Apparel demand has reached a new level of unpredictability. During the pandemic, the purchasing behavior pendulum has swung from weak sales amid early lockdowns to revenge spending in 2021. Historical data is therefore no longer a strong predictor of market performance.Retailers are also contending with supply chain disruptions, including expanded lead times and shipping schedules that threaten on-time arrivals of goods. The major risk has shifted from overstocks to understocks, and retailers have adjusted their buying strategies accordingly. In AlixPartners and Sourcing Journal’s recent “2021 Fashion in Focus” survey report, industry executives said they were planning for delays by buying earlier and ordering larger volumes of goods. But buying far out essentially means “buying blind,” explained Joe Schmitt, a managing director at AlixPartners.  As the industry adapts and learns from pandemic pressures, there are still uncertainties in how to navigate planning.“I don't think anyone has a clear game plan moving forward around what exactly they need to do,” Schmitt told Sourcing Journal founder and president Edward Hertzman in a recent podcast conversation. “I think the theme is really, ‘How can we be as flexible as possible while still being differentiated in the market?’ And that balancing act is what everyone's trying to figure out right now.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apparel demand has reached a new level of unpredictability. During the pandemic, the purchasing behavior pendulum has swung from weak sales amid early lockdowns to revenge spending in 2021. Historical data is therefore no longer a strong predictor of market performance. Retailers are also contending with supply chain disruptions, including expanded lead times and shipping schedules that threaten on-time arrivals of goods. The major risk has shifted from overstocks to understocks, and retailers have adjusted their buying strategies accordingly. In AlixPartners and Sourcing Journal’s recent “2021 <a href="https://pages.email.sourcingjournal.com/reports/2021fashioninfocus/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fashion in Focus</a>” survey report, industry executives said they were planning for delays by buying earlier and ordering larger volumes of goods. But buying far out essentially means “buying blind,” explained Joe Schmitt, a managing director at AlixPartners.   As the industry adapts and learns from pandemic pressures, there are still uncertainties in how to navigate planning. “I don't think anyone has a clear game plan moving forward around what exactly they need to do,” Schmitt told Sourcing Journal founder and president Edward Hertzman in a recent podcast conversation. “I think the theme is really, ‘How can we be as flexible as possible while still being differentiated in the market?’ And that balancing act is what everyone's trying to figure out right now.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Fashion in Focus: The Inventory Planning Puzzle

Amid the retail disruptions of the pandemic, consumers began shopping online more than ever before. But escalating e-commerce sales are not solely a positive for retailers’ profitability.In AlixPartners and Sourcing Journal’s recent industry survey: “2021 Fashion in Focus: Investing in a Future Forged by Adversity,” respondents were largely split on whether the growth in online sales had an accretive or dilutive effect on their business, and a number were unclear on the impact. Serving a customer in store has a different cost structure than fulfilling online orders, and the labor, operational and other expenses for the latter can add up. This makes it more difficult to calculate the actual net financial result of digital sales, explained Bryan Eshelman, a managing director at AlixPartners, in a recent conversation with Sourcing Journal founder and president Edward Hertzman.“It is a hard, tangled web of costs and activities to untangle and really truly understand,” said Eshelman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid the retail disruptions of the pandemic, consumers began shopping online more than ever before. But escalating e-commerce sales are not solely a positive for retailers’ profitability.In AlixPartners and Sourcing Journal’s recent industry survey: “<a href="https://pages.email.sourcingjournal.com/reports/2021fashioninfocus/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2021 Fashion in Focus: Investing in a Future Forged by Adversity</a>,” respondents were largely split on whether the growth in online sales had an accretive or dilutive effect on their business, and a number were unclear on the impact. Serving a customer in store has a different cost structure than fulfilling online orders, and the labor, operational and other expenses for the latter can add up. This makes it more difficult to calculate the actual net financial result of digital sales, explained Bryan Eshelman, a managing director at AlixPartners, in a recent conversation with Sourcing Journal founder and president Edward Hertzman.“It is a hard, tangled web of costs and activities to untangle and really truly understand,” said Eshelman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Fashion in Focus: Omnichannel Becomes Omnipresent

