Stoll Brand Demonstrates Strength At Karl Mayer In-House Show Held In China

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — January 10, 2021 — The first presentation of the STOLL brand during an in-house KARL MAYER product show ended in great success on December 19 after a three-day run. In China, the current infection development allows face-to-face events again. Around 380 visitors from 170 companies took advantage of the opportunity to meet on site. Most of them travelled to KARL MAYER (CHINA) in Changzhou from the Great Shanghai area, and a few others came from the north of China, despite the exceptionally cold winter weather. Many of the guests came with the question of how the STOLL flat knitting machine business will continue after the acquisition by KARL MAYER, and left with increased confidence. “The first impression was great. Our high-tech production in Changzhou with the group-wide high quality standards, the excellent operational management, the just established STOLL development, our expertise, all this left a very good impression on our customers,” said Liu Xuran, chief of sales & product of the STOLL Business Unit.

The STOLL brand will continue to operate independently as part of KARL MAYER with the same contacts but with the support of the strong group of companies. It will guarantee customers successful business more than ever before. An exclusive selection of the innovations which will continue to ensure full order books in the flat knitting sector was on show in Changzhou. All the machines exhibited impressed with their excellent price/performance ratio and various automation solutions. They were the subject of numerous concrete investment inquiries and project discussions. Area Sales Manager Thomas Streicher and Simon Ma from regional partner Chemtax expressed their satisfaction with the feedback and the sales successes. „Some customers came twice to check the performance of the machines“, says Thomas Streicher.

Sophisticated automation solutions
A highlight of the machine show in Changzhou was the topic of knit & wear®. In the seamless knitting of sweaters, eliminating almost all downstream finishing processes, STOLL is setting standards in terms of patterning possibilities and price/performance, as demonstrated by the ADF 830-24 ki W knit & wear® and CMS 830 ki knit & wear®. The ADF model is designed for the high-level market segment and implements innovative fashion patterns with inverse plating and Intarsia among other things, which cannot be easily copied. With its production versatility and flexibility, the machine particularly impressed the brand manufacturers from the high-end segment in Changzhou. The CMS-version manufactures for the basic-level volume market and scores with an extremely good price/performance ratio. New to the in-house show was gauge E 10.2. The CMS 830 ki knit & wear® with the new gauge will allow customers to participate in the lucrative but highly competitive market of fine knit & and wear articles in the future.

As a further contribution to automation, an ADF machine with a knitrobotic®-kit was presented for the first time in Asia. The robotic functions make it possible to integrate materials and parts into the knitted product without manual intervention. As one example, an everyday mask was produced during the in-house show, with the nose bracket inserted fully automatically. The performance show inspired numerous new application ideas.

Solutions for creatives

An innovation for the creative process was presented with the new Connective Pattern Software (STOLL-CPS®). The solution combines a full-featured, advanced programming system with an easy-to-learn user interface and significantly expands knitting possibilities. Features include an authentic fabric view, many smart tools and open interfaces that allow CPS to be perfectly embedded in upcoming digital workflows. Among the most important advantages of STOLL-CPS® is the reduction of time-to-market. With an integrated grading system, additional sizes or size approaches can be created quickly and changes can be made across all sizes and/or patterns in a project in the shortest possible time.
As an inspiration for designers and product developers, the current STOLL collection “FASTER from Concept to Store” showed which creations can be realized with knitelligence® software solutions and how complex designer pieces can be transformed into commercially producible goods for the mass market through small changes. The extravagant fashion items were a real crowd puller.

