approach shows the industry with the primary
group of raw materials suppliers, the secondary
group of manufacturers, and the retail group of
fi nal distributors to end users. Additionally, the
auxiliary group gives supplementary support
to all other groups with trade associations,
publications, consultants, and agencies.
Textile/apparel companies must understand
different variables to satisfy the market.
Some fi rms vertically integrate by combining
two or more steps of the pipeline under one
management. Commodity, fashion, and seasonal
products have different demand and risk
parameters.
Other textile end-use industries are not
involved with commercially produced wearing
apparel. Household textile goods include home
furnishings made from fabrics. Industrial textiles
target technical specifi cations and performance,
rather than a fashion look. Finally, the home
sewing industry deals with the production
and selling of nonindustrial sewing machines,
notions, retail fabrics, patterns, and publications.
Trade associations are made up of
businesses that have common interests. All
trade associations have similar functions and
objectives. Most trade publications deal with a
certain industry segment. Women’s Wear Daily
reports on all news of the women’s apparel trade,
while the DNR covers the textile and menswear
industries. Many other specifi c trade journals
supplement general fashion magazines that
spread fashion news.
Geographically, many textile fi rms are
located in the Southeastern U.S. Apparel
companies are concentrated in New York City,
with California ranking second. Many U.S.
textile and apparel fi rms do their manufacturing
offshore. Retailing is located everywhere from
small towns, to rural malls, to large cities.
4-26 GAP stores are located in or near most areas in the U.S., as well as in Canada, France,
Japan, and Great Britain.
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