For sourcing professionals, the pandemic has served up a seemingly never-ending series of logistical quagmires. Factory shutdowns, transportation capacity constraints and cost spikes, and raw material shortages forced companies to adopt plan B, C or even D.Outside of the direct effects of Covid-19, environmental disasters and geopolitical upheaval threaten to abruptly cut off supply or derail shipments. And when time is of the essence, it pays to have planned ahead.“Companies have to start thinking about developing their own contingency plans and risk-mitigation playbooks,” said Murali Gokki, managing director at AlixPartners, who leads the company's apparel and fashion services as part of the retail practice. “These need to be institutionalized; they no longer have the luxury of waiting for an event to happen and then putting their best brains in a room to think through a solution.”Listen to this episode to learn how to navigate freight hurdles heading into the holiday season, what it will take to scale nearshoring and onshoring, the hidden impacts of inflation that are hurting bottom lines, where to start with digital design and production management tools and how companies should approach the supplier-buyer relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For sourcing professionals, the pandemic has served up a seemingly never-ending series of logistical quagmires. Factory shutdowns, transportation capacity constraints and cost spikes, and raw material shortages forced companies to adopt plan B, C or even D.Outside of the direct effects of Covid-19, environmental disasters and geopolitical upheaval threaten to abruptly cut off supply or derail shipments. And when time is of the essence, it pays to have planned ahead.“Companies have to start thinking about developing their own contingency plans and risk-mitigation playbooks,” said Murali Gokki, managing director at AlixPartners, who leads the company's apparel and fashion services as part of the retail practice. “These need to be institutionalized; they no longer have the luxury of waiting for an event to happen and then putting their best brains in a room to think through a solution.”Listen to this episode to learn how to navigate freight hurdles heading into the holiday season, what it will take to scale nearshoring and onshoring, the hidden impacts of inflation that are hurting bottom lines, where to start with digital design and production management tools and how companies should approach the supplier-buyer relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Fashion in Focus: Managing Supply Chain Risks

Robert McMillan of Dearborn Denim discusses the appeal of Made in America denim, and how it makes for a more sustainable product.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robert McMillan of Dearborn Denim discusses the appeal of Made in America denim, and how it makes for a more sustainable product. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Rivet 50 Radio: Robert McMillan

Blackhorse Lane Ateliers founder Han Ates discussed the ways in which his brand is practicing social sustainability and creating a London aesthetic.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blackhorse Lane Ateliers founder Han Ates discussed the ways in which his brand is practicing social sustainability and creating a London aesthetic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Rivet 50 Radio: Han Ates

Tony Tonnaer

Kings of Indigo’s Tony Tonnaer discusses how his sustainable foundation helped him navigate the pandemic, and what he has in store for 2021.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kings of Indigo’s Tony Tonnaer discusses how his sustainable foundation helped him navigate the pandemic, and what he has in store for 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Rivet 50 Radio: Tony Tonnaer

Jeanologia’s CEO Enrique Silla discusses the company’s contributions during Covid-19 and what it learned from the pandemic.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeanologia’s CEO Enrique Silla discusses the company’s contributions during Covid-19 and what it learned from the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Rivet 50 Radio: Enrique Silla

Alberto De Conti

Rudolf Group’s Alberto de Conti discussed Hub 1922’s latest innovations launched during Covid-19 that will have a lasting impact on the denim industry.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rudolf Group’s Alberto de Conti discussed Hub 1922’s latest innovations launched during Covid-19 that will have a lasting impact on the denim industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Rivet 50 Radio: Alberto de Conti

Maurice Malone

Maurice Malone of Williamsburg Garment Company talks about the state of diversity in denim and the benefits of DTC beyond a pandemic.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maurice Malone of Williamsburg Garment Company talks about the state of diversity in denim and the benefits of DTC beyond a pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Rivet 50 Radio: Maurice Malone