Posted January 12, 2021

Sourec: Stoll/Karl Mayer

Antibacterial Yarns, Fibers To Be In Strong Demand At Yarn Expo Spring 2021

HONG KONG — January 11, 2021 — Following a challenging year for the industry, Yarn Expo Spring will return from 10 – 12 March 2021, as the platform continues to support the market’s recovery. After the success of the online solutions on offer at the Autumn Edition and in light of ongoing travel restrictions, exhibitors and buyers will once again have the added benefit of digital services at the spring show, to complement the physical fair. And as the market gains momentum, a special focus will be placed on developing trends, particularly antibacterial and hygiene products. Yarn Expo Spring will take place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

“After the successful conclusion of the Autumn Edition, Yarn Expo remains a reliable and stable trading platform for the industry in times of change and uncertainty, with feedback from the previous edition outlining the valuable support the fair offers our exhibitors and buyers,” said Wendy Wen, senior general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. “As we look ahead, the upcoming Spring Edition will continue to cater to market demands, offering comprehensive sourcing for raw materials with online and hybrid solutions running in tandem with the physical fair. And as the market shows promising signs of recovery, we are glad that our digital solutions ensure the fairs accessibility to all.”

Li Shaoping, senior manager of Cotton Council International from Hong Kong explained why they choose to join the fair, year on year: “Yarn Expo is important to the yarn and fabric industry in times like this, especially when it serves as a communication platform for companies large and small, to share market information and promote their new products. Holding a physical event is also crucial for businesses as buyers need to look at the products in person.” She also acknowledged the diversity and high turnout at the Autumn Edition: “The fair is professional with a wide range of products on offer. We’ve had excellent results this year as there’s a fourfold increase in visitor enquiries.”

Meanwhile, visitors such as Yolanda Wang, senior product development engineer of Personal Protective Equipment at Honeywell SPS appreciated the diverse product selection on offer: “I was able to find some suitable suppliers in the fair and products for our new product development. Yarn Expo is a regular event in the textile industry calendar that everyone will go to because it always offers the most comprehensive sourcing options compared to other similar fairs.”

Wen then moved on to explain how new opportunities can be found at the show: “The Autumn Edition showed a substantial increase in demand for antibacterial yarns and fibers, an already emerging trend that has been significantly boosted by the global pandemic. Participants have long-recognized the show as a place to discover and stay afresh with the industry, with exhibitors and visitors appreciating more than ever the chance to learn about the latest market news. With that said, we look forward to supporting the development of market trends in the coming year,” she concluded.

First time exhibitor Kent Wang, sales director of Shanghai Xinya New Material Technology Co. Ltd. in China explained the benefits and potential of the fair: “Our business has experienced growth amid the pandemic. We’ve brought quite a number of anti-bacterial products to the fair and customers’ feedback has been positive. The physical fair provided us with the opportunity to have face-to-face interactions with clients which has proven to be effective. The turnout is higher than I expected and we’ve already met with some potential customers.”

Digital solutions ensure accessibility to all

In addition to the physical fair, Yarn Expo will once again provide online solutions for those unable to travel. Exhibitors can benefit from the hybrid exhibition package which allows companies to display their yarns and fibers onsite at the dedicated showcase area, enabling buyers to examine the products close-up. These ‘hybrid exhibitors’ will also be able to obtain business cards with the help of onsite staff and utilize video equipment to help introduce their brand. On top of this, all participants will have access to the digital business matching platform where they can connect with both online and onsite business partners via the instant messaging and video calling functions, available before, during and after the fair.

Four concurrent fairs construct an unrivaled sourcing platform

Yarn Expo Spring will be held alongside four concurrent events: Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, PH Value and the China International Fashion Fair (CHIC). Together, the shows encompass the entire textile supply chain, providing a one-stop sourcing platform for the industry with strengthened potential and value for all participants.

Yarn Expo Spring is organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT. For further information, please visit: www.yarn-expo-spring.com. To find out more about all Messe Frankfurt textile fairs worldwide, please visit: http://texpertise-network.messefrankfurt.com.

Posted January 12, 2021

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

Spinnova Joins Zero Discharge Of Hazardous Chemicals Community

JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland — January 11, 2021 — The sustainable material company Spinnova is happy to announce it has become a contributor of the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals’ Roadmap to Zero programme. ZDHC’s objective is to protect the planet by reducing the textile industry’s chemical footprint.

