Each week, ragtrader.com.au handpicks global stories which can shape the way you think about the business of fashion. So what do you need to know right now?
Our neighbour is worth watching
The Conlumino Global Clothing and Footwear Retailing, 2013-2018 report predicts clothing and footwear retail sales will surpass US$2 trillion by 2010. The major impetus? Developing economies. China is forecast to be the largest clothing and footwear market globally by 2018, getting ahead of the US, the largest market in 2013. But there is a new powerplayer closer to home. Indonesia will make an entrance into the Top 10 markets in 2018.
What comes after blogging?
Fashion bloggers are now a fixture in major Australian retail marketing campaigns, via partnerships, collaborations and product placements. But what comes after blogging? "In an industry reportedly worth £21bn, retailers are undoubtedly keen to gain as much influence as possible and top Vloggers can expect to earn up to £4000 just for mentioning a product in their video."
Read more here.
Online partnerships for new markets
International high street brand River Island entered the Australian market via an alliance with Sydney-based etailer The Iconic. However, global retailers are also forging partnerships to tap into more developing economies. British fashion giant New Look is joining with India's largest fashion e-tailer, Myntra.com, to further retail its apparel in the country.
You're not alone
The recent entry of international giants such as Zara, H&M, Topshop and Uniqlo has changed the competitive landscape of Australian retail. With a slew of locally-developed retail chains and brands, is Australia the only major economy to grapple with the challenge of a foreign invasion? No.