In the ever-evolving apparel world, staying ahead of the curve is vital and technology is helping to deliver on just that.
Today, the apparel industry is undergoing a digital revolution that promises not only to transform the way garments are designed, produced, and sold but also to enhance overall efficiency with technology driving innovation across the board from streamlined supply chains to personalised shopping experiences.
A recent report from GlobalData suggests the global retail Internet of Things (IoT) market will be worth $62.4bn by 2027 with IoT supply chain monitoring becoming increasingly popular and significantly improving efficiency for apparel retailers.
Zara’s parent company Inditex, Uniqlo’s parent company Fast Retailing, Chinese online retailer JD.com, UK retailer M&S and US sports brand NIKE are among those identified as leading adopters of IoT in apparel.
Last week, Amazon adopted its Just Walk Out in-store technology to include RFID, which is widely used for inventory tracking in retail, to create checkout-free shopping for its apparel buyers.
A separate report published by Penn State's Smeal College of Business found how a business model based on mass customisation can support the fashion apparel industry's fight to decrease its environmental impacts while staying profitable.
In the fashion industry, efficiency is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Technology has become the driving force behind transformative changes, from design to manufacturing to retail.
As consumers become increasingly tech-savvy, fashion brands that embrace these innovations are better positioned to not only thrive in the competitive market but also contribute to a more sustainable and customer-centric industry.
It seems the future of fashion is undoubtedly digital, and those who adapt and leverage technology will lead the way in boosting efficiency and revolutionising the industry.
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