Starting a Clothing Line Business
Apparel manufacturing is one of the most in-demand businesses today. Find out how to start and run a clothing business.
The First Step
Apparel manufacturing remains one of the most in-demand businesses today. According to the American Apparel and Footwear Association (http://www.americanapparel.org), apparel sales for 2000 reached $315 billion, representing a 90% growth from its 1990 levels.
Starting a clothing business is just like any other business: you need to have the resources to jumpstart your vision, skills and know-how in managing the business, and marketing savvy to promote the business. You must also have a business plan that will serve as your detailed guide that will walk you through your first couple of years in business. Having gone through the process of thinking through a plan for your business will enable you to always know what steps to take next.
However, there are a number of unique factors that a would-be apparel manufacturer needs to know about the clothing business. Small businesses face an increasing competition from big firms given their marketing muscles and economies of scale. In the United States, at least, the industry is reeling from a shrinking availability and high cost of skilled labor (hence, big companies can outsource the manufacturing of their apparel to contractors in developing countries).
There are also a growing number of small manufacturers that significantly tightens the competition. Plus, small companies need to have the resources to cope with the rapid changes in apparel trends and styles.
Despite these problems, a number of small businesses are able to overcome these difficulties, and even grow to become powerhouses in their seg...
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A variation of this approach is to sell through consignment. You bring your clothes to a retailer or shop owner, and the shop owner gets a percentage from the sale of your items. Make sure, though, that the terms of agreement with the shop owner is well-laid out and written, if possible.
You may also wish to go about it alone and sell your products in your own store. This however requires more capitalization as you would need a small retail space to display your items. You must be able to get a location that is accessible to customers, as well as convenient to buyers, textile suppliers or their sales agents. You must also be near the fashion district of your area to enable you to see the trends that are shaping. Should you choose this route, you need to develop a solid merchandising plan that includes creating the right look and feel for your store.
Karolina Swietoniowska, the young, youthful, educated and passionate owner of Korra dancewear has been in business, trying to live her dream of designing dancewear clothes for the past three years. Sales have been however very slow for her, given that she had other priorities to take care of, she is now looking to improve her position as a businessman and increase her scale of business and expand and grow. Capital and experience constraints have been pulling her down and she is struggling to make her mark on the market. There are other very strong competitors in the market, functioning with very different
The strengths of the book come from its’ accessibility. The book is easy to follow and provides readers with a great deal of information about the production of mass-manufactured clothing. As well as brings awareness to its’ many issues which we inadvertently take part in when we purchase such products. The book is well written and thoroughly researched but does have its’ share of weaknesses.
“An Afghan American Speaks” was written by Tamim Ansary an Afghan-American; an author, public speaker, and a columnist for the encyclopedia website “Encarta.” This article was written three days after the terrorist attack in New York. Ansary was hearing a lot of talk about “bombing the Middle East back to the stone age,” some of which from Ronn Owens, who does a talk show on San Francisco's KGO Talk Radio. This comment from Owens troubled Ansary and was the catalyst of writing this article. The article starting off with the phrase “bombing Afghanistan back to the Stone Age” shows that Ansary, being an Afghan himself, was trying to inform people that this was not the people of Afghanistan it was the terrorist group within the country, lead
The global fashion and apparel industry is a giant with annual turnover of approx. $1.7 trillion and provides employment to approx. 75 million people. With globalization and increasing competition amongst manufacturers, coupled with lower production rates in the developing countries, buying clothes has become way inexpensive than before. Add to it the fiercely growing internet penetration and fast catching up ecommerce industry, clothes are more or
Weave Tech has several strategic challenges and opportunities since the purchase of the once then called Johnson-ware apparel in 2007. Since the organization has had the challenge of rebranding themselves to attract a new customer base which is also an opportunity to grow the organization. Weave Tech has to reposition the organization to be successful throughout the changes. Another strategic challenge the organization is undergoing is reorganizing and attracting a new management team which causes for cuts and layoffs. These cuts and layoffs can drastically effect the morale of other employees and ultimately production. Over the next 3 years Weave Tech goal will be to strategically handle these challenges and opportunities while
Analysis of sports clothing industry, including its main features, key market drivers and competition within industry.
Its unprecedented growth is a direct result of meeting a niche in the clothing market, at a time when The Gap was well positioned to meet the new demands of this "business-casual" trend, introducing other chains to expand its customer base, and aggressive expansion in the global marketplace.
Fast Fashion may be the most significant disruptive in the retail industry today. Troublesome novelties, or product or services, that alter an prevailing market by presenting minimalism, suitability, convenience and affordability, have the most positive influence on a company. Because fashion is ever changing and technology is always evolving the amount of production time it takes for something to be manufactured
From 2005 the textile segment has been made up of 2 companies, transforming raw materials into fabrics, from spinning to finishing and ennobling. Handicraft product quality and technological research development characterize this business segment which works with internationally recognized names of the apparel and fashion industry.
Unfortunately, many small businesses fail or do not reach their full potential because the small business owner spends too much time working in the business, and too little time working on the business.
All that is needed is to register the company with the state and apply for an occupational license and any additional licenses required by the state. With the easy organization of a sole proprietorship, almost anyone can start his or her own business.
The fashion industry thrives on the latest trend. In the absence of social influence, the fashion industry wouldn't and couldn't exist. The strength of the fashion industry is rooted in their ability to capture an idea and then create a type of momentum around that idea which inspires individuals to follow and become part of the idea.
The largest sports and fitness clothing market will be that of the US, it is said to be the largest in the world. The EU and other countries are really far behind the US in terms of regional market share. There was also an increase in demand from various countries which includes China, Australia and India. Asia pacific is expected to record an annual growth of more than 4%through 2015.
While growing up, I realized the benefits a person has when they personally own their own business. You can make your own schedule, personally control your finances, and essentially have complete control of your business Of course upon this realization; I came to the conclusion that I was going to be my own boss. I have always taken pride in how I present myself including how I dress. The limitless nature of fashion and its versatility has always intrigued me. One empowering aspect of clothing that is so fascinating is how it enables people to express themselves. Because of these interests, I have come to the conclusion that I wish to own a fashion boutique. In order to pursuit the path of becoming a fashion boutique owner, it is essential that I obtain a degree in business management, evaluate my own skills that make me ideal for the job, and
Starting a small business is often one of the hardest things a person can do. Some people start a business out of pure fascination, or even as a hobby. Whether starting a business for personal reasons or simply the grandeur to make loads of money, everybody needs to have a plan. Starting a small business is no easy task and can take days if not months to prepare. The most important aspect to have is the tempura and heart to start a small business, as without passion, no business can succeed. One has to be his or her own boss, make dream, reality and be willing to market and sell a product. It takes a lot of discipline, long hours and hard work, something many do not have. However with the right willingness, passion and dedication a business can be the start of something big.