Innovation may be just what the textile industry needs right now. Record cotton prices have been widely reported, resulting in increased retail costs and some wavering consumer confidence. "After a long period of deflation, we are entering into a period of inflation in apparel," Milne acknowledged. Aside from cotton prices, he noted that nylon and polyester costs have increased dramatically, and explained that higher employee wages are also impacting costs. He said suppliers in some textile categories, like T-shirts, have had to raise prices by as much as 25 percent.
Kyle A. Richardson is the editorial director of Promo Marketing. He joined the company in 2006 brings more than a decade of publishing, marketing and media experience to the magazine. If you see him, buy him a drink.