...Microsoft Customer Solution Retail Industry Case Study Retailer Boosts Sales 14%, Cuts Inventory Management Costs 35% with RFID Solution Overview Country or Region: United States Industry: Retail Customer Profile American Apparel, based in Los Angeles, California, makes, distributes, and retails basic fashion apparel for men, women, and children. It has 260 stores in North America, Europe, and Asia, and 10,000 employees. Business Situation American Apparel wanted to boost its instore sales, while reducing the costs required to generate those sales. Solution The company adopted Clarity ARS from Xterprise, based on Microsoft® BizTalk® Server RFID and Microsoft SQL Server®. The end-to-end solution covers the tagging of merchandise at the factory through the analysis of store sales. Benefits Store sales up 14 percent Profit margins increased to 65.9 percent System can extend to other solutions Business intelligence enables better decision making ―RFID is the future of retail because it’s a better way of counting inventory, period…. Every retailer can make more money by making replenishment more efficient.‖ Zander Livingston, Director of RFID, American Apparel Like virtually all retailers and all businesses, American Apparel wanted to do more with less at its retail locations—specifically, it wanted to boost store sales while reducing the cost of generating those sales. It met that goal with a solution provided by Xterprise, a Microsoft® Gold Certified Partner...
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...CHAPTER ONE BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY The environment in which the fashion industry operates the world over has become turbulent, unpredictable and therefore, difficult to exert managerial control. Cultures around the world are constantly influencing each other; hence, the world’s cultures are changing fashion constantly. Also, social, economic, political and legal factors keep changing than before. Competition in the fashion industry is so rife such that the survival of fashion organizations cannot be guaranteed (Stuart, 1995). During the last decade, the developments of new technologies all over the world and growing globalization of countries economies have produced the fastest changes ever. The fashion industry in Ghana, especially, the clothing sub sector (which is the focus of this study) has not been without the effect of economic, political, social, cultural and legal pressures brought to bear on all organizations. In recent years, protectionism has given way to globalization. With that change, Ghanaian clothing sector of the fashion industry has had to compete with imports from low wage countries. Retailers, unencumbered by protectionism, have also seized on the opportunity, often choosing to go directly to offshore manufacturers. As retailers become larger and more globally connected, they continue to build global brands marketed around the world. In doing so, they eliminate many Ghanaian clothing companies from their supply chain. The result has been major market...
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...| Canadian Apparel Federation | Exploratory Research Assignment | Owner June 2, 2012 | Introduction The Canadian Apparel Federation is facing numerous challenges as the apparel industry is very competitive and consumer tastes and preferences are constantly changing. Our study will present some of the major trends developing in the apparel industry and what companies can do to capitalize on the market and distinguish themselves from the competitors. Research Objectives The purpose of study is to identify what a company must do to separate themselves from their competition and how to best retain and attract customers. We will examine what actions are required by companies to become successful in the market. We will compare what qualities and traits successful companies possessed which provided them with a competitive advantage in the marketplace and kept their customers satisfied. We will compare three companies; Lululemon, American Apparel, and Roots Canada and report on what separates them from their competition and mistakes they have made in the past. Research Method Our research consisted primarily of exploratory research which will focus on the industry’s background to help us determine key industry trends, customer preferences and keys for success. We will collect background information from articles, industry data, companies internal data, competitors data and consumers opinions which will be gathered from online social media. Secondary data will...
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...Nike Case Analysis 1 Nike Case Analysis Contents I. Introduction............................................................................................................................................................3 II. Conclusions of Nike Core Marketing Strategy .......................................................................................................3 2.1. Pros: ............................................................................................................................................................3 2.2. Cons: ...........................................................................................................................................................3 2.3. Risks: ...........................................................................................................................................................3 III. Nike Core Marketing Strategy ...........................................................................................................................4 3.1. IV. Core marketing strategies .........................................................................................................................4 SWOT analysis .................................................................................................................................................6 4.1. 4.2. Weakness ..................................................................
