Kohl’s Launches Unprecedented Number Of Brands Just In Time For Holiday

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — October 17, 2019 — Kohl’s celebrates the launch of a significant number of new brands joining its product portfolio during the fall and holiday seasons, offering newness at every turn for Kohl’s customers. Shoppers will discover new brands across product categories including new brands to Kohl’s, exciting collaborations and new partnerships with existing Kohl’s brands.

“We are thrilled to amp up newness and discovery across our stores and Kohls.com with a strong pipeline of new brands and partnerships to excite existing customers and attract new customers to Kohl’s,” said Doug Howe, Kohl’s chief merchandising officer. “As our product portfolio evolves, we are bringing new offerings in every department including women’s, men’s, home, and beauty to inspire shoppers this holiday season with a modernized, relevant merchandise assortment.”

The following brands have launched or will launch at Kohl’s stores and Kohls.com this year. While store locations offering each brand vary, customers can shop the full assortment of all brands online at Kohls.com.

Family

  • Fanatics: A long-term partnership with Fanatics to significantly broaden Kohl’s fan gear assortment online, including officially licensed men’s, women’s, and kids apparel, jerseys, hats, collectibles, and tailgating and novelty products, launched in September.
  • ED Ellen DeGeneres Pet Collection: Exclusive pet offerings from Ellen DeGeneres, featuring toys, beds, apparel, and accessories, launched in October.

Women’s

  • Nine West: Footwear, handbags, jewelry, and an exclusive apparel collection featuring an expanded wear-to-work offering, launched in September.
  • Cara Santana x Apt. 9*: Exclusive, limited-time apparel collaboration between actress and tastemaker Cara Santana and Kohl’s private label brand Apt. 9, featuring blazers, sweaters, pants, skirts, outerwear, and more, launched in October.

Men’s

  • Caliville*: Men’s lifestyle apparel from country music star Brett Young, exclusively at Kohl’s, featuring a selection of short sleeve and long sleeve graphic tees, fleece, flannels, and joggers, launched in October.

Home

  • Koolaburra by UGG: Exclusive home collection featuring a variety of luxury soft home products, including bedding and bathroom linens, throws and decorative pillows, launched in September.
  • Scott Living at Kohl’s: Exclusive home offerings from HGTV’s Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott, featuring modern home basics and décor, including furniture, bedding and bath, kitchen décor, and more, launched in October.

Curated Brands: Curated by Kohl’s

In addition to these new brands in women’s, men’s and kids, Kohl’s also recently announced a cross-category platform for new brands called Curated by Kohl’s, launched in October. Beginning in 2020, Kohl’s will partner with Facebook on brand curation, identifying and engaging with brands that have built a strong online community on the social media platform. While the selection will refresh quarterly, the first selection of items include the following brands:

  • Adore Me: Bras, panties and sleepwear available in all sizes;
  • East Adeline by Dia&Co: Versatile apparel, including statement pieces, modern prints, and closet staples available in sizes 14-32;
  • Kid Made Modern: Craft kits and accessories, including on-the-go travel kits, jewelry kits, holiday decorating kits and various art supplies;
  • Lovepop: Laser-cut pop-up cards for every occasion — from birthdays and anniversaries to holidays and “just because”;
  • Luca + Danni: Iconic stacking bracelets; and
  • United by Blue: Eco-friendly bags, drinkware and reusable straw kits.

Curated Brands: The Beauty Checkout

Kohl’s is proud to announce The Beauty Checkout, a rotating selection of products from emerging beauty and skincare brands, launched in October. Beginning in 2020, Kohl’s partnership with Facebook will also support The Beauty Checkout.

“We see the beauty category at Kohl’s as an opportunity for growth, and our nimble approach ensures we can quickly bring new trends to customers, as well as continually test emerging products and brands as part of our assortment,” said Robert Jezowski, Kohl’s vice president, divisional merchandise manager of beauty. “We are looking at many categories across the beauty department and one of the many trends we are launching at Kohl’s is CBD beauty products, including facial care, body care and topical creams, in select stores.”

