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Purpose -1 January 2005 sees quota elimination in textile and apparel trade. This study traces textile and apparel trade, since 1994 and analyzes how trade agreements have influenced sourcing within the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the world. Statistical measurements of offshore sourcing of textile and apparel are analyzed with emphasis on developments in countries within NAFTA and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Design/methodology/approach -Prior to NAFTA, the United States major textile and apparel trade involved the "far shore" countries of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and the "near shore" countries of Canada and Mexico. Charting statistical measurements from the databases of the Office of Textile and Apparel, US Department of Commerce for the past decade reveals dramatic changes in sourcing locations for US firms. Findings -Trade agreements have influenced the production, manufacturing, and sourcing of textile and apparel products. Small-and large-scale restructuring of the industries of the world are required in response to the changes in trade of textiles and apparel. As a result of the Multi-Fiber Agreement (MFA) 1974, Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC) 1994, NAFTA 1994, and the transitional program of the WTO of 1995 global sourcing had re-directed the course of US textiles and apparel trade markets to low cost offshore locations at the expense of US jobs. Originality/value -This study gives insight into concerns and problems facing the US and other developed countries as jobs in many areas are transferred to low wage countries.

As customer return rates increase, retailer bottom lines suffer from customers' misuse of the policies and to the ethics of such practice. The purpose of this study is to explore customers' orientation toward return behaviors, and to develop a return orientation assessing these dimensions. This research identified three dimensions relevant to consumer return behavior: the planned/unethical returner; the eager returner; and the reluctant/educated returner. A retest with another sample confirmed these three dimensions. Each dimension was analyzed for its relationship with consumer ethical beliefs as measured by the Muncy-Vitell Consumer Ethics Scale, ethical philosophies and shopping behaviors. These relationships supported the ethical and unethical aspects of returner orientation. Results of this research imply that the core aspect of returner orientation is relevant to ethical behavior and misuse of retail return policies. The three return orientations identified partially support the Rosenbaum & Bitner-Olson research.

Presents results of a study to investigate reliability and consistency of e‐tailer site features when used by a browser/shopper over time. Sites are assessed for information (product, personal, company); product (search, currency, pricing); ordering (online, help, security); user friendliness; format interactivity; and homepage updates. It was found that the sites presented varied results. Discusses implications for a browser/shopper and long‐term loyalty.

Retailers talk about giving value to consumers, but the literature yields no clear definition of value. This study represents an initial attempt to define value empirically from a retailer and consumer perspective based on consumer user experience with apparel products and retailers chosen to shop. If one can determine the attributes that are most important to consumers, then it may be possible to utilise value as a strategic competitive advantage in differentiating a retailer and a product in what consumers ever‐increasingly see as commoditised products and stores. There are importance attribute differences for the retailer chosen to shop and values related to the product and the store.