The United States apparel industry is slow growing due to the smallest profit margins and manufacturing jobs moving overseas. There is increased competition in this industry due to the ever-changing consumer demands. The market is highly fragmented, particularly in the Tampa Bay Area. This industry requires a high level of research and development to penetrate the market.
The fashion industry in the Tampa Bay Area mainly looks to New York, London, and Paris fashion runway shows to see what will be the latest styles for the season. It is also where buyers and designers gather to determine what styles are trending now. In addition to this, many companies place their headquarters or buying offices in New York City because it is the fashion capital that embodies American style.
As for the Tampa Bay Area, it follows fashion and acts as a springboard for manufacturers who are not ready for the major challenge represented by the New York City Market.
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apparel industry is a large fragmented market. In the U.S., clothing is produced both domestically and in foreign locations. According to the American Apparel & Footwear Association, "more than 97 percent of apparel and 98 percent of shoes sold in the U.S. are made overseas. During the 1960s, roughly 95 percent of apparel worn in the U.S. was produced domestically." This industry is also hard to break through due to American Manufacturing Companies are moving overseas due to lower wages and operating costs. Cindy Boomershine, the founder of cindy b, stated, " It is no secret making apparel in the U.S. can be costly. American wages are higher than those in Asia or Mexico. However, select American manufacturers are staying cost-competitive in part through a strategy called smart manufacturing. That means streamlining production without sacrificing quality." This poses a problem for U.S. apparel companies because billions of dollars are being earned overseas which affects our