Dissertation: Analyzing Export-Import Business for Ladies Wear in UK

This dissertation provides an analysis of the export-import business for ladies wear in the UK market, focusing on Indian dresses. It examines market trends, challenges, and the influence of internal and external factors on buyer behavior. The study highlights the advantages of international trade, such as economies of scale and increased profitability, and the benefits for the UK, including GDP growth and foreign exchange earnings. It investigates the impact of income, cultural aspects, and social media on consumer decisions regarding Indian apparel. The dissertation also addresses the competitive landscape and challenges faced by traders in attracting customers and achieving their goals, ultimately offering insights into enhancing sales and market performance in the UK fashion industry. Desklib provides access to this and other solved assignments to aid students in their studies.

Dissertation topic-To analyse export-
import business for ladies wear in
UK market
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Abstract
In the present times, all the traders are involved in cross-border transactions to exchange or
supply their goods and services to and from other nations, called import-export. Now-a-days, ladies
like to wear traditional Indian wearing made from different natural and artificial material such as
Silk, Cotton, Jute and many others. In this dissertation, market trends and challenges have been
examined regarding the global trading practices in the United Kingdom. Moreover, different types
of internal and external factors which influence buyer shopping behaviour has been discussed and
analysed. In the study, it have been founded that international trade offer numerous advantages like
economies of scale, high turnover, competitive strength, more profit and stronger market share as
well. While, domestic country will be advantageous by increasing GDP, more employment
opportunity, favourable trade balance and more foreign exchange earnings. On the contrary to this,
import enables UK to resolves their difficulties such as shortage of material, acquisition of top
quality products at affordable prices etc. Furthermore, it has been investigated that income, cultural
aspect, social media networking and friends and family groups greatly influence the buyer decisions
to shop Indian apparel. Besides this, stiff competitive age is the main challenge that traders are
facing in their international practices to attract more customers and reach goals.
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Table of Contents
CHAPTER – 1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................4
1.1 Background of the study.............................................................................................................4
1.2 Research aims and objectives.....................................................................................................5
1.3 Research questions......................................................................................................................5
1.4 Rationale of the study.................................................................................................................5
1.5 Significance of the study............................................................................................................6
1.6 Structure of the dissertations......................................................................................................6
CHAPTER – 2 LITERATURE REVIEW............................................................................................8
2.1 Introduction................................................................................................................................8
2.2 Concept and significance of international trade.........................................................................8
2.3 Trend towards international business of Indian dresses in UK.................................................10
2.4 Impact of designer dresses on customer attraction and decision making.................................11
2.5 Internal and external factors that have impact on customer buying decisions in the context of
Indian apparels................................................................................................................................12
2.6 Stating the level of competition which exist in UK market in relation to different designer
Indian dresses..................................................................................................................................14
2.7 The model of consumer buying behaviour...............................................................................14
CHAPTER – 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY..............................................................................16
3.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................16
3.2 Research philosophy.................................................................................................................16
3.3 Research approach....................................................................................................................16
3.4 Research design........................................................................................................................17
3.5 Research type............................................................................................................................18
3.6 Data collection..........................................................................................................................18
3.7 Universe and sample.................................................................................................................19
3.8 Research instrument..................................................................................................................20
3.9 Data analysis.............................................................................................................................20
3.10 Ethical consideration..............................................................................................................21
3.11 Limitation................................................................................................................................21
3.12 Time frame..............................................................................................................................22
CHAPTER – 4 DATA ANALYSIS.....................................................................................................23
4.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................23
4.2 Data findings and analysis........................................................................................................23
CHAPTER - 5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION.......................................................35
5.1 Conclusion................................................................................................................................35
5.2 Recommendation......................................................................................................................36
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................37
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CHAPTER – 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
With the globalized market era and vast use of technologies, wide geographical area of the
world narrowed down. As a result, now-a-days, it becomes possible for the organizations to engage
in cross-border transactions. The process of exchanging and distributing goods and services to the
customers and corporations of other nation, is known as export-import (Caniato and et.al., 2015).
Such activities and operations are a great contributor to the economic gross domestic product (GDP)
and national growth and development. With regards to UK, its fashion industry is importing and
exporting Indian designer dresses to number of countries across the globe (Entwistle, 2015).
