Changes in the past three decades have profoundly affected the field of retailing. The wealth of data now available, advances in technology for designing and producing apparel, and the changing face of management in retail organizations provide only a few examples. Consumers have become more discerning with regard to the apparel they purchase, and while price is no longer the sole determining factor for a purchase, quality remains high on the list. Technological advances and societal changes fuel the need for up-to-date information and understanding among merchandising and management executives in the retailing industry. Concepts and Practical Applications is designed to fill that need by examining the many components involved in becoming knowledgeable about apparel.