Women's & Girls' Apparel Manufacturing in the US Industry Market Research Report Now Available from IBISWorld

Import competition has pushed the Women's and Girls' Apparel Manufacturing industry into a state of decline, with revenue estimated to drop at an average annual rate of 4.2% over the five years to 2012 to $8.6 billion. "With most apparel production moved to low-cost overseas manufacturers," says IBISWorld industry analyst Nikoleta Panteva, "domestic companies satisfy a small part of total demand." Import values' share of domestic demand has climbed from 82.8% in 2007 to 86.2% in 2012. Price pressures from a consolidating downstream retail sector, along with weak economic conditions worldwide, have driven many operators out of the industry. The number of firms has shrunk from 1,361 in 2007 to 1,175 in 2012. Those still in business in 2012 are reaping the benefits of growing profit margins. A shifting product mix, from low-cost apparel to high-quality, higher-priced clothing, has also helped keep profit from plummeting.

In an effort to cut costs and retain profit, operators have reduced employment, which has declined at an average annual rate of 3.0% over the five-year period. However, workers still employed have made higher average annual salaries, currently $49,200, up from $39,800 in 2007. According to Panteva, "This growth highlights the industry's focus on higher-quality manufacturing, which requires more skilled workers." Major players VF Corporation, Hanesbrands Inc. and Kellwood Company account for under a quarter of the industry's total revenue, making the Women's and Girls' Apparel Manufacturing industry fairly fragmented.

Over women's coats the next five years, revenue trends are not expected to turn around. After dropping an estimated 3.3% in 2012 due to intense import competition amid skyrocketing cotton prices, revenue is forecast to continue falling. Over the five years to 2017, IBISWorld projects that sales will decline on average annually. While profit margins are forecast to grow slightly as an increasing number of domestic manufacturers take on a more high-end focus, imports will still pose a threat to the US industry. However, developed countries such as the United Kingdom and Japan will continue to seek out high-quality American products, allowing industry exports to grow. For more information, visit IBISWorld's Women's & Girls' Apparel Manufacturing report in the US industry page.

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IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics

This industry manufactures women's and girls' apparel from purchased fabric. Women's and girls' clothing jobbers, which perform entrepreneurial functions involved in apparel manufacture, are included in this industry and complete tasks like buying raw materials, designing and preparing samples, arranging for apparel to be made from their raw materials and marketing finished apparel.

Industry Performance
Executive Summary
Key External Drivers
Current Performance
Industry Outlook
Industry Life Cycle
Products & Markets
Supply Chain
Products & Services
Major Markets
Globalization & Trade
Business Locations
Competitive Landscape
Market Share Concentration
Key Success Factors
Cost Structure Benchmarks
Barriers to Entry
Major Companies
Operating Conditions
Capital Intensity
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Annual Change
Key Ratios

About IBISWorld Inc.
Recognized as the nation's most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every US industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772.

A-List Treasures, Turning Celebrities Possessions into Charitable Proceeds, Is Now Seeking Items from Celebrities for Charity Donations

A-List Treasures, LLC, a woman-owned web-based auction company based in southeastern Michigan, is now seeking donations from celebrities for charity. For founder, Lauren Davis, this venture was born out of a creative need to help a variety of others. In an effort to gain national attention and promote the service, the company is on a publicity mission to be recognized by celebrities who want to be green and recycle their lightly used goods that they no longer need or want. All proceeds will benefit the celebrities' charity of choice.

What sets A-List Treasures apart from competitors is the attention to every detail from collecting the goods all the way through the auction process. A-List Treasures professionally photographs, catalogs, crafts detailed descriptions, posts the items to the site for auction and even handles the shipping and payment process. Amazingly, the service doesn't end there. A-List Treasures also promotes the celebrity by providing links to their website, Twitter, Facebook pages and provide information on recent endeavors if the celebrity so desires.

The charity or private foundation will also reap the benefits of this service through maximizing their exposure of their mission to the world at large using the leverage of their celebrity supporter. This will help the charity increase awareness of their cause, leading to the real potential of increasing their contribution dollars, all with no investment or expenditure to the charity or private foundation. A win-win scenario for everyone.