The fashion supply chain is infamously opaque, but brands and retailers are increasingly heeding calls for greater transparency and traceability that gets to the heart of their social and environmental impact. The shift can’t come soon enough. According to a 2019 survey by Ipsos MORI, four in five Americans want fashion brands to provide more information about their environmental commitments and the measures they are taking to curtail pollution in their supply chains. Roughly three quarters believed that brands should be responsible for what happens in the manufacturing process, and that they need to take appropriate action to ensure clothes are produced in an environmentally friendly way. Similar studies show that consumers not only value information related to a company’s supply chain, but many are in fact  prepared to pay a premium for greater transparency and visibility. In this episode of the Sustaining Voices podcast, Sourcing Journal sustainability reporter Jasmin Malik Chua speaks with Jamie Barsimantov of SupplyShift, an end-to-end supply chain data management, responsible sourcing and supplier engagement platform, and Tai Ford, chief marketing officer at Retraced, a transparency solution that enables fashion brands to visualize, verify and communicate their supply chains,  about the importance of transparency and traceability, the reasons behind their growing prominence and the obstacles that stand in the way of ensuring a socially and environmentally just industry. Though traceability and transparency are sometimes interchangeably used, they’re not the same, and “we need to separate that,“ Barsimantov said, though he admits that because people have their own definitions, the confusion isn’t going to go away.  With transparency, “we usually think of a brand lifting the veil off where their manufacturing sites are and information about their practices,“ he said. “When people say full traceability, they’re usually talking about where this bit of cotton came from versus that bit of cotton, which is extremely challenging, expensive and in some cases, doesn’t even provide the right information to provide that transparency to the consumer.“ Traceability and transparency don’t make a brand more sustainable, but they’re a “means to help you along that journey,“ Ford said. “Traceability doesn’t necessarily say that you have sustainable materials in your supply chain, but [it] at least gives you points of reference to then set to start action plans and to communicate those action plans... with  people in your company, other certification agencies and other members of your supply chain.“ Listen more to the podcast to learn how much of the fashion supply chain we can confidently map, if some materials are easier than others to track, how much transparency and traceability efforts might cost and how calls from governments and human-rights groups to divest from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region will impact the cotton supply chain.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fashion supply chain is infamously opaque, but brands and retailers are increasingly heeding calls for greater transparency and traceability that gets to the heart of their social and environmental impact. The shift can’t come soon enough. According to a 2019 survey by Ipsos MORI, four in five Americans want fashion brands to provide more information about their environmental commitments and the measures they are taking to curtail pollution in their supply chains. Roughly three quarters believed that brands should be responsible for what happens in the manufacturing process, and that they need to take appropriate action to ensure clothes are produced in an environmentally friendly way. Similar studies show that consumers not only value information related to a company’s supply chain, but many are in fact prepared to pay a premium for greater transparency and visibility. In this episode of the Sustaining Voices podcast, Sourcing Journal sustainability reporter Jasmin Malik Chua speaks with Jamie Barsimantov of SupplyShift, an end-to-end supply chain data management, responsible sourcing and supplier engagement platform, and Tai Ford, chief marketing officer at Retraced, a transparency solution that enables fashion brands to visualize, verify and communicate their supply chains, about the importance of transparency and traceability, the reasons behind their growing prominence and the obstacles that stand in the way of ensuring a socially and environmentally just industry. Though traceability and transparency are sometimes interchangeably used, they’re not the same, and “we need to separate that,“ Barsimantov said, though he admits that because people have their own definitions, the confusion isn’t going to go away. With transparency, “we usually think of a brand lifting the veil off where their manufacturing sites are and information about their practices,“ he said. “When people say full traceability, they’re usually talking about where this bit of cotton came from versus that bit of cotton, which is extremely challenging, expensive and in some cases, doesn’t even provide the right information to provide that transparency to the consumer.“ Traceability and transparency don’t make a brand more sustainable, but they’re a “means to help you along that journey,“ Ford said. “Traceability doesn’t necessarily say that you have sustainable materials in your supply chain, but [it] at least gives you points of reference to then set to start action plans and to communicate those action plans... with people in your company, other certification agencies and other members of your supply chain.“ Listen more to the podcast to learn how much of the fashion supply chain we can confidently map, if some materials are easier than others to track, how much transparency and traceability efforts might cost and how calls from governments and human-rights groups to divest from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region will impact the cotton supply chain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Sustaining Voices Podcast:  What is the Fashion Industry Getting Wrong About Transparency and Traceability?

Sourcing Journal Radio is thought leadership brought to life. Each podcast episode provides apparel industry executives with a platform from which to showcase their personalities and share their perspectives on a range of engaging topics, enabling listeners to consider new points of view and plot their next steps.

