ACTIVEWEAR COMPETITION
Amazon’s advance into sportswear could disrupt world’s biggest athletic brands
New York/Hong Kong — Amazon.com is tapping some of the biggest athletic-apparel suppliers to make a foray into private-label sportswear, according to people familiar with the matter, setting the stage for further upheaval in an already tumultuous industry. Makalot Industrial, a Taiwanese vendor that produces clothing for Gap, Uniqlo and Kohl’s Corporation, is making apparel for the Amazon line, a person with knowledge of the arrangement said. Eclat Textile, another Taiwanese supplier, is contributing to the effort as well — a relationship first noted by SinoPac Securities Corporation analyst Silvia Chiu. The project is new and long-term contracts have not been signed yet, according to people involved. The manufacturers are producing small amounts of products for Amazon as part of a trial, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the effort is not being promoted yet. Amazon has previously ventured into private-label fashion, offering office clothing, jackets and dresse...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.