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...bs_bs_banner International Journal of Consumer Studies ISSN 1470-6423 Beyond the fad: a critical review of consumer fashion involvement ijcs_1041 84..104 Iman Naderi Department of Marketing and Logistics, College of Business, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA Keywords Consumer involvement, content analysis, fashion, literature review. Correspondence Iman Naderi, Department of Marketing and Logistics, College of Business, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle 311396, Denton, Texas 76203-5017, USA. E-mail: iman.naderi@unt.edu doi: 10.1111/j.1470-6431.2011.01041.x Abstract Fashion involvement has been regarded as an important research topic in consumer research. Despite the importance of this topic, no attempt has been made in the past to review, assess and consolidate extant research on fashion involvement. This study presents a comprehensive and critical review and analysis of the recent studies on involvement in the context of fashion clothing to indicate the current state and identify possible gaps. A content analysis of the current peer-reviewed journal articles published on this research topic reveals a paucity of research on a number of antecedents and consequences of involvement. Further, the findings show that the research method is biased towards the survey method as opposed to experimentation. In this paper, the results of the content analysis outlining methodologies, sample characteristics, variables and major findings are provided and...
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...Mariela Torresmutt 6/20/2012 Under Armour: Case 1 The following is an environmental analysis of the “performance apparel” business sector of the athletic apparel industry, with an analysis on Under Armour, the 3rd largest athletic apparel company. The company is clearly rapidly growing, touching markets that have been dominated before, but continues to pride themselves on the performance of their products. The first section of this analysis will cover the trends in technology, economics, demographics, socialites and culture, as well as politics and legalities. It also includes coverage over Porter’s 5 forces and analysis’ of the industry and competitors. It will be concluded with strategies of success of the company as well as alternative strategies. Demographics In the terms of the overall athletic market, Under Armour claims 31% of the market share, Nike 36%, and Adidas and other athletic companies claiming the remainder. In their specific products, Under Armour claims 75% of performance apparel market share, with Nike and Adidas struggling to catch up. The company targets consumers of all ages and all demographics. Their consumers include men, women, and children; athletes, coaches, fans, active people, athletic staff, and anyone who lives an active life style. Their consumers can attain their products through their website, 15,000 retail stores across the country, regional retail chains like Academy and Dick’s sporting goods, and as of 2007, 17 retail outlet stores. Approximately...
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...ZARA: Fashion Follower, Industry Leader Business of Fashion Case Study Competition Amanda Craig, Charlese Jones and Martha Nieto Philadelphia University April 2, 2004 ZARA: Fashion Follower, Industry Leader Table of Contents Introduction………………………………………………………………….1 Financial Analysis and Comparison…………………………………………………….…………....1 Strategic Advantages………………………………………………………………...2-3 Strategic Drawbacks…………………………………………………………….….. 3-4 Possibilities for Failure…………………………………………………………………....…..4 Recommendations/Conclusion………………………………………………5 Calculations and Financial Statements……………………………………….……………….Appendix A Articles: The Recent Status of ZARA.……………………………………….…………………...Appendix B Works Cited Works Referenced The global apparel market is a consumer-driven industry. Also, globalization and new technologies have allowed consumers to have more access to fashion. As a result, consumers are changing, competition is fierce, and companies are evolving to meet these demands. Zara, a Spanish-based chain owned by Inditex, is a retailer who has taken a new approach in the industry. With their unique strategy, Zara has the competitive advantage to be sustainable. In order to maintain that advantage and growth they must confront certain challenges that face traditional retailers in the apparel industry. Financial Analysis and Comparison To prove Zara has the prospect of sustainable growth in the international apparel market, it is important to understand and compare the financial differences...
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...Cassill and Dr. William Oxenham). The purpose of this research was to analyze how a niche strategy can be used by US textile and apparel companies to compete with lower priced imports. With the increasing globalization of the industry, it has been suggested that companies focus on products that offer a competitive advantage over commodity products (Standard and Poor’s, 2003). One way of doing this is to focus on specialized, or niche, products. The conceptual models used in this study provided a framework for specialization within trade. The trade theories examined were 1) Ricardo’s Comparative Advantage Theory (Ricardo, 1817), 2) Heckscher-Ohlin Trade Theory of Factor Proportions (Heckscher & Ohlin, 1991), 3) Posner’s Technology Trade Gap Theory (Posner, 1961), 4) Vernon’s Theory of the Product Life Cycle of Trade (Vernon, 1966), and 5) Porter’s Model of Competitive Advantage (Porter, 1998). Each of these trade theories predicts specialization as a result of trade. This means that as trade barriers decrease, a country’s resources will focus on those processes in which it has a competitive advantage. For the US textile and apparel industry, this means moving away from basic textile items used in apparel production, such as basic fabrics, and moving towards more focused and specialty products, which includes niche products. The methodology used in this study consisted of two phases. Phase I used a deductive research design with an aim to clarify niche strategy issues and provide...
