Earth Day Year-Round

This year, The North Face launched a campaign to advocate for Earth Day to be recognized as an official holiday, shutting down its stores and headquarters on April 22. Encouraging both employees and consumers to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature, the initiative aims to foster greater environmental awareness.

Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has served as a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship. Despite efforts to reduce consumption in various sectors, the fashion industry continues to experience significant growth, prompting a reevaluation of production methods for sustainability.

Today's businesses must prioritize thoughtful practices, whether through philanthropy or mindful supply chain management. According to research by Cotton Council International and Cotton Incorporated, a majority of Americans acknowledge the need for behavior changes to address environmental challenges.

In any industry, consideration must be given to materials, processes, and usage to minimize impact on the planet. Given the interconnected nature of supply chains, sustainability ensures the availability of resources for the future.

This year's Earth Day campaign, "Protect Our Species," draws attention to the threat posed by microplastic pollution to ecosystems. Synthetic apparel, composed of non-biodegradable fibers like polyester and nylon, contributes to this environmental concern.

Studies conducted by North Carolina State University reveal stark differences in degradation rates between cotton and polyester garments in freshwater and saltwater environments. Such findings underscore the urgency of creating an ecosystem that promotes human well-being while safeguarding the planet's biodiversity.

Source: Fashion United & Sourcing Journal

Merging Coworking & Retail

Retailers nationwide are grappling with how to optimize their store space amidst changing consumer trends. Many big box retailers are realizing they can downsize or repurpose their real estate for better efficiency.

To attract customers and maximize location potential, companies are exploring innovative options. This includes forming partnerships with other businesses or embracing coworking concepts like WeWork, which offers private offices, shared workspaces, and event areas.

In January, WeWork launched "Made by We" in New York, featuring a retail concept offering a diverse range of products, from snacks to apparel, alongside a café and shared workspaces. The aim is to foster collaboration, innovation, and creativity within the retail environment.

The expansion of retail, both for small boutiques and large chains, reflects a strategic response to changing workforce dynamics. With 43% of US workers expected to be remote at least part-time by 2030, flexible coworking spaces are predicted to grow to 30% of all offices.

It's not just about rethinking real estate; it's also about reimagining the consumer experience to be more engaging and meaningful.

Source:: Retail Dive

Experiential Retail

Experiential retail is a hot topic in the industry, encompassing immersive, interactive, and technology-driven approaches. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution, and many retailers are struggling to catch up with the trend.

The cost of inaction is significant. Customers have diverse preferences, and retailers need to tailor their experiential strategies to each location and brand identity. Rather than expanding store locations, the emphasis should be on regularly refreshing existing stores.

Experiential stores also provide an opportunity for international brands to make a splash in new markets. For some, the focus may shift towards showcasing brand identity over product sales, with the ratio potentially skewed towards the former.

Regardless of the approach, the key is to ensure that experiences are seamless and purposeful, leaving a lasting impression on customers.

Source: Retail Dive

The End of Product Ownership

McKinsey & Company's recent report sheds light on the evolving landscape of consumer product industries, emphasizing the rise of pre-owned, refurbished, and rental models. This shift reflects consumers' growing preferences for affordability, sustainability, and variety.

Studies reveal a stark increase in clothing purchases over the past 15 years, coupled with a decline in item longevity. Many consumers consider garments old after just 1-2 wears, particularly among younger generations more attuned to sustainability concerns. Rental, resale, and refurbishment models offer extended product lifecycles while providing a sense of novelty.

Traditionally, established brands have overlooked the secondhand market. However, they are now venturing into pre-owned and rental sectors.

In 2019, McKinsey & Company anticipates three key developments:

1. More brands will venture into rental, resale, and refurbishment, with established players exploring these alternative ownership models through collaborations or startups.

2. The rental market will witness a surge in brands.

3. Consumers, especially in high-value categories, will increasingly embrace pre-owned or rented products, contributing to the growth of their wardrobes.

Source: McKinsey & Company

The Influence of "Woke" Consumers

McKinsey & Company's February report underscores the influence of socially conscious consumers on the marketplace:

• Younger demographics prioritize social and environmental causes, reflecting their purchasing behavior.

• Brands are adapting by incorporating social and environmental themes into their offerings. A study reveals that 90% of Gen Z consumers believe companies should address such issues.

• This demographic wields significant spending power, with approximately $350 billion in the US alone.

• Concerns about social and environmental issues extend beyond younger consumers, with one-third of global consumers altering their purchasing decisions over the past three years.

• Some companies are making purpose a focal point of their strategies, exemplified by the growth of B Corporations, which prioritize societal and environmental impacts.

• Consumers expect authenticity and consistency from brands, particularly regarding their stance on social issues. While expressing beliefs may attract younger demographics, inconsistency can erode trust.

• Despite potential controversy, authenticity fosters loyalty among consumers, which is crucial for long-term success.