ZDHC is a group of apparel and footwear brands and retailers working together to lead the industry towards zero discharge of hazardous chemicals. ZDHC enables a cleaner industry of the future by, for example, finding safer alternatives and managing the Manufacturing Restricted Substances List. The MRSL supports good chemical management by helping avoid the use of banned substances during production and manufacturing.

Spinnova’s involvement in the ZDHC means Spinnova will contribute to crafting how harmful chemicals can be avoided. By joining as contributor, Spinnova wishes to help accelerate phasing out hazardous chemicals.

“We are honored to join this influential community. We want to help promote a cleaner textile industry in any way we can, based on our experience of a material innovation that involves no harmful chemicals,” commented Spinnova’s CEO and Co-founder Janne Poranen.

Spinnova’s breakthrough technology represents the cleanest fiber alternative in the industry. Spinova’s fiber production method is not a regenerative one, but instead the wood or waste based raw material is mechanically refined and dry spun into filament. Fiber produced this way produces no side or waste streams, including zero waste water.

As Spinnova approaches commercial production phase and develops yarn and fabric, it is also developing sustainable finishing treatments that will commit to the MRSL. Spinnova has partnered with leading brands such as Bergans of Norway, Bestseller and Marimekko.

Posted January 12, 2021

Source: Spinnova

Navis TubeTex Introduces TubeSet Heat Setting Machine

LEXINGTON, N.C. – Navis TubeTex, a producer of finishing machinery for the textile industry, has introduced TubeSet, its latest innovation in heat setting machinery for tubular knit man-made-blend greige fabric.

TubeSet efficiently heat sets tubular knit greige fabric with synthetic content, eliminating the need for open-width processing. Additionally, TubeSet provides improved machine efficiencies and increased fabric utilization with a reduction in operating costs.

The goal was to assist customers in reducing production expenditures by more than 25 percent, and significantly minimizing the plant footprint with its reduced size, versus operations with open width finishing. With a positive ROI of less than 6 months, manufacturing operations reaches a quick time to value.

Will Motchar, CEO and president of Navis TubeTex and its companies, stated: “We have taken the market disruption during COVID as an opportunity to engineer new technologies and meet industry demands.  Our dedication to advanced engineered solutions continue to support automation in the manufacture of tubular textiles.

With final testing completed, Navis is set for deliveries during the second quarter of 2021.

Like all Navis TubeTex technologies, TubeSet is Industry 4.0 compliant.

Posted January 12, 2021

Source: Navis TubeTex

RadiciGroup Invests 15 Million Euros In A New Production Line For Meltblown Nonwoven, The Filtering Material Used In Protective Face Masks

BERGAMO, Italy — January 11, 2021 — RadiciGroup has taken the next step in its commitment to the health emergency response, by making a sizeable investment for the purchase of a new production line for meltblown nonwoven, the material used for manufacturing protective face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

The group has been at the forefront in the fight against the spread of COVID-19 from the very beginning of the pandemic, above all by rapidly setting up a production chain involving local factories for the manufacture of spunbond nonwoven for medical gowns and other personal protective equipment. As a result, the group quickly came to the decision to produce meltblown nonwoven, a type of nonwoven not readily available in the Italian market, but indispensable in the manufacture of surgical masks.

“In the midst of the pandemic crisis,” said Maurizio Radici, vice president and COO of RadiciGroup, “the lack of meltblown nonwoven became evident. We kept receiving tens of requests from potential customers. A very small quantity of meltblown material is produced in Europe, which is certainly not sufficient to meet demand in a health emergency. Given our extensive experience in the field of nonwovens, we swiftly began figuring out how to set up a chain for the production of PPE in Italy. And, as soon as the opportunity arose to take concrete action, we had no hesitation to jump on it”.

