(The following comments are from students in FASH455 based on the readings)
Yes, US fashion companies should continue to diversify their apparel sourcing bases in 2022 because…
“It is said that you never keep all your eggs in one basket. If something happens in one of the countries that brands are sourcing from, whether it’s economically or politically, their business could be in jeopardy because they have no other sourcing bases anywhere else. As we see now with the Russian and Ukraine War, anything can happen at any time, and huge businesses like Mcdonalds and Starbucks have shut down their stores in Russia. Having connections in the business world is what takes a company further and makes them wealthier.
“The demand for sustainability and transparency is only rising from consumers and this is causing brands to need to take accountability and action for more ethical sourcing. In order for brands to find factories that will work with the stricter regulations and policies, it may require them to find different and new locations and countries to work with.”
“The pandemic proved to be detrimental to brands only sourcing from a few countries. Pandemic lockdowns and government restrictions were harmful to companies that did not have a diverse sourcing base… A diverse sourcing base will allow companies to have the ability to continue to source new products in case of government lockdowns in other sourcing nations.”
“I think that US fashion companies should continue to diversify their sourcing base in 2022 to benefit other developing countries who are looking to build their economy. The majority of apparel sourcing is done out of China and Vietnam. A diverse apparel sourcing base would be a great way to take the heat off of these countries and benefit others.”
“I think fashion companies should continue to diversify their sourcing bases because it can help them remain competitive while still keeping costs down. Keeping costs down can also help prevent giant unpredictable spikes. Lastly, the company will have more flexibility if they are diverse because they won’t be relying on a single source and won’t run into issues if that single source fails.”
“I understand the argument that it is easier for smaller companies to produce solely in China seeing as it can be seen as a one-stop-shop. I also understand why some companies are looking to bring their sourcing closer together and closer to home to mitigate some of the sourcing costs. However, I find this view to be short-sighted and will be detrimental to companies in the long run. As we saw with the pandemic, diversification is helpful in the wake of disaster. If one country is suffering from a natural, economic, or political disaster it would be helpful to have production capabilities in other countries. This way if production is shut down in one country, it is not as detrimental to obtaining products because you can lean on the factories in other countries. I personally would rather wait out the incredibly high costs, which will hopefully go down soon, and keep my sourcing base diversified to be better prepared for unforeseen challenges in the future.”
No, US fashion companies should consolidate their apparel sourcing bases in 2022 because…
“US companies need to work on reducing the number of factories to increase sustainability and labor efforts. It would not be beneficial for the industry to continue to expand their sourcing bases, as that allows for less transparency with consumers. By diversifying their sourcing base they are proving to their consumers they only care about costs and how their clothing is affecting the environment.”
“I do not think US fashion companies should continue to diversify their sourcing base in 2022. These fashion companies should rather focus on nearshoring and local-to-local supply chain. Many retailers are interested in nearshoring as it helps eliminate the need to order months ahead, as the merchandise will have a shorter distance to travel. On top of this, many consumers want transparency and fast delivery. By sourcing more locally, fashion companies will be able to provide shorter shipping times as well as be more aware of sustainability in the supply chain and will then be able to relay the information to the consumers.”
“The very diverse sourcing base is exactly why some fashion companies struggled with supply chain disruptions and shipping delays. As the business environment remains highly uncertain, why not cut ties with some high-risk countries and only source products from the most secure and stable sourcing bases?”
“The present sourcing techniques used by US fashion corporations need to be refined and improved. The number of factories used for sourcing has to be reduced in order to improve sustainability and labor efforts. Increasing the number of sourcing bases does not benefit the industry since it reduces customer trust in the supply chain.”
“From trade data, it seems the top apparel suppliers to the US market barely changed—China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, or India. So, realistically, if a company intends to diversify sourcing, where else can they go?”
“During the pandemic, many US companies focused on strengthening their relationships with key vendors to gain a competitive advantage to achieve more flexibility in sourcing. It worked, then why companies should give up this strategy in 2022? Also, I think it would be wise for fashion companies to give MORE rewards to business partners that helped them survive the difficult times, rather than give sourcing orders to “new vendors”…further, using long-term loyalty and fiscal leverage with strategic business partners as an advantage could prove to be a good option for companies looking to obtain high production capacity, low prices, flexibility, and speed to market from their suppliers.”
Discussion questions:
Which side do you agree with or disagree with and why? What is your recommendation for US fashion companies regarding their apparel sourcing diversification strategies in 2022? Please join our online discussion and leave your comments.
FASH455 Global Apparel & Textile Trade and Sourcing 
Yes, I think US fashion companies should continue to diversify their apparel sourcing bases in 2022 because it creates more power. As mentioned in the article, huge businesses like McDonald’s and Starbuck were able to shut down their stores in Russia amidst the Russia-Ukraine war. Powerful companies like those were able to rely on other countries to continue operating/profiting. In regards to the US-China tariff war, the US is already starting to see the benefits of companies expanding sourcing. Vendors in China are lowering rates in hopes to maintain a relationship with the US. This leverage gives the US power to set price standards, reducing costs. Another benefit of diversifying sourcing bases is building up developing countries’ economies. It would give the strongest sourcing bases a chance to rework their systems with less pressure of a workload to ensure more sustainable practices.
I believe that US apparel companies should continue to diverse their sourcing bases in 2022 and beyond. Going into year three of the coronavirus, we have seen and learned that the supply chain has been severely disrupted. As we know, there can be many factors that can aid in implications in regards to supply chain disruptions. However, the coronavirus has launched a whole new world of disruptions that was unimaginable until now. Companies that had diverse supply sourcing strategies prior to the pandemic, did not suffer as greatly as companies that lacked a diverse sourcing background. This is due to the fact that every country had laws and mandates of their own in regards to exports as well as working restrictions. Industrialization in many less developed nations are allowing them to become key players in the apparel manufacturing sector. These nations can allow in a further diversification of the fashion supply chain. I am eager to see how these countries will do in comparison to other well established apparel manufacturing nations.
good point! Do you think there should be a limit for “diversification“？Or how could a company know if its supply chain is diversified enough?
