It has been reported that we will see a 10% increase in clothing costs by the end of 2011. Going and soon to be gone are the retails we have come to expect and love. Sales at 65% off might become history.Cotton cost has doubled. It is the highest cost since the Civil War. Oh Scarlett what are we to do?
Some of the reasons for the increase are:
World economy is doing better so demand is rising
Surge in labor costs
Surge in Raw materials
World- wide bad weather
Restrictions on exports
Chinese factories that shut down because of the recession are still not back up to capacity
What actions can we take before we are fashioning the drapes into clothes? Buy made in the USA is always a good choice. Budget your clothing allowance to functional, classic fashion. Quality lasts longer. Clothing does not have to be quantity but quality. Use your buying power to make purchases from stores that support your values.
As a small manufacturer, we have absorbed some raw goods costs increases with-out passing it on to our customers. Since we have our products made in the USA, our labor costs are supportive to the US economy and sustain a living wage. Our fabric is already very expensive, but we won’t compromise the quality on an inferior material. Other companies are moving production to cheaper countries and cheaper materials. Sooner than later the cost will be passed on to the consumer. Buying habits from this recession can still be applied with a 10% price increase with style.
How will the increase in clothing costs affect you?
Will you change your buying habits?
http://www.apparelandfootwear.org/
5 comments:
this is bad for me b/c I like clothes :)
thanks for the detailed explanation....I am curious how this will affect me down the line with durable goods manufacturing....curious.
I am proud of you using American Manufacturing -- I think that its impt. Rachel
When I first starting working my mom showed me the stylish, classic basics trick. Changing up a few accessories, or mixing in a couple trendy pieces can keep your wardrobe costs down while still looking great. Bottom line for me is no big change.
Its important to note that those who think they can solve their problems with moving to so-called cheap countries face two additional issues not mentioned here. Errors / issues in initial design due to communication issues or lags. Second, and this is going to get big, shipping. Oil is skyrocketing and even shipping by sea is going up.
Finally I second Rachel's shout out that you keeping everything here in the USA. You rock!
Thanks for your comments Rachel.
I think you can be trendy and still enjoy clothes but it may take a bit more thought and creativity.
Thanks Nicole for your comments. You are so in on fashion wardrobing!
The challenges off shore like you mention can be language. A friend of mine who is from Hong Kong spends every summer there in production of her clothing line while visiting family, and she speaks 5 lanuages. I don't have that skill set. I have had problems here in the States even with everyone just a few miles away and speaking the same language.
The other problem off shore is products going out the back door. Nike has employees in every factory they use to try and deter this very common practice.
The other issue you bring up is the raising cost of goods and shipping costs with oil price increases. The increases impact clothing manufacturing costs and production greatly. Elastic used in the waistbands of my pajamas is a petroleum based product and the cost of elastic is sky-rocketing!
I am not a big shopper so I don't think it will affect me too much. But when I do shop I will make sure and look for made in US. Thank you for bringing that to my attention.
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