GITNUXREPORT 2026

Retail And Apparel Industry Statistics

The global apparel industry is steadily growing with strong trends toward online sales, athleisure, and sustainability.

Gitnux Team

Expert team of market researchers and data analysts.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

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Statistic 1

In 2023, 68% of global consumers aged 16-24 purchased clothing online at least once a month.

Statistic 2

42% of U.S. shoppers prefer sustainable brands in apparel purchases as of 2023.

Statistic 3

Millennial women spend 25% more on athleisure than non-millennials in 2023.

Statistic 4

55% of consumers returned apparel items bought online in 2023 due to fit issues.

Statistic 5

Gen Z prioritizes brand values with 62% willing to pay more for ethical apparel in 2023.

Statistic 6

37% of shoppers abandoned carts due to high shipping costs in apparel e-commerce 2023.

Statistic 7

Women account for 75% of all apparel purchases globally in 2023.

Statistic 8

49% of consumers influenced by social media influencers in fashion buys 2023.

Statistic 9

Average U.S. consumer buys 68 apparel items per year in 2023.

Statistic 10

71% of shoppers read reviews before buying clothing online in 2023.

Statistic 11

Loyalty programs drive 40% repeat purchases in apparel retail 2023.

Statistic 12

58% of parents buy kids' apparel based on durability in 2023.

Statistic 13

Mobile shopping for apparel up 30% among 18-34 year olds in 2023.

Statistic 14

45% of consumers prefer in-store try-on before online purchase in 2023.

Statistic 15

Price sensitivity highest in mass-market apparel with 65% of buyers in 2023.

Statistic 16

52% of luxury buyers seek exclusivity in purchases 2023.

Statistic 17

Eco-labels influence 38% of apparel buying decisions in Europe 2023.

Statistic 18

Impulse buys account for 28% of apparel sales in physical stores 2023.

Statistic 19

61% of men now shop for their own clothing vs 45% in 2018.

Statistic 20

Personalization boosts conversion by 20% in apparel e-tail 2023.

Statistic 21

47% avoid brands with poor labor practices in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 22

Subscription boxes popular with 22% of young adults for apparel.

Statistic 23

Visual search used by 36% for fashion discovery in 2023.

Statistic 24

53% of Boomers prefer department stores for apparel shopping.

Statistic 25

AR try-on features increase purchase intent by 25% in 2023 tests.

Statistic 26

40% buy apparel during sales events like Black Friday 2023.

Statistic 27

Diversity in models influences 55% of Gen Z purchases.

Statistic 28

Global e-commerce apparel sales hit 800 billion USD in 2023, 30% of total retail.

Statistic 29

Amazon captured 37% of U.S. online apparel sales in 2023.

Statistic 30

Mobile commerce accounted for 60% of apparel e-sales in 2023.

Statistic 31

Shein generated 32 billion USD in revenue from apparel e-commerce 2023.

Statistic 32

Online apparel returns rate averaged 24% in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 33

ASOS online sales reached 3.9 billion GBP in FY2023.

Statistic 34

Social commerce apparel sales grew 45% YoY to 50 billion USD globally 2023.

Statistic 35

Zalando's e-commerce revenue hit 10.1 billion EUR in 2023.

Statistic 36

75% of apparel brands now have DTC online stores in 2023.

Statistic 37

TikTok Shop apparel sales surged 150% in first year 2023.

Statistic 38

Average online apparel order value $85 in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 39

Live streaming sales for fashion reached 300 billion CNY in China 2023.

Statistic 40

Boohoo Group online apparel revenue 1.75 billion GBP 2023.

Statistic 41

Marketplace platforms like Temu drove 20% of new apparel e-sales 2023.

Statistic 42

Subscription e-commerce for apparel grew to 5 billion USD 2023.

Statistic 43

Personalized recommendations boost apparel e-sales by 35% 2023.

Statistic 44

India online apparel market 15 billion USD in 2023, 25% growth.

Statistic 45

Farfetch luxury e-commerce sales 2.3 billion USD 2023.

Statistic 46

Voice commerce for apparel projected 5% of sales by 2025, starting 1% 2023.

Statistic 47

Cross-border e-apparel sales 200 billion USD globally 2023.

