United States

A new report from Moody’s Investors Service says that while operating profits for the U.S. apparel and footwear industry are poised to improve over the next 12-18 months, growth will be more sluggish that originally anticipated. The report notes that many companies are still feeling pressured by the strengthening value of the U.S. dollar coupled with a decline in retail traffic. The company also says that while many larger retailers may be able to offset this trend through growth abroad, those that focus just on the U.S. may continue to struggle long-term. (Fibre2Fashion)