The investment made by RadiciGroup for the meltblown nonwoven production line is 15 million euros. Presently being installed, the large new line is extremely sophisticated and technologically advanced. It has a high production capacity and can also realize products with special technical characteristics, not only made of polypropylene, but also other polymers, such as polyester, polyamide and TPU. The new line is being set up at Tessiture Pietro Radici S.p.A., a group company based in Gandino (Bergamo), where work was previously carried out to ready the site.

Posted January 11, 2020

Source: RadiciGroup

EFI Reggiani’s Great Textile Success In Russia: New Opportunities And Prospects Of The Russian Textile Market

BERGAMO, Italy — January 11, 2021 — EFI™ Reggiani together with its partner in Russia, Nissa Distribution™, have completed three new sales contracts for the supply and installation of industrial solutions for direct-to-fabric and sublimation industrial textile printing. The new sales bring EFI Reggiani’s productive and sustainable digital solutions to three leading Russian textile producers — D-TEX Digital Textile Printing, MIRtex and Sima-Land.

The EFI Reggiani product portfolio includes the Reggiani and Mezzera brands — a broad range of solutions for textile manufacturing. EFI Reggiani has had a long-lasting presence in Russia serving key customers with digital printers using water-based inks, analogue printers, and pre- and post-treatment equipment. EFI Reggiani has further enhanced its presence with Nissa Distribution, a valuable local partner.

Greater sustainability and productivity for the Russian market

EFI Reggiani develops, manufactures, sells, installs and services advanced industrial textile machinery solutions worldwide, working closely with partners such as Nissa. Customers, including many of the world’s leading textile manufacturers, benefit from high efficiency in their manufacturing process, optimized productivity, reduced energy and water costs, and a reduced environmental impact.

The network of EFI Reggiani agent partners, technical specialists and service engineers worldwide provides customers with high-quality service and effective before- and after-sales support, while also offering consultations on effective technology use.

Nissa Distribution, and its subsidiary Nissa Stensart™, became distributors of EFI Reggiani products in Russia in 2018. The Stensart product portfolio is comprised of the widest range of equipment for preparation, printing and finishing of textiles, meeting the demanding requirements for successful production in different textile market segments.

EFI Reggiani’s success in the Russian market comes from well-coordinated, concerted efforts with Nissa Distribution and Nissa Stensart, ensuring full sales and technical support for customers. The most recent results of EFI Reggiani’s activities with Nissa Distribution and Nissa Stensart are the finalisation of three contracts for EFI Reggiani POWER and EFI Reggiani NEXT digital textile printers.

New POWER installations

Russia’s first EFI Reggiani POWER 180 and POWER 240 digital printers were recently sold to D-TEX Digital Textile Printing, located in Stupino, in the Moscow Oblast, and to MIRtex, in Furnmanov, Russia. The companies, which print and manufacture products using natural fibres and knitwear, are among the largest comprehensive textile manufacturers serving Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

The EFI Reggiani POWER 180 and POWER 240 are industrial digital printing machines for direct printing on fabric, knitwear and textiles in widths of 1.8 and 2.4 metres, respectively. They are equipped with a high-precision continuous transportation belt for reliable, accurate fabric feeding without wrinkles. Both machines can use EFI Reggiani’s water-based, eco-friendly inks, including popular EFI Reggiani BDR Diamond reactive inks.

EFI Reggiani POWER printers combine unparalleled reliability from EFI Reggiani’s long history of manufacturing excellence with new cutting-edge innovations that make production faster, smoother and more efficient. The printers’ ink recirculation system and electronics make the POWER line the top seller in its category worldwide. With EFI Reggiani POWER printers, users benefit from:

  • Superior versatility to manage a wider variety of inks;
  • Dramatic reduction in maintenance needs and stoppages; and
  • Increased tolerance to environmental conditions.

Sima-Land’s NEXT digital innovation

Russia’s first EFI Reggiani NEXT 340 printer is being installed at the largest wholesale textile company in Russia, Sima-Land. The Yekaterinburg-based company offers more than 1 million different products, including décor textiles for the home and office and men’s, women’s and children’s clothing.

