays the price for Trump's trade war

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There have always been daunting challenges for the US cotton industry - only now the stakes are higher thanks to US trade policy. And even if there's a truce in the US-China trade war, permanent damage may already have occurred, according to industry consultant Robert Antoshak, managing director at Olah Inc.

Egypt invests US$1.2bn to promote cotton sector

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The Egyptian Government is ramping up efforts to develop the country's textile industry, including a EGP21bn (US$1.2bn) investment to promote the added value of Egyptian cotton.

3D vision technology automates gluing in shoe production

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A 3D vision technology developed for facial recognition in smartphones is now being used by an international footwear manufacturer to automate the gluing process, helping to reduce costs and waste and improve production efficiency. 

Augusta Sportswear Brands picks PLM to boost speed to market

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Performance and athletic apparel maker Augusta Sportswear Brands has invested in a new product lifecycle management (PLM) solution to help accelerate its speed-to-market capabilities.

Chinese fabric maker "mulls" Philippines investment

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Chinese yarn and garment fabric maker, Texhong Textile Group, is considering investing in a production facility in the Philippines, according to Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Indonesia eyes US garment export growth

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Indonesia is looking at ways it can boost its textile and garment shipments to the US - already its main export market - and increase imports of American cotton.

House of Fraser administration extended

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Creditors in House of Fraser have approved another 12 months of administration for the UK department store retailer, just weeks after owner Sports Direct said it might have made a "different decision" regarding the acquisition of the chain last year had it had the gift of hindsight.

Li & Fung completes US$300m sale of LF Logistics stake

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Sourcing giant Li & Fung has completed a deal to sell a 21.7% stake in its logistics business for US$300m to Singapore-headquartered investment company Temasek.

Senin, 19 Agustus 2019

Apparel brands unite to tackle gender-based violence in Lesotho

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Levi Strauss & Co, The Children's Place, and Kontoor Brands are launching a comprehensive pilot programme to prevent gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in garment factories in Lesotho after an investigation documented a "deeply concerning" pattern of abuse and harassment at a key suppliers in the country.

Renegotiate prices now to cut China tariff impact

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Importers are being advised that they have just weeks to renegotiate prices with their vendors if they want to minimise the impact of new tariffs on imports from China.

Plus-size retailer Avenue files for bankruptcy protection

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Women's plus-size apparel and footwear retailer Avenue Stores has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is to close its remaining 222 stores as it transitions into an e-commerce-only platform.

Study finds garment workers in UK paid GBP4 per hour

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A new study from international gender and labour rights NGO Homeworkers' Worldwide (HWW) has found some garment workers in Manchester, UK, are being paid about GBP4 an hour (US$4.84).

Sports Direct to close eight Jack Wills stores

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Sports Direct has confirmed it is to close eight Jack Wills branches after failing to reach deals with landlords on rent negotiations.

Cambodia garment industry urges EU to maintain EBA trade benefits

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The group that represents garment manufacturers in Cambodia is calling on the European Union (EU) to maintain the country's preferential access to the EU market under the Everything But Arms (EBA) trade scheme, noting a suspension will result in "significant" job losses in the country's garment and footwear industries.

Bankrupt plus-size retailer Avenue to shutter all stores

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Women's plus-size apparel and footwear retailer Avenue Stores has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is to close its remaining 222 stores as it transitions into an e-commerce-only platform.

Wolverine Worldwide mulls plans to move more production out of China

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Footwear company Wolverine Worldwide is confident steps it has taken in relation to rising tariffs on footwear from China will limit the financial impact to its business.

Ghanian apparel firm announces "major" investment

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DTRT Apparel Ltd (DTRT), which claims to be West Africa's largest clothing manufacturer, has announced a new investment from leading investment firm Verod Capital Management and Red Bull in a deal it says will be "transformative" for the West African apparel industry.

September tariffs will hit over three-quarters of apparel, footwear imports

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77% of all apparel, footwear, and home textile products imported to the US from China will be hit with an additional 10% tariff on 1 September, according to a new analysis.

