Preliminary Research on Apparel & Textile Markets.

Major apparel importing destination of the world and their behaviour

United States: The United States is one of the largest importers of apparel in the world. Consumer demand
for a variety of clothing styles and brands drives imports. The behavior of the US as an apparel importer
is influenced by factors such as fashion trends, disposable income levels, and trade policies. Trade
tensions, tariff fluctuations, and sourcing practices are significant factors affecting US import behavior.

Europe:The Europe collectively is another major destination for apparel imports. Countries like Germany,
France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom are key markets within the Europe. The behavior of the EU
as an apparel importer is influenced by fashion trends, consumer preferences, and economic conditions
across member states. Sustainability concerns and ethical sourcing practices have also gained importance
in recent years.

Japan: Japan is a significant importer of apparel, with a consumer base known for its appreciation of
quality and craftsmanship. Japanese consumers often prioritize unique designs and high-quality materials,
which influence import behavior. Fashion trends, economic conditions, and cultural influences play a role
in determining the types of apparel imported into Japan.

China: While China is a major exporter of apparel, it also imports a significant amount of clothing,
particularly higher-end or specialized products. China's growing middle class has fueled demand for
imported clothing, especially those perceived as high-quality or fashionable. Additionally, China's role as
a global manufacturing hub means that it imports raw materials and components for garment production.

Factors affecting buying Behavior:

Pricing: Importing destinations may exhibit price sensitivity, seeking competitive pricing while maintaining
quality standards.

Quality and Brand Preferences: Preferences for quality, brands, and styles vary among importing
destinations. Some markets prioritize luxury brands, while others value affordability and functionality.

Trade Policies: Import behavior can be affected by trade policies, tariffs, and trade agreements. Changes
in regulations can influence sourcing decisions and supply chain strategies.

Sustainability and Ethical Practices: Increasingly, importing destinations are considering sustainability
and ethical practices in their apparel imports. Consumers and governments are pressuring companies to
adopt environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices throughout the supply chain.

Fashion Trends: Importing destinations are influenced by global fashion trends, which affect the types of
apparel imported and consumer demand.
The major apparel buyers in each of the key importing markets in above:

United States:

Major Buyers:

Macy's Inc.

Nordstrom Inc.

TJX Companies (T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, etc.)

Gap Inc.

Walmart Inc.

Characteristics:

Diverse consumer base: Catering to a wide range of demographics and preferences.

Strong preference for well-known brands and fast fashion.

Emphasis on affordability and value for money.

Rapid adoption of e-commerce and omnichannel retailing.

Increasing demand for sustainable and ethically sourced apparel.

Europe:

Major Buyers:

Zara (Inditex)

H&M Group

C&A

Primark

ASOS

Characteristics:

Trend-focused with quick turnaround times.

Emphasis on fast fashion and affordable clothing.

Diverse range of styles catering to different tastes and preferences.

Growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly apparel.

Strong presence of online retailing and e-commerce platforms.

Japan:

Major Buyers:

Uniqlo (Fast Retailing)

GU (Fast Retailing)

Shimamura

Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings

AEON Retail

Characteristics:

High emphasis on quality and craftsmanship.

Preference for minimalist and functional designs.

Strong brand loyalty and reputation-based purchasing.

Growing interest in sustainable and organic clothing.

Omnichannel retailing with a blend of physical stores and online platforms.

China:

Major Buyers:

Belle International Holdings

Anta Sports Products Limited

Li Ning Company Limited

Semir

Youngor Group

Characteristics:

Rapidly growing middle class driving demand for branded and high-quality apparel.

Preference for international brands and luxury fashion.

Increasing focus on sportswear and athleisure.

Embracing e-commerce with a significant share of online apparel purchases.

Interest in trendy and fashionable clothing among younger consumers.

These major buyers in each importing market have distinct characteristics shaped by consumer
preferences, cultural influences, economic conditions, and retail trends prevalent in their respective
regions. Additionally, factors like sustainability, e-commerce, and fast fashion trends are increasingly
influencing the behavior of apparel buyers worldwide.