Customers are willing to wear Indian dresses because of their quality, designs, looks, different
material and also traditional attire. Moreover, with the changing time, shoppers buying behaviour,
consumer awareness, fluctuating demand, competitive market and technological advancement such
as e-commerce brings significant improvement in the cross-country trading, especially in clothing
sector (Apparel, Textile, clothing and Fashion Industry Market Research, 2014). Due to such market
changes, it becomes possible for UK to involve in cross border transactions, in which it import
goods from India and sell it to other area of the world. It attract customer from number of nations by
introducing Indian dresses in different designs, looks and sizes. As per the statistical report of UK
fashion industry, large proportion of the industrial share consist of women wearing as it is 40%,
however, men clothing has total share of 23%, babies to 1% and other clothing and accessories to
36%. Thus, the statistical data shows that UK clothing establishments are exporting large quantity
of products to the international customers to achieve success.
The main aim of this research investigation is to examine and analyse the current trends as
well as challenges in the export-import operations of the Indian ladies wearing by UK. The propose
dissertation emphasizes on the availability of Indian women dresses in different variety and designs
in UK so as to attract large number of consumers from the other countries. Moreover, it will
evaluate the changes in buying pattern, shopping behaviour, consumer preferences and their needs,
wants and desire over the time. By studying and analysing the market trends, organizations can
select appropriate strategies to enhance their sales and performance in the forthcoming period.
Through serving foreign customers in the best possible manner, companies will be able to attract
more and more consumers by satisfying their need consistently (Henninger and et.al., 2015). Apart
from this, it also examines both the internal and external factors which impact the cross-border
transactions of Indian dresses in UK. Along with this, the current trends and challenges in the
foreign trade of Indian dresses will be analyzed so as to increase the target customer base, market
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shares and competitive strength as well.
1.2 Research aims and objectives
Aim of the study:
“To analyse the export-import business of Indian dresses in UK market”
Research objectives:
 To review the literature, relate to the international export-import business of Indian dresses
in UK
 To analyse the influence of attract new customers.
 To access the external and internal factors impacting export and import.
 To determine the key challenges for successful growth of the business.
1.3 Research questions
Ques 1. What are the current trends of import-export business of Indian ladies wearing in the UK
market?
Ques 2. How different designer dresses are helpful for the commercial establishments to attract
more and more customers?
Ques 3. Which kinds of internal as well as external factors influence customer buying decisions in
UK?
Ques 4. What is the level of competition among organizations in making different designer Indian
dresses in the international market?
1.4 Rationale of the study
The main reason for carrying out this investigation is to examine the structure and
operations of international trading practices of ladies dresses from India. The research will explain
that how foreign trade works in the UK market. Moreover, in the previous studies, some loopholes
has been identified as although many research has been conducted on export-import business, but
still, none of the investigation has been done with regards to Indian Ladies wearing in UK.
Therefore, this research study will evaluate the demand of Indian dresses in UK market and assess
that how better customer relationship can be maintained by serving quality products and services.
Through this, companies can expand their operations in other nations also and formulate more
effective strategies and make decisions as well (Hall and Jayne, 2016). Apart from this, the effect of
different factors such as technology, design, quality, prices, changing customer choices, competition
etc. on the foreign trading practices will be analysed. With this, currently operating companies can
take better decisions to enhance their performance whereas potential entities can make effective
strategies to establish the business in the competitive market place.
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1.5 Significance of the study
The outcome of this investigation surely provides extreme level of help to the other PHD
scholars, who desire to conduct the study on similar kind of topic in the future years. Moreover, it
includes an in-depth evaluation of trends, threats and potential opportunities of the export-import
operations of Indian ladies clothing products in UK market. Through this, corporations who are
running their functions in the industry will be able to analyse the market volatility in the terms of
changing customer behaviour, buying perception, preferences, consumer spending level and their
likes and dislikes as well (Marcella and Rowley, 2015). With the assistance of this, they can
maximize the market opportunities and take benefit of the same and minimize market threats.
Further, managers can frame better strategies and take decisions for the business development and
reach their target aims and objectives. In addition to this, government also make policies in order to
ensure economic progress via industrial development. Thus, this investigation facilitate the UK
government to examine the prevailing market conditions in the export-import operations
(Armstrong and et.al., 2015). It will be very helpful to take strategic decisions for the national
growth and development by increasing total export, decreasing import, offering more employment
opportunities and foreign exchange earnings as well. Apart from this, this study will be of huge
importance, specially for the person who are planning to start up their own export-import business
in the future period.