Source: McKinsey & Company

Organizing Your Retail Business

"Inspired by Marie Kondo's 'Konmari' method, this year's trend focuses on decluttering and organizing living spaces, emphasizing sentimental value. It's prompting many to reassess their spending habits, gravitating towards fewer, high-quality investment pieces. Millennials, in particular, prioritize experiences and environmental concerns.

This trend extends to business as well. Alongside reviewing product/service offerings, now is the perfect time to evaluate the internal supply chain. Reducing operating costs can boost profitability. Whether it's streamlining processes or redesigning products for cost-effectiveness, there's always room for improvement.

When was the last time you assessed your business?"

Source: Fortune

4 Core Gen Z Behaviors

According to a study by McKinsey, the influence of Gen Z (those born 1995-2010) is expanding. They are the first generation of true digital natives and make up 20% of the population.

There are 4 core Gen Z behaviors, all anchored in one element: this generation’s search for truth:

1. They value individual expression and avoid labels.

2. They mobilize themselves for a variety of causes.

3. They believe in the efficacy of dialogue to solve conflicts and improve the world.

4. They make decisions and relate to institutions in a highly analytical and pragmatic way.

Businesses must rethink how they deliver value to the consumer, rebalance scale and mass production against personalization, and—more than ever—practice what they preach when they address marketing issues and work ethics.

Source: McKinsey & Company

New Plastics Economy Global Commitment

Today, a coalition of brands including Burberry, H&M, L'Oreal, Inditex, Selfridges, Stella McCartney, Target, and Unilever, alongside the Chilean and British governments and non-profits, announced their commitment to combat plastic waste and pollution by signing the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment.

The main objective is to transition to a circular economy for plastic:

1. Eliminate plastic packaging and phase out single-use plastics.

2. Foster innovation to ensure that all plastics are recyclable, compostable, or reusable by 2035.

3. Extend the lifespan of existing plastic by promoting reuse and recycling.

These goals will be reassessed every 18 months, with a view to making them more ambitious over time. Plastic waste and pollution pose a global challenge, and the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment represents a significant step forward by aligning businesses and governments on a unified agenda.

What is a Tech Pack?

A tech pack serves as the foundational blueprint for manufacturing a product, providing essential information and instructions to manufacturers throughout the production process.

Key components typically included in a tech pack are:

1. Technical sketches detailing the front and back of the product, along with any specific design elements.

2. Construction and sewing details outlining how the product is assembled.

3. Specifications for fabrics, materials, and trims, including information on suppliers if available.

4. Artwork for prints, embroideries, patterns, and labels, if applicable to the product.

5. Fit specifications and comments for prototype, first fit, and second fit samples.

6. Graded specifications by size to ensure consistency across different sizes.

7. Instructions for folding, labeling, and packaging the finished product for shipment.

Creating A Product Line

Creating a product line requires more than just a vision; it necessitates meticulous planning, education, and collaboration with a team of experts. The process typically begins with the development of a Bill of Materials (BOM) for hardlines or a tech pack for apparel, which serves as a detailed guide for manufacturers to bring the designer's concept to life.

The creation of a BOM or tech pack involves the inclusion of technical flats with precise measurements and other product specifications. These details are crucial as they inform the development of molds or pattern blocks, which are essential for the sampling phase and subsequent production.

Throughout the design process, maintaining a Time and Action (T&A) calendar is imperative to ensure timely delivery of the product for buyers to purchase at market and for editors to feature ahead of market for consumer awareness.

Key components needed to kickstart the process include:

1. BOM or Tech Pack: Detailed documentation outlining product specifications.

2. Reference Samples: Existing samples serving as a reference for design and quality standards.

3. Quality Samples: Samples produced during the sampling phase to assess design and manufacturing quality.

4. Target Cost: Established budgetary constraints guiding the development process.

5. Target Delivery: Defined timelines for product delivery aligning with market demands and consumer expectations.

Earth Day

Happy Earth Day!

Did you know that the apparel industry is one of the largest polluters in the world? It's astonishing but true! Fortunately, more and more companies are taking steps to improve their processes, embrace sustainability, and scrutinize their partnerships.

Here are 5 ways you can contribute to saving the planet on Earth Day and beyond:

1. Conserve Water: Whether by reducing your shower time or cutting back on laundry loads, every small effort counts!

2. Plant Trees: Trees play a crucial role in filtering air pollution, providing habitats for wildlife, and recycling water.

3. Switch to Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs: Make the transition to LED, CFL, or halogen bulbs to reduce energy consumption.

4. Unplug Appliances: Even when turned off, appliances still consume energy. Save energy and money by unplugging devices when not in use, such as TVs, radios, and lamps.

5. Choose Sustainable Apparel: Opt for timeless or vintage clothing instead of fast fashion pieces to minimize landfill waste. Adjusting your shopping habits can have a significant impact on the future of the fashion industry.

We only have one Earth, so let's all take proactive steps to protect and preserve our environment!