“The rent is too damn high,” famously proclaimed New York City perennial candidate Jimmy McMillan. The latest analysis from Harvard University’s State of the Nation’s Housing 2024 report suggests those who share McMillan’s views are unlikely to change their tune.  The report, tracking data up to Q2 2024, includes three major takeaways when it comes…

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With a recent interest rate decrease from the Fed and slowing inflation, consumers’ economic hopes saw a significant increase in September. Consumer sentiment rose 3.2% in September, from 67.9 in August to 70.1, according to the University of Michigan’s latest report. This is the second consecutive month of increase, following August’s rise of 1.5 points,…

The post Consumer Sentiment Turns Positive as Inflation Slows appeared first on RISMedia.

Maintaining client relationships means hopefully selling them another house in the future, and representing them as the seller agent as well. As such, it’s imperative you guide them in all aspects of homeownership even in times when they are not buying or selling. One key topic is refinancing. Here are four mortgage refinancing mistakes to…

The post 4 Mortgage Refinancing Errors Your Longtime Clients Must Avoid appeared first on RISMedia.

A key skill to being a real estate agent is judging a buyer’s mood. So how are consumers feeling on a wide scale?  Consumer sentiment dipped slightly in the early days of October 2024, from 70.1 to 68.9, per the latest report for the University of Michigan. This monthly change comes in below expectations; median…

The post Consumer Sentiment Shifts From Gains to Slight Decline appeared first on RISMedia.

How are consumers feeling overall, and how does that translate to a real estate sale? The question is multifaceted, but asking it could be key to learning where buyers stand as the election fast approaches. The consumer sentiment index indicated yet another rise, for the third consecutive month, per the University of Michigan’s survey of…

The post Consumer Sentiment Rises Slightly for the Third Consecutive Month appeared first on RISMedia.

ASOS has signed a three-year deal with Microsoft to boost efficiency and innovation through AI. The partnership includes tools like Microsoft Copilot, Power Automate, and Azure, enabling ASOS to automate processes and enhance customer experiences. This allows employees to focus on creativity while AI handles routine tasks, driving data-driven decisions.

Timex Garments adopts WFX ERP for specialised, cloud-based digital transformation, enhancing efficiency. Replacing SAP with WFX, Timex gains industry-specific solutions with WFX ERP for garment manufacturing. New WFX ERP ensures Timex Garments remains innovative and responsive to market changes. This shift will enable Timex to improve operational efficiency.

Lectra has launched Valia Fashion, an AI-powered digital platform that streamlines apparel production, from order processing to fabric cutting. Designed for Industry 4.0, it improves collaboration, automates workflows, and optimises material use. Valia Fashion helps brands, manufacturers, and subcontractors enhance agility, control costs, and meet sustainability goals.

Makalot made early investments on innovations in Digital Product Creation (DPC) beginning in 2006 that yield fruit today through lead time reduction, improved operational efficiency, and supply chain resilience. By integrating Vizoo’s material scanning and other DPC technologies, Makalot minimizes physical sampling and waste, contributing to a more sustainable apparel production model.

Coats Digital, in partnership with Fibre2Fashion, is hosting a webinar on November 14, 2024, titled ‘Reduce Waste and Elevate Profitability with Smart Fabric Management’. As fabric accounts for up to 60 per cent of production costs, the session will showcase FastReactFabric, a solution designed to streamline operations, reduce costs, and optimise fabric usage.

Coats Digital has announced that Thailand's Pilot Knit Garment has adopted its FastReactPlan solution to transform manual planning processes, improve efficiencies, and reduce lead times. This integration enhances visibility, streamlines production, and supports future growth for the sportswear manufacturer, part of the Yong Udom Textile Group.

Fast Track Sourcing (FTS) has partnered with Vizoo GmbH to enhance apparel design and development using 3D technology and fabric digitisation. FTS integrates virtual 3D design into its process, boosting efficiency and sustainability. This partnership helps FTS create high-quality, innovative collections while maintaining top standards in garment production.

Paul Price, former Burberry chief merchandising officer, returns to lead merchandising, planning, licensing, architecture, and showroom teams, starting December 9, 2024. Reporting to CEO Joshua Schulman, he joins Burberry’s executive committee. Price, praised for his past contributions, expressed excitement to drive Burberry’s next phase of growth.

Adidas Sportswear debuts its first brand collaboration with Moon Boot, blending street style with ski heritage for urban winter wear. Showcased by Lena Mahfouf and BABYMONSTER, the collection features activewear, snow boots with BOOST cushioning, and a Collegiate Jacket. Made partly from recycled materials, the range embodies functional fashion for colder months.

