As e-commerce sales have increased following the Covid-19 outbreak, retailers face increasing pressure to bring customers back to their brick-and-mortar stores. More than ever, customers now favour experiences over products. Retailers have been implementing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiency.

One of the most adopted use cases of AI technology across apparel and beauty in-store is magic mirrors, which have been deployed by several retailers, including Charlotte Tilbury, Bourjois, and Uniqlo.

Leading apparel companies in AI

Consumers that had previously been reluctant to shop online have embraced e-commerce during the pandemic. Amid the shift to e-commerce, several retailers have adopted AI-integrated personalisation as a part of their customer loyalty strategy. Retailers often use the personalisation of marketing communications as a recovery strategy to prevent lost sales from cart abandonment as it can help build traction and increase customer loyalty.

Leading adopters of AI in the clothing industry include Apple, Lowe’s Home Depot, Kroger, and Zara.

Discover the leading AI companies in the apparel industry

Using its experience in the sector, Just Style has listed some of the leading companies providing products and services related to AI. 

The information provided in the download document is drafted for apparel industry executives and technology leaders involved in AI apparel solutions. 

The download contains detailed information on suppliers and their product offerings, alongside contact details to aid purchasing or hiring decisions. 

Amongst the leading vendors of AI in the fashion industry are CloudMinds, Deep Instinct, Delvify, Infinite Analytics, Modiface, Yieldigo, Intelistyle, Quidini and Syte.

Impact of AI on the apparel industry

AI can increase speed, efficiency, and accuracy across every branch of a retail business, with advanced data and predictive analytics systems allowing retailers to make data-driven business decisions. AI is transforming the way consumers purchase products online, which has spurred innovation in customer service conversational platforms.

Several case studies highlighting the use of AI within the apparel industry can be studied. Burberry has integrated AI and big data into customers' in-store experiences by using their online information, including social media habits and purchase history. Sales assistants at brick-and-mortar stores can access this information via tablets, and AI-enabled algorithms provide suggestions based on customer information.

Zara is one of many retailers using AI to enable efficient in-store customer services by improving the 'buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS)' model. Consumers can now place orders online and then go to the brick-and-mortar store to collect their goods. As more customers shift to placing online orders and collecting in-store, Zara is improving its BOPIS process with automation.

Cloud computing allows apparel companies to minimise their upfront infrastructure spending, enabling them to focus on other critical aspects such as designing, manufacturing, and marketing.

The adoption of cloud computing in the apparel industry is rising with its gradual penetration into diverse segments, including supply chain management, inventory, and warehouse management, import management, production planning, monitoring procurement, and order fulfilment.

Discover the leading cloud computing companies in the apparel industry

Using its experience in the sector, Just Style has listed some of the leading companies providing products and services related to cloud computing. 

The information provided in the download document is drafted for apparel industry executives and technology leaders involved in cloud computing solutions. 

The download contains detailed information on suppliers and their product offerings, alongside contact details to aid purchase or hiring decisions. 

Amongst the leading vendors of cloud computing in the fashion industry are Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Salesforce, Oracle, IBM, Shopify and Accenture.

Benefits of cloud computing in the apparel industry

Cloud computing allows brands to remain informed about any delay in the process chain, including procurement of raw materials, production, and transportation. It enables companies to take the right decision on scheduling delivery at the best possible time.

The technology improves communication between suppliers and apparel manufacturers to help them manage their supply chains. It helps manufacturers in taking rapid, responsible, and fully documented decisions, helping in saving time and money.

Cloud computing can be accessed from anywhere across the world at any time, and is easy to install, with flexible applications which improve the company’s efficiency. The technology supports companies in making quick payments and approving payments within a short amount of time.

Since the pandemic, more retailers than ever are creating online platforms and providing omnichannel experiences. To do this, they are incorporating key technologies into their business strategies such as cloud, artificial intelligence, big data analytics (BDA), and the Internet of Things (IoT). Including these technologies in their businesses comes with significant cybersecurity risk.

