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Perspective

The clothing and fashion industry is preparing to slug it out with the competition

March 1, 2016
François Dupuis, Vice-President and Chief Economist • Joëlle Noreau, Senior Economist

While both activities used to operate separately, the fashion and apparel manufacturing industries are becoming increasingly entwined. Globalization and fully integrated production lines have in a sense merged. While both the fashion and apparel industries have struggled in recent years, this segment of the economy is undergoing a full restructuring. Many obstacles lie ahead, with labour, image and competition the most obvious challenges. But those who work in the field are not backing down and efforts are being made to channel their energies. At a time when competition is getting fierce and new technologies are making things much easier for consumers and upturning traditional production lines, the fashion and apparel industry has no other choice but to mobilize and conquer.