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Evolution of the Los Angeles County apparel industry

Evolution of the Los Angeles County apparel industry Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze business patterns in the Los Angeles County apparel industry, with the primary focus being globalization, trade policy and offshore sourcing, to establish how trade policy may affect small or mid‐size apparel manufacturers. Design/methodology/approach – The method was a qualitative analysis of telephone interviews with apparel firms and associations in Los Angeles County. In total, 25 executives were interviewed. Analysis of the interviews enabled the investigation of the impacts of trade policy on apparel manufacturers and afforded an understanding of the viability of transitioning to a capital‐ and technology‐intensive industry. Findings – The Los Angeles County apparel industry can succeed with both high and low value‐added activities. This combination will allow its infrastructure to survive while simultaneously growing and evolving in design and marketing. Research limitations/implications – The apparel industry in Los Angeles County has historically been made up of immigrant workers, labor‐intensive production activities and low cost apparel products. Continued analysis of the industry concerning possible continued decline is warranted. Practical implications – The Los Angeles County apparel industry is re‐positioning to become increasingly design‐ and marketing‐intensive, outsourcing many low value‐added activities to offshore contractors. Integration of the data may provide insight into ways in which trade policy changes alter offshore sourcing practices in Los Angeles County. Originality/value – This study is a benchmark for the Los Angeles County apparel industry to measure its evolution. The replication of this research in subsequent years will provide a timely profile of a dynamic industry. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management Emerald Publishing

Evolution of the Los Angeles County apparel industry

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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2008 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1361-2026
DOI
10.1108/13612020810874926
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze business patterns in the Los Angeles County apparel industry, with the primary focus being globalization, trade policy and offshore sourcing, to establish how trade policy may affect small or mid‐size apparel manufacturers. Design/methodology/approach – The method was a qualitative analysis of telephone interviews with apparel firms and associations in Los Angeles County. In total, 25 executives were interviewed. Analysis of the interviews enabled the investigation of the impacts of trade policy on apparel manufacturers and afforded an understanding of the viability of transitioning to a capital‐ and technology‐intensive industry. Findings – The Los Angeles County apparel industry can succeed with both high and low value‐added activities. This combination will allow its infrastructure to survive while simultaneously growing and evolving in design and marketing. Research limitations/implications – The apparel industry in Los Angeles County has historically been made up of immigrant workers, labor‐intensive production activities and low cost apparel products. Continued analysis of the industry concerning possible continued decline is warranted. Practical implications – The Los Angeles County apparel industry is re‐positioning to become increasingly design‐ and marketing‐intensive, outsourcing many low value‐added activities to offshore contractors. Integration of the data may provide insight into ways in which trade policy changes alter offshore sourcing practices in Los Angeles County. Originality/value – This study is a benchmark for the Los Angeles County apparel industry to measure its evolution. The replication of this research in subsequent years will provide a timely profile of a dynamic industry.

Journal

Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management – Emerald Publishing

Published: May 9, 2008

Keywords: Garment industry; Globalization; Outsourcing; Immigrants; Pay; United States of America

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