The FRA 1 | Page 11

ntegration can also lower the cost of supply chain while increasing profits. It also speeds up the time products take to the market as well as increase product availability. As a result of external integration stores are also able to borrow stock from other stores meaning that there will always be products available for the consumer when required.

For boutiques and standalone stores like The Boutique in Essex will benefit more from internal integration. This means that information from each of their departments can be communicated rapidly to ensure that their supply chain runs as efficiently as possible.

For larger stores and franchises like Topshop internal and external integration would be both be needed. For brands like so because their head office may not be located anywhere near many of their stores

their internal integration has to be excellent. This will mean that information from head office can get to individual departments at each store.

Also for brand like this being integrated with external brands will really benefit them. It will allow them to keep an eye on their competitors while also being up to date with the industry.

Fashion Intergration