Going down at Olympia London on 18-20 February, the sourcing present hosts 200 producers from greater than 20 sourcing areas together with Turkey, Ethiopia, Egypt, China, India, France, Portugal and the UK.
The occasion has attracted consumers from retailers together with John Lewis, Subsequent, Asos, Harrods, Hunter Boots, Barbour and French Connection, alongside manufacturers and etailers from throughout the UK.
Companies informed Drapers they’re exploring up-and-coming sourcing markets to diversify their provider bases and develop into new product classes.
Nicola Kirby, head of sourcing of style and residential at John Lewis, mentioned: “We’re seeing thrilling alternatives in rising markets, together with Egypt and Indonesia. Particularly, we’re in search of new childrenswear suppliers and exploring methods to develop our sourcing community.”
Hannah Cooper, purchaser at womenswear etailer Fairly Lavish, attended to indicate to search for near-shoring areas.
“We need to do extra sourcing nearer to residence and construct extra flexibility in our provide chain,” she mentioned, “We supply nearly all of our merchandise from Far East locations together with China and India and we’re in search of extra near-shoring choices.”
Brief lead occasions at present account for five% of the model’s general manufacturing, and the objective is to extend it to twenty%.
Kat Fellows, founding father of Lesh, a model which specialises in leakproof nursing bras, mentioned: “We at present work with one manufacturing facility in China so I’m right here to see what else is on the market as it will be good to have back-ups. I’ve explored locations nearer to residence reminiscent of Egypt however for this type of technical manufacturing, it’s troublesome to beat China due to its abilities and [affordable] costs.
“For us, it’s essential to work carefully with the producers and develop the merchandise collectively.”
Supply Vogue’s catwalk
In the meantime, the director of 1 menswear model is trying to onboard new suppliers to assist it launch new product classes: “I’m in search of new merchandise moderately any particular [sourcing] markets. We have now a longtime provider base for shirts and knitwear, however I’m right here to see what different product varieties I can add to the combination [such as accessories]. It’s helpful to have all kinds of producers beneath one roof.”
Holly Wilson, director of HLK Consulting and former shopping for and merchandising director at Nadine Merabi, mentioned: “I’m right here to have a look at what completely different locations can provide and see how I may help the manufacturers I work with.
“With Trump’s tariffs, manufacturers are exploring choices to maneuver a few of their manufacturing out of China. For instance, they may very well be sourcing Chinese language materials however making the merchandise out of the country like Vietnam [to avoid the tariffs].”
Suzanne Ellingham, occasion director of Supply Vogue, mentioned: “With tariffs and provide chain disruptions, what companies need is to have extra combine of their provider base to unfold the chance.
“[Emerging sourcing markets such as] Egypt, Morocco and Indonesia have turn into viable choices. The times the place unit value is the one consideration is gone. Folks have realised the margin from these newer markets will be aggressive. It’s a altering panorama and there are many new alternatives.”
The twice-yearly sourcing occasion will return to Olympia London for its subsequent version on 8-10 July.