1.6 Structure of the dissertations
Chapter: 1. Introduction
This section of the dissertation outlined the background and brief description of the selected
research topic. In this chapter, researcher provided a basic understanding of the import-export
business of ladies wear in UK market. Investigator also formulated aims and objectives to conduct
an in-depth analysis and evaluation. Moreover, its potential significance and reason to conduct this
investigation has been discussed.
Chapter: 2. Literature review
This chapter of the research examined the opinions and views of different authors who
conducted similar kind of study previously. This chapter is of huge importance as, through this,
investigator became able to understand the concept and current trends and challenges in the UK
market for ladies wearing.
Chapter: 3 Research methodologies
This section involves various methods, techniques, approaches and tools to conduct the
study in suitable manner. Moreover, every methodology which is selected for the study has been
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justified, so that, it can be proven as the best method and technique. Apart from this, it also shed
light on the ethical consideration and limitation of the study.
Chapter: 4 Data finding, analysis and evaluation
It is the most crucial and important section of the entire investigation because in this, data
has been assembled from different sources and examined through applying suitable techniques. It
enable researcher to found an appropriate solution of the issue and conclude the whole study in well
manner.
Chapter: 5 Conclusion and recommendations
It is the last chapter which summarize the findings of the research that an investigator has
attained by the critical evaluation of the gathered data. On the basis of this, appropriate
recommendation has been given to the organizations that are operating in the UK fashion industry,
so that, they can enhance their target customer base and reach success.
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CHAPTER – 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
Literature review is regarded as the process of describing, summarizing and analysing the
opinions and views of the previous scholar who conduct the study on the same topic. It provides a
theoretical base for the investigation and helps to identify the nature of the study (Marcella and
Rowley, 2015). This in turn helps in gaining deeper understanding about the research topic or area.
By doing literature scholar can prepare brief thesis which in turn helps him in making suitable
analysis of data gathered. It is a summarized and an evaluative report of the different information
founded in the historical literature based on the selected issue. In this chapter, the theoretical
concept and framework of the import-export transactions of Indian ladies clothing products in UK
market have been evaluated through the reviews of book and historical scholarly articles. With the
help of this, an investigator can develop their own understanding regards to the chosen topic.
2.2 Concept and significance of international trade
According to Cavusgil and et.al., (2014) international trade refers to the exchange of
products and services across different nations of the world. In other words, the supply and
distribution of goods by the domestic organization to the foreign customers is called global trade.
There are two major elements of it that are imports and exports. In such respect, the acquisition of
goods from the countries, other than domestic nation is called import. With reference to the UK's
clothing industry, purchase of ladies dresses in different design from the country, India is known as
import transactions. Shortage availability of the goods, excessive market demand and availability of
quality products at cheaper prices are some of the most important reasons of import. It enable UK
based establishments to fulfil their consumer demand, including both domestic and international.
However, according to the view point of Chaiprasit and Swierczek (2011) export is an another
element, in which, goods and services are shipped to the other countries by the producing nation,
called export. In other words, selling and disposal of products to distinct land of the world to meet
their demand is known as export transaction.
As per the opinion of Chan and Ng (2013) in the present times, almost each and every nation
is engaging in global trading so as to enhance their gross domestic product and thereby assure
economic progress. It plays a crucial role in the nation’s growth and development as increasing the
volume of exporting increase foreign exchange earnings, customer base and generates more job
opportunities for the domestic people. However, on the critical note, Chandra, Styles and Wilkinson
(2012) argued that although there are number of benefits of international trade, but still, all the
overseas transactions are highly regulated and governed by the authorities. It is because, excessive
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imports decrease the government treasury as they need to pay money to the exporter and also their
domestic production may be dependent on the goods supplying by the other nations. Contrary to
this, high export also may be a hurdle in the home country development due to goods shortage to
meet own country's demand. Despite this, Chong, Shafaghi and Tan (2011) suggested that foreign
trade provides number of benefits to the country such as high efficiency, optimum use of natural
resources, economies of scale and develop co-operation and peaceful relationship with other
nations. Due to above advantage and drawbacks, in the global trading, both the exportation and
importation are controlled by the custom authority through the rules and regulations and import
quotas. The aim of this regulation is to make a balance between both the imports and exports for the
UK growth.
