Global Apparel Markets: Business Update, 2nd Quarter 2010

In licensing news, International Legwear Group (ILG) has signed a deal to manufacture socks and hosiery under the Haggar brand. Jones Jeanswear Division will make its foray into the men’s wear market after signing a licensing agreement with G-III Apparel, which will provide Jones Jeanswear Division with the rights to design, market and distribute men’s jeanswear under several G-III Apparel brand names. Liz Claiborne and Future Fashions have signed a licensing agreement relating to the Liz Claiborne brand in Canada, and Active Brands has signed a deal to manufacture swimwear and apparel under the O’Neill brand name. Billabong International has entered into an agreement to acquire Becker Surf and Sport, including its five retail stores and its online business, while Fast Retailing and DNP Clothing have set up a joint venture company, called Uniqlo (Malaysia), in Malaysia.

All companies whose financial reports are featured in this report have posted increases in net sales, including Abercrombie & Fitch (up by 14%), Asos (up by 35%), Benetton Group (up by 2%), Gap (up by 6%), Gildan Activewear (up by 34%), H&M (up by 4%), Inditex (up by 14%), JC Penney (up by 1%), Levi Strauss & Co (up by 9%), Marks and Spencer (up by 3%) and TJX Companies (up by 15%).

New stores have been opened by Diesel and Zara in India, and by Juicy Couture in Canada. Gap is planning to open its first stores in China, while Iconix China has announced plans to open Candie’s stores in the country. American Eagle Outfitters will open its first stores in China, Hong Kong and Israel, and H&M is planning to open its first store in Turkey.

In other news, Anvil Knitwear has become the first company in the world to receive the WRAPe certificate for adopting environmentally friendly business practices at its textile mill in Honduras.

Brandix Lanka has officially opened Brandix India Apparel City (BIAC) and H&M has published its sustainability report for 2009. Marcel Fashion Group has won a trademark infringement lawsuit against Liz Claiborne and Lucky Brand Dungarees. A group of US congressman has introduced the Textile Enforcement and Security Act of 2010 in order to combat fraud in US textile and apparel imports, and China and Taiwan have signed the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA). Meanwhile, more than 400 delegates attended the fifth edition of Prime Source Forum.