WASHINGTON — September 17, 2018 — The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay regarding the Trump administration’s plan to move forward with additional tariffs on Chinese goods.

“As thousands of businesses have testified and explained in comments to the administration, tariffs are a tax on American families. It’s disappointing that, despite the voices of those impacted, the administration continues to advance harmful tariff policies that threaten to weaken the U.S. economy.

“Every time this trade war escalates, the risk to U.S. consumers grows. With these latest tariffs, many hardworking Americans will soon wonder why their shopping bills are higher and their budgets feel stretched.

“We cannot afford further escalation, especially with the holiday shopping season right around the corner. The mere talk of tariffs on all remaining Chinese imports is of serious concern to retailers since tariffs of that magnitude would touch every aspect of American life. Achieving better trade deals is an important priority, but there is nothing better about it when American families are forced to pay higher prices for everyday purchases.”

NRF and more than 100 organizations recently launched a multi-industry coalition — Americans for Free Trade — aimed at opposing tariffs and highlighting the benefits of international trade to the U.S. economy. The new coalition is coordinating with Farmers for Free Trade in a multi-million dollar national campaign known as Tariffs Hurt the Heartland. The campaign is focused on telling the stories of the American businesses, farmers, workers and families harmed by tariffs through town-hall style events, grassroots outreach to Congress and the administration, social media, rapid response and digital advertising.

Posted September 17, 2018

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

MONTREAL — September 14, 2018 — Gildan Activewear Inc. announced today that the company has been included on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. This is the sixth consecutive year that Gildan has been included on the Dow Jones Indices.

“We are proud to again be included on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index,” said Claudia Sandoval, vice president, Corporate Citizenship, Gildan,  “Receiving this recognition as one of a small group of leading apparel companies is a great validation of the tremendous efforts of our people. Following a comprehensive materiality assessment with key stakeholders this year, we revised our Genuine Responsibility™ program  to focus on three commitments, namely, caring for our employees, conserving the environment and creating strong communities. The investments and efforts we make against these commitments further support our vision of Making Apparel Better™.”

The company has more than 50,000 direct employees worldwide and is driven to provide safe and healthy work environments, treat all employees with respect and to increase the prosperity of employees, their families and communities by offering fair wages, free medical clinics and medication, subsidized meals, free transportation as well as training and development programs.

The company’s environmental goals include minimizing waste, decreasing emissions, optimizing the use of natural resources and pursuing continuous improvements in every aspect of its operations, from yarn-spinning and textile manufacturing to garment sewing. Since 2015, Gildan has decreased water usage intensity by 17 percent through investments in high-efficiency dyeing machines, water management systems and chemical innovation in wet processes. Gildan also recycled or repurposed 86 percent of its total company waste last year and generated 43 percent of its total energy needs through renewable sources made possible through investments in Biomass steam generation systems, which burn agricultural and factory waste as a primary fuel source.

In its communities, Gildan aims to strengthen social infrastructure and support local economic development through investments in youth education, active living, conservation of the environment and promotion of local entrepreneurship.

The Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (DJSI North America) was established in September 2005 to track the performance of companies from Canada and the United States of America that lead the field in terms of corporate sustainability.

Posted September 14, 2018

Source: Gildan

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — September 13, 2018 — Kodak and fashion retailer Forever 21 have teamed up on a new apparel collection for the Fall 2018 season featuring some of Kodak’s many logos and designs from the Kodak brand’s storied history.

The bright and vibrant apparel uses many of the original colors from Kodak branding and packaging from the 90’s and draws inspiration from Kodak’s days as a standout NASCAR team sponsor.

The collection offers women’s t-shirts, crop tops, jackets and lounge wear; the men’s line includes tees, polos, pullovers and jerseys. Altogether twenty-six different items will be available in 600+ stores globally and are available in men’s, women’s and junior sizes.

Kodak has been working on collaborations to drive brand awareness and advocacy with new audiences.

“Rather than be a fad or trend, we want to retain an aspirational product aimed at our core audience and those that they influence,” said Dany Atkins, chief brand officer, Kodak.  “What could be better for a brand transformation than everyone wearing your logo on a t-shirt?”

The collection was produced with Hybrid Apparel, a Kodak Licensee who works closely with Kodak on brand licensing efforts in the apparel space.

