This weekend's Chapter 11 filing by CIT Group apparently has big ramifications for the retail industry, especially apparel. The firm works with 2,000 vendors that supply merchandise to 300,000 stores and finances about 60% of the apparel industry, according to the Associated Press.The good news, according to a National Retail Federation spokesperson, is that most retailers already have their holiday season inventory taken care of. But the bad news is that it could seriously impact stocking fashions for the spring season. The article also says that the industry has been monitoring CIT for a while, so many companies might have found alternative financing sources. It also points out, though, that small- and medium-sized chains could suffer the most because unlike the mega chains, it's tougher for them to find credit.Is this something that these smaller retailers can overcome, or will it spell more doom for the industry?
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