Lauren Davis has seen this first hand: "I've sat on boards for charities, and saw that the smaller, loc women's jackets al charities continually tap the same set of contributors. A-List Treasures offers the opportunity for these smaller charities to expand their geographical reach"

The publicity doesn't end with the auction. A-List Treasures will maintain news articles and success stories of the charities and missions it has helped on the A-List Treasures website for all to see.

To contact A-List Treasures or donate items from celebrities for charity auctions please visit http://alisttreasures.com

About A-List Treasures:

A-List Treasures is an exclusive, full service web-based auction company structured for retail sales of celebrity and a-lister possessions with the proceeds benefiting the favorite charity or private foundation of the celebrity's choice. Celebrity treasures shouldn't get lost in a sea of ordinary auction items on overstocked websites. These pre-owned prizes are unique treasures because of who owned them and stories behind them.

Poise® Launches ‘It Happens to Me' Educational Campaign in Conjunction with World Continence Week 2012

Kicking off from June 24 in conjunction with World Continence Week, "It Happens to Me" is the fourth consecutive campaign by Poise? to further educate and invite women to take a proactive stand on light urinary leakage (LUL).

Firstly, it has an important message to convey – that Malaysian women need not be shy about experiencing LUL as it is a common condition affecting 1 in 4 women at least once in their lifetime. Secondly, the 2012 campaign is set to be more engaging with support from Poise? Ambassador Sharifah Shahira and new ambassador Raja Azura, and has greater visibility via an educational video series, mini booklet, consumer contests and a roving truck which will visit high-traffic areas. Finally, women need to realize that there are meaningful solutions to manage LUL, one of which is using the correct products specially designed for the condition. Poise? is the first light urinary protection brand of products for women.

Core to this campaign are the educational videos available on the Poise Malaysia's YouTube site: http://www.youtube.com/poisemalaysia and through a link from the brand's fanpage at http://www.facebook.com/Poise.Malaysia. These online resources combine input from the ambassadors and from women's experts on LUL in response to the common concerns by Malaysian women experiencing the condition, thus, they are much more relatable and can be easily shared among a wider community to effectively spread the word about LUL management.

"Since 2009, we have been helping Malaysian women understand that LUL is a common condition which can be managed effectively," says Mr Sumeet Parab, Marketing Manager of Kimberly-Clark Malaysia. "In our first couple of campaigns, we focused on increasing awareness about LUL and educating women that there are solutions which can help; last year, we informed women that there are channels for them to share their LUL stories with others and that they can regain control over their lives with proper management of LUL. So, we have been learning from these women, and this year, we aim to use this knowledge to create m women's coats ore effective ways to change women's perception of LUL so they won't be afraid to talk about it, and informative tools like the online videos are ideal solutions."

LUL is a Common Condition – Don't be Shy About It
"Women are more likely to experience LUL, during pregnancy or after childbirth, due to the pressure of the womb on the bladder, and because childbirth can sometimes weaken the pelvic muscles," says Dr Seri Suniza Sufian, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist in one of the educational video clips. "However, there's no need to be unduly concerned, because there are ways to manage it, from managing your diet and maintaining a healthy body weight, to practicing Kegel exercises and using products that are designed to cope with urinary leaks."

LUL is a condition which affects women physically, emotionally and psychologically. The Poise? Global Incontinence Survey 2010 found that 30 per cent of Malaysians experience LUL; of these, 70 per cent are women, and 1 out of 4 women over 35 years old experience LUL at least once in their lifetime. A 2011 Poise? survey found that 45 per cent out of 158 respondents were not open to talk about their condition and over 40 per cent avoid using LUL products to conceal their condition.

An Engaging Campaign
Poise? Ambassador Sharifah Shahira explains: "Dealing with LUL isn't just about carrying a change of clothes everywhere you go, or locating the nearest restroom every hour. You need to take charge and take action – Kegel Exercises really work, and for back-up, Poise? pads and liners are very effective – wetness and odor are the main concerns for anyone experiencing LUL, and Poise? tackles both."