Many large retailers have already had their servers compromised. These large data breaches make headlines and can lead to millions of dollars in fines, and a loss of profit as the retailer loses business. Even when there is no evidence that the data leak has led to individual customers being targeted with fraudulent use of their financial data, the leak itself is very damaging to the retailer’s reputation. Retailers need to reassure their consumers that their data is secure and out of reach from hackers. Retailers that abuse that trust will struggle to recover from the reputational damage that data leaks cause.

Leading apparel companies in cybersecurity

Digitally native retailers are more adept at incorporating cybersecurity into their strategy. E-commerce companies such as Amazon and Alibaba are both retailers and technology specialists and are therefore better positioned to develop in-house cybersecurity capabilities. However, any retailer who has incorporated digitalisation into their business needs to ensure that they are protected, partnering with tech vendors who can secure their online platforms and payment systems. Those who adopt end-to-end security will be less susceptible to cyber-attacks.

Leading adopters of cybersecurity in retail and apparel are Amazon, Alibaba and Walmart.

Discover the leading cybersecurity companies in the apparel industry

Using its experience in the sector, Just Style has listed some of the leading companies providing products and services related to cybersecurity in the fashion industry. 

The information provided in the download document is drafted for apparel industry executives and technology leaders involved in cybersecurity solutions. 

The download contains detailed information on suppliers and their product offerings, alongside contact details to aid purchase or hiring decisions. 

Amongst the leading vendors of cybersecurity in the apparel industry are Symantec, Armis Security, McAfee, Atos, CyActive, Amazon, Alibaba Group, Akamai Technologies, WatchGuard and Dragos.

How can retailers and apparel manufacturers improve cybersecurity?

Retailers and apparel manufacturers need to adopt a holistic approach to cybersecurity to protect their large networks of data. Here are the four main ways retailers should tackle cyber threats:

• Adopt application security solutions that cover all their applications, from those used internally to popular external apps provided for use on customers’ mobile phones.

• Train employees in identifying phishing emails and ensure that hackers cannot download malware onto these devices to access the network.

• Use firewall as a service. This is a cloud-based service that allows companies to simplify their IT infrastructure and provides capabilities such as web filtering, advanced threat protection (ATP), intrusion prevention system (IPS), and domain name system (DNS) security.

• Undergo cybersecurity ‘fire drills’ to simulate worse-case scenarios in data breaches and pinpoint areas of vulnerability. Most retailers will likely incur a data breach, and post-breach response services must be in place to respond swiftly to any future attacks to reduce the potential damage. Vulnerability management, and risk and compliance services are needed to provide internal and third-party perspectives on points of cybersecurity weakness and areas for improvement.

The use of robotics in retail has gradually expanded from being predominantly used in logistics and supply chains to being used in-store to help converge online and offline retail.

Robotics is also increasingly being used in the delivery process to expedite fulfilment and enable shorter delivery times for customers. As with warehouse automation, many global retailers and businesses, including Amazon and Alibaba, are using autonomous vehicles and drones to help streamline fulfilment processes and mitigate the high costs of last-mile delivery. Driverless robots used for deliveries gained particular popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Leading apparel companies in robotics

High-growth industry leaders have streamlined their logistics and supply chain networks by incorporating robotics into their processes. While requiring upfront investment, robotics in warehouses significantly reduces operating expenses and drives efficiency and accuracy. Companies that do not invest in robotics and automation limit their growth opportunities.

Managing store inventory is a major problem for many retailers, with inaccurate tracking leading to lost revenue. Robots can solve this problem through constant stock-taking and shelf audits, identifying stock shortages. As robotics becomes more technologically advanced and artificial intelligence (AI) develops, the level of accuracy in tasks undertaken by robots will consistently grow and create new efficiencies for retailers and apparel manufacturers.

Leading adopters of robotics in retail and apparel are Amazon, Alibaba, Co-op, H&M, Ikea, JD.com, Kroger, Lowe’s, Nike, Ocado, and Walmart.

Discover the leading robotics companies in the apparel industry

Using its experience in the sector, Just Style has listed some of the leading companies providing products and services related to robotics. 

The information provided in the download document is drafted for apparel industry executives and technology leaders involved in robotic solutions. 

The download contains detailed information on suppliers and their product offerings, alongside contact details to aid purchasing or hiring decisions. 