While The Beauty Checkout selection will be refreshed quarterly, the first selection of items include the following brands:

  • Banila Co: clean skincare;
  • Barefoot Scientist: footcare solutions, including blister prevention spray, pain relief cream, hydration therapy and more;
  • Busy Beauty: showerless products, including dry shampoo, body wipes and shave gel
  • Cleo & Coco: natural deodorant;
  • Dr. Botanicals: natural skincare, including pomegranate sleeping mask and kale superfood moisturizer;
  • Evolution_18: ingestibles, featuring gummies, glow capsules, collagen powder, probiotics and more;
  • Honey Belle: clean skincare;
  • Lucie & Pompette: face polish;
  • Pure Aura: masks, including glow glitter mask, 24K gold foil mask, rose gold foil mask and paper cloud cleansing mask;
  • Real Her: lip kits;
  • Savannah Bee: hand and body care;
  • Uncle Bud’s: hemp skincare, including body lotion, body wash and roll-on pain relief; and
  • Vital Proteins: beauty collagen.

Additional Beauty Offerings: Kohl’s continues to bring newness to beauty with trending and relevant brands, including:

  • Chopstick Hair Tools;
  • Elizabeth and James fragrance;
  • Formawell Beauty by Kendall Jenner;
  • Hempz;
  • Jason Wu fragrance;
  • La Vie est Belle fragrance by Lancome;
  • Hemp Beauty** – CBD offering;
  • Uncle Bud’s** – CBD offering; and
  • MOX** – CBD offering.

Coming Soon for the Holiday Season

Women’s

  • Elizabeth and James*: Exclusive retailer of Elizabeth and James apparel, handbags and accessories from designers Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, launching in November.
  • JW Jason Wu*: Exclusive, limited-edition women’s holiday apparel capsule from globally-renowned designer Jason Wu, feature signature pieces for holiday dressing, including dresses, jumpsuits, and jackets, launching in November.

As always, customers can take advantage of Kohl’s many conveniences and values, including shopping via the Kohl’s App, the option to Buy Online, Pick Up In Store and the ability to earn Kohl’s Cash, a Kohl’s-only value that can be earned on anything or anywhere customers shop – in store, at a kiosk or online. Additionally, Amazon Returns at Kohl’s is now available at more than 1,100 stores nationwide. Customers can now visit their local Kohl’s store to return eligible Amazon items, without a box or label, for a free return.

*Products available in select Kohl’s stores and for all customers on Kohls.com.

**Products available in select Kohl’s stores only.

Posted October 18, 2019

Source: Kohl’s

Macy’s Reimagines Men’s Shopping Experience At Flagship Herald Square

NEW YORK CITY — October 18, 2019 — Macy’s Herald Square this week unveiled a major renovation to its iconic 34th Street flagship main floor men’s destination. The reimagined store layout features new and exciting products, fashion-forward brands and a curated space highlighting trends called The Park.

“This reimagination sets the bar with our men’s customer,” said Mark Stocker, general business manager of men’s and kids. “We’re transforming his shopping experience, and I’m excited to see the concept rolling out to the remaining flagships with great fashion expressed in every Macy’s.”

Macy’s newly unveiled, 14,500 square foot main floor experience is a lifestyle hotspot for the fashion-conscious, urban customer to be inspired and discover new brands and fashion in a trendy, au courant setting. The space features new additions Scotch & Soda, Coach men’s apparel, and a premium denim zone with J BRAND, 7 For All Mankind, Fidelity, Naked & Famous Denim, as well as a revolving door of new brands including Desigual, Avirex, Paisley & Gray, INC Onyx, Goorin Bros, Brooklyn Brigade and more, hosted in The Park.

The Park is a 4,500 square foot hub within the experience that features on-trend, cutting edge men’s fashion and completely refreshes every eight to 12 weeks. The Park provides shoppers the opportunity to build outfits from head-to-toe across apparel, accessories, shoes, and more.

“Macy’s curated assortment inspires our customer to express himself through fashion, while showing him how to effortlessly wear head-to-toe looks,” said Durand Guion, vice president of Macy’s fashion office. “We know that he loves to shop according to his style, is drawn to elevated fashion and continues to trust us to offer everything he needs, including the best brands and must-have items to update his wardrobe.”