Joining Sharifah is Raja Azura, a brand-new Poise? Ambassador who agrees that LUL is not something to be swept under the carpet. "LUL is not a tiny matter – it affects our confidence, impacts our plans and can be emotionally exhausting. There are many more women affected by LUL. That's why we are here today, to tell women to take charge and take control of their lives."

The 'It Happens to Me' campaign will reach out through various channels – roving trucks at high-traffic areas from June 24, in-store activities, and online where you will find educational videos which clarify commonly asked questions among Malaysian women about LUL, and a mini booklet to help women understand more about LUL, its contributing factors and how to manage it effectively.

You can also test your knowledge and win great prizes by taking part in an exclusive consumer contest – "Discover Poise? with Sharifah Shahira and Raja Azura" – that will run from June 14 to July 19. Just watch the educational videos online, answer a question based on the video, and submit your answer at poisemalaysia@gmail.com. Every fifth correct answer will win a six month's supply of Poise? products. In addition, you can also get more updates about LUL, Poise?, and the "It Happens to Me" campaign as well as post your thoughts or even share your LUL story with others on the brand's Facebook fanpage.

Meaningful Solutions
"Poise? understands how women feel about LUL, hence Poise? pads and liners are specifically made to be sleek, discreet and highly absorbent, with odour-neutralizing granules," explains Mr Sumeet Parab.

To help manage LUL, women can also practice Kegel Exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles which help prevent leakage. Kegel exercises are effective treatment for adult women affected by urinary leakage, which carries no risk for side effects.

In another video clip, Cik Neng Shahidah Sabullah, Senior Physiotherapist for Women's Health, says: "It's important to do Kegel exercises well – make sure you're comfortable and breathing normally. Then clench your pelvic muscles as though are trying to stop yourself from passing urine. Hold the muscles clenched for 10 seconds while breathing normally, then relax. Repeat this 10 times, three times a day."

Yandy.com Continues to Expand with Move to New Warehouse

Although the phrase, "The American Dream" has, in recent times, become a trite and much overused expression, for brothers Evan and Chad Horstman, the success they have achieved, especially during such a downtrodden economy, with their online lingerie and costume business, Yandy.com, proves that it may not be so cliché after all. With overwhelming growth forcing the brothers to move up to a new 30,000 square foot warehouse in Phoenix, AZ, expansion is inevitable for Yandy.com

Evan and Chad started Yandy LLC, by first selling lingerie online in January, 2005. In the time since, their business has increased so much so that it takes more than 30,000 square feet of warehouse space to accommodate all of the inventory featured on their site, encompassing thousands of products from Halloween costumes, lingerie, panties, sleepwear, swimwear, dresses, shoes, hosiery, club wear, rave wear and more.

Humble Beginnings

Success did not come easily for the Horstman brothers, nor did it come overnight. Chad, a computer information systems graduate from Arizona State University, made several attempts at internet start-ups over the years but it was not until he teamed up with his brother, Evan, to start Yandy.com did things start to take off. Together, with their diverse business backgrounds, they joined forces and made Yandy the success that it is today. "Sexy lingerie is just something that people prefer to buy online and we were going to give them that option," said Chad.

Was Evan, a former supply chain-manager at Boeing, afraid to leave his safe and secure career path and go out on a limb to venture in to a start-up company of this nature? Naturally. "I worked really hard to get my job at Boeing and I really struggled with my decision to leave. I also knew, however, that through my previous experience in various small business and retail stores we could be successful with this endeavor," said Evan. "In the end, I decided that I am only young once and now is the time to take a chance. I never doubted that with hard work we would make it."

Using their own funds, the Horstman brothers began selling lingerie and hosiery out of Chad's garage. They later expanded into the sexy Halloween costumes market and more recently rave wear which has helped expand their business.

