As the region experienced recessionary economic conditions in the past year due to the pandemic, the value of the apparel and footwear industry declined by 15%. As a result, new trends such as digitalisation, cash-on-delivery and the rise of casual wear emerged and started gaining traction. Though the pandemic caused massive disruptions to supply chains with country-wide lockdowns, port backlogs and shipping delays, many companies have turned to produce locally, which creates an advantage of having a more agile supply. In a market where agility is needed, it is in retailers' plans to support and invest in the local manufacturing industry.