Embrace a Multiple Country Sourcing Strategy

When I was watching the news from Egypt, I couldn't stop thinking on the implications that this crisis could have on the apparel sector. Later on, talking to professor Rosenau, I found out that he was also having some thoughts on the crisis and the importance on having multiple country sourcing strategies.

I found an article published by Just-In Style and I was able to clarified very important issues related to the industry in Egypt. According to the article, as of today, it seems that the apparel industry in Egypt hasn't yet suffered major disruptions, but there is a common sense of insecurity.

"Dr Christian Schindler, director general of the ITMF in Zürich, told just-style that the sector has not been as badly affected as would be thought."

Although, there is no " guarantee that political events won't have a major impact on apparel production. Look what happened several years ago in Haiti. Always embrace a multiple country sourcing strategy that insures production regardless of the risk from political unrest" Rosenau

Read the article and share your toughs on this issue.

JUST-In-Style

Lina Velandia

Consumer's Buying Habits and Fast Fashion

How will the apparel industry respond to this major change in the consumer’s buying habits. If the consumer buys only based upon need because of both economic and sustainability influences, will it mean “fast fashion” for everyone? (Professor Rosenau)

“The Great Depression replaced a spendthrift culture with a generation of frugal savers. The recent recession, too, has left in its wake a deeply changed shopper: the just-in-time consumer."Consumers are saying, 'I'm going to buy what I need for a specific period of time,' rather than loading up and buying two or three extra units just because they can get a good price on it," says Richard Wolford, CEO of Del Monte Foods Co. He calls the phenomenon "need it now." (WSJ)

I believe the fashion Industry is confronting innumerable new faces due to a new consumer mindset. The apparel industry in the U.S has to consider all these faces when planning a successful business model. The questions is indeed, if “Fast Fashion” will last and become the rule, when the economy is still in a deep transformation.

Please Click Link to read the whole article

The Wall Street Journal

Another Example of Today’s Apparel Industry Harnessing the Power of Technology

I really like technology and I am a Google enthusiast, so I am very pleased Google has entered into the apparel world.

This Wednesday, Google will set a new fashion Web site and virtual designer boutiques.

"The fashion world is abuzz with talk about the venture, according to sources who have been briefed on the search giant’s plans.

Anyone will be able to create and share their own personalized shop by selecting style preferences and the looks, brands and items they love — in the end making it easier and more stylish to buy fashion on the Web.

The search company has tapped Sarah Jessica Parker to set up her own personalized shop and is reportedly wooing Katie Holmes to do the same."

Click on the Link to read the article, I really recommend it

(DWW)

Technology-the Global Enabler of Fashion

"Technology is enabling the Global World of Fashion to have immediate access to important information. This article describes another example of how far our industry has come in embracing technology." Professor Rosenau

Please click on the link to read article

Technology

Next Generation of Leaders in the Apparel Industry

" It is important to understand what skill sets are needed for the next generation of leaders in the apparel industry, Since they are very similar to those that are required in the retail industry, this article in WWD can be very helpful when selecting your areas of study and preparing for your future"' (Commends by Professor Rosenau)

Read the article at:

http://ezproxy.philau.edu:2118/business-news/future-retail-leaders-need-different-skillset-3364086?

Masstige Gains Power

"Masstige"
Are you aware of this Term? I wans't, but it seems that it has been around for a while.
In a article published by WWD, the term Masstige refers to the new trend that high end designers are adopting when participating actively in the low-price but stylish clothing market.
I think that high-end designers who have decided to participate in the lower price fashion market are doing the right thing. What do you think?

Vera Wang idea of Empire

"For many years apparel companies would not pursue a multi channel method of distribution. This approach is changing as more and more designers are pursuing this approach to reaching a broader audience. This article about Vera Wang decribes her startegy of "selling through luxury, mid priced and discoun stores".
Comment on the article by Professor Rosenau

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703597204575483643246884082.html?KEYWORDS=vera+wang