Come that first September in the business, the Horstman brothers became instantly "swamped", as Chad puts it, with orders. "We had so many orders we weren't sure how to handle it at first," said Chad. "We ended up having to turn my garage, hallways and even bedrooms into a veritable warehouse of sorts."

Not only did they immediately have to hire a full-time order puller and packer, but the entire family and all of the friends they could muster helped out with ensuring packages where being shipped out no later than the next day after the order was placed. They often times worked, quite literally, around the clock to get the orders out in a timely manner, a unique feature of Yandy they still honor to this day.

Since those humble beginnings, Yandy has expanded to several warehouse facilities, more than 30 full-time, year-round employees, nearly 100 temporary employees and has lamented itself as one of the top online providers of sexy Halloween costumes for women. Not only that, Yandy has also ventured out to feature a bridal registry for soon-to-be newlyweds as well as added an extensive rave wear section, swimwear and clothing to the already comprehensive collection of products features on the site. The Horstman brothers have even began to create their own line of Yandy branded Halloween costumes, dresses and lingerie with the help of some of the top designers in the industry.

Unparalleled Success

Over the years, the Horstman brothers have prided themselves on being the industry leaders when it comes to customer service. "When it comes to customer service," says Evan, "no one else comes close to the service we offer in our industry. We understand our customers. We get our products to our customers within an industry-best of two to three business days and we ship all orders within two hours of receiving them during business hours, even during our busiest of times," boasts Evan. "If someone orders Friday night they are 'wowed' when they receive their order on Monday."

In addition to Yandy's stellar shipping track record, it is also very easy to get in contact with a customer service representative. Yandy offers a toll-free number that connects directly to one of Yandy's customer service agents, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, which is rarely offered in the online retail industry. Customers can also contact a Yandy customer service agent via email and receive a response within minutes. For the more technologically minded customers, Yandy also offers the option to reach out via live chat during normal business hours.

As for the cherry on top of the customer satisfaction sundae, Yandy consistently maintains a low mark-up on all of the items found on the site, which allows for customers to purchase several items at a time, affordably. "We want our customers to leave completely satisfied with their experience shopping with us," said Chad. "What better way to achieve that then by offering the lowest prices around?"

Ever the technologically savvy businessmen, the Horstman brothers have embraced the changing world around them when it comes to technology. "We saw a need over the past year to evolve even further," says Chad. "We decided we needed to offer customers wishing to shop at the ease of their fingertips from their smart phones and hand held devices the ability to do so. We buckled down and created an easy-to-navigate, mobile web site with resounding success," said Chad.

With year over year growth and success the Horstman brothers hope to have a long road to even greater success in their future. "There is no such word as 'can't' in our business," says Evan. "We have surrounded ourselves with the best team around, we go fearlessly in to every new venture and we have all of the hopes that Yandy will continue to grow and progress, securing us as the best place to sh women's coats op online."

About Yandy.com
E-commerce is on the rise and Yandy.com is one of the largest online retailers of lingerie, sexy Halloween costumes, swimwear and clothing on the web. Founded in 2003, Yandy boasts more than 6,500 products always in stock at easily affordable prices. Yandy ensures that every customer will receive a safe, secure and private online shopping experience and is backed by COMODO online security and Google Checkout. Yandy is dedicated to customer service and only sells what is in stock which allows for quick, same day shipping. Offering the highest quality products at the most affordable prices in the market, Yandy has become a leader in ecommerce. Yandy works closely with all of the manufacturers they distribute for and hand select all of the items on the Web site to ensure customers have the largest and most diverse collection to choose from. In addition, the customer service team at Yandy is unrivaled. With attentive and helpful operators, should a question or problem arise, the customer service team at Yandy is always willing and able to assist. At Yandy, every customer can Be Sexy.

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Buy Real Marketing Cautions Clients on Dangers of Careless Sharing Amid Prince Harry Ruckus

Print and online media are gobbling up Prince Harry's social crisis of nude photos of him sharing his hotel suite with a bunch of friends including some stark-naked women. Buy Real Marketing, in an exclusive statement to clients, reiterates the dangers of ruining their personal and/or business brands due to careless sharing or simply not taking precautions on their social media activities and policies.