Statistic 48

Nike DTC online sales 50% of total revenue in FY2023.

Statistic 49

E-commerce penetration in apparel 25% in Europe 2023.

Statistic 50

Rent-the-runway model generated 300 million USD 2023.

Statistic 51

SEO drives 40% of apparel e-commerce traffic 2023.

Statistic 52

Flash sales sites like Rue La La 1 billion USD apparel 2023.

Statistic 53

Omnichannel apparel sales up 15% with buy online pick up in store 2023.

Statistic 54

U.S. apparel retail employment at 1.6 million jobs in 2023.

Statistic 55

Average apparel retail profit margin 5.5% in 2023.

Statistic 56

Top 10 apparel companies revenue totaled 400 billion USD 2023.

Statistic 57

Walmart apparel sales 80 billion USD contributing to total revenue 2023.

Statistic 58

Inditex (Zara) net profit 5.4 billion EUR in 2023.

Statistic 59

U.S. apparel retail bankruptcies 15 major ones in 2023.

Statistic 60

Average hourly wage in U.S. apparel retail $16.50 in 2023.

Statistic 61

H&M Group sales 23.3 billion EUR, up 5% in 2023.

Statistic 62

E-commerce drove 40% EBITDA growth for Lululemon 2023.

Statistic 63

Global apparel retail EBITDA margin averaged 8.2% 2023.

Statistic 64

Gap Inc. revenue 14.9 billion USD, loss narrowed 2023.

Statistic 65

Fast Retailing (Uniqlo) operating profit 330 billion JPY 2023.

Statistic 66

25% of apparel retailers cut costs by 10% via automation 2023.

Statistic 67

PVH Corp (Tommy Hilfiger) sales 9.2 billion USD 2023.

Statistic 68

Shrinkage losses in apparel retail 1.6% of sales, 25 billion USD U.S. 2023.

Statistic 69

Adidas revenue 21.2 billion EUR, down 2% 2023.

Statistic 70

Under Armour net revenue 5.7 billion USD 2023.

Statistic 71

Employee turnover in retail apparel 60% annually 2023.

Statistic 72

Levi Strauss net revenue 6.2 billion USD, up 7% 2023.

Statistic 73

Rent expenses 12% of operating costs for apparel stores 2023.

Statistic 74

VF Corp (North Face) revenue 10.5 billion USD down 2% 2023.

Statistic 75

Private label apparel sales 20% of U.S. market, margins 10% higher 2023.

Statistic 76

American Eagle revenue 5.0 billion USD up 11% 2023.

Statistic 77

Inventory markdowns cost retailers 50 billion USD in 2023.

Statistic 78

Tapestry (Coach) revenue 6.6 billion USD up 6% 2023.

Statistic 79

Global apparel retail capex 100 billion USD in 2023.

Statistic 80

Ross Stores net earnings 1.5 billion USD 2023.

Statistic 81

The global apparel market size reached approximately 1.5 trillion USD in 2022 and is projected to grow to 1.84 trillion USD by 2027 at a CAGR of 4.2%.

Statistic 82

In 2023, the U.S. retail apparel market generated over 280 billion USD in revenue, marking a 2.5% increase from 2022.

Statistic 83

Fast fashion segment accounted for 15% of the global apparel market in 2023, valued at around 225 billion USD.

Statistic 84

Luxury apparel market worldwide is expected to reach 110 billion USD by 2025, growing at 5% annually.

Statistic 85

Athleisure wear sales grew by 20% year-over-year in 2023, reaching 450 billion USD globally.

Statistic 86

The European apparel market size was 384 billion EUR in 2022, projected to hit 420 billion EUR by 2026.

Statistic 87

Children's apparel market globally valued at 250 billion USD in 2023, with 3.8% CAGR forecast to 2030.

Statistic 88

Sustainable apparel market expected to grow from 7.8 billion USD in 2022 to 15 billion USD by 2028 at 11.5% CAGR.

Statistic 89

India’s apparel retail market size hit 75 billion USD in FY2023, eyeing 110 billion USD by 2027.

Statistic 90

China’s apparel market revenue reached 1.2 trillion CNY in 2023, down 1% but stabilizing.

Statistic 91

Global footwear market, part of apparel retail, valued at 365 billion USD in 2023.