Sourcing Journal Radio

Blockchain is—finally!—evolving from buzzword to mainstream terminology, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t saddled with confusion. In the latest episode of Sourcing Journal Radio, SJ founder and president Edward Hertzman sits down with Amit Guatam of TextileGenesis to learn how the technology can be used to authenticate fibers, which—for as long as clothing has been sold—has been nearly impossible to do. TextileGenesis’s traceability platform was designed specifically for the apparel industry. It intends to provide transparency into the entire supply chain—from fiber to finished product—thereby helping companies advance their sustainability goals. In his chat, Guatam breaks down, in the simplest terms as possible, exactly what blockchain is and why the digital ledger technology is so valuable for fiber authenticity. It’s so meaningful, in fact, that Guatam believes that it will change the way supply chain partners interact and the level of trust that exists between them. “I fundamentally believe that the biggest impact of blockchain will be in the supply chain [and] will be in the authentication of the ingredients across the supply chain,” he said. “Lot of transaction certificates are being used in this industry with a PDF file, and it takes one minute to convert a PDF file into a Word document, change all the data, and [change it] back to PDF. … The entire industry trusts these transaction certificates based on PDFs to drive authentication, and that's where blockchain can make a huge leap forward.” Listen to learn:  How blockchain can solve the issue of counterfeit fibers in ways other tools can’t Why it’s safer than existing technology What’s holding it back What Fibercoins are and how they’re used (Hint: They’re not bitcoins) How consumers can use blockchain to trace clothing right in the store (and whether this will translate into higher sales)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blockchain is—finally!—evolving from buzzword to mainstream terminology, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t saddled with confusion. In the latest episode of Sourcing Journal Radio, SJ founder and president Edward Hertzman sits down with Amit Guatam of TextileGenesis to learn how the technology can be used to authenticate fibers, which—for as long as clothing has been sold—has been nearly impossible to do. TextileGenesis’s traceability platform was designed specifically for the apparel industry. It intends to provide transparency into the entire supply chain—from fiber to finished product—thereby helping companies advance their sustainability goals. In his chat, Guatam breaks down, in the simplest terms as possible, exactly what blockchain is and why the digital ledger technology is so valuable for fiber authenticity. It’s so meaningful, in fact, that Guatam believes that it will change the way supply chain partners interact and the level of trust that exists between them. “I fundamentally believe that the biggest impact of blockchain will be in the supply chain [and] will be in the authentication of the ingredients across the supply chain,” he said. “Lot of transaction certificates are being used in this industry with a PDF file, and it takes one minute to convert a PDF file into a Word document, change all the data, and [change it] back to PDF. … The entire industry trusts these transaction certificates based on PDFs to drive authentication, and that's where blockchain can make a huge leap forward.” Listen to learn: <ul> <li>How blockchain can solve the issue of counterfeit fibers in ways other tools can’t</li> <li>Why it’s safer than existing technology</li> <li>What’s holding it back</li> <li>What Fibercoins are and how they’re used (Hint: They’re not bitcoins)</li> <li>How consumers can use blockchain to trace clothing right in the store (and whether this will translate into higher sales)</li> </ul> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Blockchain Explained: How TextileGenesis Wants to Solve Fiber Authentication

For the past year, the apparel and footwear industries have been on edge as tranche after tranche of tariffs have been placed on goods coming out of China. And while our industries had largely been spared, consumers are likely to feel the full brunt of the impact starting with Spring ’20 goods. In response to the uncertainty and hit to the bottom line, brands and retailers have been searching for production alternatives around the globe. And while many are trying out new destinations, most would agree that nowhere compares to China. In this episode, which is sponsored by Texworld USA, Ron Sorini, principal at the Sorini, Samet &amp; Associates law firm, and Jonathan Gold, vice president for supply chain and customs policy for the National Retail Federation, discuss how apparel firms are adapting to this new normal, the ways in which they could potentially mitigate the tariff impacts and whether it's possible to create a tariff-proof sourcing strategy today.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the past year, the apparel and footwear industries have been on edge as tranche after tranche of tariffs have been placed on goods coming out of China. And while our industries had largely been spared, consumers are likely to feel the full brunt of the impact starting with Spring ’20 goods. In response to the uncertainty and hit to the bottom line, brands and retailers have been searching for production alternatives around the globe. And while many are trying out new destinations, most would agree that nowhere compares to China. In this episode, which is sponsored by Texworld USA, Ron Sorini, principal at the Sorini, Samet &amp; Associates law firm, and Jonathan Gold, vice president for supply chain and customs policy for the National Retail Federation, discuss how apparel firms are adapting to this new normal, the ways in which they could potentially mitigate the tariff impacts and whether it's possible to create a tariff-proof sourcing strategy today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Sourcing in an Uncertain Geopolitical Landscape

Apparel brands are looking for ways to shorten development and production timelines, and nearshoring, aided by automation, could be the answer, according to McKinsey &amp; Company. Karl-Hendrik Magnus, partner at McKinsey and Company discusses the opportunities with Reebok VP of product operations; Erika Swan, Under Armour chief supply chain officer; Colin Browne and Ramesh Fernando, CEO of MAS USA.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apparel brands are looking for ways to shorten development and production timelines, and nearshoring, aided by automation, could be the answer, according to McKinsey &amp; Company. Karl-Hendrik Magnus, partner at McKinsey and Company discusses the opportunities with Reebok VP of product operations; Erika Swan, Under Armour chief supply chain officer; Colin Browne and Ramesh Fernando, CEO of MAS USA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Nearshoring, Automation & the Future

