"To create real economic development, an apparel company needs to create as many economic linkages in a poor country as possible, " he continued.

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For example, business units (such as apparel or footwear) had historically decided how much to invest in new product development.

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Bauer is largely recognized as one of the chief hockey equipment manufacturers (recently announcing that it is now the official uniform, equipment and apparel provider for the British Columbia Hockey League), and is lesser known for its development of lacrosse equipment.

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