I need to get general information re: imported clothing channels of
distribution in the United States.  More specifically, the role of
wholesalers (are they still significant when clothing retailers are
increasingly directly sourcing offshore and do not need middlemen?),
trends in the wholesale channel, different ways of entering the
market (buyer agents, manufacturer's
rep), usual margins applied, etc.  I have enough information on
retailing, I am mostly interested in wholesaling...

If you find anything out, we would appreciate
your also detailing the issue of quota licenses
from source countries of apparel and how
wholesalers or major retailers get them and
possibly sub-license them.  Thanks.