Holiday Shopping Season Forecast Looks Grim

As the holiday shopping season fast approaches, predictions abound regarding its success or failure. At least one major forecaster expects disappointment, potentially the worst season since 2009. 

ShopperTrak predicts that retail sales for this coming November and December will inch up a meager 2.4%, a drop from last year’s 3 percent increase and the 4 percent increases of both 2010 and 2011. These conclusions are based on a wide-ranging statistical analysis of store traffic at more than 60,000 locations.

ShopperTrak’s founder Bill Martin cited a number of factors for the forthcoming malaise, including rising interest rates, congressional infighting over the national budget, uncertainty regarding U.S. involvement in Syria and a bevy of macroeconomic indicators. “It’s got people feeling more tenuous about the holiday season, “ said Martin.

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 https://www.sourcingjournalonline.com/holiday-shopping-season-forecast-looks-grim/

Online Apparel Sales Booming

While some major brick-and-mortar retailers post weak sales of apparel, online sales of clothing and footwear has continued its upward trend this year. Read full story from Sourcing Journal.

https://www.sourcingjournalonline.com/online-apparel-sales-booming/

Retail Earnings Dropped.

The second quarter results have been poor, with Wal-Mart, Nordstrom Inc., and Macy’s all are forced to slash their annual revenue projections.

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Consumer Products & Retail Insights : AT Kearney Study Report

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China is Next Sourcing Destination: Li & Fung

China is the key country for any company whether an importer, or a retailer.  Sourcing giant is seriously working on lessen China's mounting labor costs by moving to other parts of the country. 

[..Complete story on textile news @sourcingjournal...]

Textile Industry Interesting Facts from WTR

For past 3 decades, international trade has grown with a remarkable pace, as per the 2013 World Trade Report. 

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Bangladesh Workers Still At Risk

Even after the inspections of Bangladesh factories in the wake of the Rana Plaza collapse, nearly three million workers are at risk. The $20 billion dollar garment industry of Bangladesh is facing criticisms from the global textile industry.

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