Richemont reported resilient performance for H1, with sales reaching €10.1 billion (~$10.89 billion), a 1 per cent decline at actual exchange rates but stable at constant rates. Operating profit dropped 17 per cent to €2.2 billion, impacted by foreign exchange issues and reduced activity in Asia Pacific, particularly China. Direct-to-client sales comprised 76 per cent of total sales.

Marimekko has reported net sales of €47.2 million (~$50.48 million) in Q3 2024, down 1 per cent YoY, impacted by reduced wholesale sales in Finland but offset by a 9 per cent rise in international sales. Operating profit fell 14 per cent to €11.1 million (~$12.1 million). Retail sales showed strong growth, with a 12 per cent increase overall and 8 per cent in Finland.

Canada Goose has reported a 5 per cent YoY revenue drop to CAD $267.8 million (~$192.43 million) in Q2 FY25. Direct-to-consumer revenue declined 5 per cent, and wholesale revenue decreased 15 per cent due to planned inventory adjustments. Gross margin fell to 61.3 per cent. Revised FY25 guidance forecasts a slight revenue change, with adjusted EBIT margin at -60 to +60 basis points.

Leading global fashion brands are looking to Asian markets beyond China, with 67 per cent of respondent fashion executives citing promising growth prospects in India in 2025, The State of Fashion 2025 report says. Japan’s luxury boom will likely continue into 2025. But next year will be turbulent for global fashion and a deep sense of uncertainty persists amongst fashion industry executives.

Wolverine World Wide has reported Q3 revenue of $440.2 million, down 16.6 per cent YoY, with gross margin up 450 basis points to 45.3 per cent. Net debt fell to $563 million. For FY2024, the company projects revenue of $1.730-$1.745 billion, with a gross margin of 44.5 per cent and adjusted EPS between $0.80 and $0.90. Inventory is expected to decline by $85 million.

Cambodia’s apparel exports reached $2,285 million in the first three quarters of 2024, representing 30.19 per cent of total exports. Europe, the second-largest market, saw a decline compared to $2.82 billion in the same period in 2023. North America was the top market with 42.18 per cent. Total apparel exports were $11.26 billion in 2023, with Europe’s share fluctuating over recent years.

Cotton yarn prices in north India showed mixed trends due to sluggish demand. Prices in Delhi fell by ₹2 per kg, while Ludhiana remained stable amid slow trading. Panipat saw stable recycled yarn prices but a slight increase in recycled polyester fibre costs due to higher PET bottle prices. Cotton arrivals were slow as farmers prioritised paddy sales, limiting price surges.

Sri Lanka’s garment exports reached $3,479 million in Jan-Sept 2024, a 4.0 per cent increase from the previous year. However, textile exports declined by 15.9 per cent, totalling $224.3 million. Imports of textiles and clothing rose significantly, with textiles up by 18.2 per cent. In 2023, garment exports dropped by 19 per cent to $4,440.6 million, and textile imports fell by 22.6 per cent.

Cotton yarn prices in south India remained steady, with limited trading in Mumbai due to post-festival worker shortages and better but cautious activity in Tiruppur. Buyers are focusing on immediate needs, anticipating peak cotton arrivals, which may lower prices. In Gujarat, cotton prices rose due to increased demand from ginners and mills despite limited seed cotton arrivals.

Australia's apparel and clothing imports rose 3.43 per cent YoY to $3.368 billion in July-September 2024, despite a slight drop in September. Imports of textile yarn and related articles also increased by 4.11 per cent, while fibre imports fell 6.06 per cent. Exports of textile fibres saw a 7.69 per cent decline, continuing a downward trend from the previous fiscal year.

US textile and apparel imports fell by 0.80 per cent to $80.449 billion from January to September 2024, compared to $81.094 billion in 2023. Apparel imports dropped by 2.57 per cent, while non-apparel imports rose by 4.55 per cent. China remained the top supplier, despite a 2.28 per cent decrease. Growth was seen in imports from Cambodia, Pakistan, India, and Vietnam.

US saw an 8.79 per cent increase in textile and apparel imports from January to September 2024, totalling 76,860.803 million SME compared to 70,652.999 million SME in 2023, according to OTEXA. Apparel imports rose by 2.57 per cent, while non-apparel imports increased by 11.05 per cent. Cotton product imports grew by 6.03 per cent and MMF products by 9.17 per cent.

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Changing seasons are hard on the body, especially when your immune system is not at its best. But, did you know that your house is making you sick? The dust mites, mold, cockroaches and pollens could be the foremost reasons for your headaches, congestion, sinus and even mental health.The interesting part is that these culprits continue staying in your house making you sick long after the allergy season is over. The situation can worsen to trigger allergic asthma.