Is Apparel Brand Equity Really That Important?

I've been diving into the world of apparel branding lately, and I keep stumbling upon this idea of brand equity. It seems like it's crucial for a brand's success, but I’m not entirely sure how it plays out in real life. Does having strong brand equity genuinely make a difference for sales, or is it more of a marketing buzzword?

I’ve seen some smaller brands struggle even when they have solid products but lack that recognizable brand image, while others seem to thrive just because they have a trendy name. What’s everyone’s take on this? Do you think it’s worth investing time and resources into building brand equity, or is it more about the quality of the product at the end of the day? Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!