Statistic 92

Activewear segment in North America grew 8% in 2023 to 120 billion USD.

Statistic 93

Vintage and resale apparel market projected to reach 350 billion USD by 2027.

Statistic 94

Brazil apparel market size was 45 billion USD in 2022, growing at 4.5% CAGR.

Statistic 95

Denim jeans market globally worth 70 billion USD in 2023.

Statistic 96

Sportswear market expected to grow from 335 billion USD in 2023 to 556 billion USD by 2032 at 5.8% CAGR.

Statistic 97

UK apparel market revenue at 60 billion GBP in 2023.

Statistic 98

Lingerie market size reached 40 billion USD globally in 2023.

Statistic 99

Middle East apparel market projected to grow 6% annually to 50 billion USD by 2027.

Statistic 100

Sleepwear market valued at 15 billion USD in 2023, with 4.2% CAGR ahead.

Statistic 101

Asia-Pacific apparel market dominates with 55% global share in 2023.

Statistic 102

Formalwear market size at 25 billion USD in 2023 globally.

Statistic 103

Mexico apparel retail market reached 20 billion USD in 2023.

Statistic 104

Outerwear segment valued at 180 billion USD worldwide in 2023.

Statistic 105

Swimwear market expected to hit 28 billion USD by 2028 from 22 billion in 2023.

Statistic 106

Australia apparel market revenue 18 billion AUD in 2023.

Statistic 107

Plus-size apparel market growing at 6.5% CAGR to 650 billion USD by 2030.

Statistic 108

Japan apparel market size 12 trillion JPY in 2023.

Statistic 109

Accessories market in apparel retail valued at 400 billion USD globally in 2023.

Statistic 110

Global kids footwear market part of apparel at 50 billion USD in 2023.

Statistic 111

Global apparel supply chain disruptions affected 40% of brands in 2023.

Statistic 112

75% of apparel production concentrated in Asia, led by China at 35% in 2023.

Statistic 113

Cotton accounts for 25% of global apparel fiber use, with sustainable cotton at 28% growth 2023.

Statistic 114

Inventory levels in U.S. apparel retail dropped 10% YoY in 2023.

Statistic 115

60% of brands faced raw material shortages due to climate events 2023.

Statistic 116

Recycled polyester usage in apparel up 20% to 15 billion garments 2023.

Statistic 117

Bangladesh garment exports reached 45 billion USD in 2023.

Statistic 118

Lead times for apparel imports to U.S. averaged 45 days in 2023.

Statistic 119

45% of apparel firms adopted AI for demand forecasting 2023.

Statistic 120

Vietnam overtook China as #2 apparel exporter with 44 billion USD 2023.

Statistic 121

Water usage in apparel production averages 2,700 liters per T-shirt globally.

Statistic 122

Nearshoring increased 15% in apparel supply chains post-2023.

Statistic 123

Organic cotton production hit 1 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 124

Logistics costs rose 12% for apparel retailers in 2023.

Statistic 125

30% of apparel waste recycled globally, rest landfilled 2023.

Statistic 126

RFID tracking implemented by 50% of major apparel chains 2023.

Statistic 127

India textile exports 40 billion USD, 10% growth 2023.

Statistic 128

Carbon emissions from apparel supply chain 10% of global total 2023.

Statistic 129

Blockchain for traceability used by 20% of luxury brands 2023.

Statistic 130

Turkey apparel exports 18 billion USD in 2023.

Statistic 131

Microplastics from synthetic apparel 0.5 million tons/year.

Statistic 132

Supplier audits increased 25% for labor standards 2023.

Statistic 133

3D printing for apparel prototypes cut lead times 40% 2023.

Statistic 134

Pakistan garment exports 16 billion USD 2023.

Statistic 135

Energy use in dyeing processes 20% of apparel total.

Statistic 136

Circular economy initiatives cover 5% of apparel volume 2023.

1/136

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From a staggering 1.5 trillion-dollar global industry dominated by Asia-Pacific to a minuscule 5.5% average profit margin squeezing retailers, the apparel business is a dynamic landscape of explosive growth, shifting consumer values, and immense operational pressures, as revealed by these critical statistics.