Posted October 18, 2019

Source: Macy’s

CDIB Capital Group Appoints Angelo J.Y. Koo As Chairman To Lead Global Asset Management Business

TAIPEI, Taiwan — October 18, 2019 — China Development Financial announced in 2H19 investor conference that its subsidiary CDIB Capital Group (“CDIB”) has achieved $41.1 billion new Taiwan dollars ($1.34 billion) in AUM of its private equity funds at end-September, successfully transforming its proprietary investment business into an asset management model. Recently, the CDIB board appointed Angelo J.Y. Koo as chairman to lead CDIB towards a global asset management brand.

CDIB has been focused on expanding global investment portfolio, the newly launched “CDIB Intelligence Partners Fund” as an example. On a projected scale of up to $75 million, the fund is actively seeking institutional investors in telecom, retail, technology and financial service sectors, targeting at global AI-related investment opportunities.

Effective since October 1, the CDIB Board appointed Angelo J.Y. Koo chairman succeeding Chia-Juch Chang, who remains chairman of CDF. Prior to his appointment, Koo held the roles of president and CEO of CDF, and chairman of China Development Industrial Bank (predecessor of CDIB) from 2004 to 2009. Koo is currently chairman of the CDIB Education and Cultural Affairs Foundation.

CDIB will be leveraging Koo’s global investment network and industry insights to lead CDIB’s continuous expansion. Besides, the company will also benefit from his philanthropic experience to further shoulder CDF’s corporate social responsibilities.

Since its inception in 1959, CDIB has played a critical role in funding Taiwan’s economic development by investing in various industries, including textile, petrochemical, electronics, semiconductors as well as in the consumer, and healthcare sectors. Through its investment activities, CDIB has been a pioneer in Taiwan’s venture capital and has established itself as an important contributor to Taiwan’s economic transition and industrial upgrade.

Posted October 18, 2019

Source: CDIB Capital Group

Under Armour Creates A Spacewear System For Virgin Galactic Future Astronauts

BALTIMORE — October 16, 2019 — The idea of flight has captured the human imagination for eons. From the myth of Icarus to a world captivated by a trip to the moon exactly 50 years ago, flight as a means to explore our world and beyond has remained at the forefront for adventures, researchers, artists and dreamers. That sense of adventure continues today, as Sir Richard Branson and his brilliant team at Virgin Galactic continue to deliver on the dream of personal space travel, inching ever closer to the regular commercial flights to space.

Earlier this year, Under Armour announced it had taken the role Exclusive Technical Spacewear Partner for Virgin Galactic, raising the curtain on a best-in-class partnership. While Virgin Galactic worked tirelessly to complete the flight test program of spaceship Unity, Under Armour was tasked with developing the spacewear system for the world’s first commercial spaceline. As a brand built to make athletes better, innovation has always been part of Under Armour’s DNA, leading to innovations like HeatGear, ColdGear, Recovery Sleepwear, UA RUSH, UA HOVR and more. But going to space presents an entirely new challenge, so a dedicated team at Under Armour has been working in collaboration with the team at Virgin Galactic to deliver a spacewear system that is safe, functional and comfortable, putting its own twist on classic spacesuit and footwear to mold the way the next generation of space travelers will dress.

“At Under Armour, we pride ourselves on always getting better and leaning into innovation to drive progress for our athletes, but few things can prepare you for a project as challenging and exciting as this one. Spaceflight is a unique and demanding regime and requires a different approach. What we’ve engineered utilizing our key technologies will define the future of spacewear and puts us at the forefront of this history-making event. We are grateful to Richard and the incredible team at Virgin Galactic for trusting us with this groundbreaking challenge.” – Kevin Plank, founder & CEO, Under Armour

The Base Layer

The UA | VG Base Layer acts as a second skin to the body, retrofitting Under Armour’s UA RUSH technology will enhance performance and blood flow during the high and zero G portions of flight. The entire base layer is built with UA’s new Intelliknit fabric for total moisture and temperature management. From the hottest desert to the cold of space, UA Intelliknit provides temperature regulation and sweat management, making the impossible possible. The development process of UA Intelliknit is highly efficient and creates no material waste in the process – a testament to UA and Virgin Galactic’s shared vision for a better, sustainable future.

The Spacesuit

The UA | VG Spacesuit is a deep space blue, with atmospheric light blue elements and pops of gold throughout, inspired by an image of the sun in space, casting its rays on Earth. The Virgin Galactic flight DNA symbols are embedded along the spine, symbolizing the unity of the suit with the mission.

