Initially, proprietary technology. In the longer run everyone will be competing on manufacturing flexibility and time to market. Garments are still largely ord

Initially, proprietary technology. In the longer run everyone will be competing on manufacturing flexibility and time to market. Garments are still largely ordered months in advance based on predicted sales of items (fashion buyers [1]). There is only marginal flexibility in supply (hence the rise of secondary distribution channels like Winners, Rue La La, etc). There is a point in just-in-time manufacturing where the physical distance becomes important. It still takes around 3 weeks for a physical good to leave a Chinese factory and arrive at a US distribution center. [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buyer_(fashion) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buyer_(fashion)