Amongst the leading vendors of robotics in the fashion industry are Grabit, GreyOrange, Cleveron, Ocado, Mujin, and Kindred.

Opportunities for robotics in the apparel industry

Robotics can help address the various challenges retailers and apparel manufacturers face, such as the need to profile customers, achieve greater personalisation, understand market trends, and improve operational efficiency. Logistics robots, industrial co-bots, and inspection cleaning, and maintenance robots should receive the most investment from companies across the retail and apparel value chain.

Robotic intelligence and cloud robotics will be lucrative investment areas for several retail and apparel value chain segments.

Apparel brands, retailers and manufacturing partners are increasingly adopting and integrating innovative digital technologies across the entire value chain, from product planning, design and development to order execution and selling, to enhance operational efficiency and remain agile, relevant and successful in the business.

With consumers becoming more concerned and conscious about how they look in public and on social media, the global apparel market is poised to grow by more than 5% a year to reach $2.5 trillion by 2026, according to GlobalData’s estimates.

Finding the best software solutions for digital transformation in fashion retail

Just Style has listed some of the leading digital transformation software solutions providers and service specialists for fashion brands and manufacturers based on its intel, insights and decades-long experience in the sector.

The list includes providers of cost-effective and smart fashion supply chain software solutions to improve speed to market and drive efficiency, profitability and sustainability by optimising and accelerating the entire lifecycle of product development, costing, sourcing, planning and order execution.

The list also includes companies providing software as a service (SaaS)-integrated solutions for fashion brands and retailers to create better supply chain planning and execution, attract new customers, enhance brand loyalty and customer service, generate improved product strategies, and drive measurable and sustainable improvements in operational and financial performance.

The information contained within the download document is useful for fashion designers, merchandisers, garment production managers, apparel industry executives, store managers and any other individual involved in apparel design, production, packaging, marketing, wholesale distribution and retailing.

The download contains detailed information on software solutions and service providers for digital transformation in the apparel industry and their product and service lines, alongside contact details to aid your purchasing or hiring decision.

Types of software solutions for digital transformation in the fashion industry

Some of the software tools and platforms used to drive digital transformation in the fashion industry include:

• Cloud-based apparel enterprise resource planning (ERP) software
• Industry-specific garment product lifecycle management (PLM) software
• Customised electronic data interchange (EDI) software
• Web-based vendor management solutions
• Shop floor control (SFC) software
• Automatic fabric analysis solutions
• Fashion supply chain quality management software
• 3D clothing design, virtual sampling and fit analysis software
• Garment digital twin software solutions, and
• Data-based predictive analytics and reporting tools for fashion market insights and trend forecasting

Digital transformation trends in the apparel industry

Covid-19 has led to exponential growth in fashion e-commerce and accelerated the digital transformation trend in the industry. From 3D-rendered designs to data-based trend forecasting, adopting digital technologies across the value chain has become imperative for apparel companies to maintain brand reputation and future-proof their business.

Leading apparel brands and retailers are increasingly investing in digital solutions such as blockchain analysis software, 3D visualisation tools, digital showcasing, virtual assistants and digital fitting rooms to synchronise and streamline their supply chain operations, roll out more effective e-commerce strategies, and tailor improved and more personalised shopping experience for both online and in-store customers.

Following the Covid-19 outbreak, many retailers used the Internet of Things (IoT) to capitalise on the shift to online shopping. The pandemic accelerated the rollout of interactive web pages, apps, and new creative product launches to maintain customer interest and improve retention.

The adoption of IoT in retail has taken place in a myriad of ways. For example, IoT has enabled virtual group workouts from home using innovative tech from brands such as Lululemon and Peloton. Athleisurewear brand Lululemon acquired fitness tech start-up Mirror in 2020. Mirror’s technology creates a fitness magic mirror, giving users the ability to follow workout plans with a real-time personal trainer. Similarly, fitness equipment retailer Pelaton launched a range of products with live-streamed instructors.

Leading apparel companies in IoT

Ambient commerce offers consumers the promise of a new way to shop. It strategically combines the physical space associated with traditional retail with technology. The innovative tech may be the push needed to increase footfall. It can give typical shopping experiences a digital twist, which customers are likely to appreciate following prolonged exposure to e-commerce because of the pandemic.

