Market Reports
There are many specialized indexes and databases that cover industry information. For a complete listing of resources consult the Business Subject Pages.
Listed below are some of the most useful.
GMID - Global Market Information Database Connect
Search countries, products and companies withon Europe for fashion marketing and retail trade information.
Marketline
Industry sector profiles within countries of the world. A good source for international marketing information. You may search by Industry or by Company and limit by country. This is also a good source of general market information with up-to-date news about the Industry. For example, current news items for Fall 2006 include updates on Coach merchandising, Old Navy personnel changes, and information that Gap is launching an online footwear concept, Piperlime.
MarketResearch.com Academic
MarketResearch.com Academic presents Full-text market research reports. Two kinds of reports are available, full-blown market research reports and "Market Looks", a 10-15 page data and graphics report on various markets. Search via Consumer Goods and Retailing and find reports on such diverse topics as market trends in footwear, plus-size apparel, and infant, toddler, and pre-school clothing.
Mintel International Group Ltd.
Mintel's published market research has been helping leading businesses achieve their goals for over 30 years. As a globally recognized market analyst, Mintel produces some 600 reports into European, UK-specific and US consumer markets every year. In order to access market research reports, you will have to sign in individually and create an account. Examples of the reports you can retrieve include: men’s clothing, character merchandising, womenswear retailing, children’s clothing, fitness clothing, handbags, bridalwear, women’s outerwear, hosiery, nail color and care, sleepwear, etc… Not only is market information such as forecasts and market segmentation included, but updated news from sources such as the New York Times and trade publications.
Plunkett
Plunkett Research covers industry-specific research portals for several industry sectors including . IApparel, Textiles & Fashions. Plunkett includes market research and trends analysis, glossaries, statistics, company profiles and contacts and industry associations and organizations. For example, when looking for information on AnnTaylor Stores, the report provides information on brands and affiliates, growth plans, financials. It is also possible to retrieve a report on current industry trends which as of October 2006 included: articles on high tech and smart fabrics, domination of the market by baby boomers, and growth in alternative sizing. This database also provides the option to “build a market report” for your own use.
Standard and Poor's Industry Surveys
The surveys present, in two sections, discussions and analysis on various industries. The Basic Analysis section presents prospects, trends, problems, statistics, tables, charts and comparative company analysis for industries and their major segments. The Current Analysis section provides the latest developments and available industry, market, and company statistics. Additional useful information includes Industry survey information on apparel and footware. You may also search on a company and receive a list of competitors as well as personnel, as well as financial information. Some companies of interest covered in this database include: Federated, Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, AnnTaylor, Urban Outfitters, Guess? Chico’s, Charlotte Russe, and many more.
Useful Web Sites
There are many commercial web sites that provide previews of collections. www.style.com is a good site with many images. Remember free sites will often have many advertisements/pop-ups as fashion information.
www.wgsn-edu.com (World Global Style Network)
UC provides access to the educational site for students. Consult with your fashion professor for login information. Provides market and trend forecasting information and is an excellent resource for emerging style information
An excellent source of information on trends, business, and current news.
www.infomat.com
Described as the “the largest fashion industry search engine” this commercial site provides useful information to the general public, but the majority of detailed reports are fee based. Useful “free” information includes a calendar of fashion events, consumer trendwatching, and review of runway shows. Great source for ideas and current information.
www.fidm.com
The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in California has a great web site for all aspects of the fashion industry .Organized by apparel megasites, this site also includes categories for associations, retailers, e-zines, news and designers – this is a great “one-stop” shopping for fashion information.