Fashion Forecast

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We were under the impression that now is not a great time to launch a fashion line, but according to industry research firm IBISWorld, we're gravely mistaken. On the contrary, a new report states that as long as long as prices are kept low, fashion design ranks as one of the top start-up opportunities this year. "In recent years, smaller independent designers have been sprouting like never before, largely attributed to the growing popularity of online retail, as well as relatively low entry barriers and start-up costs," says analyst George Van Horn, who adds: "This has helped give the industry the ability to move forward, despite the retail sector taking a big hit." Other good news? The firm predicts we'll start to see industry-wide recovery at about this time next year. [RackedWire]