Convening some of the top leaders and innovators in the industry, the 2004 Apparel Executive Forum offered an understood but critical reminder for its participants: Shedding traditional ways of thinking and adopting new organizational approaches is critical to tackle the challenges presented by 2005 and beyond. It was a theme that resonated throughout the event, as executives from the apparel worlds of manufacturing and retail discussed innovative strategies for improving merchandising and marketing efforts, increasing speed-to-market, strengthening brands and capitalizing on new consumer fashion trends. Mike Fralix, president of not-for-profit technology and research organization [TC]~2, said the weekend afforded participants the opportunity to exchange new ideas. "Even though most people accept that change is occurring and unpredictable, they resist it," he said.
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