Assignment Task - Role of Digitalization in Fast Fashion Supply Chain Assignment

Fast Fashion describes a business model in the textile trade where collections are constantly changing, and the time from the latest designs by fashion creators to mass production in stores is significantly reduced. The constant change in the assortment and a shortened shelf life of the materials used are intended to encourage customers to visit the sales areas frequently. Sales can be further increased by evaluating sales data and reacting quickly to it. Major players in the fast fashion industry include H&M, Zara, and Benetton. Each company employs different mechanisms to deliver an efficient strategy that meets customer value.

Task: Compare and contrast the approaches taken by H&M, Benetton, and Zara in managing their supply chains. Highlight the differences in their approaches, focusing on the processes of design, manufacturing, sourcing, and distribution. Discuss the limitations of the different approaches concerning internationalization and market expansion. How could digitalization contribute to optimizing their supply chain operations?