Jumat, 16 Agustus 2019

Banana Republic to roll out rental subscription service

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US speciality apparel retailer Gap Inc's Banana Republic brand has today (16 August) announced the launch of a new online rental subscription service that provides unlimited access to its women's apparel collection. 

Confident consumers boost July US retail sales

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US retail sales continued their upward trajectory in July with the results consistent with a confident consumer, new figures show, but increased trade tensions could spark a wind of caution in consumer spending in the weeks ahead.

Levi Strauss, Kontoor Brands pilot to combat gender-based violence in Lesotho

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Levi Strauss & Co, The Children's Place, and Kontoor Brands have agreed to launch a comprehensive pilot programme to prevent gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in garment factories in Lesotho after an investigation documented a "deeply concerning" pattern of abuse and harassment at a key supplier's factories in the country.

Ted Baker switches to Next for childrenswear

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UK fashion and lifestyle brand Ted Baker has inked a new childrenswear licence agreement with Next Plc, replacing its current deal with Debenhams which is due to end in February. 

Confident consumers buoy July US retail sales

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US retail sales continued their upward trajectory in July with the results consistent with a confident consumer, new figures show, but increased trade tensions could spark a wind of caution in consumer spending in the weeks ahead.

Weyco outlines plans to offset China tariff impact

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US footwear maker Weyco says it will look to mitigate the impact of proposed tariff increases on imports from China through wholesale price hikes and cost reductions from its suppliers.

US retailers warn tariffs won't help China trade talks

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US retailers are urging the US Administration and its Chinese counterparts to reconvene for further talks on the trade relationship between the two countries - and warn tariffs and taxes on American consumers is not the right way to get the Chinese to the table.

Cambodia footwear sector could outpace clothing

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Cambodia's footwear sector has the potential to offer more investment and production opportunities than the garment sector, according to a new report from the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Textile start-up to scale new waste-based fibre technology

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Textile startup Infinted Fiber Co is planning to scale up its technology that turns textile waste and other pulp-based materials into new textile fibres, following its largest single investment from Singapore based viscose specialist RGE.

Top stories this week on just-style...

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Top stories this week on just-style include a two-part series examining why and how garment factories should become retailers, a look at the innovative new concepts starting to shape next-generation fashion supply chains, and the US tariff saga continues to unravel with tariffs on some apparel and footwear items now delayed until 15 December. 

Kamis, 15 Agustus 2019

Indian states sign MoU on upskilling textile workers

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The governments of 16 Indian states have signed a memorandum of understanding with India's Ministry of Textiles aimed at upskilling textile workers.

Macy's working with suppliers to mitigate tariff impact

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US department store retailer Macy's has no plans to increase its prices on any items affected by President Trump's latest tranche of tariffs, according to CEO Jeff Gennette.

Kate Spade weighs on Tapestry Q4 performance

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Shares in Tapestry remained down by more than 6% this-afternoon (15 August) as the accessories business reported a near 30% drop in fourth-quarter profit after being dragged down by the group's Kate Spade brand.

Athleisure to outpace clothing market over next 5 years

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The global athleisure market is forecast to rise by 9% in 2019 and will continue to outperform the total clothing and footwear market beyond 2023, driven by consumer desire for a multifunctional wardrobe.

Sports apparel & footwear to be hit by September tariff hike

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"There will be no grace period" for sports apparel and footwear imported into the US from China, which are among the products set to be hit by the US Administration's September round of tariffs.

July sunshine offers a ray of hope to UK retailers

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The hottest July on record and final end-of-season discounting were accompanied by soaring British retail sales, with the biggest boost seen online and department store purchases up for the first time this year. 

UK fashion projects secure GBP645k R&D funding for innovation

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A digital system to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the wool dyeing process, and a initiative to reduce the leadtime on a UK made-to-measure suit to just 48 hours, are among nine projects set to receive more than GBP645,000 (US$779,526) in R&D funding.

New efforts to support women worker rights in Mexico

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An initiative launched earlier this year in Mexico to help female garment workers in the country understand and defend their human rights is to run for the next two years.

