The British rag trade has been experiencing a revival in recent years, thanks to the success of online fashion retailer Boohoo and its Leicester factory. Boohoo has been able to tap into the growing demand for fast fashion, offering trendy and affordable clothing to consumers around the world.
The Leicester factory, which employs over 1,000 people, has been a key factor in Boohoo’s success. The factory is able to produce clothing quickly and efficiently, allowing Boohoo to keep up with the fast-paced nature of the fashion industry. The factory also allows Boohoo to maintain a close relationship with its suppliers, ensuring that the company is able to source high-quality materials at a reasonable price.
The success of Boohoo and its Leicester factory has not gone unnoticed by other companies in the fashion industry. Many are now looking to replicate Boohoo’s model, with some even setting up their own factories in Leicester. This has led to a resurgence in the British rag trade, with Leicester becoming a hub for fast fashion production.
However, the success of the Leicester factory has not been without controversy. In 2020, an investigation by The Sunday Times revealed that workers at the factory were being paid as little as £3.50 per hour, well below the minimum wage in the UK. The investigation also found that workers were being forced to work in unsafe conditions, with little regard for their health and safety.
Boohoo has since taken steps to address these issues, including increasing the wages of its workers and implementing new health and safety measures. The company has also commissioned an independent review of its supply chain, which is due to be published in September 2021.
Despite these challenges, the revival of the British rag trade is set to continue. With the demand for fast fashion showing no signs of slowing down, companies like Boohoo are well-positioned to take advantage of this trend. The Leicester factory, with its efficient production methods and close relationship with suppliers, will continue to play a key role in the success of the British rag trade.