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...A Project Report On FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PURCHASE DECISION OF BIMTECH STUDENTS FOR SPORTS APPAREL SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULLFILLMENT OF THE POST GRADUATION DIPLOMA IN MANAGEMENT AT BIRLA INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY Submitted to: Prof. A.K. Dey Submited by- Dhruv Chauhan 14DM074 Dishant Gupta 14DM078 Himanshu Garg 14DM091 Ishan Biswari 14DM096 Jitender Kumar 14DM105 Karan Vithlani 14DM109 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL Dr. A. K. Dey Date: 13-12-2014 Professor Operations & Decision Sciences Birla Institute of Management Technology Greater Noida Respected Sir, We would like to inform you that we have completed the project work assigned by you. We are also sending you the results contained in our research report entitled “FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PURCHASE DECISION OF BIMTECH STUDENTS FOR SPORTS APPAREL.” As already discussed with you, the said report is based on the inputs obtained from 216 subjects taken from BIMTECH only, Report is arranged in chapters and explains all the details pertaining to the research conducted by us. We have followed the standard pattern of conducting the research. We sincerely hope that the results presented in the report are up to your expectations. We would be looking forward to your feedback. Sincerely, Dhruv Chauhan 14DM074 Dishant Gupta 14DM078 Himanshu Garg 14DM091 ...
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...TO IDENTIFY KEY COMPONENTS OF STORE IMAGE (A STUDY ON SOME SELECTED APPAREL STORES IN INDIA) HEMRAJ VERMA Assistant Professor, Dehradun Institute of Technology, Dehradun, Email id: hemraj77@gmail.com DR. PANKAJ MADAN Reader, Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalay, Haridwar, Email id: pankaj_mad@yahoo.com Abstract Retailing in India is gaining attention like never before. Organized retailing especially is creating euphoria amongst Indian consumers drawing them into malls and trade areas in huge numbers. Retailers are offering newer service dimensions to create unique shopping experiences for the customers. However, whether consumers are able to perceive newer service dimensions and getting affected for store patronage in new store formats or not, remains to be found out. Store image is a critical component in store choice and store loyalty. Perceptions about stores are driven substantially by tangible characteristics of stores, such as format or list size, distance of store from home, as well as intangible factors like the environment of the store. The fact that Indian retail environment is going through a sea change due to the introduction of new formats and opening up of retail industry, it becomes important to understand the store image perceptions of consumers here. This paper attempts to find out the key factors that are perceived as important to Indian consumer. Keywords: Store Image, apparel stores, Factor Analysis, Regression Analysis Introduction Retailing in India is gaining...
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...e-ISSN : 2347 - 9671, p- ISSN : 2349 - 0187 EPRA International Journal of Economic and Business Review Vol - 4, Issue- 1, January 2016 ISI Impact Factor : 1.259 (Dubai, UAE) Inno Space (SJIF) Impact Factor : 4.618(Morocco) JOB STRESS OF EXECUTIVE LEVEL EMPLOYEES: CASE OF APPAREL SECTOR IN SRI LANKA 1 Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka Jayarathna, S. M. D. Y1 2 O MAS Intimates, Sri Lanka Rathnayake, L. R2 ABSTRACT ver the years,there has been a significant concentration on recognition and managing job stress as an important organizational problem. With this identification, organizations have enhanced their awareness towards this problem, as job stress contributes to a significant portion of health care cost, absenteeism, and turnover consequently reduces the employee performance and leads to productivity losses. The purpose of this study is to investigate the job stress level of executive employees. The data were collected from 88 employees of apparel sector manufacturing organizations in Sri Lanka. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, which comprised of standard measures with five dimensions. They are working environment and communication, work/home conflict and social life, administration and goal achievement, problems with subordinates, and demands from subordinates and others. The level job stress of the respondents...
