Australian Apparel and Clothing Industry Analysis Report

2.  Size

The Australian clothing industry can be classified into the men’s and women’s clothing market. In the menswear segment the total revenues in 2008 was $3524.4 million. The compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) during the period 2004-2008 was 3.9%.

In the womenswear segment the total revenue in 2008 was $6.7 billion.  The compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for this segment during the period 2004-2008 was 5.2%.

The total revenue generated by the apparel retail industry of Australia in 2008 was $12.8 billion with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% during the period 2004 to 2008 (researchandmarkets, n.d.).

3.  Industry location

The total number of apparel retailers in 2001 was 10,673 and they were distributed across Australia unequally depending on population density. The apparel retailers were mainly located in key cities like Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne. Victoria and New South Wales account for more than 80% turnover in in the textile, clothing and footwear segment (Ahern, 2004).

4.  Major products

The products of the Australian apparel industry can be divided into the following categories:

• Designer Wears: Australian designers are very well updated of the latest fashion trends in Europe, US and the local trends in Australia. They produce quality fashion products at competitive prices and some of them are also able to compete with international players. Designer wear particularly from Italy are highly respected and accepted by the Australians. Goods from Italy usually cover the luxury market as they are sold at high prices and include high-end leather wear.
• Industrial Work Wear
• Socks and hosiery particularly pantyhose
• Female Outerwear like skirts and dresses

(Ahern, 2004)

The following are some of the niche segments which are expected to grow very fast

• Boutique designer wear especially in Sydney and Melbourne
• Surf wear and sports wear
• Children’s clothing

4.1  Markets

Like other Western markets, the Australian fashion market is highly divided or segmented. The segmentation is not only based on income but also on gender, body type, age and aesthetic preference. This result in the market being broken up into small national markets based on lifestyle. Moreover compared to other western countries Australians spend less on apparel because of the moderate climate and their casual lifestyle. Australians spend a large portion of their income on housing, communication equipment and transportation.

The price reductions prompted by trade liberalization has reduced the share of apparels in household expenditure considerably in the past ten years. Moreover new products like iPods and mobile phones have captured attention of consumers.

The availability of easy credit, extensive use of mass communication and new strategies of retailers has significantly altered the buying preferences and pattern of locals. New channels of communication like internet and innovative promotional tools have been instrumental in boosting demand. The fashion industry has also influenced the choices of the locals (Weller, 2007).

• 4.1.1  Domestic market size (population, income per head)

The retail turnover in 2005-06 was around $10.1 billion. The population of Australia in 2006 was around 20 million which is one third the population of UK.

The estimated population as of June, 2010 is 22.3 million (Australian Bureau of Statistics, n.d.).

The clothing market is around AUD$ 14 billion which is one seventh the size of the UK market. According to international standards the Australian market is considered thin.

The 2006 figures show that the lowest three income quintiles of Australia spend AUD$12.75, $19.5 and $30.68 respectively on clothing per week. The upper two quintiles spend AUD$ 46.40 and $67.07 respectively on clothing per week. It is only the high income categories who spend significantly in apparel (Australian Bureau of Statistics, n.d.).

The average weekly total income per head in Feb, 2010 in private-public sector was $969.4, in the private sector the average weekly total income was $1268.20 and in the public sector it was $1368.5 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, n.d.).

The graph below shows the percentage change in earnings from 2006 to 2010.

[Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics]

Women’s clothing is expected to generate 40 % of the total revenue of the apparel industry, hosiery, headwear and accessories are expected to generate revenue of 25% and menswear is expected to generate revenue of 20 %.

(New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, n.d.)

• 4.1.2   Apparel exports latest 10 years using the Comtrade database:

The total apparel export in the last ten years is as follows:

Year	Total exports (in million $)
2001	68.57
2002	64.176
2003	72.69
2004	79.41
2005	85.75
2006	74.89
2007	87.01
2008	87.03
2009	64.73

[Source: UN Comtrade-a]

The graph below is a pictorial representation of the above table.

4.1.3  Analyses of top 10 export destinations (latest year):

The total exports of Australia in women’s wear in 2009 amounted to $22.45 million. New Zealand was the top importer of Australian apparel with imports amounting to $14.95. It was followed by UK, US, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, UAE, China, New Caledonia and Belgium with imports of the value of $1.5 million, $1.06 million, $0.51 million, $0.473 million, $0.36 million, $0.30 million, $0.28 million, and $0.28 million respectively (UN Comtrade-b)

As far as menswear is concerned the total exports from Australia in 2009 was $9.48 million. Even in this category New Zealand remains the top importer with $4.06 million. It is followed by Papua New Guinea, UAE, New Caledonia, UK, USA, Singapore, Malaysia, Fiji and Tanzania having export of the value of $1.46 million, $0.6 million, $0.42 million, $0.40 million, $0.227 million, $ 0.22 million, $0.15 million, $0.14 million and $0.12 million (UN Comtrade-c, n.d.).