Key Takeaways

The global apparel market size reached approximately 1.5 trillion USD in 2022 and is projected to grow to 1.84 trillion USD by 2027 at a CAGR of 4.2%.
In 2023, the U.S. retail apparel market generated over 280 billion USD in revenue, marking a 2.5% increase from 2022.
Fast fashion segment accounted for 15% of the global apparel market in 2023, valued at around 225 billion USD.
In 2023, 68% of global consumers aged 16-24 purchased clothing online at least once a month.
42% of U.S. shoppers prefer sustainable brands in apparel purchases as of 2023.
Millennial women spend 25% more on athleisure than non-millennials in 2023.
Global e-commerce apparel sales hit 800 billion USD in 2023, 30% of total retail.
Amazon captured 37% of U.S. online apparel sales in 2023.
Mobile commerce accounted for 60% of apparel e-sales in 2023.
Global apparel supply chain disruptions affected 40% of brands in 2023.
75% of apparel production concentrated in Asia, led by China at 35% in 2023.
Cotton accounts for 25% of global apparel fiber use, with sustainable cotton at 28% growth 2023.
U.S. apparel retail employment at 1.6 million jobs in 2023.
Average apparel retail profit margin 5.5% in 2023.
Top 10 apparel companies revenue totaled 400 billion USD 2023.

The global apparel industry is steadily growing with strong trends toward online sales, athleisure, and sustainability.

Consumer Behavior & Preferences

In 2023, 68% of global consumers aged 16-24 purchased clothing online at least once a month.
42% of U.S. shoppers prefer sustainable brands in apparel purchases as of 2023.
Millennial women spend 25% more on athleisure than non-millennials in 2023.
55% of consumers returned apparel items bought online in 2023 due to fit issues.
Gen Z prioritizes brand values with 62% willing to pay more for ethical apparel in 2023.
37% of shoppers abandoned carts due to high shipping costs in apparel e-commerce 2023.
Women account for 75% of all apparel purchases globally in 2023.
49% of consumers influenced by social media influencers in fashion buys 2023.
Average U.S. consumer buys 68 apparel items per year in 2023.
71% of shoppers read reviews before buying clothing online in 2023.
Loyalty programs drive 40% repeat purchases in apparel retail 2023.
58% of parents buy kids' apparel based on durability in 2023.
Mobile shopping for apparel up 30% among 18-34 year olds in 2023.
45% of consumers prefer in-store try-on before online purchase in 2023.
Price sensitivity highest in mass-market apparel with 65% of buyers in 2023.
52% of luxury buyers seek exclusivity in purchases 2023.
Eco-labels influence 38% of apparel buying decisions in Europe 2023.
Impulse buys account for 28% of apparel sales in physical stores 2023.
61% of men now shop for their own clothing vs 45% in 2018.
Personalization boosts conversion by 20% in apparel e-tail 2023.
47% avoid brands with poor labor practices in 2023 surveys.
Subscription boxes popular with 22% of young adults for apparel.
Visual search used by 36% for fashion discovery in 2023.
53% of Boomers prefer department stores for apparel shopping.
AR try-on features increase purchase intent by 25% in 2023 tests.
40% buy apparel during sales events like Black Friday 2023.
Diversity in models influences 55% of Gen Z purchases.

Consumer Behavior & Preferences Interpretation

The modern apparel market is a fascinating paradox where young, values-driven consumers will eagerly pay more for sustainable ethics, yet still abandon carts over shipping fees and return half their online haul because the quest for the perfect fit remains as elusive as a wrinkle-free linen shirt.