“Kodak has always been synonymous with our life’s best memories, including past, present and even future aspirations,” said Bonnie Segall, executive vice president of New Business Development, Hybrid. “We were able to capture this by leveraging the current streetwear trend and creating a new ‘KODAK MOMENT’ for a new generation of enthusiasts.”

Additionally, by teaming up with Forever 21 and Hybrid, Kodak is expanding its reach and aligning itself towards future possibilities.

“We are excited to further increase our brand visibility with industry leading partners like Forever 21 that will uniquely leverage our imaging history to further build opportunities and growth into the future with the Kodak brand,” said Joel Satin, vice president, Global Brand Licensing.

Forever 21 is enthusiastic about the collection and its call-back to the days when the Kodak logo was seen virtually everywhere.

“We are so excited to announce our collection with Kodak,” says Linda Chang, vice president of Marketing for Forever 21. “Kodak is such an iconic brand that so many people love and respect, and we were excited to bring our customers a fun and unique way to celebrate photography.”

Posted September 14, 2018

Source: Kodak

NEW YORK CITY — September 13, 2018 — UBM Fashion’s ReMode has proudly collaborated with the Conscious Fashion Campaign and the United Nations Office for Partnerships to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, unveiling an activation with the premier women’s wear trade event, Coterie, held September 15-17 at the Javits Center, New York City.

The initiative aims to harness the power of retailers, media and celebrities to embrace impact-driven fashion brands to create positive change and drive conscious consumerism. Supported by the United Nations Office for Partnerships, the Conscious Fashion Campaign drives awareness and advocacy to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent an unprecedented, universally endorsed blueprint for fighting poverty, ending inequality and protecting the planet. With its global reach and impact, the fashion industry carries clout to transform and advance the SDGs. We call on the fashion brands and retailers to align their business models with these Goals. Our joint commitment will build and strengthen the cooperation needed to respond to the world’s many challenges,” shared Lucie Brigham, chief of Office, United Nations Office for Partnerships. “The Conscious Fashion Campaign driven by Kerry Bannigan provides an important platform that demonstrates how the fashion industry is shifting business models, integrating sustainability principles and driving advocacy around a new paradigm in fashion.”

Brands and designers that are working to end poverty, protect the planet, practice sustainability, and raise awareness through meaningful philanthropic and customer engagement initiatives in an effort to transform our world through fashion will be showcased at Coterie over the three day show.

“We are honored to leverage our platform and audience to propel the mission of the Conscious Fashion Campaign supported by the United Nations encouraging ethical and sustainable practices,” shared Coterie Women’s Fashion Director Danielle Licata. “Through this collaboration we are excited to introduce several woman-owned brands from Africa including AAKS and Maki Oh who are true innovators in the industry.”

Featured Conscious Fashion Campaign brands include: AAKS, Afrodesiac, AMUR, COCOLILI, DefineMeEcru, Legami, Liverpool Jeans, Maki Oh, Mar Y Sol, R&R Luxury, Skazi, Washed Away, Wrangler, and B. Yellowtail.

A large part of the initiative at Coterie is supported by SheTrades, an organization that enables women entrepreneurs to improve the quality of their products and services.

This is a part of a larger collaboration between the UBM Fashion’s ReMode event and Conscious Fashion Campaign, supported by the United Nations Office for Partnerships, including presence at the United Nations General Assembly 73rd Session SDG Media Zone.

“With the launch of ReMode this year, we are putting a lot of focus on promoting a sustainable and responsible growth for the industry. We will be supporting the SDGs and the Conscious Fashion Campaign at Coterie, at the United Nations General Assembly and at ReMode this November in Los Angeles and hope that our participation will contribute to a stronger and meaningful impact on changing the fashion industry for the better,“ states Pierre-Nicolas Hurstel, Founder of ReMode.

The show opens Saturday, September 15 and will run through Monday, September 17 at the Jacob Javits Center located at 655 W 34th St, New York, N.Y.

On Saturday, September 15 at 3:30pm Coterie will celebrate the Conscious Fashion Campaign collaboration, supported by ReMode. Welcome remarks and traditional land acknowledgement by Gerrod Smith, Shinnecock, followed by a thanks and introduction by representatives from ReMode and United Nations. Prosecco toast sponsored by Principessa.

Posted September 14, 2018

Source: UBM Fashion