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| Issue date:12/04/2010 |
| ATA Journal for Asia on Textile & Apparel - Apr 2010 Issue |
| Source:Journal for Asia on Textile & Apparel |
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| The maternity apparel market in the US is said to be optimistic |
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US maternity apparel market at US$4.8 billion by 2015: report
Maternity apparel market in the US is projected to exceed US$4.8 billion by the year 2015, according to a recent Global Industry Analysts report. This is primarily driven by the popularity of fashionable maternity wear, explosion of celebrity pregnancies, and growth of e-commerce in recent years.
Maternity apparels came to limelight in recent years with the explosion of celebrity pregnancies, popularity of fashionable maternity wear, and growth of e-commerce, the report stated. There is a growing tendency to postpone pregnancy at one end, and growing frequency of teenage pregnancies at the other end. Consequently, pregnancy age spectrum has widened in recent years and altered the market requirements and opportunities.
The maternity apparel industry is highly competitive and fragmented, as stated by the new market research report on maternity apparel.
The prime reason for the high levels of competition is the low-level entry barrier. Several players attempt to create a niche market with special focus on specific parameters such as size, color, style, fashion, and design. Specialty retail chains, department stores, discount stores, independent stores, and Internet-based retailers continue to compete for market share at all levels. Key players include Amoralia Ltd, Arcadia Group Limited, Blossom Mother and Child, Destination Maternity Corporation, Goddess Bra Company, Isabella Oliver, Liz Claiborne, Mothercare, The Gap and Triumph Apparel Corporation, the report mentioned.
Illuminated apparel marketed among colleges
U.S. Branding Group received the Authorized Collegiate Licensing, from the Licensing Resource Group (LRG), and Strategic Marketing Affiliates (SMA) for their illuminated branded apparel line targeting the collegiate consumer retail market.
The ThreadLites & TechnoThreadZ illuminated apparel makes use of the electroluminescent (EL) technology, the company says. U.S. Branding Group President Rich Butler comments that the illuminated clothing utilizes a safe, organic phosphor powder that is sandwiched between thin PVC panels. The panels are printed in full digital color and sewn to a garment. When a safe, low voltage electrical current is introduced from a hidden lightweight AAA battery pack, the phosphor emits light energy rather than heat, thus creating a colorful and bright illuminating effect. Garments may be hand washed or dry-cleaned, Mr Butler adds.
These illuminated apparel has been introduced at a number of colleges in the US, including Arizona State University, Iowa State University and Columbia University. The company expected more schools to be using the illuminated clothing this year.
Boots and Mothercare jointly launch new line of kidswear
Boots and Mothercare agreed to form a strategic partnership to design, source and supply a new children’s clothing and accessories brand to be sold exclusively through Boots stores in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
This builds on the existing commercial relationship where Boots sells Mothercare’s Early Learning Centre toys in over 400 Boots stores, the two companies said.
“We believe this move will further strengthen our baby and child range and build on our reputation for offering great value children’s wear. This agreement demonstrates our commitment to developing strategic partnerships to grow and expand our business,” said Alex Gourlay, Chief Executive, Health & Beauty Division, Alliance Boots.
US plus-size retailer expands outlets
Catherines Plus Sizes opened 33 stores in outlet centers across the United States in February. Offering classic career and casual clothing at outlet prices, these outlet locations cater to women wearing plus sizes (16W to 34W and 0X to 5X).
“Following this month’s planned openings in outlet centers, we will have grown to nearly 500 locations nationwide. In an environment where few retailers are expanding their store base, we are especially pleased for the opportunity to serve our customer through the growth of our brand,” said Carol Williams, President of the company.
Positioned as “Fit Specialists” in the plus-size market, the Catherines Plus Sizes company provide apparel for extended sizes up to 34W.
Armani Exchange upgrades its IT customer service
An international fashion brand A|X Armani Exchange has upgraded its level of customer service with the development of two web-based programs, designed to bring more immediate service and style to online clients.
The mobile version of armaniexchange.com allows the smartphone user to purchase styles from the Armani Exchange collections. These shoppers can quickly navigate categories, browse merchandise, view color swatches, and purchase merchandise on the mobile storefront utilizing checkout processes designed specifically for smartphones. Further, users can locate the nearest A|X retail store via the smartphone’s geo-location functionality.
Secondly, in-store pickup allows for clients to select items online and purchase the items later from their local Armani Exchange retail store.
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| Copyright © Adsale Publishing Limited. Any party needs to reprint any part of the content should get the written approval from Adsale Publishing Ltd and quote the source "ATA Journal for Asia on Textile & Apparel", Adsale Textile English Website - www.AdsaleATA.com. We reserve the right to take legal action against any party who reprints any part of this article without acknowledgement. For enquiry, please contact Editorial Department. |
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| Copyright © Adsale Publishing Limited. Any party needs to reprint any part of the content should get the written approval from Adsale Publishing Ltd and quote the source "ATA Journal for Asia on Textile & Apparel", Adsale Textile English Website - www.AdsaleATA.com. We reserve the right to take legal action against any party who reprints any part of this article without acknowledgement. For enquiry, please contact Editorial Department. |
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