UA Clone, a proprietary auxetic material that forms to the exact shape of the body for a precision fit and zero-distraction feel, is used in key parts of the UA | VG Spacesuit — namely the elbows and knees — for optimal mobility and comfort. UA’s HOVR cushioning is also incorporated into the shoulder pads and neck area, which are high impact zones during the high G portions of flight.

The liner of the spacesuit incorporates other new fabrics, like Tencel Luxe, SpinIt and Nomex, used for temperature control and moisture management, as Future Astronauts may experience a spectrum of temperatures throughout their journey. UA integrated all of the brand’s performance fabrics — cooling, smooth, fast-drying, moisture-managing, comfortable and safe — to ensure the Future Astronaut has the most comfortable experience possible. An important part of the suit construction included functional features such as multiple pockets for necessary and personal items including an integrated solution for communications, with a push-to-talk button. Each spacesuit iteration underwent rigorous testing with key stakeholders in the VG team including pilots, spaceship engineers, medical officers, astronaut instructors and the customer experience team to ensure it would outperform in-flight expectations.

The designers recognized what a transformative and hugely emotional impact the spacesuits will have on the astronaut experience. After spending time with Future Astronauts customers and the VG team, UA created a modern spacesuit that incorporates their feedback. UA added a clear pocket on the inside of the jacket above the heart for a photo of a loved one, and a patch unique to each mission that is removable from the suit to be attached to the Future Astronaut’s flight jacket for everyday wear; a jacket which will be presented to astronauts after each mission.

“Once functionality and safety was nailed down from a performance perspective, we really wanted to bring the Spacesuit to life with signature Under Armour flair and recognition to Virgin Galactic’s noble goals and epic achievements,” said Nick Cienski, principle innovation apparel designer, Under Armour. “We were able to incorporate the nostalgic elements of the classic spacesuit – not only from past space missions, but also iconic space movies – to redefine the way we think of space apparel moving forward and create something memorable and unlike anything Future Astronauts have ever seen.”

The Footwear

UA reinvigorated the traditional space boot to create something that is highly functional, but also carries through the same style and design elements as the spacesuit. Taking additional inspiration from racecar drivers’ footwear, coupled with UA’s most cutting-edge footwear technologies, UA mimicked the lightweight feel for optimum mobility, moving away from what we’d all think of as the big, bulky boot astronauts have previously worn.

UA Clone adaptive technology, also utilized in the spacesuit, forms to the exact shape of the foot for a precision fit and zero-distraction feel, while the UA HOVR cushioning, one of the softest foams available, provides support for a functional, comfortable and flame-retardant piece of footwear. All distractions have been eliminated, resulting in a sleek, smooth, soft boot with nothing to snag on equipment or other Future Astronauts when floating in zero gravity.

The aesthetic design elements complement the spacesuit, with the shades of blue and gold flashes coming together beautifully. The graphic on the sockliner reads, “We Stand on the Shoulders of Giants,” inspired by a quote from Sir Isaac Newton that the Virgin Galactic program holds close. In addition, the Virgin Galactic flight DNA symbols and logo unify the full space kit.

The development of the spacewear system is the next step towards the two brands’ shared vision for creating a better future and more sustainable world through commercialized space travel.

Posted October 18, 2019

Source: Under Armour™ Inc.

Gerber Prepares Sign And Graphics Customers For The Future With Higher Performance And Industry 4.0 Enhancements

TOLLAND, Conn. — October 17, 2019 — Gerber Technology is continuing to add innovative, high-productivity products to its portfolio backed by best-in-class service that will empower their customers to meet today’s consumer demands. At Printing United booth #8833, Gerber will showcase a number of new enhancements and options that will increase cut speed and throughput by up to 20 percent in many key applications while also greatly improving cut accuracy.

“With how quickly the industry is changing, it’s important to have a technology partner that is dedicated to your growth, with continued upgrades to core platforms that increase functionality and performance,” said Scott Schinlever, president and COO, Automation Solutions. “At Gerber, we want our customers to have the tools that will not only allow them to be competitive today, but will also allow them to expand and grow with their Gerber platforms in the future.”