Garment manufacturing in the United States has seen better days. But, as automation technology matures, some American businesses have begun investing in local apparel manufacturing once again. In this week’s episode, we highlight a clothing producer who has always been proudly made in the U.S.A. Dov Charney, who is best known for his first venture, American Apparel, is now building a new brand under Los Angeles Apparel. Here, he gives us a look into how his business can be competitive while manufacturing in the US. Charney is joined by Ram Sareen, founder and CEO of Tukatech, a provider of fashion technology solutions. Sareen partnered with Charney to modernize American Apparel and has remained a powerful ally through the debut of the new business in 2016. Tukatech innovations have allowed Los Angeles Apparel to launch as a fully vertical company that specializes in speed-to-market and flexibility. Both agree there is a future in American garment manufacturing but that it will require producers and manufacturers here to adopt the latest design and production innovations.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Garment manufacturing in the United States has seen better days. But, as automation technology matures, some American businesses have begun investing in local apparel manufacturing once again. In this week’s episode, we highlight a clothing producer who has always been proudly made in the U.S.A. Dov Charney, who is best known for his first venture, American Apparel, is now building a new brand under Los Angeles Apparel. Here, he gives us a look into how his business can be competitive while manufacturing in the US. Charney is joined by Ram Sareen, founder and CEO of Tukatech, a provider of fashion technology solutions. Sareen partnered with Charney to modernize American Apparel and has remained a powerful ally through the debut of the new business in 2016. Tukatech innovations have allowed Los Angeles Apparel to launch as a fully vertical company that specializes in speed-to-market and flexibility. Both agree there is a future in American garment manufacturing but that it will require producers and manufacturers here to adopt the latest design and production innovations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

American Made

For this episode, we're joined by Avani Patel of the Ember Company, formerly Trendseeder, the platform she founded in 2012 to pair fashion expertise with business acumen. The program provides startup business with the educational, advisory and networking opportunities they need in order to create sustainable brands. Avani shares what it takes to launch a new brand in the current consumer climate, how to identify white space in the market and what new companies bring to the retail landscape that many established players can learn from.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this episode, we're joined by Avani Patel of the Ember Company, formerly Trendseeder, the platform she founded in 2012 to pair fashion expertise with business acumen. The program provides startup business with the educational, advisory and networking opportunities they need in order to create sustainable brands. Avani shares what it takes to launch a new brand in the current consumer climate, how to identify white space in the market and what new companies bring to the retail landscape that many established players can learn from. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

The Making of a Consumer Brand in Today's Climate

Transparency has been a hot topic in apparel recently but the industry is still struggling to gain visibility into much of the supply chain—and as a result, it is missing opportunities for improvement. A recent report from the International Corporate Accountability Roundtable outlines the benefits brands and retailers could realize if they truly made transparency a priority. Alison Kiehl Friedman, executive director of the ICAR, joins us to discuss what’s holding the industry back, the catalysts for change and the possible rewards.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transparency has been a hot topic in apparel recently but the industry is still struggling to gain visibility into much of the supply chain—and as a result, it is missing opportunities for improvement. A recent report from the International Corporate Accountability Roundtable outlines the benefits brands and retailers could realize if they truly made transparency a priority. Alison Kiehl Friedman, executive director of the ICAR, joins us to discuss what’s holding the industry back, the catalysts for change and the possible rewards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Transparency's Many Upsides

