The Tariff Trade-Off: Cost Reduction vs. Quality Risk
Tariffs on imported consumer goods have surged, squeezing profit margins across apparel, footwear, furniture, and multi-category retail. In recent trade moves, U.S. duties on clothing and footwear from key sourcing countries jumped from around 15% to over 30%, doubling the tariff costs that brands must pay. This sudden spike leaves retailers facing an unpleasant choice: […]
75% of Compliance Budgets Just Shifted—Here’s What That Means for Supply Chains
Compliance isn’t what it used to be—and that’s a good thing. No longer a checkbox exercise buried in back-office functions, today’s compliance strategies are powering brand reputation, unlocking market access, and driving end-to-end supply chain visibility. According to the State of Supply Chain 2025 Report, traceability and real-time risk management are now essential for companies […]
75% of Consumers Want Sustainable Products—But Only 10% Will Pay More. Can You Go Green Without Going Broke?
The retail and apparel industry is still facing a familiar paradox. According to the State of Supply Chain 2025 Report, over 75% of consumers say sustainability strongly influences their purchasing decisions, yet fewer than 10% are willing to pay more for eco-friendly products. This presents a serious challenge: how can brands and suppliers meet environmental, […]
95% of Supply Chains Are Shifting Due to Tariffs and Geopolitics—Are You?
95% of companies now rate tariffs and geopolitical shifts as major factors in supply chain decisions. The latest round of tariffs introduced under the current U.S. administration on April 3—blanket 10% duties on nearly all imports, escalating to 49%+ for select countries—marks the largest tariff increase in 95 years. This surge in trade disruption has […]
Redefining Compliance: Why Integrated, Intelligent Tools Are the Future of Supply Chain Risk Management
ESG Compliance Is Evolving — Fast. Is Your Strategy Keeping Up? Senior sourcing and compliance leaders today are feeling the pressure: ESG compliance is no longer a back-office checkbox. It’s front and center — shaping brand reputation, investor confidence, and long-term business viability. But while the demands are new, too many brands are still operating […]
Why 90% of Supply Chains Stall on AI—and How to Break Through
AI is no longer a future-facing experiment—it’s fast becoming the backbone of competitive supply chains. In retail and apparel, where speed, risk, and compliance pressures collide, artificial intelligence is proving critical to both resilience and growth. Yet, the State of Supply Chain 2025 Report reveals a troubling reality: most companies remain stuck in “pilot purgatory.” […]
Chemical Management Is Now a Business Imperative
Once relegated to regulatory footnotes, chemical management has taken center stage. Today, it’s viewed as a critical business risk, driven by escalating global regulation, investor activism, and consumer demand for transparency. This blog explores why now is the moment for brands and manufacturers across all industries to get proactive, and how leading organizations are using […]
Digital Product Passports Are Here. Is Your Brand Ready?
Change is in the air for global supply chains. With the European Union rolling out the Digital Product Passport (DPP), companies must adapt to a new standard of transparency, traceability, and environmental responsibility. Starting in 2026, the European Union will begin enforcing DPP requirements under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). The first affected […]
Navigating the Tariff Turbulence—and Beyond: Key Insights from the State of Supply Chain Report 2025
Geopolitical shifts and sudden tariff hikes are no longer just background noise in global trade—they’re reshaping the very core of how brands source, produce, and deliver goods. In our newly released State of Supply Chain Report 2025, we explore how tariff uncertainty, forced labor regulations, and consumer-driven sustainability are colliding to redefine supply chain strategies. […]
Tariffs, Turbulence, and Transformation: What Supply Chain Leaders Must Do Now to Secure Their Networks
If you’re in retail, manufacturing, or sourcing, and feel like you’re firefighting every day, you’re not alone. The sudden spike in tariffs—particularly on products sourced from China—has put enormous pressure on already-stressed supply chains. Executives are in damage-control mode, cost forecasts are being rewritten, and sourcing teams are scrambling for alternatives. But here’s the truth: […]