The EFI Reggiani NEXT 340 is a 3.4-meter-wide, beltless industrial digital printing machine for direct and sublimation printing. Sima-Land’s printer is equipped with four Kyocera® industrial printheads and will give the wholesaler productivity running in a CMYK x 2 configuration or in an eight-colour configuration for superior quality. Using eco-friendly, water-based EFI Reggiani IRIS inks will give Sima-Land the ability to print bright vivid shades and colours and ensure an extraordinary level of print durability.

The Reggiani NEXT printer is the digital solution for sublimation printing on paper and non-elastic fabrics, designed to revolutionize fashion, sportswear and home décor markets with its combination of cost-saving features, speed and quality. Reggiani NEXT users worldwide benefit from reliable, industrial printing with a

limited initial investment on a printer offering exceptional ease of use and the lowest cost per meter production in its category.

Nissa Distribution will handle future technical service and maintenance of the new printers sold to D-TEX, MIRtex and Sima-Land, as well as supply spare parts and consumables.

“We are very excited about the success working with Nissa Distribution and Nissa Stensart to grow EFI Reggiani’s presence in the important Russian market,” said EFI Reggiani Senior Vice President and General Manager Adele Genoni. “The installation of high-performance EFI Reggiani industrial digital textile printers at three of the largest textile companies in Russia, and the ability to help these customers grow in the midst of a pandemic, reflect the serious commitment EFI Reggiani and our partners have in helping customers thrive and grow with efficient, productive and green digital printing solutions.”

In the future, EFI Reggiani, Nissa Distribution and Nissa Stensart will continue to collaborate to reinforce their joint, effective efforts to provide customers with the highest level of support and technical assistance, furthering promotion of EFI Reggiani digital printing solutions in Russia and the CIS.

Posted January 11, 2020

Source: EFI™

Gerber Technology Joins Forces To Donate 5,000 Gowns To Organizations In Need

Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board (GPTCHB)

NEW YORK CITY — January 11, 2021 — With the significant rise of COVID-19 cases, Gerber Technology has launched an initiative to help local communities in need of protective gowns. In partnership with their network of manufacturers and charitable associations, RetailersUnited and Fashion For the Frontlines, Gerber is donating 5,000 Level 1 gowns to various organizations in need. The gowns are made of DuPont™ Tyvek® material that is specifically assigned to Gerber Technology for use in personal protective equipment (PPE) production. All of the gowns are being produced in U.S. factories to help keep local workforces employed.

Gerber has been committed to making PPE more widely available since the creation of their PPE Task Force in March 2020. Since then, the technology partner has helped over 1,700 companies pivot their supply chain for PPE production. Gerber estimates that it has empowered production of over 100 million gowns and 8 billion face coverings during the pandemic in 2020. Through their most recent gown donation efforts, Gerber will help ensure health organizations across the United States have access to high-quality, industry standard PPE to keep them safe.

The recipients of the gowns were determined by Gerber Technology jointly with non-for-profit organizations RetailersUnited and Fashion For the Frontlines. Since the early days of the pandemic in March, Gerber Technology has worked closely with both organizations. Fashion For the Frontlines’ is focused on getting critical PPE to those in need on the frontlines in healthcare. RetailersUnited is focused on helping America reopen for business with a focus on the Retail Industry.

“We continue to see unmet needs of PPE across the U.S. in hospitals, healthcare systems, retailers, communities and more, but by simplifying the supply chain and producing more PPE domestically, these shortages will be mitigated,” said Deborah Weinswig, CEO of Coresight Research and Board Member of RetailersUnited. We value our continued collaboration with Gerber Technology and thank them for this contribution. The recipient institutions play a vital role in their local communities. With the recent alarming spike in COVID cases, these gowns are desperately needed, especially by smaller organizations whose funds and access to PPE are more limited.”

