The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a massive shock to the global economy in general, and to textile and clothing manufacturing and retailing in particular. In an attempt to prevent the spread of the disease, a number of governments around the world have imposed strict lockdowns, resulting in severe disruption to supply chains and closing off opportunities for shopping in retail stores. Some consumers have continued to shop online, and demand for loungewear and comfortable clothing has surged as consumers spend increasing amounts of time at home.
However, the overall demand for apparel has fallen dramatically, and the latest data to be released by the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) show that textile companies around the world expect their orders and turnover to be significantly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. On a brighter note, several textile and apparel companies are taking innovative approaches to surviving the crisis while also helping to address the global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) by repurposing their manufacturing facilities.
In this report, Robin Anson highlights some of the effects of COVID-19 on the global economy and on the textile and apparel industry and textile and apparel supply chains. Also, he reveals how some of the world's leading textile and apparel manufacturers, brands, and retailers have been adapting their operations in response to the pandemic.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Textile and Apparel Supply Chains
- Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Global Economy
- Plummeting Footfall in Retail Stores
- Textile and Apparel Companies “Repurpose” their Facilities and Switch to Making Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