E-commerce & Digital Sales

Global e-commerce apparel sales hit 800 billion USD in 2023, 30% of total retail.
Amazon captured 37% of U.S. online apparel sales in 2023.
Mobile commerce accounted for 60% of apparel e-sales in 2023.
Shein generated 32 billion USD in revenue from apparel e-commerce 2023.
Online apparel returns rate averaged 24% in U.S. 2023.
ASOS online sales reached 3.9 billion GBP in FY2023.
Social commerce apparel sales grew 45% YoY to 50 billion USD globally 2023.
Zalando's e-commerce revenue hit 10.1 billion EUR in 2023.
75% of apparel brands now have DTC online stores in 2023.
TikTok Shop apparel sales surged 150% in first year 2023.
Average online apparel order value $85 in U.S. 2023.
Live streaming sales for fashion reached 300 billion CNY in China 2023.
Boohoo Group online apparel revenue 1.75 billion GBP 2023.
Marketplace platforms like Temu drove 20% of new apparel e-sales 2023.
Subscription e-commerce for apparel grew to 5 billion USD 2023.
Personalized recommendations boost apparel e-sales by 35% 2023.
India online apparel market 15 billion USD in 2023, 25% growth.
Farfetch luxury e-commerce sales 2.3 billion USD 2023.
Voice commerce for apparel projected 5% of sales by 2025, starting 1% 2023.
Cross-border e-apparel sales 200 billion USD globally 2023.
Nike DTC online sales 50% of total revenue in FY2023.
E-commerce penetration in apparel 25% in Europe 2023.
Rent-the-runway model generated 300 million USD 2023.
SEO drives 40% of apparel e-commerce traffic 2023.
Flash sales sites like Rue La La 1 billion USD apparel 2023.
Omnichannel apparel sales up 15% with buy online pick up in store 2023.

E-commerce & Digital Sales Interpretation

It seems we’ve entered an era where everyone’s shopping from their pockets, Amazon is basically everyone’s mall, and half the challenge is getting you to keep the clothes you just bought.

Financial Performance & Employment

U.S. apparel retail employment at 1.6 million jobs in 2023.
Average apparel retail profit margin 5.5% in 2023.
Top 10 apparel companies revenue totaled 400 billion USD 2023.
Walmart apparel sales 80 billion USD contributing to total revenue 2023.
Inditex (Zara) net profit 5.4 billion EUR in 2023.
U.S. apparel retail bankruptcies 15 major ones in 2023.
Average hourly wage in U.S. apparel retail $16.50 in 2023.
H&M Group sales 23.3 billion EUR, up 5% in 2023.
E-commerce drove 40% EBITDA growth for Lululemon 2023.
Global apparel retail EBITDA margin averaged 8.2% 2023.
Gap Inc. revenue 14.9 billion USD, loss narrowed 2023.
Fast Retailing (Uniqlo) operating profit 330 billion JPY 2023.
25% of apparel retailers cut costs by 10% via automation 2023.
PVH Corp (Tommy Hilfiger) sales 9.2 billion USD 2023.
Shrinkage losses in apparel retail 1.6% of sales, 25 billion USD U.S. 2023.
Adidas revenue 21.2 billion EUR, down 2% 2023.
Under Armour net revenue 5.7 billion USD 2023.
Employee turnover in retail apparel 60% annually 2023.
Levi Strauss net revenue 6.2 billion USD, up 7% 2023.
Rent expenses 12% of operating costs for apparel stores 2023.
VF Corp (North Face) revenue 10.5 billion USD down 2% 2023.
Private label apparel sales 20% of U.S. market, margins 10% higher 2023.
American Eagle revenue 5.0 billion USD up 11% 2023.
Inventory markdowns cost retailers 50 billion USD in 2023.
Tapestry (Coach) revenue 6.6 billion USD up 6% 2023.
Global apparel retail capex 100 billion USD in 2023.
Ross Stores net earnings 1.5 billion USD 2023.

Financial Performance & Employment Interpretation

In the cutthroat world of fashion retail, a few giants like Inditex and Walmart bask in billion-dollar profits while many others are frantically cutting costs, battling theft, and marking down inventory just to survive on razor-thin margins, proving the industry is a treadmill where you must run fast just to stay in place.