The total export of apparel to US in 2008 was 0.593 million and in 2009 it reduced to 0.344 million (Department of Commerce, United States of America, International Trade Administration, 2010).

5.  National textile/ apparel industry trade association(s)

The Textile Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia represent the union of the workers in the textile clothing and footwear industry of Australia. The union takes care of issues like training of the workers, wages and safe working conditions.

The Home Workers Code of Practice (HWCP) is a joint union industry which tries to reduce the exploitation of the workers in the clothing and fashion industry. A No Sweat Shop label is a label in the apparels which shows that the particular apparel has been produced in Australia and the people involved with the production has been compensated properly (TCFUA, n.d.).

6.  Key businesses their products, their markets, big customers

The apparel retail sector can be divided into national chain stores, small regional chains and niche chains. The Just Group, Specialty Fashion Group, Retail Holdings, Colorado Group, Noni B and Country Road are national chains and form a part of Top 20 retailers of Australia. These 6 firms exert a significant control on various multi store retail brands to target different segments of the market. This is a strategy which helps them reduce the risks associated with uncertainty and fashion unpredictability. National brands are present in shopping malls and shopping precincts with each store having 180 to 300 stores. The store designs, garments are designed in a way to deliver a common integrated message to the customers. The national retailers being few try to create a monopoly market.

• The Just Group is one of the largest specialty retailers of Australia with a local market share of 5.8%. Initially it focused on denim street-wear but currently holds various brands like Jay Jays (227 stores), Just Jeans (285 stores), Jacqui-E (97 stores), Portman’s (116 stores), Dotti (48 stores) and Peter Alexander (9 stores).
• Retail Holdings includes brands like Sussan, Szanne Graeand Sportsgirl which are essentially women’s fashion brands.
• Specialty Fashion Group includes brands like Katie’s, Crossroads (150 stores), Big City Chic (25 stores) and Autograph (100 stores).
• Country Roads operates through department stores.
• Noni B group includes Noni B, La Voca and Liz Jodan and has around 200 stores.
• ARH Investments include Colorado Group (105 stores) and also acquired Palmer Corporation in 2001.
• Pretty Girl Fashion Group includes Rockman Stores ( 300 stores), Hilton stores (15 stores) and BeMe boutiques (22 stores). In 2004, it purchased Table Eight which deals in corporate wear.
• Other important groups in Australia are the Witchery chain (70 stores), Jean West (150 stores), Cue, teen label stores like Supre, Lowes- Manhattan has Lowes menswear stores (110 stores), Esprit and M.Webster Holdings which includes Marcs and Morrissey brands.

(Weller, 2007).

7.  Industry capabilities

• 7.1.1  Costs

The cost of production of apparels is high in Australia.  After relaxation of trade policies there has been a massive shift of production in overseas market which can manufacture apparels at low cost. Reduction in tariff levels and an increase in cost of production in Australia, textile, clothing and footwear production which are labor intensive industries have shifted to low cost countries. Australian firms have entered into agreements with overseas manufacturers to compliment their production facilities. For example, in 2004 China was the largest supplier of apparel to Australia with a share of 73%. Italy was next biggest exporter with a share of 4%. In addition to this Australia also imports from Hong Kong and New Zealand (Ahern, 2004).

• 7.1.2   Technology

The apparel industry in Australia consists of few large and many small establishments. The large establishments have long run production technology to manufacture low end fashion items whereas the small establishments have shorter production runs to produce exclusive items. The Australian government is investing in technology in order to improve productivity.

• 7.1.3   Skills

The success of Australia’s fashion industry highly depends on the skills of the local designers. Australia has highly skilled designers who are well updated regarding the fashion trends in Europe and US and can produce designs which can compete in the world markets.

• 7.1.4   Quality

The quality of apparel produced in Australia is very good. Australians are well aware of the quality and the trends in fashion in international markets and hence the quality of the apparel has to be good in order to tap the market.

• 7.1.5  Supporting Industries

In 2009, Australia’s Department of Industry introduced numerous creative schemes for the textile, fashion and footwear industry, taking into account the value of the supporting industries. They are trying to integrate business, researchers, educational institutes and unions by introducing the National TCF Innovation Network. It will also introduce the product diversification scheme to help apparel manufacturers to improve their sourcing arrangements (Australian Government-Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, 2010).

