Rethink business models, says IAF secretary general
29/01/2014
“The economic situation in important markets for apparel has a negative impact on consumer spending on clothing,” Mr Bekke said. “The intense competition from fast fashion models means retailers often react with mark-downs with heavy pressure on margins as a result.
“The question ‘Where can I produce the cheapest?’ is then asked more often than ‘How can I serve the consumer best?’. This is no longer sustainable and kills creativity and innovation.”
Mr Bekke’s said more cooperation in the supply chain is needed. “Rethink your business model,” he said. “Business models should be based on global responsibility and more transparency.
“The apparel supply chain is based on series of human behaviour and behaviour is taught. In IAF’s view, educational institutes have therefore a major part to play here in order to prepare new generations for the future challenges of the sector.
“Fashion colleges and courses should pay more attention to calculation methods, planning, global responsibility, ways of communication in the supply chain, chemistry and software.
“Working with world class suppliers could help fashion universities to better understand innovations in the supporting industry,” Bekke told his audience of deans, professors and lecturers from IFFTI’s membership.
The IAF represents apparel manufacturers, associations, retailers and brands and the supporting industry. Membership includes apparel associations from nearly 60 countries representing over 200,000 companies.
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