Sparking tweets of Prince Harry's nude photos, jokes and sympathies for the royal have overflowed Buy Real Marketing's crisis pickup boards, prompting the company to alert clients who have been purchasing the com fashion coats pany's Twitter, YouTube and other services for the purpose of initializing and maintaining popularity.

The company has been an advocate of healthy professionalism in the age of social media when freedom of speech, whether one likes it or not, has reached full circle. According to Buy Real Marketing, social sharing roused platforms where every individual opinion can be aired in the web and all the laundry, dirty or clean, can be exposed.

Inasmuch as publicity goes, the firm places heavy importance on the beneficial kind and aims to provide these to individuals and businesses through its services at http://www.buyrealmarketing.com. However, since roadblocks cannot be avoided in the journey to fame or established branding, measures of prevention and crisis management should be in place.

A quick Google image search of Prince Harry returns unclad photos posted on the biggest American gossip website as well as tabloid headlines of those photos, eclipsing the more "wholesome" shots of him gallant and clothed. Buy Real Marketing stresses to its clients that their story need not be like that.

Social media crisis management, including relevant marketing guidance for enterprises and individuals looking to promote their products and services are available for everybody at the company's official blog.

About

Buy Real Marketing is well-established internet marketing firm founded in 2010 by Jean-Patrick Bisson, Diana Quartin and Jonathan Kennedy. The company specializes in driving search marketing and social media traffic, social web app development and conversion optimization. Each product or service specifically helps small/medium website owners increase online visibility and improve online sales.

Woman Within, KingSize and Roaman’s ranked in STORES’ Favorite 50

OneStopPlus Group, the preferred brand portfolio of women's apparel, shoes, lingerie, men's and home products dedicated to plus sizes, announced today that three of its premier plus size brands - Woman Within?, KingSize? and Roaman's? - are featured in the latest installment of the STORES' Favorite 50(http://www.stores.org)

The Favorite 50 is a consumer survey conducted by BIGinsight with rankings based on feedback from 8,700 consumers who were surveyed regarding online merchants in both the apparel and non-apparel sectors. This year, Woman Within? climbed five spots over last year's position to #17; KingSize? and Roaman's? ranked #38 and #43, respectively.

"With more than 100 years of plus size expertise, the Woman Within? team understan women's coats online ds the importance of providing quality fashion products in extended sizes to create the perfect fit for the curvy woman, along with excellent customer service," said Gail Pilosi, Senior Vice President/General Brand Manager for Woman Within?. "Based on the results of this survey, apparel and footwear items are now among the leading products sold online, and we are so honored to have received such a fantastic ranking from the valued customers who buy our products."    

"Woman Within? was positively impacted by the launch of CatView, an innovative new feature on its Woman Within? iPhone App that offers a unique way to incorporate the digital shopping experience with traditional paper catalogs via Mobile," said Yann Tanini, VP, E-Commerce, OneStopPlusGroup.

It is no surprise that KingSize? and Roaman's? made 'The Favorite 50' list as well. As Big and Tall Experts, KingSize? has more than 50 years of experience designing clothing and accessories for men who are 6'2" or taller and/or weigh at least 225 pounds. Roaman's? has been a plus size fashion leader for more than 100 years, creating beautiful collections for the woman who appreciates style and true value.

OneStopPlus Group is the preferred brand portfolio of women's apparel, shoes, lingerie, men's and home products dedicated to plus sizes. Proprietary brands in the OneStopPlus portfolio include: Woman Within? (WomanWithin.com), Roaman's? (Roamans.com), Jessica London? (JessicaLondon.com), fullbeauty (fullbeauty.com), KingSize? (KingSizeDirect.com), BrylaneHome? (BrylaneHome.com), Bargain Catalog Outlet - BCO? (BCOutlet.com) and OneStopPlus.com?, an online marketplace featuring thousands of brands and products, the No. 1 destination to shop for plus sizes.