More than 150 million trees are logged each year and turned into cellulosic fabric, many from ancient and endangered forests. As a result, irreparable damage is being inflicted upon the roots connecting our world’s facilities. In this podcast, Amanda Carr, director of strategic initiatives at Canopy, talks about the problem and her organization's efforts to raise awareness and slow the erosion of this natural resource. And Franco Costantini, managing director at Control Union, provides details on his company’s Connected traceability platform and how it helps brands and retailers establish and stick with responsible sourcing. Canopy's CanopyStyle initiative, now in its fifth year, seeks to end logging from these threatened areas while supporting the development of alternative fibers and advancing large-scale conservation efforts. Canopy's latest initiative is ForestMapper, a web-based publicly available tool that enables all purchasers of forest products to discern whether they’re at risk of sourcing from these areas. “Studies are showing that when intact forests are cleared or degraded, there’s a reduction in cloud cover and rainfall,” noted Carr. “We can think of forests of a sort of simple ecosystem on the planet, or we can start connecting them in our minds to all of the services they provide.” Above all, the interactive ForestMapper tool intends to bring transparency to the supply chain so brands, retailers, manufacturers and designers can make the necessary changes to stop sourcing from these vulnerable areas.   With Connected, Control Union helps brands and retailers meet their CanopyStyle commitments by providing visibility throughout the entire supply chain. Costantini added that not only does increasing transparency help companies identify where they’re sourcing from, the aggregation of data can also bring to light inefficiencies and previously unknown cost savings.  Consumers, meanwhile, are seeking more transparency into their apparel purchases, and they are placing a higher value upon the products and brands that share this information, according to Costantini. “We are at the moment of a cultural change,” said Costantini. “People are more aware of sustainability issues. Brands, by consequence, are able to implement their [strategies]. It’s like snowballs: The more people who are aware, the more momentum is created.” Listen to the podcast to learn: • The role that trees play in the health of our planet • The scalability of some of the newest alternative raw materials • The catalyst behind the growing awareness of sustainability—and the level of education still required • Who carries the responsibility in educating consumers • How to get C-Suite executives on board with making these necessary changes • Why marketing is contributing to confusion in the marketplace • The role that governments should have in creating protected areas • Subscribe to the Sourcing Journal Podcast on Spotify, Apple iTunes, Google Play and Tune In.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than 150 million trees are logged each year and turned into cellulosic fabric, many from ancient and endangered forests. As a result, irreparable damage is being inflicted upon the roots connecting our world’s facilities. In this podcast, Amanda Carr, director of strategic initiatives at Canopy, talks about the problem and her organization's efforts to raise awareness and slow the erosion of this natural resource. And Franco Costantini, managing director at Control Union, provides details on his company’s Connected traceability platform and how it helps brands and retailers establish and stick with responsible sourcing. Canopy's CanopyStyle initiative, now in its fifth year, seeks to end logging from these threatened areas while supporting the development of alternative fibers and advancing large-scale conservation efforts. Canopy's latest initiative is ForestMapper, a web-based publicly available tool that enables all purchasers of forest products to discern whether they’re at risk of sourcing from these areas. “Studies are showing that when intact forests are cleared or degraded, there’s a reduction in cloud cover and rainfall,” noted Carr. “We can think of forests of a sort of simple ecosystem on the planet, or we can start connecting them in our minds to all of the services they provide.” Above all, the interactive ForestMapper tool intends to bring transparency to the supply chain so brands, retailers, manufacturers and designers can make the necessary changes to stop sourcing from these vulnerable areas.   With Connected, Control Union helps brands and retailers meet their CanopyStyle commitments by providing visibility throughout the entire supply chain. Costantini added that not only does increasing transparency help companies identify where they’re sourcing from, the aggregation of data can also bring to light inefficiencies and previously unknown cost savings.  Consumers, meanwhile, are seeking more transparency into their apparel purchases, and they are placing a higher value upon the products and brands that share this information, according to Costantini. “We are at the moment of a cultural change,” said Costantini. “People are more aware of sustainability issues. Brands, by consequence, are able to implement their [strategies]. It’s like snowballs: The more people who are aware, the more momentum is created.” Listen to the podcast to learn: • The role that trees play in the health of our planet • The scalability of some of the newest alternative raw materials • The catalyst behind the growing awareness of sustainability—and the level of education still required • Who carries the responsibility in educating consumers • How to get C-Suite executives on board with making these necessary changes • Why marketing is contributing to confusion in the marketplace • The role that governments should have in creating protected areas • Subscribe to the Sourcing Journal Podcast on Spotify, Apple iTunes, Google Play and Tune In. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Practicing Responsible Sourcing, One Tree at a Time

Gary Barraco, Director, Product Marketing and Business Development for  Amber Road, a software company dedicated to helping companies improve margins, achieve greater agility and lower risk, discusses the benefits of supply chain visibility when managing costs, elevating quality and navigating trade issues.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gary Barraco, Director, Product Marketing and Business Development for Amber Road, a software company dedicated to helping companies improve margins, achieve greater agility and lower risk, discusses the benefits of supply chain visibility when managing costs, elevating quality and navigating trade issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

A Clear Glass Pipeline: Supply Chain Visibility

This podcast series is a companion to our Sustaining Voices platform, which celebrates the efforts the apparel industry is making toward securing a more environmentally responsible future. This episode features Rogier van Mazijk, investment manager for Fashion for Good, and Luke Henning, CFO of Tyton BioSciences, which is taking part in Fashion for Good's Scaling Programme. Together Rogier and Luke provide perspectives on what it takes to launch and scale sustainable innovations.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast series is a companion to our Sustaining Voices platform, which celebrates the efforts the apparel industry is making toward securing a more environmentally responsible future. This episode features Rogier van Mazijk, investment manager for Fashion for Good, and Luke Henning, CFO of Tyton BioSciences, which is taking part in Fashion for Good's Scaling Programme. Together Rogier and Luke provide perspectives on what it takes to launch and scale sustainable innovations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Sustaining Voices Podcast: Funding Sustainability Innovations