The Gerber MCT Cutter is the most versatile digital cutting system in its class, offering many configuration options including a high-powered laser and 10 more interchangeable tools, as well as the ability to quickly switch between laser and blade/router tools. This enables users to expand into new markets while greatly reducing lead time — all with one digital cutting platform. At Printing United, Gerber Technology will unveil its Tiger GT™ digital option that will further solidify the Gerber MCT Cutter as the most versatile cutting solution on the market.

“The new Tiger GT option is a digital control option that allows the Gerber MCT Cutter to achieve unprecedented levels of higher productivity and enhanced cut quality, along with more data integration associated with new TigerVision™ 2.0 and greater Industry 4.0 capabilities, setting yet another new standard in digital finishing,” said Nikolai Mikkelsen, executive director, technology & engineering. “The platform has now reached an exciting state for our customers which will allow us to continue to innovate and develop the solution for years to come.”

The Tiger GT option will be a digital control upgrade option for the current MCT platform. According to initial benchmarking, the Gerber MCT Cutter’s new Tiger GT option will greatly increase performance and cut accuracy and, coupled with TigerVision 2.0, improve efficiency both within and outside of the finishing department. With TigerVision 2.0 and EtherCAT controls, the platform will also see improved Industry 4.0 capabilities that will allow for remote support, production monitoring, and more integrated data transfer, and system diagnostics.

“As a company that relies on the Gerber MCT Cutter, I’m excited to attend Printing United to see the new innovations Gerber has to offer for their cutting and routing systems,” said Aaron Kozar, vice president of Operations of Orbus, who has been using the Gerber MCT Cutter since 2013. “Their equipment has been crucial to our company’s evolution and helps to keep us on the cutting edge of finishing technology.”

In addition to the Gerber MCT Cutter, Gerber Technology will also be showcasing a number of new materials, including ImagePerfect™ large-format media, EDGE READY™ heat transfer textile film, and LexEdge™ Wide Format Speciality Digital Media materials, along with the GERBER EDGE® FX™ production system.

Posted October 18, 2019

Source: Gerber Technology

ShanghaiTex 2019 Exhibitor Preview: James Heal

HALIFAX, England — October 18, 2019 — James Heal, manufacturer of premium quality textile testing instruments and consumables worldwide, will showcase its innovative new collection of state of the art instruments at ShanghaiTex 2019.

New additions to James Heal’s extensive testing instruments range will be showcased at the exhibition which runs November 25-28. The new instruments will be unveiled on the James Heal stand for the first time to Asian customers at the exhibition.

The instruments making their Chinese market debut include WickView, ProDry and AquAbrasion from the performance testing range together with Titan, TruBurst and TruFade instruments.

The show has been running every two years since 1984, and James Heal have exhibited many times in this period. James Heal’s International Sales Manager Javier Manzano and Commercial Director Andrew Hemingway will be on the stand, supported by the firm’s long term partners in China and Hong Kong, Introtech.

Over the past 145 years from its global headquarters Halifax in West Yorkshire in the United Kingdom, James Heal has established a reputation for the consistent high quality of its materials testing instruments combined with expertise that spans multiple sectors from traditional textiles and smart fabrics to non-wovens, rubber, wood and plastic.

Amanda McLaren, managing director of James Heal, commented: “China is a hugely important market for us and the potential for growth is massive. We attend events in China every year and not only is ShanghaiTex one of the most important trade fairs in China for textile application technology, but it is also a great international platform for innovations and future trends in textiles and fashion. We’re very excited to debut our new range of instruments to the Chinese market and showcase some of our latest innovations.

“We are constantly innovating and listening to the needs of the industry we serve and we are totally committed to producing instruments capable of meeting and exceeding the needs of our customers, providing them with the quality to provide a competitive edge.  We can’t wait to see the reaction from attendees to the exhibition.”

Visitors to ShanghaiTex 2019 are invited to visit the James Heal stand W1H28 to see and experience a selection of James Heal’s new testing instruments together with a range of core instruments and consult with our team of experts available on the stand.

Posted October 18, 2019

Source: James Heal

Hohenstein Launches Series Of 4D Scanning Projects

BÖNNIGHEIM, Germany — October 16, 2019 — Hohenstein’s new 4D body scanner will be used in a series of research projects. Each project aims to advance knowledge and processes throughout the apparel industry.

