Global Vibes

US exports fall

UNITED STATES: The number of apparel suppliers shipping goods to the US fell more than 85 percent in the 12-month period to October, new research shows.

There were 6,262 apparel suppliers actively sending shipments to the US at the end of October, down from 43,653 a year earlier, according to a report released by Panjiva, a New York-based firm that helps brands evaluate factories. The report, drawn from US Customs and Border Protection data and other sources, shows an accelerating drop in the number of apparel suppliers. The supplier count fell to 22,099 in July, 16,196 in August, and 11,513 in September before tumbling to current levels. The report warned the long-term impacts of a shrinking supplier base could affect the availability of product and the ability of importers to get product to market on time.

Rental downsize

UNITED KINGDOM: Retail rents fell last year, for the first time in 15 years according to a new report out of the United Kingdom. Property company King Sturge said retail rents fell by 0.4 per cent in 2008, the first fall since a 1.9 per cent drop in 1993. King Sturge said the rental fall would allow some retailers to continue trading on more favourable terms and predicted rents to fall a further 5.6 per cent this year with further drops until 2013. It also suggested more favourable leasing deals for retailers signing up for shops this year, including monthly rent payments, rent free periods and shop fit contributions.

Bill Blass sold

UNITED STATES: Listed firm NexCen Brands has sold its Bill Blass apparel brand to men's shirt and neckwear company Peacock International. Profits from the sale, believed to be $US10 million ($A14 million), will be used to repay debt related to the business. The company, which acquires and manages global brands generating revenue through licensing and franchising, said the sale of Bill Blass was part of its efforts to divest certain non-core assets and focus on its franchising business. Its stable of franchised brands include retail footwear and accessories brands The Athlete's Foot and Shoebox New York.

NexCen bought the Bill Blass designer brand in late 2006.