It can be a touchy subject, but this is no time for hurt feelings. The apparel industry simply isn’t doing enough when it comes to climate change. In a provocative, no-holds-barred episode of the Sustaining Voices podcast, produced in partnership with Cotton Incorporated, Sourcing Journal publisher Caletha Crawford explores whether our incremental changes are having the impact that’s needed. Joining her are Morton Lehmann, chief sustainability officer for Global Fashion Agenda, and Jeff Wilson, senior business development manager of sustainability for NSF International.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It can be a touchy subject, but this is no time for hurt feelings. The apparel industry simply isn’t doing enough when it comes to climate change. In a provocative, no-holds-barred episode of the Sustaining Voices podcast, produced in partnership with Cotton Incorporated, Sourcing Journal publisher Caletha Crawford explores whether our incremental changes are having the impact that’s needed. Joining her are Morton Lehmann, chief sustainability officer for Global Fashion Agenda, and Jeff Wilson, senior business development manager of sustainability for NSF International. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

No More Excuses

As we enter the midpoint of the USTR hearings on the proposed Section 301 tariff list, some of the now-familiar questions surrounding tariffs have once again cropped up: What will the tariffs include? When will they go into effect? What kind of fallout should we expect? Is there anything we can do? In this special podcast, Sourcing Journal founder and president Edward Hertzman talks with AAFA executive VP Stephen Lamar about these pressing uncertainties, as well as the potential implications of President Trump’s upcoming meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping and why China could be benefiting from the trade war in more ways than one. “Smart governments will use trade agreements to do those things that they’ve been trying to do—and they perceive they want to do for the long term—that they haven’t been able to do because they’ve got domestic political opposition,” said Lamar. “So the fact that they’re doing something in conjunction with an international agreement helps give them the cover to actually do these things that might have been difficult to do domestically.” “We all know in the industry that the Chinese government has been subtly, and in some cases not so subtly, trying to encourage the industry—apparel and footwear and some elements of textiles—to move out of China. That’s something that’s been going on for years now. And so this … is just following along with something they’ve been trying to do for a while now,” he noted. Listen to learn: • The worst-case scenario of when apparel could be hit (hint: it’s earlier than you think) • The strategic reason tranche 4 is unlikely to face the full 25 percent tariff all at once • Whether tariffs will continue to be used as an enforcement mechanism • Whether the holiday season will hang in the balance • Which country you should be monitoring in addition to China and Mexico • The De Minimis “loophole” and why it’s changing the supply chain • Workarounds to mitigate the potential increases • What you need to know if you intend to change your Customs classification  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we enter the midpoint of the USTR hearings on the proposed Section 301 tariff list, some of the now-familiar questions surrounding tariffs have once again cropped up: What will the tariffs include? When will they go into effect? What kind of fallout should we expect? Is there anything we can do? In this special podcast, Sourcing Journal founder and president Edward Hertzman talks with AAFA executive VP Stephen Lamar about these pressing uncertainties, as well as the potential implications of President Trump’s upcoming meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping and why China could be benefiting from the trade war in more ways than one. “Smart governments will use trade agreements to do those things that they’ve been trying to do—and they perceive they want to do for the long term—that they haven’t been able to do because they’ve got domestic political opposition,” said Lamar. “So the fact that they’re doing something in conjunction with an international agreement helps give them the cover to actually do these things that might have been difficult to do domestically.” “We all know in the industry that the Chinese government has been subtly, and in some cases not so subtly, trying to encourage the industry—apparel and footwear and some elements of textiles—to move out of China. That’s something that’s been going on for years now. And so this … is just following along with something they’ve been trying to do for a while now,” he noted. Listen to learn: • The worst-case scenario of when apparel could be hit (hint: it’s earlier than you think) • The strategic reason tranche 4 is unlikely to face the full 25 percent tariff all at once • Whether tariffs will continue to be used as an enforcement mechanism • Whether the holiday season will hang in the balance • Which country you should be monitoring in addition to China and Mexico • The De Minimis “loophole” and why it’s changing the supply chain • Workarounds to mitigate the potential increases • What you need to know if you intend to change your Customs classification Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Sourcing Journal Podcast: Tariff Workarounds & Worst-Case Scenarios

The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement has several key points that differentiate it from its predecessor—points the textile and apparel industries need to take note of before it comes up for a vote in Congress. Here, Suzanne Richer, director of the Trade Advisory Practice for E2Open, points out: • The differences between NAFTA and USMCA • How the new agreement handles rules of origin • What companies need to know about qualifying their goods • How importers can get the most out of the trade deal  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement has several key points that differentiate it from its predecessor—points the textile and apparel industries need to take note of before it comes up for a vote in Congress. Here, Suzanne Richer, director of the Trade Advisory Practice for E2Open, points out: • The differences between NAFTA and USMCA • How the new agreement handles rules of origin • What companies need to know about qualifying their goods • How importers can get the most out of the trade deal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Preparing for the USMCA Trade Agreement

