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2020 Holiday Sales Beat NRF Forecasts

The National Retail Federation reported on Jan. 15 that business for the 2020 holiday season was surprisingly strong. Sales grew 8.3 percent to $789.4 billion, beating the prominent trade group’s forecast of 3.6 percent to 5.2 percent growth.

Surf Expo Returns to Orlando With First On-site Event in a Year

Returning to its home at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Surf Expo, the major trade show for the water-sports and beach-lifestyle categories, was held Jan. 6–8. While the Emerald Expositions–owned Surf Expo relied on its digital edition Sept. 16–18, Surf Expo Connect, many in the industry felt it was time to return to the trade-show floor.

A Source of Inspiration for 2021 at Virtual Texworld and Apparel Sourcing

With its first big show of 2021 occurring virtually Jan. 12–14, Messe Frankfurt Fashion and Apparel Show Director, Jennifer Bacon said, “We were extremely pleased with both the exhibitor and attendee participation. It was very similar to our premier edition this past July. We are excited to continue serving the textile-sourcing community through our virtual platform as we look forward to returning to face-to-face events.”

The Show Must Go On ... Virtually

Following the postponement of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising’s Spring 2020 FIDM Debut, selected emerging student designers showcased their creations during a Dec. 10 virtual runway presentation.

At CMC Uploaded, Dan Jablons of Retail Smart Guys Discusses Plans for 2021

Dan Jablons moonlights as an actor and appeared on the television show “Curb Your Enthusiasm” as the lawyer for comedian Larry David. But for more than 15 years he has run the Los Angeles–headquartered consultancy Retail Smart Guys.

Biden Proposes New COVID-19 Lifelines

Before becoming the 46th United States president, Joe Biden unveiled the American Rescue Plan on Jan. 14, a proposed $1.9-trillion program that his incoming administration said will put the U.S. economy back on its feet after 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With Digital Commerce Surging, Social Media Looks for Its Place in Retail

Social media has minted its own internet celebrities, but many entrepreneurs are trying to judge whether platforms such as Instagram and Facebook will make fortunes for retailers.

Buyers and Brands Work Together During L.A. Market Week to Protect Businesses

As Los Angeles County continued to grapple with surging COVID-19 numbers, apparel businesses worked together to fortify their operations. During L.A. Market Week, which was held Jan. 10–14 in downtown Los Angeles, showrooms welcomed buyers to view lines in person while they also afforded the option of online meetings via Zoom.

Liverpool Los Angeles Unveils Hope Chest

Homelessness is one of California’s most-critical issues. Fashion-lifestyle brand Liverpool Los Angeles has developed a charitable initiative, Hope Chest, where proceeds from Liverpool sales will be donated to the non-profit Downtown's Women's Center.