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Top Three Compliance Trends in the Apparel Industry

This past year, we’ve seen consumers become more socially conscious than ever before, demanding greater visibility and transparency from the products they purchase. This increasing consumer demand is driving organizations to prioritize vendor compliance throughout the apparel supply chain, leading to a more detailed focus on traceability. As the apparel sector focuses more on supply chain transparency, we’ve put together the top three compliance trends that are shaping the industry and will continue to present challenges and opportunities for apparel brands and retailers in 2018.

2018 Sourcing Outlook: Challenges and Expectations

Despite the fact that many dubbed 2017 as the “Year of the Retail Apocalypse,” the fashion and apparel industry is still alive and well as we kick off 2018. However, the sourcing landscape has changed and will continue to evolve as customer demand, rising costs and rapid innovation are here to stay. While none of these trends are new, these drivers have reached a tipping point and can no longer be ignored if retailers and brands want to succeed in 2018.

Prioritize Vendor Compliance and Quality Control in 2018

Vendor compliance and quality control are at the top of mind for brands and retailers today. It’s easy to understand why, given the costly issues that can occur from any uncertainties in the supply chain. And if the blunder is serious enough, it could significantly damage your business and reputation—even if you’re not directly responsible.

Four Sourcing Strategies to Prepare for in 2018

It’s the beginning of a new year, which means it’s time for brands and retailers to evaluate industry landscape and set themselves up for sourcing success. 2018 is looking to be a good year for the apparel market, with innovative technology creating new opportunities. However, retailers must remain competitive to stay ahead of the game. In 2018, we’re predicting four key sourcing strategies apparel retailers and brands should watch out for.

FIDM to Teach NGC’s Andromeda Cloud Platform to Tomorrow’s Fashion Leaders

FIDM is offering instruction in NGC Andromeda solutions in the areas of Merchandise Product Development, Apparel Industry Management, Menswear and Apparel Technical Design. The courses will provide FIDM’s students with hands-on training in real-world solutions.

‘Tis the Season for Apparel Retailers and Brands

It’s the most wonderful, and busiest, time of the year for retailers and brands! Shoppers are looking for last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers, and retailers are looking forward to successful year-end results. This holiday season, we’re seeing a few key trends emerge for apparel retailers and brands.

Create a Culture of Change to Embrace Demand-Driven Manufacturing

Fast-fashion brands are working to bring new trends to market with as little lead time as possible. To do so, brands and retailers must have the processes in place to read what’s happening in the market and react accordingly. However, people are often resistant to change, and many companies don’t have a corporate culture that embraces and fosters change. Without a mindset to embrace change, brands and retailers will not be able to adjust to meet new demands and read and react to the shifting market. Company culture must be transformed to drive an on-demand manufacturing model that will get products into consumers’ hands when they want it.

Be Thankful for Real-Time Sales Data This Thanksgiving

This holiday season, the very best fashion retailers are starting to react to current sales trends as soon as they happen with immediate information. Because of real-time sales data, retailers and brands can implement read and react strategies and power the digital supply chain, giving them a whole lot to be thankful for.

Partner With Your Vendor Using a Comprehensive Scorecard

One of the top sourcing priorities for brands and retailers today is making it a priority to onboard their vendors quickly and build strong vendor relationships based on transparency, trust and high-performance. Vendor report cards are a cornerstone of a vendor compliance strategy by ensuring that a good relationship is formed and that vendors adhere to retailers’ standards and codes of conduct.

Three Tips for Effective Vendor Onboarding

Every vendor should be closely managed from the onset of the relationship, beginning with the vendor onboarding process. If expectations and procedures are established before any work commences, brands and retailers can avoid many issues. Ensuring your vendors are properly onboarded is an investment in your future, as well as the forthcoming stability of your vendor.