Rabu, 14 Agustus 2019

Shareholder Mellby Gard makes play for KappAhl

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Swedish investment firm Mellby GÃ¥rd has submitted a takeover bid for the remaining stake in fashion retailer KappAhl that it doesn't already own.

Supply chain disruptors shaking up the fashion industry

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On-demand apparel assembly, local-for-local production, manufacturer-matching and transparency mapping are among the innovative new concepts starting to shape next-generation fashion supply chains. And investors appear tuned in to their potential too, with millions of dollars in funding set to scale them up. 

Vietnam garment exports rise double-digits in July

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Vietnam's textile and garment exports grew 14.5% to US$3.3bn in July and were up 10.8% for the first seven months of the year to $18.4bn, according to new data from the Vietnamese customs department.

Uganda cotton and clothing strategy eyes export growth

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Uganda has set out a new strategy for its cotton, textile and apparel sector that could, according to local reports, generate up to 50,000 new jobs and US$650m in additional export revenues over the next eight years.

New factory safety initiative launches in Vietnam and India

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Global brands and retailers including Walmart, Bestseller, Gap Inc, Target, PVH Corp and VF Corp are participating in a new initiative that has been launched to promote safer working at apparel and footwear factories in India and Vietnam.

New EU guidance on the use of cords and drawstrings

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The European Commission (EC) has published new guidance on the use of cords and drawstrings in children's clothing, answering a number of questions to help retailers display and style garments correctly. 

Ross Stores names new COO amid leadership shakeup

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US off-price apparel and home fashion retailer Ross Stores has announced a series of leadership changes, including the promotion of Michael Hartshorn as group president and COO with overall responsibility for the supply chain.

Acquisition costs weigh on Delta Galil Q2 profit

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Costs related to the acquisition of intimate apparel manufacturer The Bogart Group have weighed on Delta Galil Industries' profit in the second quarter, even though the Israeli apparel major saw a double-digit rise in sales during the period.

Selasa, 13 Agustus 2019

US delays tariffs on some apparel and footwear items

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The US tariff saga continues to unravel, with the latest move seeing certain items of footwear and apparel among a number of imported Chinese products that will see an additional tariff of 10% delayed for 105 days until 15 December. 

Nike launches first footwear subscription box for kids

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US sporting goods giant Nike has launched its first footwear subscription service for children in a move it says will make shopping for youngster's shoes as convenient as possible - but which also builds a direct-to-consumer connection with the next generation of customers.

Next's Lord Wolfson not "frightened" by No-Deal Brexit

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The CEO of UK fashion retailer Next has reneged on previous views that a No-Deal Brexit will spell chaos and disorder for UK businesses - and is now expressing confidence in a "more prepared" government.

UK fashion retailers join calls for business rates fix

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More than 50 UK high street retailers including Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and Primark, have come together to demand the Government takes action to fix what they call the "broken business rates system."

Heat-MX Worldwide develops new animal-free down

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The latest offering from thermal insulation producer Heat-MX Worldwide is an alternative to natural down feathers made without any animal-based ingredient and said to overcome the limitations of other insulations produced from man-made materials.

Germany gears up for 'Green button' textile mark

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The German government is gearing up for the launch of its 'Grüner Knopf' (Green Button) textile seal in September, a certification mark that indicates products comply with a number of social and environmental requirements.

Canada Goose names Woody Blackford to lead design

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Luxury performance apparel brand Canada Goose has tapped industry veteran Woody Blackford to lead its design and merchandising team as the company eyes expansion opportunities in new categories including footwear.

Domestic Converters streamlines production with PLM

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Canadian seamless apparel maker Domestic Converters has invested in its first Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solution to help manage growth and collaborate more effectively across different locations.

Steve Madden acquires Greats online sneakers brand

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US footwear and accessories specialist Steve Madden has acquired privately held Greats Brand, an online direct-to-consumer business specialising in premium sneakers made in Italy.

China currency move adds to US trade war fears

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Last week's decision by the US to formally label China a currency manipulator is likely to lead to a hardening in the trade dispute between the two countries, and slower expansion in both economies, experts have warned.

