Wal-Mart Apparel: Beyond Basics

Retail Forward expects brands and fashion to get greater attention at Wal-Mart over the next five years. While Retail Forward believes that Wal-Mart's current business model does not mesh well with the risks inherent in a fashion business, it does expect Wal-Mart to continue to strengthen and freshen its private labels and add more well-known national brands to its apparel mix. This report examines Wal-Mart's latest initiatives in the apparel categories and assess how the company will impact competitors and suppliers as it pursues its fashion focus.