United States

Several major U.S. apparel and textile trade bodies have come together to launch a new initiative aimed at educating policymakers about the economic impact that the textile and apparel industry has on the United States. The “U.S. Global Value Chain Coalition” will advocate, educate, conduct research, and engage on policies that support American employees and their families through global value chains. The initiative is being backed by groups like the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), the U.S. Fashion Industry Association (USFIA), the National Retail Federation (NRF), and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA). A recent report by the group found that the U.S. adds as much as 75% value to the final retail price of imported clothing, making the U.S. position in the global world of trade more important than ever. (Fibre2Fashion)
 
A group of major retailers and apparel trade groups have come together to launch a new initiative aimed at galvanizing “collective action in the apparel and footwear industry” and to help drive sustainability in the sector. The “Apparel Impact Institute (AII)” will work with brands and manufacturers to select, fund, and scale projects that help improve the sustainability of the garment sector. The AII is being supported by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, the Sustainable Trade Initiative, and a host of major brands including Target and Gap. (Fibre2Fashion)
 
New data from the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) says that rural Americans are spending record amounts on footwear. The group says that rural Americans now spend a near-record US$383 per year on shoes, nearly equal to suburban and urban shoppers. FDRA President & CEO Matt Priest credits e-commerce with helping to fuel this trend and that the data shows that more Americans are willing to buy footwear online than ever before. (Vamp Footwear)