Express names Malissa Akay merchandising chief

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Fashion retailer Express has named former Lane Bryant executive Malissa Akay as its executive vice president and chief merchandising officer.

Senin, 12 Agustus 2019

US apparel imports from China get cheaper while Asia rises

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Threats of looming tariffs on apparel imports from China have seen sourcing costs spike for US fashion brands looking to alternative destinations such as Vietnam, Bangladesh and India. But unit prices on products from China have fallen in the first half of this year.

Machine learning creates customised 3D knitwear designs

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Researchers in the US have developed a new system and design tool for programming high-tech knitting machines and customising knitted patterns and shapes - in a move that could help non-experts design and even customise their own garments.

Authentic Brands Group nets $875m in new funding

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Authentic Brands Group (ABG) - owner of labels including Volcom,  Camuto Group, Juicy Couture, Aeropostale and Nautica - has secured a strategic investment of US$875m from investment firm BlackRock's new private equity fund to support its expansion.

Bankrupt fashion chain A'Gaci to shutter all stores

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US women's fashion retailer A'Gaci has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is to close and wind down all 54 of its brick and mortar store locations in the US and Puerto Rico.

Indorama Ventures buys polyester yarn maker Sinterama

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Global chemicals and fibres producer Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL) is to acquire Sinterama SpA, a manufacturer of high performance polyester yarns that are used in the apparel sector. 

Schuh calls in restructuring specialists?

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UK based footwear retailer Schuh says it has no immediate plans for store closures amid reports it has called in restructuring specialists from advisory firm KPMG to assess its options.

Volcom Water Aware denim cuts water use by up to 40%

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The latest jeans collection from US skate, swim and snowboarding brand Volcom uses reformulated water-saving techniques in the finishing processes to save an average of 13 litres of water per pair.

Jumat, 09 Agustus 2019

Gap sets course for 100% clean energy by 2030

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Specialty clothing retailer Gap Inc is taking steps to ensure it reaches its 2020 emissions reduction targets through a new renewable energy agreement - and has set a new goal to reach 100% renewable energy across its global owned and operated facilities by 2030.

Rana Plaza worker lawsuit against Loblaws dismissed

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A $2bn class action lawsuit filed by victims of the collapsed Rana Plaza factory building in Bangladesh against Canadian retailer Loblaws has been dismissed by the Supreme Court of Canada.

26 Sears and Kmart stores to close in October

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The new parent company of US department store retailers Sears and Kmart has announced a tranche of store closures, with 26 large-format locations to shutter in October.

Vietnam garment labour standards continue to improve

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Compliance rates on core labour standards in Vietnam's garment sector have significantly improved on last year - but violations continue to be found in areas such as worker protection, overtime and occupational safety and health.

Workers protest at new India labour law reforms

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Workers across India have been taking part in demonstrations against labour law reforms introduced by the Modi government that they say put ease of doing business ahead of worker welfare.

JC Penney warned on potential NYSE delisting

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JC Penney has been warned of a potential delisting from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) after shares in the US department store retailer traded below US$1 for a period of 30 days.

Top stories this week on just-style...

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Top stories this week on just-style continue to be dominated by the punitive 10% tariff soon to be imposed on $300bn worth of US imports from China - including all textiles, apparel and footwear. We take a look at how some brands are mitigating the potential impact of the new tariffs, and how China's upstream fibre, yarn and fabric producers are ramping up production ahead of a possible slowdown. Primark has also suspended sourcing with several suppliers in Bangladesh after discovering breaches to its Code of Conduct.

US retail imports remain at near-record levels despite tariffs

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Imports at major US retail container ports are expected to continue at near-record levels this month and the rest of the year, despite a new round of tariffs on goods from China.

India cotton supply chain mapping project underway

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The southern Indian state of Telangana is to start mapping its entire cotton supply chain as part of a project with the International Labour Organization (ILO) that aims to stamp out child labour and slavery.

M&S joins expert line-up at risk management seminar

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A seminar is taking place in the UK next month to help brands and retailers better understand strategies to ensure product safety and compliance in garment manufacturing, and what to do when something goes wrong.