The recipients of the donated gowns include: NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities for local distribution, Eger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Staten Island, N.Y.,  Housing Works Inc. in Brooklyn, N.Y., and Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board in South Dakota.

“Our Native American communities are in desperate need of the right PPE to help protect the community”, says Jo Overton, co-founder and director at Together on Turtle Island ”We are beyond thrilled to help facilitate this gown donation. Gowns have been from the beginning part of the broken supply chain and desperately needed.

“Every community is in great need of help as they continue to fight COVID-19, especially right now“ said Karsten Newbury, chief strategy and digital officer at Gerber Technology. “We are proud to be doing our part to help frontline workers be safer as they perform critical services for their communities. We are grateful for the partnerships with the manufacturers who have done their part to produce personal protective equipment during this very difficult time.”

“We were thrilled to connect with our generous friends and partners at Gerber Technology,” said Sherri Barry, owner of Arizona Fashion Source and Co-Founder of F.A.B.R.I.C. “As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a tremendous need for gowns by the Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Board. Through our partnership with Gerber, we are able to successfully provide them with the number of gowns they need to operate safely.”

Posted January 11, 2020

Source: Gerber Technology

Precision Textiles’ All-Natural, Glass-Free FR Mattress Barrier Earns Ul Greenguard Gold Certification

TOTOWA, N.J. — January 11, 2021 — Precision Textiles, a supplier of coated fabrics, nonwovens and laminations for the bedding, automotive and healthcare industries, has received UL GREENGUARD Gold certification for its IQFit Natural line, a 100 percent glass-free, fire-resistant (FR) mattress barrier for roll-packed mattresses. Made with sustainable, renewable cotton, it provides a glass-free alternative to FR barrier solutions made with exposed fiberglass.

Recognized and referenced by more than 400 codes, rating systems and procurement policies worldwide, UL’s GREENGUARD Gold Certification Program requires that products meet some of the world’s most rigorous standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor environments.

“As consumer eco-consciousness continues to become more and more important, a growing number of mattress manufacturers are striving to meet health, wellness and sustainability criteria,” said Keith Martin, vice president of Precision Textiles. “Earning the GREENGUARD Gold certification for our IQFit Natural line further demonstrates our commitment to consumers’ health and wellness and gives our bedding industry partners confidence that they are choosing a product that is not only natural and safe but also supports healthy indoor environments.”

UL tested IQFit Natural for total VOCs, formaldehyde and VOCs with health-based limits. The GREENGUARD Gold label validates and provides evidence that the product line is low-emitting and supports healthy indoor environments.

In addition to being 100 percent glass-free, IQ FIT Natural is also made with sustainable, renewable cotton that delivers outstanding breathability and superb moisture wicking. The cotton used to manufacture it is a natural, hypoallergenic, durable, long-lasting fiber that stays strong after years of use and biodegrades when composted. The glass-free barrier also eliminates the breakdown of fiberglass and provides bedding manufacturers with a safer FR solution.

Each component within the barrier was chosen not only for the safety of consumers but also for the safety of the environment. The barrier is also free of para-aramid and antimony — both of which offer fire resistance but can cause respiratory and skin irritation — to ensure consumers receive an all-natural sleep experience.

“With a focus on health, comfort and sustainability, low VOC emissions are just one more area where IQFit Natural demonstrates superior performance,” Martin continued. “Many consumers actively shop for products that support a range of performance criteria including safety, sustainability, health and wellness. IQFit Natural achieves all of those criteria, reducing the risk of flammability, using renewable cotton to benefit the environment and offering low emitting materials.”

Posted January 11, 2020

Source: Precision Textiles

JCPenney Reinvents Xersion® Activewear Brand

PLANO, Texas — January 7, 2021 — JCPenney continues its journey to strengthen its merchandise offerings with more brands in 2021, beginning the new year with exciting developments in its apparel division. For the first time since its introduction to JCPenney in 2008, the Xersion® activewear assortment has been redesigned from the inside out and with the latest performance technology, EVERAIR™.

