This week the apparel industry dabbled in new fashion technologies, discussed venture capital trends and debated about the survival of America’s department stores.
Digital printing technology is taking the apparel industry on a more personalized path. Forbes spoke with Epson, which envisions a future full of customized colors, prints and sizes for consumers everywhere.
(Related on SJ: Gerber Touts Fashion Tech Innovation with Roadshow Events)
Fitting rooms are receiving a major digital upgrade and Bloomberg explored how retail technology companies, including Oak Labs, are transforming the fitting room experience for brick-and-mortar shoppers.
(Related on SJ: In the Retail Revolution, E-Commerce is Just the Beginning)
Hanjin Shipping Co. was declared bankrupt by a Seoul court on Friday and The Wall Street Journal said the company will be liquidated, due to remaining ocean debts and its contributions to the current global shipping dilemma.
(Related on SJ: Port Shutdown Over Labor Issues in NY & SC Looms)
Venture capital could get complicated with fashion startups. Glossy interviewed BlueRun Ventures partner Cheryl Cheng about apparel investment trends and why high-tech fabrics and retail VR features are VC’s newest darlings.
(Related on SJ: Lectra Supply Chain Program Streamlines Data Integrity for Brands)
Retailers nationwide are grappling with the demise of department stores. Fortune analyzed why major U.S. department stores are struggling and how discounts, location and merchandising are big drivers for the issue.
(Related on SJ: Retailers Turn to Tech Tools to Create Excitement)
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While designers at New York Fashion Week touted advocacy on the runways, Quartz noted that fashion remains unequal on many levels, from model casting to garment worker employment.
(Related on SJ: H&M to Fortify Labor Initiatives by 2018)
Despite retailers fortifying investments of in-store technologies, consumers aren’t paying much attention to these new brick-and-mortar developments. Bloomberg explored why consumers aren’t embracing these bells and whistles and how they value convenience over other service qualities.
(Related on SJ: For Teens, Resale Threatens Traditional Retail)
Some lingerie brands, including Cosabella, are not culling inspiration from traditional creative outlets. Glossy explored how the lingerie brand is incorporating AI to tap into consumers’ shopping behaviors and how the technology could help it launch future apparel collections.
(Related on SJ: Intimates Sport A Casual, Comfortable and Cute New Vibe)