Apparel IndustryINDUSTRY: APPAREL RETAILERSINTRODUCTIONRetailers in the apparel industry are primarily engaged in the distribution, merchandising and sale of men's, women's and/or children's clothing to consumers. Clothing retailers include department stores, big box stores, specialty stores, national chains, discount and off-price stores, outlets, and mail order companies. A relatively new development is the rise of electronic forms of retailing such as interactive television and online shopping services. Some retailers who sell their own private labels go beyond their traditional role as distributors and become directly involved in the design and production of manufacturers' and contractors' clothing.SIC CODES RELATED TO THIS INDUSTRYSIC Code Industry Name5136 Apparel for men and boys5137 Women's and children's clothing5611 Men's clothing and boys' clothing5621 Women's clothing stores5632 Women's accessory and specialty stores5641 Children's and infant clothing stores5651 Family clothing stores5699 Miscellaneous. clothing and accessories storesINDUSTRY CHARACTERISTICSApparel sales have shown positive gains over the years, reflecting a dynamic U.S. economy and increasing incomes. All sectors of the clothing retail industry rely heavily on consumer spending. Since consumer spending accounts for two-thirds of the U.S. economy, these retailers become extremely vulnerable to sharp economic fluctuations. These retailers must do a good job of managing their inventory levels, staffing needs, and style and fashion trends to ensure they don't lose customers during boom and bust periods. . This is why many large clothing retailers such as The Gap and Wal-Mart can hold 20 percent...... middle of paper ......pliance.Bibliography: SOURCES "Faster Fast Food". Morning Edition, July 10, 2000. “Can I take your order?” IBM launches new drive-thru technology. » Business Wire. November 6, 2000. www.office.com “FYI: glimpse of the future.” Star Tribune. May 15, 2000, “Charging Fast Food.” June 10, 1999. www.cardweb.com/cardtrak/news/1999/june “A push to agree on a drive-thru future.” By Amy Zuckerman. February 20, 2000. www.ettm.com/news/future_agree.html “An approach to efficiency: fast food circuits are becoming even faster. » Wall Street Journal, May 18, 2000. "Irvine, Cali-based Taco Bell Ranks Fifth in Drive-Thru Ratings." Orange County Register, January 19, 1999. "Merchant News: McDonald's Tests Mobil Speedpass to Speed ​​Customer Wait Times." » ATM and debit news, October 26, 2000.