Consumers with physical limitations want apparel products and retail environments that work for them. Inclusive design is a framework for developing products to satisfy multiple consumers, regardless of their physical ability. This qualitative study reports on physical limitations and apparel preferences of working women (n = 9) with a variety of limitations. A prototype for a garment was developed, wear‐tested, and evaluated using inclusive design criteria. Subsequently, manufacturers (n = 6) were interviewed regarding production and distribution within the existing system. Results indicate that (a) the effect of disability on the body supercedes clinical definition for apparel product development, (b) working women with various disabilities have similar apparel needs, (c) inclusive design can be a successful strategy for product development, and (d) current industry perceptions about disability present the greatest barrier to successful implementation. The researchers conclude that further studies should focus on industry “buy‐in” of inclusive design as a framework for product development.

The purpose of this study was to identify shopping orientation segments for US female consumers. The sample included 151 women, aged 18 years and over. This research examined differences in the segments relative to store patronage preferences (i.e. department, discount, specialty), attitude toward the environment of the store selected as first choice when shopping for a specific apparel item (i.e. a dress), and demographic characteristics. Cluster analysis revealed that four shopping segments described the female consumers. The segments were named Decisive Apparel Shopper, Confident Apparel Shopper, Highly Involved Apparel Shopper, and Extremely Involved Apparel Shopper, based on several shopping factors. Differences were found among the shopping orientation segments for store of first choice, attitude and household income. Implications and future research directions are discussed.

Purpose -Firms in the apparel industry seek operational information on ways to implement mass customization. The purpose of this research is to investigate the potential for concurrent engineering (CE) to realign the traditional, linear apparel product development process to a more concurrent and consumer-focused process in order to facilitate the implementation of the new supply chain process (i.e. mass customization) with sensitivity to time-to-market demands. Design/methodology/approach -The case study method was used with three non-competing apparel firms. Survey instruments and focus group feedback were utilized, which allowed the researchers to collect in-depth information about the apparel product development process, often considered proprietary in many industries. Findings -Product development activities in the lengthy apparel product development process were realigned with many activities being ranked as early or middle activities. This realignment into a compressed and nearly simultaneous process supports activities that must be done early and often simultaneously rather than late to support a mass customization strategy.Research limitations/implications -The case study approach and apparel-oriented sample reduces generalizability of findings; however, realignment of activities and provided operational information encourage future research to document the findings for apparel and other industries. Practical implications -Suggested movement of activities can be used as a guide for designers and manufacturers when trying to improve their product development process. Originality/value -The paper provides needed detailed or operational information about implementation of mass customization in the apparel industry.

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An effective apparel design process is key to the successful launch of an apparel product. Application of engineering design process theory, the foundation of the design process, may enhance understanding of the apparel design process. Goals of this research were to: (a) interpret actions and decisions made during the apparel design process, (b) determine whether the specific stages of engineering design process theory were used by apparel designers and merchandisers, and (c) determine applicability of engineering design process theory to apparel design. The research method was interpretive qualitative research employing triangulated methods of long interview and observation. Interview questions focused on actions and decisions made during the apparel design process. Inter-rater reliability and respondent validation were used to increase research reliability. Results showed that there is a systematic building block process to designing apparel lines and a direct relationship between engineering design process theory and process steps used by apparel design associates.