Branding is considered absolutely critical not only for top fashion designers, but also for retailers, manufacturers and licensees

Research and Markets are delighted to announce the addition of The Global Branding Report to their offering

(PRWEB) February 1, 2004 --Branding was once thought to be an interesting growth strategy for developing new products and establishing a foothold in the marketplace. Today it is considered absolutely critical-not only for top fashion designers, but also for retailers, manufacturers and licensees. Experts predict that only those companies adopting a strong lifestyle branding strategy will survive in the coming years.

This exclusive report analyses the state of the branding industry, and includes sections covering brands and their bottom line, consumer trends, product trends, brand strategy, licensed sporting goods, the luxury market, the Asian consumer and counterfeiting.

The report also contains a section that profiles 12 leading companies: Nautica Enterprises, Polo Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, Kenneth Cole Productions, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Tommy Hilfiger, Zara, Gucci, Guess?, Gap and Liz Claiborne.

Many leading apparel industry executives and influential Wall Street analysts participated in this research, making it an invaluable resource for anyone involved in branding and its associated industries.

The global branding report-provides answers to key questions such as:

-Brands and their bottom line
-How can brands translate a lifestyle message to their bottom line?
-Why are companies such as Nautica, Liz Claiborne and Ralph Lauren set for double-digit growth while the market as a whole is forecast to decline?
-Who are the 'brands-to-watch'?
-Should brands concentrate on short-term earnings or long-term investment?
-In the post-e-mania era, will it be easier for apparel companies to attract the attention of investors?

The impact of September 11

-To what extent did 9/11 really impact US brands and the global fashion economy?
-Which major trends are predicted to emerge across the style landscape post-9/11?
-Will USA merchandise continue to perform post-9/11, or will a subtle 'Americanism' prevail in certain sectors?

Branding trends

-Which brands are likely to perform well in the retail world, specialty channels and junior market?
-Which designer brands have the best success stories, and who are the fashion failures?
-Which will be the hottest trends in branding throughout 2002?
-To what extent will the influence of performance fabrics extend beyond athletic wear?

Brand strategy

-Why is Kenneth Cole Production's three-tiered brand strategy likely to succeed?
-What is the rationale behind the well-used strategies of licensing and acquisition?
-What advantages do vertical retailers have in terms of brand strategies?
-Will the impact of private labeling significantly impact designer brands?
-How can brands avoid over-exposing themselves?

Licensed products

-Which apparel manufacturers should grow their non-apparel business?
-Who is the licensed product consumer?
-Is the sports-licensing sector likely to make a comeback?

Luxury brands

-What are the three essential stages of building a luxury brand?
-What are the main benefits of using diffusion brand strategies?
-To what extent will the growth of product line extensions and the subsequent growth of grey markets dilute the top brands?
-Will luxury brands soon fall victim to 20-year cyclical style evolution?

Counterfeiting

-What percentage of sales are lost each year as a result of trademark counterfeiting and infringement activity?
-Which countries are most susceptible to such losses?
-What measures are companies such as 3M Thinsulate taking to protect their brand?

Asian branding

-Will the increase in large, free-standing stores influence the growth of the major brands?
-Which three key demographic groups are influencing the growth in branding in Japan?

For a complete index of this report click on
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/42958

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