• 7.1.6  Natural fiber production

Australian designers use natural fibers which grow in Australia like wool, cotton. In addition to this other natural fibers of production which are increasingly becoming popular are cashmere, mohair and alpaca. These fibers grow in Australia naturally.

• 7.1.7   Chemical/ man-made fiber industry

Australia does not have a very well defined chemical/ manmade fiber industry but is rich in natural fibers like wool and cotton.

• 7.1.8   Textile industry

Australia mainly depends on imports from other countries for the textiles. It imports textiles mainly from China and then Australian designers work upon them to produce the final product.

8.  Industry development strategy

The Australian government is taking various steps in order to boost the apparel industry. It has been instrumental in forming the Australian Fashion Export Cluster (AFEC) in order to help the local designers to boost their exports. It is a joint project between Austrade, Council of textiles and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA) and NSW governments’ investment and industry development arm (TFIA, n.d.).

In addition to this the government is also making significant investments in technology development which would help them to be competitive in the world market.

The key to success lies in establishing strong brands and being innovative. The buying season in Australia is mainly between April-May in spring and September-October during autumn. These are the times when industries should exploit fully. There are great opportunities for developing or exporting designer brands in Australia.

9.  Conclusion

It can be concluded that the apparel industry in Australia is highly dependent on raw materials from other markets. It largely depends on imports from New Zealand and China for the raw materials like textiles.

Australian consumers and designers are well aware of the trends in the world market. The designers who design the final garment are very well updated of the latest trends in Europe and US.

Apparel export from Australia has been increasing from 2000 with few ups and downs during 2006 and 2009. The decline in exports in 2009 can be attributed to the global economic crisis.

Australian government has been taking steps to boost the apparel industry. In order to compete in the world markets, Australia needs to focus on the supporting industries so that raw materials are available locally.

10.  References

• Ahern, A. August, 2004. Apparel In Australia. U.S. Commercial Service : Your Global Business Partner Retreived June 1 , 2010. From https://www.apparelandfootwear.org/pdf/isa0409australia.pdf
• Australian Government-Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. May 25, 2010. Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) Industries. Retreived June 1 , 2010. From https://www.innovation.gov.au/Industry/TextileClothingandFootwearTCF/Page/TextileClothingandFootwearTCF Industry.aspx
• Australian Bureau of Statistics. No Date. Population Clock. Retreived June 1 , 2010. from https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/94713ad445ff1425ca25682000192af2/1647509ef7e25faaca2568a900154b63?OpenDocument
• Australian Bureau of Statistics. No Date. February Key Figures. 6302.0 – Average Weekly Earnings, Australia, Feb 2010. Retreived June 1 , 2010. from https://abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6302.0/
• Departmemt of Commerce, United States of America, International Trade Adminstration. Mat 7, 2010. Major Shippers Report. Retreived June 1 , 2010. From https://www.otexa.ita.doc.gov/msrcty/a6021.htm
• NewZealand Trade & Enterprise. No Date. Designer fashion market in Australia. Retreived June 1 , 2010. From https://www.nzte.govt.nz/explore-export-markets/market-research-by-industry/Creative-industries/Pages/Designer-fashion-market-in-Australia.aspx
• Researchandmarkets. (No Date). Description. Clothing: Australia Industry Guide. Retreived June1, 2010. from https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/838181/clothing_australia_industry_guide.pdf
• TFIA. No Date. Designers keen to launch an assault on overseas markets will vie for membership of a new venture aimed at boosting local exports. Helping hand for fashion Exporters. Retreived June 1 , 2010. From https://tfia.assets1.blockshome.com/assets/wwMTKUeomFjtBgb/ragtrader-26.03.10-afec-article.pdf
• TCFUA. No Date. Features. Welcome to the Textile Clothing & Footwear Union of Australia! Retreived June 1 , 2010. From https://www.tcfua.org.au/
• UN Comtrade-a. No Date. United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database |  Statistics Division. Retreived June 1 , 2010. From https://comtrade.un.org/db/dqBasicQueryResults.aspx?px=HS&cc=62&r=36&p=0&rg=2&y=2009&so=8
• UN Comtrade-b. No Date. United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database |  Statistics Division. Retreived June 1 , 2010. From https://comtrade.un.org/db/dqBasicQueryResults.aspx?px=S4&cc=842&r=36&y=2009
• UN Comtrade-c. No Date. United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database |  Statistics Division. Retreived June 1 , 2010. From https://comtrade.un.org/db/dqBasicQueryResults.aspx?px=S4&cc=843&r=36&y=2009
• Weller, S. October, 2007.Clothing Chain Stores. Retailing, Clothing and Textiles Production in Australia Retreived June 1 , 2010. From. https://www.cfses.com/documents/wp29.pdf