The Challenges of the Home Fashions Industry

With today's economy it is very hard for businesses to do well. The real estate market especially is having trouble with the way the economy is going. With this decline in the real estate market comes a decline in the home fashions industry. The home fashions industry includes cushions, rugs, pillows, curtains, etc. With people buying less houses, there are less houses to decorate and turn into "homes". Also, many people don't really want to spend money on new home furnishings because they last for such a long time, and they need to save their money. Another challenge the home fashions industry is facing is that there is only a turnaround twice a year, so it's not always changing as much. It is hard to attract consumers and it keep things interesting in the industry. The home fashions industry is having a very rough time right now due to economical situations but since this is all part of the cycle and soon they will be back on track.

Guest Lecture

In today's guest lecture I really learned a lot about the quilting industry. Elyse Mullis was knowledgable and has a very exciting career. I also learned quite a bit about the textile industry and how things work related with fabrics and fabric design.
Westminster fabrics is a very popular company that designs new fabrics. The process is very interesting. First a design is sent in, and then they continue the design by matching and cutting a pasting until it becomes a whole page. Then they send the design sheets with swatches of colors to a company to produce the fabric, and then they send a strike-off to make sure that it is what they were asking for. It was very cool to see those things right in person, and to have someone talk about it that had so much enthusiasm for what she did, especially because she graduated from UNCG and to see what she is doing with her degree.
It was also interesing to see how the quilting industry is not really talked about, but can be very cute and just as exciting as looking for a dress. I also learned a lot about how important it is to try to do well in school and to go for internships no matter where they may be, because you never know where they might take you. I really hope for the best for the future wherever it takes me.

Sweatshops

Sweatshops are a very important part of the apparel industry. They provide a way for businesses to have products made at cheaper prices and ultimately the consumer also recieve the goods for cheaper prices. However the reality of them is horrifying. The conditions under which these people are working for the pay that they recieve is shocking. Sometimes children are also used in these sweatshops to be able to make these products for the cheapest prices possible.
"Corporate greed and global competition to produce goods at the lowest possible price are the main reasons for the existence of sweatshops" (coopamerica). This answers the question of why there is a necessity for sweatshops. Yes it is true that the retailers are coming off as greedy, but ultimatley it is business, and if you're job is to find the cheapest and fastest way to make a product why not do it? Sweatshops are vital to the apparel industry because it helps to all around give people cheaper prices. Also the people working in those sweatshops desperately need those jobs and it helps them to be able to provide for their family.
The downside to sweatshops is that people here in America are losing their jobs due to outsourcing. They also treat their employees very badly. The employees work under harsh conditions, working long hours, and recieving very little pay. I think that the working conditions could be made better. I dont' have a problem with sweatshops but I think that something definately has to be done to make it better for everyone. Even though the labor is cheap, it is not right to exploit them.