Newsletter: February 2003
The Hallmark
of
Successful European
Apparel Chains
Continued
sluggish retail sales in 2003 across much of Western Europe will exacerbate
the already tough competitive environment for apparel retailers.
According to a
study, the
ability of specialty chains such as H&M and Zara to implement fast
response is placing pressure on traditional retailers, including
independents and department stores. Their
explosive growth is shifting apparel market share and is changing the
structure of apparel distribution across Europe.
Despite the difficult environment, major European
clothing retailers, and particularly multi-national specialty chains, are
succeeding by taking market share through innovative, fast-changing product
offers and lower cost, more efficient business models. The ability of these specialty chains to
implement faster and more flexible supply chains is giving them a real
competitive advantage.