One such project, “Mobility Restrictions,” is funded by the German Federation of Industrial Research Associations (AiF). Scheduled to complete in October 2020, it will focus on body measurement changes during movement. The aim of the Hohenstein scientists is to develop a standard method of analyzing how a clothing item restricts movement.

Scanning in 4D shows body shape and size for the intended customer, and thus reveals the changes in body shape during relevant motions. It shows both the impact of movement on the garment and the garment’s impact on movement. Range of motion, particularly in sportswear and workwear, can be analyzed for improved function.

4D data with 3D visualization shortens or eliminates prototyping time and cost. It creates better data for size chart creation and pattern making. Better patterns lead to less material and product waste. Realistic size data leads to better fitting garments. Improving fit, function and ergonomic comfort affects return rates, brand loyalty and profits.

Posted October 18, 2019

Source: Hohenstein

Textile Activity At A Glance: October 2019

BFOctober19

October 2019

Meeting Chemical Safety Requirements And Adding Value For The U.S. Market

HohensteinInputTW Special Report

It’s no question that sustainability is a highly valued selling point. We hear — and probably use — related terms like “responsible sourcing,” “traceability,” “transparency,” and “product stewardship” daily. The terms sound good, but how can they be implemented to make a tangible impact?

Suppliers face significant pressure from brands and retailers to be transparent about these issues and the solutions they have in place. There are numerous other challenges within the complicated supply chain as well, from hazardous chemicals and fair labor standards to changing trends and customer requirements. How can you communicate with brands and retailers to fulfill these demands and secure business?

Where to start?

To avoid wasting precious time, money, and effort, ask yourself a few questions. As a supplier, how does your factory select chemicals?  What programs are in place to control manufacturing processes, measure quality, protect your employees, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations? Can you prove your facility is safe and compliant? By answering, you can more readily prepare your company for fulfilling demands and securing itself as a sustainable, responsible organization, thus adding value for markets around the world.

You’re not alone.

For more than 70 years, Hohenstein, an independent testing and research institute, has been dedicated to improving the human-textile-environment interaction through standard and customized testing, certification, training, and product development programs.

In 1992, Hohenstein co-founded the OEKO-TEX® Association, which has since grown to 18 member institutes globally. OEKO-TEX leads the world in setting rigorous, scientifically-based standards to test and certify products and processes throughout the supply chain, from chemical products to manufacturing processes through consumer labeling.

The OEKO-TEX system enables suppliers and consumers to protect our planet by making responsible decisions.

OEKO-TEX product labels help consumers and customers find products tested for harmful substances (STANDARD 100 and LEATHER STANDARD by OEKO-TEX) and manufactured in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible way (MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX). Verified chemicals (ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX) and manufacturing facilities (STeP by OEKO-TEX) ease sourcing decisions and sustainable manufacturing. The modular system ensures these systems work together for traceability, transparency, and cost reduction.

HohensteinsafetyOutput Control

STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX tests for harmful substances on products and accessories throughout the supply chain. LEATHER STANDARD by OEKO-TEX is an adaptation of STANDARD 100 for issues specific to the leather industry. Both restricted substance lists (RSLs) are annually updated to incorporate health data and stay ahead of global laws.

Input and Process Control – for cleaner, safer output

ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX helps producers identify and purchase safer chemicals through RSL/MRSL screening, testing, and product stewardship site visit — optional, for ZDHC level 3 compliance.

STeP by OEKO-TEX certification considers all aspects of sustainable production and provides solutions for continuous improvement through assessment and auditing.

Traceability

The Made in Green label identifies products that are certified safe from harmful substances by STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX and were sustainably produced in STeP by OEKO-TEX certified factories.  Each product ID gives customers a unique level of transparency by tracing the product’s supply chain.

Sustainable Sourcing

OEKO-TEX works with over 15,000 OEKO-TEX certified suppliers that own nearly 170,000 certificates throughout the supply chain. Access to these companies in the searchable, online OEKO-TEX Buying Guide is free.

