BUSINESS STUDIES
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Contents
Current Affairs: Clothing Retailers (2020-2024).................................................................................................. 2
Impact of COVID-19:....................................................................................................................................... 2
Focus on Sustainability:.................................................................................................................................. 2
Key events and developments:....................................................................................................................... 2
Table summary Global Clothing Retail Current Affairs (2020-2024)...............................................................3
Current Affairs Analysis: Clothing Retailers in South Africa (2020-2024)............................................................4
Impact of COVID-19:....................................................................................................................................... 4
Unique South African factors:........................................................................................................................ 4
Key events and developments:....................................................................................................................... 4
Summary Table: South African Clothing Retail Current Affairs (2020-2024).......................................................6
Page 1 of 6
, Current Affairs: Clothing Retailers (2020-
2024)
Executive Summary: The clothing retail industry witnessed significant turmoil and transformation between
2020 and 2024, shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting consumer preferences, and a growing focus on
sustainability. This note highlights key trends and events impacting the sector:
Impact of COVID-19:
Store closures and bankruptcies: Brick-and-mortar stores faced forced closures and reduced foot
traffic, leading to bankruptcies of major players like JCPenney and Ascena Retail Group.
E-commerce surge: Online sales skyrocketed as consumers shifted to digital channels. Amazon,
Boohoo, and Zalando thrived.
Supply chain disruptions: Global lockdowns and shipping delays caused difficulties in sourcing
materials and fulfilling orders.
Shifting Consumer Preferences:
Comfort and athleisure: Demand for loungewear and athleisure surged due to remote work and
homebound lifestyles.
Secondhand and vintage: Growing interest in sustainability and affordability fueled the secondhand
and vintage clothing market.
Personalization and experience: Consumers expect omnichannel experiences, seamless returns, and
personalized recommendations.
Focus on Sustainability:
Increased awareness: Consumers demand eco-friendly materials, ethical production practices, and
transparency from brands.
Circular economy initiatives: Brands explore garment recycling, upcycling, and rental models to
reduce waste.
Regulations and certifications: Growing pressure for sustainable practices, with stricter regulations
and certifications emerging.
Key events and developments:
Fast fashion backlash: Growing criticism of the environmental and ethical impact of fast fashion,
impacting brands like H&M and Zara.
Reshoring and nearshoring: Some brands move production closer to home to mitigate supply chain
risks and promote sustainability.
Technological advancements: AI-powered inventory management, virtual fitting rooms, and
personalized marketing reshape the retail landscape.
Looking ahead:
Continued online dominance: E-commerce is expected to maintain its leading role, with omnichannel
integration becoming crucial.
Sustainability takes center stage: Consumers will prioritize eco-friendly and ethical brands, driving
further innovation in this area.
Personalization and data-driven strategies: Retailers will leverage data to offer personalized
experiences and targeted marketing campaigns.
Page 2 of 6
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through EFT, credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying this summary from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller Smartstudypro. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy this summary for R125,00. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.