Any business majors here?

[mixmaster_matt]

OK, so I am constructing an issues priority matrix on GAP INC. It is for a class. I understand that the first step is to identify some trends in the industry that if occured, will determine what the industry would look like in the future. So I started thinking about this and thought of raised costs from suppliers, outsourcing the clothing production, increased wage rates, and kind of got stuck there. It is the retail industry, and I tried googling but didn't come up with much when I tried retail industry trends. I don't work in retail and don't really know what is going on in it. If anyone can give me a little advice it would be nice. I don't want anyone doing my project, b/c I know I will get those replies. Just need some trends in the retail industry that is going on. Since I have to rate them from lowest to highest probability of occurrence, it can be a little abstract.

 

[Jeph]

Does it have to be trends within the industry? because a lot of things that would affect what the indutry would look like in the future can come from outside sources.

 

[mixmaster_matt]

It says to identify a number of likely trends emerging in the societal and task environments.

 

[Black_Protege_5]

Well you will always have product and store expansion. I'll think of more.

 

[Jeph]

decrease in the labor force, inflation, changing fashion trends...

 

[mixmaster_matt]

alright guys thanks for the quick help, i found some stuff that can help me out so I will be using that with your guys stuff. thanks.

 

[UniqueModz]

i enjoyed this thread

 

[mixmaster_matt]

i enjoyed this thread

glad to hear that???

 

[NVP5White]

Changing fashion trends for sure. Capital investment (store, factories, etc). Competition from non-traditional retailers (online).

Slate.com just did a story about this recently. The author describes a few reasons for the rise and fall of GAP, inc, but the one that struck me as most likely is the change in fashion trends in the workplace. GAP was THE retailer when most offices switched to a casual dress policy. This help fuel their expansion (more stores), and brand extension (Kids GAP, Baby GAP). They also used their market experience as well as manufacturing and distribution infrustructure to create two new brands (Banana Republic and Old Navy). Unfortunatly, office dress policies changed and so did GAP's core market. Today, they focus on lifestyle clothing that is worn mainly outside of the office. They have had trouble establishing a strong identify/image in a market that rewards unique and "individualistic" looks, as their clothes were once known for their simplicity.