Kamis, 08 Agustus 2019

Adidas confirms FY view despite ongoing supply issues

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German sporting goods giant Adidas has reaffirmed its full-year forecast, even though its second-quarter earnings were squeezed by higher air freight costs as it tried to make up for shortages of mid-priced apparel in North America.

Kontoor Brands says cost-cutting is paying off

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Kontoor Brands, the owner of the Wrangler and Lee brands that was recently spun-off from VF Corp, has reported a fall in revenues and profits for the second quarter but insists the restructuring and cost-saving actions it has taken to stabilise the business are paying off.

WaterAid joins Gap's Women + Water Alliance

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WaterAid has joined a five-year programme launched by Gap Inc and the USAID to improve and sustain the health and well-being of women and communities in India touched by the apparel industry.

ZDHC programme adds three new value chain affiliates

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Premium formal and casual wear supplier Smart Shirts, and German chemicals supplier Trumpler Group are among the latest additions to the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) group's value chain affiliates.

Debenhams names turnaround expert as new CEO

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Stefaan Vansteenkiste, who joined Debenhams earlier this year as chief restructuring officer, has been named the new CEO of the UK department store group.

Lenzing fashions more agile and responsive supply chain

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Austrian cellulosic fibre producer Lenzing Group has employed sales and operations planning software across its business to help create a more agile and responsive supply chain that minimises waste and inefficiencies.

Does latest US trade data point to China's fall from grace?

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At the halfway point of 2019, the fallout of the China-US trade spat on US apparel imports is starting to surface. Growth in shipment volumes from Vietnam and Bangladesh outpaced that of China in the first six months of the year - but imports from China are still edging up and the country's share of the market is virtually unchanged.

Rabu, 07 Agustus 2019

Brazil's Instituto Alinha taps blockchain for traceability tag

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Brazil's worker welfare organisation Instituto Alinha is employing Blockchain technology to ensure traceability of garment production processes and fair working conditions.

Cotton prices fall further on ongoing trade tensions

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The escalating trade dispute between the US and China continues to hit cotton supply chains, with prices on the ICE cotton futures exchange for December delivery falling to just 58.53 cents per lb amid fears the ongoing tensions will worsen demand for the natural fibre.

Does latest US trade data point to China's fall from grace?

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At the halfway point of 2019, the fallout of the China-US trade spat on US apparel imports is starting to surface. Growth in shipment volumes from Vietnam and Bangladesh outpaced that of China in the first six months of the year - but imports from China are still edging up and the country's share of the market is virtually unchanged.

Timberland apparel uses 99.6% responsibly sourced cotton

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Outdoor lifestyle brand Timberland continues to move towards its 2020 sustainability goals - with 99.6% of the cotton used in its apparel now either organic or BCI-certified and 100% of its vendors meeting or exceeding its expectations when audited for social and labour compliance.

Lenzing confirms FY view despite "challenging" market

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Austrian cellulosic fibre producer Lenzing has hailed a slight increase in revenue in the first half of 2019 and confirmed its outlook for the full year despite what it calls a "significantly more challenging" market environment with historically low prices for standard viscose.

Catalyst Capital Group ups HBC share offer

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Stakeholders in Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) have received an improved offer from Catalyst Capital Group - with the private equity firm now seeking to purchase up to CAD200m worth of shares in the Canadian retailer.

Accenture to help Brandix "future-ready" its operations

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Leading Sri-Lankan apparel manufacturer Brandix is to work with consultancy Accenture to transform its manufacturing, supply chain, finance and human resources operations "to set the stage for the company's digital future."

Delta Galil taps Steve Moore to lead its mass division

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Delta Galil, Israel-based manufacturer and marketer of branded and private label apparel, has named Steve Moore as its president of mass division.

PurFi circular fibre process poised for global expansion

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A US company that produces high-end yarns and filaments from textile waste streams is set for global expansion after agreeing a new joint venture with a textile manufacturing and finishing firm in Belgium.

