Inside the Fashion Business

9780130108555

0130108553

Inside the Fashion Businessis a book for those who have a particular interest in what is calledthe fashion industry--that complex of enterprises concerned with the design, production, and marketing of men's, women's, and children's apparel, accessories and cosmetics. The fashion industry of the new millennium is one that is quite different from the one that existed only a decade or two ago. This industry has become one of the most globalized of all sectors, with a vast worldwide production and distribution network that includes almost every country of the world as a participant in some way. New technologies have made for fast, easy communication with industry partners on other continents. Similarly, new computer technologies have been incorporated into virtually all aspects of the industry to increase efficiency, save time, and produce value for the consumer. Additionally, the industry and companies have restructured through mergers to enhance efficiency and market strength and sometimes have divested of certain operations to focus on core businesses. New to This Edition This seventh edition has been revised to reflect the phenomenal changes taking place in the industry today. The book has been completely updated to prepare individuals for careers in this transformed industry. Similarly, the book can be of value for those already in the industry by serving as a comprehensive reference. Every segment of the industry has been required to change to meet new competitive challenges. The industry has been vastly restructured through these shifts in emphases and activities. These changes are discussed in several chapters. A particularly important aspect of the revision is the inclusion throughout the book of information on how new computer technologies have reshaped the industry. Of particular note are tables in Chapter 6 that outline the apparel production process in sequential order and identify how computer technologies are incorporated at each stage. Globalization is also a theme found in many chapters. In fact, this is now such an important aspect of how the fashion industry works today that the chapter entitled "Globalization of the Fashion Industry" has become Chapter 3 in this edition, rather than as Chapter 8 in the last edition, thanks to a reviewer's suggestion. Of special note is a summary table highlighting the impact of globalization on various segments of the industry. Other examples of the new material in this edition are: The use and impact of theInternetfor various aspects of business. Electronic commerce(e-commerce), as found in both business-to-consumer (B2C) applications, such as online sales, and business-to-business (B2B) applications, such as online sourcing. Information onsources that facilitate B2B commercein the fashion industry. Supply chain management. The growing importance oflogistics activitiesand changes in the distribution process such ascross docking. Thegrowing power of the consumer,with a profile of various groups. Special attention is given to marketing toGenerations X, Y, and Zas well as togrowing minority marketsin the United States. The use ofdata miningto better understand consumers and their buying patterns. Current aspects of retailing such as"lean retailing," global retailing, and "e-tailing." The tension between manufacturers and retailers overchargebacks. New and updated information on trade policiesthat affect the fashion industry. A short discussion of high-performance textiles. A new section on thecosmetics industry. TheNAICS (North American Industry Classification System)used to classify industry segments. An extensivelisting of websites for job hunting. Additional designers and glossary termshave b