In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Apparel Federation (CAF) | The CAF is the national association for Canada's apparel industry. CAF represents the industry, and is a source for information and advice on national and international issues, and for industry-specific services. Follow the association on Twitter - @caf_apparel
American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) | The national (US) trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market. Try starting with Tools and Research.
Fashion Group International (Canada) | The Fashion Group is a global non-profit organization of executives, designers and entrepreneurs in more than thirty chapters around the world.
TIP: Use ASAE Gateway to Associations Directory to search for an association by name, interest area, or international geographic location (including Canada and BC). You can also search using a combination of various fields.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade journals (often called magazines or trade publications) can be very useful in helping you find current articles relating to business research. Contact your local research library to determine which trade journal subscriptions they have. There are also free trade publications that you can access online.
Vancouver Fashion Ezine / Fame'd Magazine
The Vancouver Fashion eZine promotes the best local talent by featuring some of the most creative people (designers, photographers, make-up artists, stylists, models etc.) in every magazine issue. Scheduled for publication 9 times per year.
Published by Canada Wide Media Limited, BCBusiness has been in publication for over 40 years. It focuses on businesses within the province of British Columbia. The search on Retail industries will help guide you in finding relevant information in the industry.
TIP: Try searching Ulrichs Periodical Directory to develop a list of important trade publications in your industry.
Consultant & Other Websites
Statista
How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.
A simple to use statistics portal that integrates statistics from thousands of sources, on topics related to business, media, public policy, health and others. Statistics can be exported in PPT, XLS, PDF, and PNG formats. Some basic content available for free.
- Canadian apparel market - statistics and facts
- Monthly sales of unisex clothing and accessories at large retailers in Canada from January 2015 to April 2019 (in million Canadian dollars)
- Monthly sales of girls’, boys’ and infants’ clothing and accessories at large retailers in Canada from January 2015 to April 2019 (in million Canadian dollars)
- Monthly sales of women’s clothing and accessories at large retailers in Canada from January 2015 to April 2019 (in million Canadian dollars)
- Monthly sales of men’s clothing and accessories at large retailers in Canada from January 2015 to April 2019 (in million Canadian dollars)
- Leading apparel retailers in British Columbia by number of outlets 2019
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.