Nike acquires predictive analytics platform Celect

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US sporting goods giant Nike has acquired predictive analytics platform Celect in a move that will help it to anticipate consumer needs and optimise inventory across multiple channels.

HanesBrands' EcoSmart line helps cut climate impact

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Apparel giant HanesBrands is introducing new EcoSmart items to its line-up as it explores demand for more environmentally-friendly products and production methods.

Selasa, 06 Agustus 2019

Boohoo buys Karen Millen and Coast in GBP18.2m deal

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UK-based online fashion retailer Boohoo has acquired the online business of the Karen Millen and Coast fashion brands in a GBP18.2m (US$22.1m) deal.

Barneys New York files for bankruptcy protection

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US luxury department store Barneys New York has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and put itself on sale. 

Boohoo closes Karen Millen, Coast acquisitions in GBP18.2m deal

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Boohoo has announced the acquisition of the Karen Millen and Coast brands in a GBP18.2m (US$22.1m) deal, just hours after it confirmed it had put in a bid.

VF Corp to invest $20m in FutureLight fabric technology

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Apparel giant VF Corp has announced plans to invest a further US$20m in its FutureLight breathable and waterproof fabric technology, whose launch is just a few months away.

Boohoo makes play for Karen Millen and Coast brands

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Shares jumped 3% at UK online fashion retailer Boohoo in early morning trade today (6 August) following the group's confirmation it has made an bid to acquire the Karen Millen and Coast fashion brands.

Sports Direct acquires Jack Wills lifestyle brand

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Acquisitive retail group Sports Direct International has acquired Jack Wills in a GBP12.75m (US$15.5m) rescue bid after the ailing lifestyle brand fell into administration on Monday.

China vows retaliatory action on Trump tariffs

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China has reportedly vowed to retaliate with countermeasures if the US follows through with plans for fresh tariffs on US$300bn worth of goods from the beginning of September.

China textile production hikes up ahead of US tariffs

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Chinese upstream yarn and fibre producers are ramping up production as fears grow that the trade war with the US will hurt exports of apparel and other textile products. 

Odour-fighting fabric releases fragrance on contact with sweat

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Researchers in Portugal have modified cotton fabric to emit a lemony citronella aroma on contact with sweat - opening up potential for new body-odour-fighting garments to deal with hot summer weather, stressful situations and intense workouts.

Senin, 05 Agustus 2019

Yarn maker Nilit sets new sustainability strategy

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Israel based nylon 6.6 manufacturer Nilit has published a new sustainability strategy following a life cycle assessment (LCA) across its products and manufacturing facilities.

Primark probe suspends several Bangladesh factories

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Primark has confirmed it is suspending sourcing with several of its supplier factories in Bangladesh following allegations that workers' contracts were terminated unfairly

UK retailers believe sustainability still out of reach

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A survey of national and independent retailers in the UK has found that two-thirds believe it will take three years or more for their businesses to achieve true sustainability.

Some brands are mitigating the potential impact of new China tariffs. Here's how

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US apparel brands and retailers may be caught between higher costs and rising prices when it comes to navigating an extra 10% tariff on clothing and footwear imported from China from the beginning of next month - but analysts suggest some are managing to mitigate the potential impacts.

C2C Certified V4 draft standard now open for comment

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The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII) is seeking comment on a draft of its new Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard (Version 4).

Hudson's Bay panel says takeover bid "inadequate"

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A special committee appointed by Canadian retailer Hudson's Bay Company to evaluate a takeover bid from a group of stakeholders has deemed the offer "inadequate."

Call for sanctions on firms linked to Myanmar military

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The United Nations is calling upon world leaders to impose targeted financial sanctions on companies that are linked to the military in Myanmar - including several garment manufacturers.

Jumat, 02 Agustus 2019

US fashion industry reeling as new China tariffs loom

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US apparel stocks have taken a battering, while "truly shocking" and "a disaster" are among the first responses to President Trump's tweet that an extra 10% tariff will be imposed on $300bn worth of US imports from China - including all textiles, apparel and footwear - beginning 1 September.

