Purchasing Power

Raw cotton’s volatile price increases have made many in the industry jittery, too. Yet new research from Cotton Incorporated shows that consumers are actually willing to pay more than what…

Quality Pursuits

When the economy was booming and credit was easy, consumers cared less about the long term – in their apparel choices as much as in their savings account. But in…

A New Mentality

Gillette’s new “Masters of Style” ad, featuring the fashionably attired Adrian Brody, Gael Garcia Bernal and Andre 3000, comes at a time when more U.S. men are taking their personal…

The Male Storm

A zany thing happened on the way out of the recession: more and more men have begun investing in fashion.  In turn, retailers have had to amp up their offerings…

How the East is Won

With more than 1.3 billion people, China presents itself as a Western retailer’s dream.  But its economy, though still growing strong at 7.5%, has been in a slowdown for the…

Equal Time

Businesses are all about getting the attention of the male audience come NFL playoff and Super Bowl time.  But in men’s wear, brands and retailers have been making a dedicated…

COURTING THE MEXICAN APPAREL CONSUMER

Economic and demographic factors have converged to propel Mexico’s financial growth and attract new commercial pursuits within the country. According to The Economist, Mexico may be one of the ten…

Hedging on the Horizon

It is the year of the snake in China, which could bode well for business — a rather welcome prospect for apparel retailers.  In China, a market that has enjoyed…

Consumer Perspectives on “Green” Apparel

Environmental activism among consumers has steadily progressed due to more individuals adopting eco-friendly habits. Consumers’ eco-sensitive attitudes and behaviors can be understood as a form of enlightened self-interest. More than…

Constant Comment

Love that shirt? Write a glowing online review. Hate that shirt? Lodge an online complaint. Online reviews are now ubiquitous – and while some say that could leave a store…