Over the past four years, the industry has had to adjust to a “perfect storm” of issues – increases in labor, material and energy costs; increased federal, state and international regulatory and trade compliance; and significant changes in consumer demand and buying habits. While in-put prices rise, retail/brand margins must be maintained. On-hand and pipeline inventories have been adjusted down to meet the consumer demand of having the “right product at the right time.” All of this has resulted in a “New Normal” of doing business.
Here, a distinguished panel discusses how their companies are adjusting to this “New Normal” and examines sourcing options, worldwide, to extend apparel and footwear production beyond China, and define a competitive advantage for a changing market.
MODERATOR:
Rick Horwitch, VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, BUREAU VERITAS
PANELISTS:
Liisa Pierce Fiedelholtz, SENIOR VP, SOURCING, ANN INC.
Mark Fegley, SENIOR VP SUPPLY CHAIN, DECKERS OUTDOOR CORPORATION
Bill McRaith, CHIEF SUPPLY CHAIN OFFICER, GLOBAL SOURCING, PVH
Tom Travis, MANAGING PARTNER, SANDLER, TRAVIS & ROSENBERG, P.A.
