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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify selected store attributes of activewear specialty retailers that impact consumers’ satisfaction, which in turn influence word-of-mouth (WOM) and retail patronage behavior. Design/methodology/approach – Using an on-site store intercept, 150 responses were collected to answer hypothesized relationships. An exploratory factor analysis was first performed followed by a confirmatory factor analysis and a structural equation analysis. Findings – Results revealed that sales employees and store atmosphere attributes of activewear specialty stores had a positive influence on consumer satisfaction, which in turn had a direct impact on WOM and repatronage intentions for activewear specialty stores. Therefore, in order to satisfy consumers, activewear specialty retailers need to ensure that they provide an attractive and pleasant shopping atmosphere. Furthermore, satisfied consumers are likely to spread positive WOM about the retailer and display their intention to revisit the store in the future. The authors conclude by discussing the results and suggest implications and future research directions. Originality/value – The findings of this research shed light on the managerial implications for activewear specialty retailers with regards to marketing strategies and consumers’ attitudes.

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The greatest difficulty any apparel company encounters is managing demand uncertainty and controlling strategic consumer behaviors (consumers’ propensity to delay purchase intentionally until a sale occurs). Fast fashion retailers, however, have overcome these challenges by supplying the small quantities of latest fashion with agility, which has resulted in profitable revenue gains. This paper reviews what a fast fashion model is, why a fast fashion business model is becoming prominent in today’s apparel business, and how the supply chain is managed in a fast fashion business model. By examining the operation strategies of two successful fast fashion retailers (Zara and H&M), this study concludes with the elements of the fast fashion business model that can be effectively adopted by fashion retailers and future of fast fashion business model.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to explore perceptions of Indian consumers regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the apparel industry, and to investigate its importance in the apparel decision-making process. Design/methodology/approach -A qualitative research design was used as the methodological basis for the study. In-depth interviews were conducted in India with a total of 26 participants (19 males and 7 females). Interviews lasted between one and two hours and were conducted until saturation in responses was achieved. Findings -Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed via a thematic approach; six themes emerged that are used to organize participants' responses regarding CSR in the apparel industry. A conceptual framework grounded in the data was developed that highlights relationships between factors that surfaced as important to CSR in the decision-making process.Research limitations/implications -Because data were collected specifically with Indian consumers, study findings may not be applicable to consumers in other developing countries.Participants were asked about their perceptions of CSR as consumers, thus it would also be important to know how manufacturers in India view CSR and what it means for their businesses. Practical implications -Results of this study provide in-depth insight into Indian consumers' perceptions of CSR in the apparel industry. Understanding CSR from the Indian consumers' perspective helps to articulate the economic and social value of addressing ethical concerns within the global apparel supply chain. Originality/value -The paper's findings are consistent with those of previous studies on CSR and the paper is one of the first to examine the issues relative to the Indian consumer population. India is an important sourcing destination for international apparel retailers, and at the same time, boasts a large population of consumers with a growing level of purchasing power. The paper provides insight into what this group thinks about CSR in an industry that contributes significantly to their country's economy.