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Bloomberg
The $2.4 trillion world fashion industry is poised to rebound in 2017 from one of its toughest years on record, according to a report.
Improving global economies and restructuring measures by leading brands like Burberry Group Plc and Ralph Lauren Corp. mean overall industry sales are likely to rise as much as 3.5 percent next year, consulting firm McKinsey estimates. Growth is seen accelerating from 2016’s pace of 2 percent to 2.5 percent, though the days when the industry comfortably outpaced the world’s main economies are likely over, according to the 92-page report, produced with website The Business of Fashion.
An industry upturn would come as a much-needed boost to clothing brands including Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Germany’s Hugo Boss AG and Japan’s Fast Retailing Co., all of whom have reported plunging earnings this year. Companies are having to adapt quickly to meet the changing needs of consumers, particularly millennials, who are becoming more discerning and less predictable in their shopping habits, according to McKinsey.
“In 2017, we expect the fashion industry to see the glimmers of a rebound,†the report said, predicting that the value and affordable luxury segments are likely to be the biggest winners. Many brands have undertaken significant cost-cutting and restructuring exercises and “are now primed to capture the benefits.â€
Optimism among industry managers is on the rise, according to the report, which cited a McKinsey survey of more than 1,600 executives. About 40 percent of those interviewed said they expect market conditions to improve in 2017, compared with the 19 percent who forecast a better climate a year ago. The rosier outlook follows a year that turned out a lot worse than expected. About two-thirds of executives reported that conditions have worsened over the last 12 months, with sales growth slowing and profit margins stagnating.
High-end brands shouldn’t expect a dramatic recovery anytime soon. Olivier Abtan, who leads The Boston Consulting Group’s global luxury group, says they can expect average annual growth of 2 percent to 5 percent going forward, compared with rates of 8 percent to 10 percent over the last decade.