Cotton prices slump amid trade uncertainty

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Uncertainties surrounding the trade war between the US and China have pushed cotton prices down from a season-high last August to a low in July, new figures show.

Vilebrequin streamlines process with new digital tools

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Luxury swimwear brand Vilebrequin is turning to new digital solutions to speed product development and offer more opportunities for customisation.

Concealing sustainability information risks brand credibility

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Brands and retailers that fail to disclose information about their social and environmental sustainability risk staying relevant and being trusted by consumers and may lose market share, according to a new report from the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC).

Nigeria takes step to revive cotton textile sector

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As part of efforts to reinvigorate its cotton and textile industries, Nigeria has joined the International Cotton Advisory Council (ICAC) where it will be able to tap into research to help boost production yields.

New blockchain solution bolsters supply chain transparency

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German start-up Retraced GmbH has launched a new blockchain-based transparency solution that is being trialled with a number of fashion brands to improve their supply chain transparency.

Wacoal acquires Lively lingerie brand in $85m deal

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The US subsidiary of Japanese lingerie manufacturer Wacoal Holdings Corp is to acquire direct-to-consumer innerwear disruptor Intimates Online for US$85m in a move that gives it a new reach into the millennial market.

Top stories this week on just-style...

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Top stories this week on just-style include a tweet from President Trump announcing that a punitive 10% tariff will be imposed on $300bn worth of US imports from China - including all textiles, apparel and footwear - beginning 1 September, China's continuing dominance of international textile industry, and a warning that a recent increase in "illegal" strikes in Cambodia could lead to a loss of confidence from buyers.

Kamis, 01 Agustus 2019

Trump ramps up trade war with new China tariffs

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US President Donald Trump has ramped up his trade war with China by announcing that a punitive 10% tariff will be imposed on a list of $300bn worth of US imports from China - including all textiles, apparel and footwear - beginning 1 September.

US-China trade talks set to continue in September

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Uncertainty over the imposition of new tariffs on US imports from China looks set to continue for some time after the two sides said more negotiations are set to take place in early September.

Poor purchasing hurts refugee garment workers in Turkey

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Despite efforts by a small but growing group of European fashion brands and retailers to tackle exploitation of Syrian refugees in Turkish garment supply chains, the majority are still failing to take steps to prevent abuse, particularly beyond their first-tier suppliers, new research suggests.

Delta Apparel Q3 boosted by digital print and Salt Life

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Third-quarter earnings have jumped at activewear maker Delta Apparel thanks to a sales rise which it attributes to growing strength in digital print and expansion at its Salt Life business.

Top stories on just-style in July...

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Top stories on just-style in June included an interview with Moushumi Khan, the CEO of Bangladesh's newest safety monitoring initiative Nirapon, a look at the world's ten worst countries for workers, why China's role as the clothes sourcing go-to for most of the apparel industry is set to change, and M&S's journey to sourcing more sustainable cotton. Inditex also outlined a series of new sustainability commitments. 

Gildan Q2 profit slips on higher restructuring costs

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Gildan Activewear has reported what it says are "record" second-quarter sales, although restructuring and acquisition-related costs meant a fall in net earnings.

Zalando ups profit outlook on "strong" first-half

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German fashion e-tailer Zalando has raised its profit outlook following a surge in visits to its website and orders in the second quarter of 2019.

Turkey to boost textile recycling efforts

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Turkey is to bolster its textile waste recycling activities as part of an extension to the Zero Waste Campaign that first launched in the country in 2017.

Hugo Boss trims FY outlook amid US challenges

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German fashion group Hugo Boss has confirmed its outlook for the full year, but says sales and earnings are likely to be at the lower end of its forecast as it faces "persisting challenges" in the US market.

Asahi Kasei to expand artificial suede production

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Chemicals and materials conglomerate Asahi Kasei is to expand production of its Lamous artificial suede product, used in various functions including apparel, at its site in Miyazaki, Japan.

Charting a course for change on purchasing practices

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J The issue of poor purchasing practices has dogged the global apparel industry for two decades. Yet rather than getti...