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...A Study of Apparel Supply Chain Risks Srikanta Routroy* and Arjun Shankar** Today, apparel supply chains are becoming more prone to both controllable and uncontrollable risks. This phenomenon may be attributed to many causes but not limited to less vertical integration, fragmentation of supply chain ownership, short product life cycle, ever-changing customer expectations, increasing level of competition, environmental regulations, rapid technology obsolescence, etc. These risks deteriorate directly the apparel supply chain performance in terms of both efficiency and responsiveness. Therefore, the Apparel Supply Chain (ASC) managers should identify and analyze the risks related to their supply chains so that appropriate mitigation strategies can be developed to enhance the supply chain performance. An attempt is made to study the ASC and identify the related risks in general. This will provide a platform to identify the risks for an apparel supply chain in particular. Introduction A Supply Chain (SC) may be defined as a network of organizations that are involved in a set of linkages, either upstream or downstream, in different processes and activities with the primary aim of providing value to the end customer (Chen et al., 2013). In this context, SC Management (SCM) is the management of material, information and funds through this network of organizations, which includes suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, etc., thereby providing the required value to the...
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...CASE STUDY – Nike and the University of Oregon The next case study is case study 22, (“Nike and the University of Oregon”) on Pages 933-940 of your key text, De Wit & Meyer. Below is the case synopsis: Case Synopsis Philipp H. Knight founded Nike’s predecessor company in 1963. The basic business formula of the company has not changed much since then. Nike is designing and marketing high quality sports shoes and sports apparel around the world. It builds its brand appeal through savvy marketing and sophisticated product R&D. The company has never owned production of the goods it sells, instead from the very beginning has been importing the products from the Asian Far East. In 2000, Nike enjoyed 45% global market share, had close to $9 billion of sales and put Knight among the top ten richest individuals in United States. The company directly employed 20,000 people, but had a workforce of an estimated half a million labouring for them in 565 contract factories in 46 countries – making it one of the largest private company de facto employers in the world. Labour conditions in Nike’s contract factories were not even close to any labour laws and compensation practices in the industrialised countries, let alone the US. Work there meant 70-hour workweeks performing hazardous and/or monotonous routines under abusive supervision and with appalling equipment. Until the early l990s, Nike never felt that to be its responsibility. Ever since the early 19th century in England, industrial...
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...Gülden Turhan, *Ahmet Özbek Factors Affecting Consumers’ Behavioural Intention Towards Apparel Stores: A Test of the Mediating Role of Brand Satisfaction Abstract The research studied the factors that affect consumers’ behavioural intention towards apparel stores. Three different aspects of behavioural intention were examined: consumers’ purchase intention (PI), willingness to pay more (WPAY), and brand recommendation (RECM). Specifically the authors propose a model in which consumer satisfaction with the store brand mediates the effects of attitude towards sales personnel and the convenience of the store’s payment conditions or options on PI, WPAY, and RECM. The relationships hypothesized in the model were tested using two apparel store brands familiar to consumers in the city of Istanbul, Turkey. All findings were in favour of the model proposed for both apparel store brands studied, which were either a sample of men or women. Key words: satisfaction, willingness to pay more, purchase intention, recommendation, payment conditions, attitude towards sales personnel. Marmara University, Faculty of Technical Education, Department of Textile Goztepe/Kadıkoy, 34722, Istanbul, Turkey E-mail: gturhan@marmara.edu.tr *Sinop University, Gerze Vocational High School, Department of Textile Samsun-Sinop Karayolu uzeri Ataturk Mah., 57600, Sinop, Turkey E-mail: ahmetozbek@sinop.edu.tr GENERAL PROBLEMS OF THE FIBRE AND TEXTILE INDUSTRIES n Introduction To date, a vast amount of...
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...UNIQLO Marketing Research Report GBMP 509 – M1 December 2, 2013 Mike Assad Victoria Markowski Adam Mawer Cecilia Setiawan Timothy Wong Executive Summary The purpose of this study is to research, analyze and evaluate proposed pilot retail locations in the GTA for Uniqlo’s entrance into the Canadian market. Methods of analysis include quantitative secondary research using the geographic information system (GIS) SuperDemographics to examine key demographic data corresponding with Uniqlo’s primary and secondary target group. The use of qualitative formal studies including consumer traffic data from commercial shopping malls, a competitive environment analysis, as well as an online audit of websites containing relevant location information were also been employed. The research draws attention to the key demographics and psychographics of Uniqlo’s target groups as they compare with the demographic data collected from specified geographic locations within the GTA. Results of the data analyzed indicate that Uniqlo’s direct market share and target group competitors have positioned themselves in high traffic retail areas in close proximity to one another capitalizating on the traffic created in the competitive environment. These centralized shopping hubs reveal a correlation between mall patron statistics and the surrounding trade area population. Of the 7 locations examined, those closely aligned with Uniqlo’s target market group were ranked to evaluate their merits based on weighted...
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