Market Size & Growth

The global apparel market size reached approximately 1.5 trillion USD in 2022 and is projected to grow to 1.84 trillion USD by 2027 at a CAGR of 4.2%.
In 2023, the U.S. retail apparel market generated over 280 billion USD in revenue, marking a 2.5% increase from 2022.
Fast fashion segment accounted for 15% of the global apparel market in 2023, valued at around 225 billion USD.
Luxury apparel market worldwide is expected to reach 110 billion USD by 2025, growing at 5% annually.
Athleisure wear sales grew by 20% year-over-year in 2023, reaching 450 billion USD globally.
The European apparel market size was 384 billion EUR in 2022, projected to hit 420 billion EUR by 2026.
Children's apparel market globally valued at 250 billion USD in 2023, with 3.8% CAGR forecast to 2030.
Sustainable apparel market expected to grow from 7.8 billion USD in 2022 to 15 billion USD by 2028 at 11.5% CAGR.
India’s apparel retail market size hit 75 billion USD in FY2023, eyeing 110 billion USD by 2027.
China’s apparel market revenue reached 1.2 trillion CNY in 2023, down 1% but stabilizing.
Global footwear market, part of apparel retail, valued at 365 billion USD in 2023.
Activewear segment in North America grew 8% in 2023 to 120 billion USD.
Vintage and resale apparel market projected to reach 350 billion USD by 2027.
Brazil apparel market size was 45 billion USD in 2022, growing at 4.5% CAGR.
Denim jeans market globally worth 70 billion USD in 2023.
Sportswear market expected to grow from 335 billion USD in 2023 to 556 billion USD by 2032 at 5.8% CAGR.
UK apparel market revenue at 60 billion GBP in 2023.
Lingerie market size reached 40 billion USD globally in 2023.
Middle East apparel market projected to grow 6% annually to 50 billion USD by 2027.
Sleepwear market valued at 15 billion USD in 2023, with 4.2% CAGR ahead.
Asia-Pacific apparel market dominates with 55% global share in 2023.
Formalwear market size at 25 billion USD in 2023 globally.
Mexico apparel retail market reached 20 billion USD in 2023.
Outerwear segment valued at 180 billion USD worldwide in 2023.
Swimwear market expected to hit 28 billion USD by 2028 from 22 billion in 2023.
Australia apparel market revenue 18 billion AUD in 2023.
Plus-size apparel market growing at 6.5% CAGR to 650 billion USD by 2030.
Japan apparel market size 12 trillion JPY in 2023.
Accessories market in apparel retail valued at 400 billion USD globally in 2023.
Global kids footwear market part of apparel at 50 billion USD in 2023.

Market Size & Growth Interpretation

While athleisure is sprinting ahead and fast fashion's colossal footprint shows no sign of shrinking, the real story is a nuanced race where sustainable and resale markets are gaining impressive traction, luxury holds its elegant ground, and the global industry, led by Asia-Pacific, is stitching together a complex future worth nearly two trillion dollars.

Supply Chain & Sustainability

Global apparel supply chain disruptions affected 40% of brands in 2023.
75% of apparel production concentrated in Asia, led by China at 35% in 2023.
Cotton accounts for 25% of global apparel fiber use, with sustainable cotton at 28% growth 2023.
Inventory levels in U.S. apparel retail dropped 10% YoY in 2023.
60% of brands faced raw material shortages due to climate events 2023.
Recycled polyester usage in apparel up 20% to 15 billion garments 2023.
Bangladesh garment exports reached 45 billion USD in 2023.
Lead times for apparel imports to U.S. averaged 45 days in 2023.
45% of apparel firms adopted AI for demand forecasting 2023.
Vietnam overtook China as #2 apparel exporter with 44 billion USD 2023.
Water usage in apparel production averages 2,700 liters per T-shirt globally.
Nearshoring increased 15% in apparel supply chains post-2023.
Organic cotton production hit 1 million tons in 2023.
Logistics costs rose 12% for apparel retailers in 2023.
30% of apparel waste recycled globally, rest landfilled 2023.
RFID tracking implemented by 50% of major apparel chains 2023.
India textile exports 40 billion USD, 10% growth 2023.
Carbon emissions from apparel supply chain 10% of global total 2023.
Blockchain for traceability used by 20% of luxury brands 2023.
Turkey apparel exports 18 billion USD in 2023.
Microplastics from synthetic apparel 0.5 million tons/year.
Supplier audits increased 25% for labor standards 2023.
3D printing for apparel prototypes cut lead times 40% 2023.
Pakistan garment exports 16 billion USD 2023.
Energy use in dyeing processes 20% of apparel total.
Circular economy initiatives cover 5% of apparel volume 2023.

Supply Chain & Sustainability Interpretation

Despite a landscape rife with disruptions—from a concentrated supply chain to climate-driven shortages—the industry is adapting with notable agility, as evidenced by smarter technology adoption, a budding focus on sustainability, and a strategic reshuffling of production, yet remains burdened by its immense environmental footprint.

Sources & References

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