INDUSTRY ISSUES
Growing Out of Uncertainty - How the sewn products industry adapts and grows in the face of uncertainty
By Michael McDonald, SPESA President | March 6, 2026
Each year SPESA releases what we call our “State of the Industry.” Often it’s timed around the U.S. State of the Union and serves as an opportunity for our team to reflect back on the year prior and look ahead to the new year we’re in.
MySizeID Brings Virtual Measurement Tool to Footwear Category
Since 2015, MySize Inc. has built a business on developing technology to enhance smartphone-measurement tools. One of its main products, MySizeID, is a smartphone-based body-measurement tool that was developed to help brands and retailers deliver ready-to-wear products that would best fit their customers.
Vizit Rolls Out Algorithm That Ranks Visual Images’ Consumer Effectiveness
Jehan Hamedi spent the past few years developing artificial-intelligence software that helps understand public opinion. The result of Hemedi’s efforts was a technology company called Vizit
NuOrder Unveils New B2B Payment System
NuOrder, a Los Angeles–headquartered business-to-business e-commerce platform, announced Jan. 25 that it has introduced NuOrder Payments.
FashionGo Week to Launch Second Virtual Edition in February
Fashion-wholesale marketplace FashionGo will host its second virtual FashionGo Week event Feb. 8-12, following the success of its August debut during the summer trade-show season.
With Digital Commerce Surging, Social Media Looks for Its Place in Retail
Social media has minted its own internet celebrities, but many entrepreneurs are trying to judge whether platforms such as Instagram and Facebook will make fortunes for retailers.
IBM Blockchain Tracks Supply Chain for Covalent’s AirCarbon Products
From its basic stages to the stockroom, Covalent AirCarbon material from Huntington Beach, Calif.’s, Newlight Technologies is now traceable along the supply chain using IBM Blockchain.
GiveAwae, a New Digital Platform, Aims to Bridge E-Commerce Gap
There is a digital divide in the business world, said entrepreneur Daniel Ejekwu, who is changing the digital landscape for small and medium-sized businesses when he launches GiveAwae on Jan. 13.
Emerald Acquires PlumRiver, Creator of the Elastic Suite Platform
The business-to-business platform builder Emerald Holdings, Inc., announced its acquisition of the business-to-business e-commerce and digital-merchandising solutions provider PlumRiver to cultivate its software-as-a-service technology.
Venmo to Begin Check-Cashing Service as Clients Receive Stimulus Payments
Social-payment application Venmo is entering the check-cashing business with its new Cash a Check feature.
Fashion-Tech Startup StyleScan Aims to Disrupt Fashion Photography
After two years in development, the Los Angeles–headquartered fashion-technology startup StyleScan will officially emerge from stealth mode and make a debut in the business-to-business market, said Larissa Posner, the company’s founder.
Digital-Commerce Gains Through Passport and Whatnot Funding
For two California digital-commerce companies, the year is ending with venture-capital funding.
IBM to Partner With Port of L.A. to Thwart Cybersecurity Threats
Taking steps to improve its response to cybersecurity threats to the supply chain, the Port of Los Angeles announced that the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approved the International Business Machines Corporation as the designer and operator of the port’s Cyber Resilience Center.
Tukatech Unveils On Demand 3D Services
The Los Angeles–headquartered fashion-technology company Tukatech has been rolling out services that help designers create garments virtually on a 3D platform. On Dec. 15, Tukatech announced that its TUKAcenter locations and its web-services portal, TUKAweb, will offer services to create 3D garments on demand, with Tukatech staff helping designers create clothes virtually.
After Being Acquired, Wynd Finesses Fulfillment Model
The up-and-coming New York City–based logistics-solutions company Wynd said that it has developed a logistics model that seeks to ease last-mile concerns not only for customers but for the businesses sending goods.
Financial-Technology Company Afterpay Reports Robust Holiday Business
Afterpay, the financial-technology company that provides an online platform for buy now, pay later layaway plans, reported one of its best performances in November, the traditional beginning of retail business for the winter holidays, according to a statement from the Australian-founded company that runs a San Francisco office.