"The OneStopPlus Group continues to look for innovative growth strategies that will provide on-trend fashions and convenient 24/7 access to plus size women across the globe," said Stephanie Sobel, President of the OneStopPlus Group. "Woman Within?, KingSize? and Roaman's? all benefitted from the launch of international shipping to more than 90 countries, a successful initiative that the company rolled out earlier this year, enhancing the excellent shopping experience that will consistently drive customer loyalty."

For more information, please visit: http://www.onestopplus.com/, our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @onestopplus.

About Redcats USA
Redcats USA is a dynamic, web-driven home-shopping leader with numerous successful brands and specialized e-commerce sites in its portfolio: OneStopPlus.com?, Woman Within?, Jessica London?, Roaman's?, fullbeauty, KingSize?, BrylaneHome?, Bargain Catalog Outlet – BCO?, The Sportsman's Guide? , Bargain Outfitters?, Boating Savings?, Work Wear Savings?, TGW.com - The Golf Warehouse?, Baseball Savings?, Softball Savings? and Soccer Savings?. Redcats USA offers a wide range of value and quality driven merchandise categories, including men's and women's plus-size apparel, home and lifestyle products, and sporting goods/outdoor gear. Redcats USA is a Redcats company.

About Redcats
Redcats is a world leader in the online distribution of fashion, home decoration, and sports and leisure goods. The group distributes its brands and those of its partners on three continents. These brands include La Redoute, Daxon, Vertbaudet, Cyrillus, Castaluna, Ellos, Jotex, Woman Within, Jessica London, Roaman's, KingSize, BrylaneHome, OneStopPlus.com, The Sportsman's Guide and The Golf Warehouse, as well as specialized collections and websites.

In 2011, Redcats turnover totaled 3.048 bn—with 61% generated from online sales—and employed a staff of over 11,000.

All Redcats brands and e-commerce sites can be found at http://www.redcats.com. Redcats is a PPR company.

Contact Information
Karen Davis
Corporate PR & Communications
Redcats USA
Karen(dot)davis(at)redcatsusa(dot)com
212-502-9315

Wedding Dresses Promotion Launched by Merle Dress, Up to 53% Off

Merle Dress is launching a Wedding Dresses promotion, up to 53% Off, to help those who are ready to marry in the next months to choose suitable dresses at acceptable prices. Merle Dress is one of the top wedding dress brands and Flower Girl Dresses brands in the market, and the promotion for all wedding dresses will last three weeks, from Oct. 8 to Oct. 29, 2012.

Buying wedding dresses on-line has become more and more popular these years, because it can bring much convenience to people, especially those who have no time to wander in shopping malls. Moreover, the development of internet technology has made it come true to buy a custom wedding dress online.

"Not only do we have the best wedding dresses on the market today; we also have a fast delivery service. Our store is a place where customers can find their products quickly. They just need to check the clothes of different size women's jackets s and styles online, click the mouse and pay. Then, the wedding dresses will be delivered in few days." Said, Donnie Terry, CEO of Merle Dress.

Tina, a customer from London, said, "My red bridesmaid dresses were from Merle Dress last month. What impresses me most is that the sales online can always give realistic suggestions on how to choose a suitable dress. I knew from my email that they have new products in their Bridesmaid Dresses 2013 series. I placed an order yesterday afternoon, and I can check the DHL tracking number last night. It is fast delivery really. I will share my shopping experience with my friends!"

Donnie Terry said, "We have top designers and great product lines that we feel are the best in the wedding dresses industry. Furthermore, we also have a money-back guarantee, which provides customers a risk-free way of trying out any of our amazing products."

About Merle Dress
MerleDress.com is the leading supplier of wedding dresses, prom dresses, special-occasion dresses, and wedding dress accessories from China. Merle Dress started with a basic idea of helping women dress better and is now famous for its outstanding quality in fabric, materials, and fit without the inconvenience and costs of traditional bridal boutiques and retailers.

For more fashion tips, please visit:
http://www.merledress.com/ &
http://www.merledress.co.uk/