Posts

May 22nd, 2025

Canadian Apparel Update Apparel specialty stores (69.5%), off-price retailers (10.9%), and discount stores (7.0%) were the largest channels of distribution for apparel in 2024 Winners in 2024 were Canada’s largest individual retailer (7.3%) followed by Walmart (5.5%), lululemon (5.3%) and Marks (3.6%). The ten largest apparel retailers during 2024 accounted for 36.3% of apparel sales. Aritzia's total Canadian sales in 2024 increased 4.6% to C$1.2 billion. Columbia Sportswear Canada's sales decreased 6.1% in the first quarter of 2025. Children’s Place …

May 21st, 2025

  Webinar: Understanding the True Cost of Returns Date: Wednesday May 27,  2025   1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. EDT       Why your return policy isn’t the problem—shoppers’ uncertainty about fit is. Returns cost more than logistics — they quietly erode shopper confidence and long-term brand trust. Learn how eliminating fit confusion can dramatically reduce returns and strengthen your bottom line. Join the very first Avease x CAF webinar and uncover what most brands are not doing to solve this persistent problem—and why that’s …

April 29th, 2025

On April 22 and 23, 2025, Première Vision Montréal made its Canadian debut at the Grand Quai du Port de Montréal, drawing nearly 2,150 professionals and students from across the fashion and textile sectors. With over 100 domestic and international exhibitors and 24 expert-led conferences, the event proved to be a major success, highlighting Montréal’s growing role as a hub for creative and industrial innovation. Organized in partnership with the mmode Cluster and supported by Tourisme Montréal and the Ministry …

April 7th, 2025

  Industry Copes with Tariff Tsunami Last week’s US Tariff announcement continues to reverberate through the industry.  On April 2, 2025, invoking his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA), President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs against hundreds of countries.  The announcement, in conjunction with other Executive Orders, simultaneously impacted Canadian exporters, small Canadian e-commerce merchants and large volume importers into the US.... [More Info] OTHER NEWS   Update on Least Developed Country Tariff - April …

April 7th, 2025

  Last week’s US Tariff announcement continues to reverberate through the industry.  On April 2, 2025, invoking his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA), President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs against hundreds of countries.  The announcement, in conjunction with other Executive Orders, simultaneously impacted Canadian exporters, small Canadian e-commerce merchants and large volume importers into the US.   The US has instituted "reciprocal tariffs" on virtually all trade, with certain exclusions for Canada and Mexico.  While …

April 3rd, 2025

  CBSA has finally updated the form used by importers to facilitate imports from Least Developed Countries (LDC).  The B255 form is required for LDCT customs clearance, but the version available online from CBSA has been outdated - and did not reflect changes to the LDCT rules of origin which came into effect January 1, 2025. We have been aware of this issue since mid-December 2024 and have brought this to the attention of CBSA and the Department of Finance …

March 31st, 2025

CAF Executive Director Bob Kirke will discuss the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports during a session titled "The Impact of Tariffs on Canadian Imports in the USA at PV Montreal. The session will be held on April 23, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the Main Conference Room. Mr. Kirke will highlight how tariffs on "Made in Canada" products could lead to the loss of garment manufacturing jobs and encourage companies to shift production overseas.  The …

March 31st, 2025

Première Vision Montréal is set to open its doors on April 22-23, 2025, at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal, offering fashion professionals a unique opportunity to explore the evolving industry. The event will showcase over 100 leading exhibitors from around the globe, covering textiles, design, and innovation, making it a must-attend platform to understand and shape the future of fashion. The conference program will feature inspiring talks on trends, ethical fashion, artificial intelligence, fashion and gastronomy, product …

March 27th, 2025

CBSA has instituted a one-month delay in the implementation of the importer security provisions of CARM - the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program.  This delay will push back the day of reckoning to after the federal election.  A number of associations, including CAF, have warned the government that many smaller importers are not and will not be able to navigate new security requirements for imports.  Treasury Board has approved a regulatory package for a 30-day extension to the period …

March 24th, 2025

Canadian Apparel Monthly Digest  March 2025 Canadian Apparel Insights Retail Apparel Update Canada’s apparel sales during 2024 decreased by 2.8% according to Statistics Canada to C$36.5 billion. The decrease was the apparel category’s first sales decline since Canadian retail apparel sales fell 23.6% in 2020 because of Covid. Driving the 2024 decrease in apparel sales was the 3.8% decline in women’s apparel which accounted for 55.1% of total apparel sales. The 1.6% decrease in mens sales was less than the …