Quick response and the supply chain in fast fashion in South Africa : a case study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that comprise the quick response and supply chain activities in the fast fashion clothing industry in a developing country, namely South Africa, and then to investigate the relative importance of these factors via a case study of one of the main fast fashion retailers in South Africa. The research used a case study method with a quantitative, questionnaire-based survey to collect data from a sample of 100 employees, self-selected via a convenience sample, from departments that were purposively selected. Data was collected via an e-mailed survey, resulting in a 45% response rate. The study findings confirmed the importance of both quick response and supply chain efficiency to a successful fast fashion implementation in a developing country like South Africa, in terms of picking up trends quicker, faster lead times and less mistakes, all leading to greater competitiveness. An additional benefit identified was the revival of local production. Since this was the first research of its type in South Africa, it will contribute to knowledge about fast fashion in South Africa, and possibly in other developing countries, and hopefully will initiate a continuing stream of research into fast fashion, especially with other retailers and provide more detail on the key drivers of drivers and barriers of fast fashion implementation.