Surging Demand for Locally Produced Denim Sparks Growth in the Industry — Retail Bum

Rising expenses and increasing consumer demand are propelling denim brands to focus on enhancing supply chain innovation and sustainability.

The market is witnessing a notable increase in the demand for small-batch “craft” denim, which is manufactured in factories specializing in small product runs consisting of 50 to 500 units, emphasizing localized and customized production approaches.

Brands like Frame and Hugo Boss are some of the many players that are capitalizing on this trend. Frame made headlines by introducing a $12,000 pair of jeans, while Hugo Boss launched its upscale denim line, Hugo Blue, in May. These recent developments highlight the growing importance of premium and exclusive denim offerings, showcasing consumers’ evolving preferences in the market.

There are also several other benefits to investing in craft denim. In a report published in November 2022, consulting firm McKinsey highlighted that small-scale local factories offer significant benefits to fashion brands. According to the report, such factories can help brands reduce costs by up to 20%, enhance time-to-market by up to 50%, and decrease lead times by up to 70%. These advantages are particularly relevant in the current global economic landscape, where economic challenges…