Special Study on UK

Main Apparel retailers and whole salers in UK Market for All types of Garments

In the UK market, there are numerous apparel retailers and wholesalers catering to a wide range of
garment types and consumer preferences. Here are some of the main players:

Retailers:

a. Primark: Known for its affordable and trendy clothing for men, women, and children. Primark
operates numerous stores across the UK and offers a wide range of garments from basics to fashion-
forward pieces.

b. Marks & Spencer (M&S): M&S is a well-established retailer offering a diverse range of clothing,
including casual wear, workwear, and occasion wear. They are known for their quality and classic styles.

c. Next: Next is a popular high street retailer offering clothing for men, women, and children, as well as
homeware. They are known for their fashionable yet affordable clothing lines.

d. ASOS: ASOS is an online retailer catering to young adults with a vast selection of clothing, accessories,
and footwear from various brands. They offer a wide range of styles, from casual to formal wear.

e. H&M: H&M is a global fashion retailer known for its trendy and affordable clothing collections for
men, women, teenagers, and children. They offer a wide range of garments, including basics,
activewear, and seasonal fashion trends.

Wholesalers:

a. New Look: While primarily a retailer, New Look also operates as a wholesaler, supplying its clothing
and accessories to other retailers and businesses. They offer a range of garments for men, women, and
teens.

b. Boohoo Group: Boohoo Group operates several brands, including Boohoo, PrettyLittleThing, and
Nasty Gal. They offer fast-fashion clothing and accessories for women, catering to the latest trends at
affordable prices.

c. River Island: River Island is a well-known retailer that also operates as a wholesaler, supplying its
clothing and accessories to other retailers. They offer a wide range of clothing for men, women, and
children, including fashion-forward pieces and basics.
d. JD Sports Fashion Plc: JD Sports is a leading retailer of sports and athleisurewear, but they also
operate as a wholesaler, supplying their branded and non-branded clothing to other retailers and
businesses.

e. Burberry Group Plc: While primarily known as a luxury fashion brand, Burberry also operates as a
wholesaler, supplying its high-end clothing, accessories, and fragrances to other retailers and
businesses.

These are just a few examples of the main apparel retailers and wholesalers in the UK market. The UK
has a diverse and competitive retail landscape with many other players catering to various consumer
segments and garment types.

50 apparel retailers and wholesalers in the UK market that cater to various types of garments:

1. Primark
2. Marks & Spencer (M&S)
3. Next
4. ASOS
5. H&M
6. New Look
7. Boohoo Group (Boohoo, PrettyLittleThing, Nasty Gal)
8. River Island
9. JD Sports Fashion Plc
10. Burberry Group Plc
11. Topshop/Topman (Arcadia Group)
12. Zara (Inditex)
13. Uniqlo (Fast Retailing)
14. Mango
15. Superdry
16. Debenhams
17. Gap
18. Tesco Clothing
19. Sports Direct
20. TK Maxx
21. All Saints
22. Fat Face
23. Jack Wills
24. Joules
25. Ted Baker
26. White Stuff
27. Warehouse
 28. Matalan
29. Missguided
30. Dorothy Perkins (Arcadia Group)
31. Evans (Arcadia Group)
32. Simply Be (N Brown Group)
33. Bonmarché
34. Oasis (Boohoo Group)
35. Warehouse (Boohoo Group)
36. M&Co
37. Monsoon
38. Oasis
39. Quiz
40. Whistles
41. Jaeger
42. Crew Clothing Company
43. The North Face (VF Corporation)
44. Levi's
45. Adidas
46. Nike
47. Reebok
48. Converse
49. Tommy Hilfiger
50. Calvin Klein

Please note that some of these companies may operate both as retailers and wholesalers, supplying their
own branded products to other retailers or businesses. Additionally, this list is not exhaustive, and there
are many more apparel retailers and wholesalers operating in the UK market catering to various garment
types and consumer segments.

Study based on available data published online.

Prepared by
M.D.De A. Dissanayake