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In addition to the organizations we have just discussed, another type of consulting group has become increasingly important to many manufacturers and retailers. Management consultants focus more specifically on management and market research areas, specializing in the soft goods and consumer goods distribution industries. These consulting firms tend to focus more on helping companies with management issues such as broad strategic planning, market strategy analysis and planning, merchandising, and operations strategies, rather than on product trend analysis and selection.
- Consultants in technical areas: Consultants who wish to sell their services to textile/apparel manufacturing and retailing firms offer an almost unlimited menu of expertise. Many of the organizations described in previous sections have staff qualified to provide assistance in specialized technical areas. However, some consulting firms offer services only in specialized areas such as:
- Information technology:Consulting firms offer a range of assistance in areas related to information technology, including CAD systems, product data management systems, Quick Response, POS systems, bar coding, production of CD-ROM "catalogs," establishing shopping sites on the Internet, and on and on. Information technology is being applied increasingly throughout the soft goods industry, as shown in Figure ---- Because many of the information technology systems are quite technical to put in place and adapt to a company's specific use, consultants can help firms obtain maximum benefit from the investments.
- Logistics:Some consulting firms specialize in assisting businesses with the distribution processes involved in getting merchandise moved quickly and efficiently from the manufacturer to the customer. Some of the firms may operate only within the country, while others are involved in logistics related to importing and exporting.
Import and Export Consultants :
The globalization of the fashion industry has added new dimensions to the business of producing and selling fashion goods. The complexities of sending merchandise from one country to another require specialists who stay abreast of the trade laws, documentation, and business strategies associated with importing and exporting. Although large firms may have some of these specialists on their staff, even those firms often use the services of trade specialists. Smaller firms will almost surely need to hire experts in these areas to be sure goods are delivered as expected, that trade laws are followed, and that payment occurs as intended. Because of the complexities of importing and exporting, fees paid to these consultants may actually save money and valuable time in the long run. Examples of these consultants include:
- Import brokers: Coordinate the details of importing merchandise made in other countries for buyers
- Trade attorneys: Provide legal assistance related to importing and exporting. Trade attorneys can help companies in advance of international business activities to help firms understand the potential risks and costs involved. Some law firms may even specialize in trade laws for specific regions
- Export specialists: can help firms both in marketing to make sales in other countries and then in the technical details related to shipping merchandise once it is sold.
- Lobbyists: They are law firms or consulting firms, that attempt to influence policymakers on trade policies that benefit the companies or groups who are paying them. For example, some textile firms want tough trade policies to limit imports, so lobbyists hired by this group work to try to get policies passed to restrict imports. Other lobbying firms may represent retailers, the governments of other countries that want to ship more merchandise to the United States, or even some large apparel firms that import some or all of their products; these lobbyists try to influence policymakers toward freer trade.
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Participants