HohensteinMapFuture

Sustainability-focused demand for safe, responsibly produced products is growing and suppliers, brands, and retailers are partnering with Hohenstein to leverage the OEKO-TEX system in lieu of independent auditing and RSL/MRSL development. With the OEKO-TEX system, there’s no need to face the challenges of fulfilling sustainability demands alone.

Editor’s Note: With 1,000 worldwide employees, Hohenstein expertise covers topics such as comfort, compression, odor, fit & pattern, sustainability, UV protection, and safety. Hohenstein’s commitment to consistent quality means our local labs deliver dependable results -indistinguishable from the headquarters lab in Germany. Hohenstein is certified by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC ID #1058) as a third-party, independent laboratory for CPSIA compliance verification.  Hohenstein.US/OEKO-TEX, USA@Hohenstein.com.

October 18, 2019

Possible Progress For USMCA

Jim-Phillips-colorBy Jim Phillips, Yarn Market Editor

The United States-Mexico-Canada agreement, the Trump-administration negotiated potential successor to NAFTA, is finally gaining momentum in Congress and may become a reality by the end of the year.

Lawmakers have made significant progress in resolving disagreements over the provisions of the agreement. The New York Times is reporting that a decisive vote could occur before Congress adjourns for Thanksgiving. “We are on a path to yes,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters in early October, an indication that she would put considerable emphasis on the agreement’s passage.

“Both parties have strong political incentives to approve the trade deal despite deep Democratic skepticism over such pacts after American jobs flowed into Mexico after the ratification of NAFTA in 1993,” the Times reported. “For President Trump and Republicans, the agreement is a major priority that could bolster American businesses and help struggling farmers, while showing voters that they have been good stewards of the economy. For Democrats, the accord is a way to give lawmakers from swing districts a broadly popular achievement to show constituents, and a way to counter criticism that they have accomplished little during their time in Washington, which has more often consisted of passing legislation that dies in the Republican-controlled Senate.”

The legislatures of both Mexico and Canada have already ratified the agreement and have been waiting anxiously waiting on the United States to do the same.

“USCMA would update and replace the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The NAFTA supply chain,” according to the NCTO,  “drives approximately $20 billion in annual trilateral textile and apparel trade, up from just $7 billion prior to NAFTA, and is important to the continued growth of the industry. The updated USMCA makes several key improvements, including stronger rules or origin for sewing thread, pocketing, narrow elastics and certain coating fabrics. In addition, it fixes the Kissell Amendment loophole and ensures stronger customs enforcement.  These provisions will benefit our U.S. textile industry.”

Orders Drop Slightly In The Face Of rising Imports, Holiday Deliveries

Business remains solid for most spinners, but is not quite as robust as earlier in the year. Much of this drop, according to industry experts, is a result of a historic flood of imports. Imports at the nation’s major retail container ports are expected to hit their highest level of the year again in November, just before more tariffs take effect in December, according to the Global Port Tracker report released in October by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.

“This is the last chance to bring merchandise into the country before virtually everything the United States imports from China comes under tariffs,” National Retail Federation Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said in a recent release. “Retailers are doing all they can to mitigate the impact of tariffs on their customers. The effect on prices will vary by retailer and product during the holiday season, but ultimately these taxes on America businesses and consumers will result in higher prices. We urge the administration to use (tariff) talks with China to make progress toward ending the trade war and return to policies that promote long-term economic growth and prosperity for American families.”

While the impact of  recent imports is being felt by the spinning industry, to date it has not been substantial. “We’ve seen a slight decrease in orders,” said one spinner. “A few months ago, we were running full out and had a nice backlog.  Now, we’re still running full, but we have to be more aggressive in attracting the business.” He attributed the slowdown more to the time of the year than an increase in imports. “We’ve delivered holiday orders and will need to wait on some inventory adjustment after the holidays to see where we stand. We expect business to return to its previous state by the beginning of the year.”

There is, in fact, good news for spinners regarding holiday sales. NRF said it expects holiday sales to increase between 3.8  and 4.2 percent over 2018. Total sales are projected by NRF to be between $727.9 billion and $730.7 billion. These numbers compare to  an average sales increase of 3.7 percent over the previous five years.

“The U.S. economy is continuing to grow, and consumer spending is still the primary engine behind that growth,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Consumers are in good financial shape and retailers expect a strong holiday season.”

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