In accordance with the view points of Dibb, Simkin and Wilson (2012) international trade
facilitates optimum allocation of resources to the large extent. Along with this, global trade also
provides opportunity to make use of the efficient labour of oversees market. Moreover, there are
several places of the world where highly efficient and skilled personnel are available to perform the
business operations and functions more efficiently. However, on the critical note, Dziri (2013)
argued that when specific country makes focus on high level of exports then raw material and
minerals get exhausted. Along with this, living standard of the people of home country is also
highly affected when it makes focus on export Dziri (2013) also stated that international trade offers
opportunity to the firm to make effectual political relationship with other countries. For instance:
UK imports ladies wear from India with the aim to satisfy the need of Indian people. In this way,
global trade provides chance to the political authorities of UK to build and maintain harmonious
relationship with Indian government. This in turn offers several financial and non-financial benefits
to the both home and host country.
In the thesis, Figge and et. al., (2012) stated that through the means of international trade
home country can overcome the problem in relation to the scarcity of resources to the large extent.
Moreover, it is not possible that each country has enough amounts of resources for meeting the
manufacturing needs. In this situation, business unit has chance to perform its manufacturing
functions more effectively and efficiently. For example: UK purchases raw material from India for
manufacturing the Indian ethnic wears. Moreover, India is the place from which one can import raw
material for manufacturing clothes at affordable prices. In this way, UK would become able to
manufacture ladies wear in the best possible way. Thus, through the means of international trade
UK can generate enough resources namely raw material etc. However, Gilligan and Wilson (2012)
critically evaluated that when business organization imports finished good namely manufactured
clothes from other countries then it directly influences the economic growth and development.
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Moreover, when goods are imported from other countries then it may result into low level of
production in the home country. Due to this, high level of decline takes place in domestic
employment opportunities.
Further, Gilmore (2010) presented their views that international trade offers chance to both
home and host country to enhance their wealth to the great extent. It enables countries to make
contribution in the achievement of their goals and objectives. For example: When UK imports raw
aspects from India then it has to make payment in its own currency level. This in turn enables India
to make effectual balance of payment and strengthen the position of the country by getting payment
in the currency of UK. Along with this, by importing clothes from India, UK clothing stores can
fulfil the need of Indian people in relation to the ethnic wear to the large extent. Moreover, there are
several Indian people who live in UK. From research, it has been assessed that Indian people
comprise for 1.4 million populations from the whole. In this, by importing Indian apparels UK can
satisfy the needs, wants and cultural beliefs of the migrated Indian people to the significant level. In
addition to this, there are also several UK people who prefer to wear Indian designer outlets on
specific occasions. In this regard, by importing Indian attire clothing firms of UK can meet the
demand of the customers significantly. Thus, by taking into account all the above aspects it can be
said that international trade is highly significant for UK. In this way, such trading opportunities will
maximize the productivity and profitability of UK to the great level. However, it is to be critically
evaluated by Hollensen (2010) that in international trade, company which imports raw aspects also
face difficulty in managing the cost due to high import duties and tax policies. Thus, it is also the
main aspects which companies are compelled to sell the clothes at higher prices. This in turn affects
the demand of the people of home country due to the higher prices. In this way, international trade
has both positive and negative impact on the respective country.
2.3 Trend towards international business of Indian dresses in UK
In accordance with the views of Jahdi and Acikdilli (2012) there is wide scope is available in
UK market in relation to the international business of Indian dresses. Moreover, data presented on
England and Wales clearly shows that approximately 45% people are British Indian who lives in
UK. In this, by importing Indian dresses UK clothing business organization can fulfil the
expectations of the Indian customers. Along with this, UK can also export Indian dresses to other
developing countries. In this regard, by offering opportunity to the both Indian and UK people
regarding design and export it to other developing nations. This in turn helps UK to make
contribution in the economic development to the large extent. However, Kraus, Harms and Fink
(2010) criticized that after migration British Indian people also adopt western culture. They also
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started to wear western outfits rather than traditional with the aim to comply with the cultural
aspects of the respective country. In this, there is a threat for the UK companies who want to enter
in international business of Indian dresses. In the context of international business, Labbi and
Berrospi (2015) presented that there are several British people who carry Indian ethnic wear. Along
with this, when British people go to visit Indian places then they also purchase Indian dresses. In
this regard, by importing the Indian dresses UK clothing companies can enhance its profitability
level by satisfying the need of both Migrant and other British people.