“We are kicking off 2021 in the best way possible — offering new and improved merchandise to our customers,” said Michelle Wlazlo, executive vice president and chief merchant. “We know it can be challenging for customers to find activewear that delivers on performance, technology, design, comfort, and style, and the new Xersion product is sure to impress with updated details to help our customers meet their wellness goals.”

Designed by JCPenney’s in-house product development and design team, Xersion activewear is built for performance and gives customers the Motivation to Move, regardless of size or fitness level. Also being introduced is Penney’s new innovative and exclusive EVERAIR fabrication, combining breathable technology and Quick-Dri® wicking for optimal air flow to remain cool and dry. Xersion products allow customers to fully focus on their activity with design that encourages a distraction-free workout, with sweat-proof pockets, reflective and anti-odor elements, venting, thumbholes, compression, built-in mesh, and chafe-free seams. Women’s sports bras and high-waist leggings stay in place with three compression levels — studio, move, and train — that match her workout, offered in matching monochromatic or color-blocking styles.

Available today in all stores and at the JCPenney flagship store, jcp.com, the size-inclusive line is available in boys, boys husky, girls, girls plus, women’s size XS-3X and Men’s size  S-XXL in the accessible price range of $12-70 across divisions.

The re-launch of the Xersion brand is the first of several planned new installments in 2021, which follows the repositioning and launch of several exclusive JCPenney brands in 2020, including the introduction of the Stylus™ apparel brand and Linden Street™ home brand, offered alongside a wide array of national brands including Champion®, Levi’s®, Puma®, Skechers®, New Balance®, Clarks®, Vans®, and more.

Posted January 8, 2020

Source: JCPenney

The National Retail Federation: 2020 Retail Imports May Break Record Despite Pandemic

WASHINGTON — January 8, 2021 — Imports seen during 2020 appear to be headed toward a new record despite the coronavirus pandemic, and remain at high levels as 2021 begins, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Nobody would have thought last spring that 2020 would be a record year for imports, but it was clearly an unpredictable year,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Consumers and retailers once again proved their resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. Thanks in part to government stimulus, retail sales saw strong growth during 2020 even with the pandemic, and import numbers show retailers expect the economic recovery will continue during 2021.”

With high import volumes over the past few months, ships carrying goods from Asia have backed up at West Coast ports in particular, and there have been shortages of shipping capacity and equipment including chassis and empty containers.

“With COVID-19 accelerating across the country, the pandemic is causing logistics problems beyond the congestion at the ports,” Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said. “With large numbers of people infected by the virus and unable to report for work, the supply chain is potentially facing challenges to find enough workers for goods distribution.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.11 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in November, the latest month for which final numbers are available. That was up 24.5 percent year-over-year but down 4.9 percent from October’s 2.21 million TEU, which set the record for the largest number of containers handled during a single month since NRF began tracking imports in 2002. A TEU is one 20-foot container or its equivalent.

December was projected at 2.02 million TEU, down 17.3 percent year-over-year but still one of only six times in nearly 20 years that the monthly total has hit the 2 million TEU mark. If the December number holds up once actual data is available, 2020 will have ended with a total of 21.9 million TEU, up 1.5 percent from last year and breaking the previous annual record of 21.8 million TEU set in 2018.

Imports during the last half of 2020 set a string of new records, including an all-time high of 8.3 million TEU for the July-October “peak season” when retailers rush to bring in merchandise for the winter holidays each year.

January is forecast at 1.96 million TEU, which would be up 7.7 percent from a year ago and the busiest January on record; February at 1.6 million TEU, up 6.1 percent year-over-year, and March at 1.64 million TEU, up 19 percent from March 2020, when factories in China failed to reopen after the Lunar New Year holiday because of the coronavirus. April is forecast at 1.76 million TEU, up 9.6 percent, and May at 1.86 million TEU, up 21.7 percent, both year-over-year.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by the consulting firm Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker

Posted January 8, 2020

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

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