Following the pandemic, customer convenience and safety are priorities, and ambient commerce will shift the way brick-and-mortar retailers operate. As ambient commerce provides a contactless way to shop with minimal human interaction, it may be the future of retail.

Leading adopters of IoT in retail and apparel are Amazon, Auchan, Costa Coffee, Ikea, JD.com, Nike, REWE, Shufersal, and Zabka.

Discover the leading IoT companies in the apparel industry

Using its experience in the sector, Just Style has listed some of the leading companies providing products and services related to IoT. 

The information provided in the download document is drafted for apparel industry executives and technology leaders involved in IoT solutions. 

The download contains detailed information on suppliers and their product offerings, alongside contact details to aid purchasing or hiring decisions. 

Amongst the leading vendors of IoT in the fashion industry are Authentic or Not, Impinj, Carriotts, Evrythng, Phunware, RetailNext, Qliktag, Trigo, Tuya and Wise Shelf.

Opportunities for IoT in the retail and apparel industry

There is an opportunity for major retail and apparel players to acquire key IoT software to bolster their position in the tech space. Players that invest in IoT to automate checkout, improve e-commerce platforms, personalise discounts, use beacon technology, integrate smart shelving, add robot employees, and optimise supply chain management are likely to thrive.

Product lifecycle management systems allow apparel and fashion companies to effectively organise and bring together the key information, actions and personnel associated with the entire lifecycle of a product into a single collaborative platform.

Product lifecycle management software solutions enable apparel brands, retailers, and manufacturing partners to seamlessly link the vital areas of the fashion value chain to their business processes, helping to optimise the supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, and maximise customer satisfaction, sales, and overall profitability.

Finding the best product lifecycle management solutions for the apparel industry

Just Style has listed some of the leading product lifecycle management software companies for the fashion industry, based on its intel, insights and decades-long experience in the sector.

The list includes providers of cost-effective, easy-to-use, and smart fashion product lifecycle management solutions to improve speed to market, save substantial time in introducing and updating new designs, and drive measurable and sustainable improvements in operational and financial performance by optimising product strategy, development, costing, sourcing, order execution, and marketability.

The information contained within the download document is useful for fashion designers, creative directors, design assistants, merchandisers, garment production managers, apparel industry executives, logistics, warehouse and store managers, and any other individual involved in apparel design, production, packaging, marketing, wholesale distribution, and retailing.

The download contains detailed information on fashion product lifecycle management companies and their product and service lines, alongside contact details to aid your purchasing or hiring decision.

Benefits of product lifecycle management software for apparel and fashion businesses

Product lifecycle management software provides a single cloud platform for managing and communicating information associated with apparel and fashion products from conception to store shelf. It can help brand owners, manufacturers, and retailers to:

• Foster easier, faster, and more effective collaboration between product design, development, merchandising, sourcing, sales, and marketing teams.
• Create new designs faster and smarter, and turnaround creative concepts into commercial products on budget and on time by accelerating the product development process
• Visualise product collections and choose the right pricing strategy
• Boost collaboration and cut lead times by connecting multiple vendors online
• Build transparency across the supply chain to reduce costs and improve compliance
• Integrate other fashion design, garment development, financial planning and analytics, and customer relationship management software/plugins into the same platform
• Gain access to important financial data and feedback from retailers and users when creating and revising designs
• Keep track of materials, labour and sourcing/importing costs, productivity indicators, scheduling, and timeliness of delivery
• Monitor the product’s performance in relation to sales and customer satisfaction indicators, and
• Comply with regulatory and environmental requirements

Download our list here.

Apparel design and development is a constantly evolving process as companies need to keep up with the latest trends in the industry.

Innovative manufacturing technologies coupled with artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D printing are further transforming the fashion design industry by making it sustainable and apparel development more profitable.

The emergence of new technologies, economic uncertainties, rising inflation and evolving consumer preferences are, however, posing unique challenges for apparel design and development. Agile marketing, innovative apparel development measures and unique distribution challenges channels are some of the measures that apparel companies are adopting to address these challenges.