2.4 Impact of designer dresses on customer attraction and decision making
As per the view points of Lee and Carter (2011) designer dresses are the main points of
attraction which grab the attention level of individual. In the present era, perception level of the
customers is highly influenced by the apparels which are displayed by the clothing firm in the store.
Now, customer traffic is highly influenced by the display aspect of the store. The reason behind this,
each and every people have desire to look different from others. Along with this, dressing is one of
the main aspects which have high level of impact on the looking aspect of individuals. For instance:
For parties, ladies make focus on purchasing the apparel which is highly exclusive. Thus,
exclusivity acts as stimuli and encourages ladies to purchase designer apparels. However, on the
critical note, Ahmed and d'Astous (2008) claimed that Indian ladies do not prefer to carry dresses
which are in against to their cultural aspects. Moreover, dressing sense of Indian people is highly
different from western culture. There are several aspects which are considered by the Indian people
while making purchase of dresses namely designs, looking etc. Hence, sometimes Indian people are
not attracted towards the dress which is not in accordance with their culture and traditional aspects.
Berthon and et.al., 2012) presented that clothing is one of the main industries which is
highly affected from the changing needs, wants and preferences of the customers. Now, customers’
demands in relation to apparels are getting changed with the very high pace. In the present time,
ladies prefer to purchase the apparel which is designed in a unique way. Moreover, ladies are highly
attention seeker; they want to reflect their high status in the society. By considering such aspect,
ladies make focus on purchasing the designer clothes rather than common outfits. Along with this,
when ladies carry designer dresses then such apparels also grab the attention level of others. In this
way, to satisfy such aspect ladies prefer to purchase highly unique dresses to the great extent.
However, Cavusgil and et.al., (2014) evaluated on a critical way by taking into account the
consumer buying model that different people have varied preferences and taste in relation to their
dressing style. Moreover, ladies prefer to wear different dresses at various occasions. In India,
different types of dresses take place for enjoying the occasions like festival, parties etc. For
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instance: For the marriage purpose, ladies wear lehanga chunri. On the other hand, for enjoying
navratri Indian ladies are looking for designer traditional dresses. Moreover, in accordance with the
consumer buying model clothing store can understand the customer perception and attitude by
taking into consideration the five stages. On the basis of this model, customers make purchasing
decision by identifying their need. Thereafter, customers make effort to get information regarding
the way through which they can fulfil their need. For instance: If lady want to purchase apparel for
the weeding purpose then she places emphasis on getting information about the store which will
offer best collection to her. Thereafter, individual also makes evaluation of the other stores which
offer best wedding collection. Hence, by considering all such aspects customers make decision in
relation to the purchasing of dress which makes their wedding aspect more memorable. Besides
this, in the last stage, individual makes evaluation of the level to which their needs are satisfied.
Hence, by following all the above aspects Indian ladies wear store can attract large number of
customers.
Chaiprasit and Swierczek (2011) claimed that now there is a trend towards purchasing
attractively designed Indian outfits from boutique. Moreover, customers think that boutique
provides ladies with the exclusive designer apparel on the basis of their needs, wants and
preferences. Usually, apparels which are offered by the malls are highly similarly designed. On the
other hand, boutique is the place which provides chance to wear designer clothes. This in turn helps
them in building image in the parties, festivals and other occasions (Caniato and et.al., 2015). Thus,
it is also one of the main aspects due to which customers are attracted to purchase designer dresses.
2.5 Internal and external factors that have impact on customer buying decisions in the context of
Indian apparels
Jahdi and Acikdilli (2012) stated that UK marketer can understand consumer buying
behaviour towards Indian dresses by taking into consideration the Kottler model. This model
involves six stages which provide high level of assistance in assessing and understanding the
consumer behaviour towards purchasing of apparel. In accordance with this model, consumer
buying behaviour starts with the identification of need and ends at post purchase behaviour.
Moreover, customer takes decision in relation to purchasing the apparel when it identifies the need
of it. Thereafter, customers make effort in relation to identifying the brands which offer quality and
designer Indian dresses to the customers. In this regard, one can gather information from internet
and by taking suggestions from the family members. On the basis of such aspect individual prepares
list of brands and make evaluation of it on the basis of price, quality, fabric and designs. Once
evaluation of the brand has been done thereafter customer makes decision in relation to the
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