The current pandemic has had a significant impact on the apparel industry. From the decline in trade to loss of business, dwindling customer numbers, store closures have been critical for the industry. The current pandemic ofCOVID -19 has greatly impacted the apparel manufacturers as their cash flow has been affected by the struggle to pay their workers, covering the purchase of materials necessary to generate new orders and overheads. There has been a knock on the apparel industry ( Uddin,2020). the suppliers of fabric in the industry see orders contract at alarming rates as their ramifications are frightening, especially for the fragile workers wh have roles in the supply of the raw materials.
Secondly, the pandemic has brought about a down turn in the trade as orders are canceled or delayed. For instance, the suppliers of metal accessories and zips to the apparel industry have seen their business ravages by decreasing trade due to the pandemic. This has made most of the employees In this sector, losing their jobs. The pandemic has also negatively impacted the companies that are involved in chemical developments. It has brought about a sharp decline in a business where the local lockdown restrictions are applied. More so, the manufacturing sector also has been negatively impacted by the outbreak of the pandemic. The manufacturers are experiencing a sharp decline in orders from immediate customers.
Finally, the pandemic has affected the operations of transport and warehousing companies in the apparel industry. The companies responsible for transferring goods from the manufacturer to the customers have no duties to perform with no goods being produced and orders being put on hold. We can say that the pandemic has changes each aspect of the apparel industry supply chain. from the fiber to fabric, from chemicals to dyestuffs supplies, technology, and machinery suppliers even to the companies in the transport and distribution of apparel products, a.ll these apparel industry supply chain has been affected
Reference
Uddin, M. (2020, April 12). Pandemic leaves no Rung of the fashion supply chain unharmed. Sourcing Journal. https://sourcingjournal.com/topics/thought-leadership/coronavirus-pandemic-apparel-supply-chain-fashion-manufacturing-factories-suppliers-205225/