Alberto Candiani

Alberto Candiani, the global manager of Candiani Denim, the famed 80-year-old Italian denim mill, shares how he's pushing his family's business into a new era of sustainability, innovation and transparency.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alberto Candiani, the global manager of Candiani Denim, the famed 80-year-old Italian denim mill, shares how he's pushing his family's business into a new era of sustainability, innovation and transparency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Rivet 50: Alberto Candiani

This podcast episode focuses on apparel retail, which has had many challenges lately but is also experiencing a nice tailwind currently thanks to the healthy economy. John Kernan, managing director for retail and consumer brands for Cowen and Company, provides insights into the direction the sector is headed as both brands and retailers are attempting to shake off old processes and technologies in favor of new practices and innovations.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast episode focuses on apparel retail, which has had many challenges lately but is also experiencing a nice tailwind currently thanks to the healthy economy. John Kernan, managing director for retail and consumer brands for Cowen and Company, provides insights into the direction the sector is headed as both brands and retailers are attempting to shake off old processes and technologies in favor of new practices and innovations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

The Powerhouse Trends Powering Retail Today:  Off-Price, DTC and Athleisure

Joining us are Don Howard, executive director of Alvanon, which uses technology and body shape data to advise apparel firms on fit and sizing, and William Adler, CEO of True Fit, a data-driven company that aims to help retailers personalize the shopping experience by enabling shoppers find the right products for them. These companies represent the variety of ways apparel is working to solve the fit issue from the design side as well as from a consumer-facing perspective.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining us are Don Howard, executive director of Alvanon, which uses technology and body shape data to advise apparel firms on fit and sizing, and William Adler, CEO of True Fit, a data-driven company that aims to help retailers personalize the shopping experience by enabling shoppers find the right products for them. These companies represent the variety of ways apparel is working to solve the fit issue from the design side as well as from a consumer-facing perspective. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

How Apparel Can Deliver the Right Fit Every Time

Talking about the state of today’s apparel industry without focusing on sustainability is impossible. After years of poor, inefficient practices, marked by the rise of fast fashion, the industry is now struggling with nearly every aspect of sustainability—how to make less, what to consider while making it, what to do with it at the end of its life, and how to even define what sustainability should look like. And although we’re seeing more technologies that promise to improve things, advancing sustainability is more than just installing new tech or even fixing legacy production processes. In this episode, we’re going to talk with the co-founder of a tech company who believes sustainability is really a holistic mindset that companies need to adopt throughout their entire operations—starting with the very top of the C Suite.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking about the state of today’s apparel industry without focusing on sustainability is impossible. After years of poor, inefficient practices, marked by the rise of fast fashion, the industry is now struggling with nearly every aspect of sustainability—how to make less, what to consider while making it, what to do with it at the end of its life, and how to even define what sustainability should look like. And although we’re seeing more technologies that promise to improve things, advancing sustainability is more than just installing new tech or even fixing legacy production processes. In this episode, we’re going to talk with the co-founder of a tech company who believes sustainability is really a holistic mindset that companies need to adopt throughout their entire operations—starting with the very top of the C Suite. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Developing a Sustainable Mindset

Andrew Olah

Since debuting Kingpins 2004 as a small gallery-like show, Olah Inc. founder Andrew Olah has played host to the global denim supply chain at Kingpins events in New York, Amsterdam and across China.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since debuting Kingpins 2004 as a small gallery-like show, Olah Inc. founder Andrew Olah has played host to the global denim supply chain at Kingpins events in New York, Amsterdam and across China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Rivet 50: Andrew Olah

Menno van Meurs

Menno van Meurs, CEO of Tenue de Nîmes, talks about sourcing premium denim and building a sense of community in denim.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Menno van Meurs, CEO of Tenue de Nîmes, talks about sourcing premium denim and building a sense of community in denim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Rivet 50 Radio: Menno van Meurs

Amy Leverton

Denim Dudes founder Amy Leverton on the denim brands and trends to watch in 2019.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Denim Dudes founder Amy Leverton on the denim brands and trends to watch in 2019. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Rivet 50: Amy Leverton

Baris Ozden

Isko product manager Baris Ozden discusses trends, street style and why the future of sustainability relies on “responsible innovation.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Isko product manager Baris Ozden discusses trends, street style and why the future of sustainability relies on “responsible innovation.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Rivet 50: Baris Ozden

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The best podcast episodes on parenting. Interviewing experts and talking through common issues surrounding parenting. This topic is filled with important lessons and insights for anyone listening. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!