How does apparel distribution work

We are now going to look at the different distribution systems in different sectors for example, the food and clothing sector. Products and services can be distributed by road, rail, air and sea. Food sector: Businesses in the food sector tend to use the third channel of distribution described above. Cakes and pastries need to be stored correctly in order to be kept fresh, you can see the products deteriorate throughout the day.

It is always best to visit a bakery first thing in the morning when the goods are fresh, around pm you will often find the pastries are dry and unappetising. There will also be a lack of choice. Quality control is crucial, goods need to be inspected before they can be sold. If a product has not been stored correctly or is out of date it must be disposed of immediately or the retailer could face serious consequences when an unhappy customer returns with a complaint of food poisoning.

Clothing sector: Businesses in the clothing sector tend to use the second channel of distribution described above. Designers have a vision of what they would like the product to look like, a plan is drawn up before the process begins. The process then starts by collecting the materials needed to produce the clothes. For example cotton is purchased from the cotton farmers, it is then shipped off to the factories where weavers and designers will create the fabrics, the fabric factories will then sell to manufacturing companies who will create something the retailers can sell on to make a profit from the whole process.

When they have been created they will choose either to sell them onto a wholesaler or to sell it in their particular stores. International brands extend their distribution channels as they have to distribute their goods further around the globe. If the retailer manufactures their own brand clothing i. Primark, the producers send the finished garments directly to their warehouses for distribution into their stores.

If it is a clothing retailer that buys garments from fashion houses or via other intermediaries then the finished items would go to their wholesalers and then potentially go to retailers depending on what business it is and then finally, they would be bought by the consumers. For example, Topshop and New Look have other London brands in their stores. Food Sector : To be more efficient and cost effective distribution system must find the best options as possible. Find the right suppliers and warehouses.

The distribution system have to come up with a clear idea of where they are going to place the warehouse. Warehouses should be located in a perfect location with easy access, not to far from the shops as they are going to deliver the goods.

This will help reduce the cost for the petrol or diesel. Related: Fulfillment Centers pt. I would think this would be the same if a US brand exports to Europe. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Skip to content Judging from increasing questions on the web from start up clothing lines about the margins a clothing distributor expects, it has become apparent that people think they can streamline sales by contracting with one. There are three instances in which one might need the services of a distributor: The manufacturer is a very large brand -on the order of Ed Hardy. The manufacturer seeks market presence in a foreign nation. The design stage is where details of fabrics, silhouettes, trims, and finishes are established.

People have become accustomed to discarding old styles for the next new thing. The designer considers the materials and their impact, the production, and the consumer use stage to minimise the adverse effects on the world around them. Many brands are turning away from fast fashion and toward a more sustainable approach. Increasingly, labels are embracing the Cradle to Cradle design framework. Cradle to Cradle is a philosophy of responsible design, which states that all products must be designed to either fit one of two cycles:.

The production of textiles encompasses the complex process of growing or creating the raw textile material, spinning it into a fibre, weaving it into a fabric, and dyeing and finishing it. Textile production is a major contributor to environmental pollution because of the associated high greenhouse gas emissions and contamination of air and freshwater supplies.

The textile industry is estimated to use billion litres of water annually, using up to litres of water to process, dye, and finish each kilo of textiles.

In addition, lots of chemicals are used throughout the world to turn raw materials into textiles, many of which are released into freshwater systems—potentially contaminating water used for agriculture and human consumption. The cultivation of cotton alone relies on heavy consumption of fresh water, and it can take thousands of litres of water to make the cotton needed to produce one single t-shirt.

The pesticides used for growing cotton taint the water and soil causing significant loss of biodiversity. Many farmers become victims of pesticide poisoning that can even lead to death. Forced labour can also be found in textile production, especially cotton picking, spinning, and weaving stages.

Child labour is common in Uzbekistan , as children work for no pay as cotton pickers. The good news is, there are certifications that hold cotton production to specific standards.

The clothing production phase involves the cutting, sewing, and finishing of a garment. Within the last 30 years, most production has shifted to developing countries, predominately to Asia, in search of cheap labour. Press enter to begin your search. Close Search. Clothing Manufacturers Clothing manufacturing companies in New York City and other places are primarily responsible for making the clothes.

Clothing Distributers After clothing manufacturers in New York City create their goods, clothing distributors come in for the next stage.