Finding leading suppliers of apparel innovation, design and development

Just Style has listed leading providers of apparel design, prototype design and apparel development based on its intel, insights and decades-long experience in the sector.

The list includes providers of apparel fashion innovation and development services, merchandising, consulting and training services.

The information contained within the download document is designed for apparel designers, fashion designers, technology providers, apparel product developers and apparel specialists.

The download contains detailed information on the suppliers and their product lines, alongside contact details to aid your purchasing or hiring decision.

Emerging trends in apparel design and development

Sustainability, direct-to-consumer marketing, and digital transformation are some of the emerging trends in fashion design and development.

Sustainability has emerged as a major area of focus for consumers and businesses seeking to be more conscious of their impact on the environment. The use of environmentally sustainable fabrics and manufacturing methods in apparel development is increasing as brands aim to minimise their carbon footprint.

The rise of social media has provided new opportunities for businesses to connect with consumers directly. Companies are using social media portals such as Instagram to promote their products and offer personalised shopping experiences to consumers.

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the digital transformation of the apparel design and development industry. Virtual reality/augmented reality, 3D scanning and AI are being used to improve customer experiences and understand consumer preferences.

Innovation in the apparel industry

New technologies such as 3D printing, AI data predictive tools, and demand forecasting tools are bringing about several innovations in the apparel development and fashion design industry.

3D printing technology, for example, is being used for optimising the apparel design process and creating custom-fit clothing, while AI is being used to provide product suggestions to consumers.

Furthermore, new manufacturing technologies are turning plastic waste into new textiles to make fabric and apparel development more sustainable.

Apparel manufacturing plays a key role in the fashion supply chain. Fashion brands and retailers are increasingly outsourcing apparel production to reliable manufacturing partners to ensure cost savings and improved efficiency to stay ahead of the curve and keep pace with the industry’s ever-changing demands.

With the trends in fashion constantly changing, the need for delivering the right products at the right price and at the right time is driving the demand for flexible, low-cost, and high-speed apparel production.

Discover the best apparel manufacturers for the fashion industry

Just Style has listed some of the leading apparel manufacturers based on its intel, insights and decades-long experience in the sector.

The list includes both compliant and competitive fabric producers and clothing manufacturers who employ skilled manpower, sophisticated machinery, advanced technologies, quality material, and standard systems and processes to produce and supply large volumes of affordable garments, including women's, men’s, children’s and infants’ apparel, sportswear, functional clothes, footwear, and other apparel products and accessories, in a short lead time.

The list also includes smart fabrics and eco-friendly clothing manufacturing companies and producers of high-value differentiated clothing and accessories, including garments and apparel products made of leather and fur.

The information contained within the download document is useful for fashion designers, creative directors, design assistants, merchandisers, garment production managers, apparel industry executives, logistics, warehouse and store managers and any other individual involved in apparel design, production, packaging, marketing, wholesale distribution and retailing.

The download contains detailed information on apparel manufacturing companies and their product lines, alongside contact details to aid your purchasing or partnering decision.

Stages of apparel manufacturing

Apparel manufacturing is an organised activity consisting of sequential processes such as:

• Product design and fabric selection
• Pattern making and grading
• Calculating the cost of a garment
• Production process planning
• Creating pre-production samples and securing design approval
• Deciding about quantities, size, and colour breakdowns
• Procurement and inspection of fabric and other raw materials
• Checking for fabric defects including yarn, weaving, dyeing, and finishing faults
• Fabric smoothening, spreading, marking, cutting, and bundling
• Garment stitching and detailing
• Adding any trimmings/embellishments including buttons, zips, and appliques
• Final inspections, stain removal, repairs, ironing/pressing and folding, and
• Brand labelling, packaging, and delivery

Trends in apparel manufacturing technology

Modern apparel manufacturers are adopting advanced technologies such as computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, 3D printing and laser cutting to make the process faster, easier, and more efficient and create better-fitted and better-looking garments with fewer errors.

Demand is also on the rise for customised and just-in-time apparel production, smart and innovative fabrics featuring sensors or LED lights, as well as eco-friendly clothing made of sustainable materials such as bamboo, organic cotton, and recycled polyester.

Download our list here.