I think that US apparel companies should continue to diversify their apparel sourcing. In the beginning of this post there is a statement that reads “you should never keep all your eggs in one basket”. I completely agree with this and have heard this statement for many things in my life so this really stood out to me. It makes sense because if something were to happen, the company’s whose sourcing varies would have an advantage over those who don’t and they would be able to adapt much easier. Also regarding the pandemic, the blog mentions how government lockdowns put a damper on the industry during peak covid and I believe that diversifying will help prepare those fashion brands incase there is another lockdown. We are still dealing with micro issues stemming from the pandemic three years later so you never know what the future holds.
Looking at both the pros and cons of brands diversifying their supply chain is very interesting because there are valid points on both sides. Following the pandemic, I believe it is important for brands to diversify their supply chains because of the uncertainty in the world. It is essential for brands to be prepared and with covid shut downs, having a diverse supply chain makes it possible for brands to still manufacture and ship some of their goods. For example, brands who exclusively manufacture in Vietnam had a lot of delays this summer due to the continuous government shutdown caused by the pandemic. Also, some brands are not able to manufacture all of their products in one place to get the best price or quality so it is a necessity for them to diversify. The point against diversification that was most interesting to me was that by diversifying the supply chain there is less focus on transparency and sustainability. If brands were to manufacture locally it would be easier to accomplish these things. The problem with this argument is that some brands can not manufacture locally because the prices are much higher. Brands might also make products that aren’t able to be manufactured on a large scale locally. While I see the argument on both sides, I believe that brands need to diversify their supply chain in order to be prepared for unknown situations.
I definitely believe that the US should continue to diversify its apparel sourcing bases because not only does it help the US’s economy, but it also helps developing countries. Most countries depend on China for sourcing which I believe could be dangerous because if something happens, for example, the exposure of forced labor in Xinjiang, it will make it more difficult for countries such as the US to quickly find a new sourcing base. I agree that they should keep their options open in order to build stronger relationships which leads to transparency and sustainability, which consumers are more conscious about nowadays. Diversifying their sourcing bases would also allow them to be more flexible if sourcing costs in a specific location started to increase due to government regulations or other issues.
In order for brands to be sustained, they need to diversify their sourcing bases. COVID-19 showed us that times can be completely unprecedented, and there always needs to be a backup option. That is why it is wise to never “put your eggs in one basket.” Also, because of the war with Russia and Ukraine, it shows us that the future is really unknown. One day a country may be your only producer, and the next day you may be pulling out completely. Diversifying sourcing to many countries cuts costs as well as creates multiple working relationships. Within a brands diversification, brands need to still take it upon themselves to audit their producers in terms of environmental and social sustainability.
I strongly believe that it is a good idea for the US to continue to diversify its apparel sourcing bases. It will not only make the US economy much strong but it will also form more ties with other countries. We have also seen that it is never a good idea to go all in on one country you might be sourcing out of. Think back to the bringing of COVID 19 when China had a major lock down all of those compies that only sourced from China screwed themselves over. Also, think about how much the US could be helping other counties where the textile industry is making their country survive. Many many countries are so dependent on China for sourcing. If we think about the most recent case study and the recent discovery of forced labor in Xinjiang, the US should not be supporting things like that. It is a good time to branch out now. Looking at other countries to source from will open many doors and leads to great new opportunities
good point about building more ties!
Yes, I strongly believe that it is a smart decision for US fashion companies to continue diversifying their apparel sourcing bases this year. Especially after COVID, many developing countries have been struggling economically and this opportunity can open up many doors for various countries. This is also an opportunity to create growing relationships with countries in different parts of the world that can benefit us in other industries as well.
In the past I have fully believed that companies should continue to diversify their sourcing, and I still do, but after reading this article I understand the other side a little better. I agree that in the wake of Covid-19, we saw how detrimental sourcing from one country can be to businesses. Having a diversified and spread out sourcing plan allows companies to shift production if any unforeseen issues occur (like a pandemic). I am also in the line of thinking that different countries have different strengths that can be capitalized on when it comes to sourcing. However, I do understand that having less diversity could help sustainability efforts and transparency. This is a big argument against diversification that I hadn’t thought of before. This being said, I would still recommend that US fashion companies diversify their apparel sourcing bases. I feel like the pros outweigh the cons and as much as sustainability and transparency are incredibly important, we need to find a different way to be successful in these areas.
Good reflection. You may also see the heated discussion about companies’ “growing interest” in near-sourcing in the media (for example https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/600267-now-is-the-time-to-drive-investment-and-nearshore-production-to/ )
My question is whether fashion companies are moving sourcing orders from Asia to the Western Hemisphere or actually just diversifying their sourcing base for whatever reasons.
I have believed that yes, US fashion companies should continue to diversify their apparel sourcing bases in 2022. I think this is the best way to ensure that sustainability efforts and ethical sourcing initiatives can be met. You make a fair point that yes, there could be increased attention on sustainability in one certain area of the world if that is the only manufacturer a brand uses. Though, it could be a good idea to diversify the the supply chain so that it could be easy to pull out of an area if there is unforeseen circumstances that occur. With increased political tensions and uncertain supply chain issues due to the pandemic, there is need and wants to have production occur in multiple areas of the supply chain. While I do see the benefits of simplifying the supply chain, I think having a diverse array of options is the best choice.
I believe US fashion companies should continue to diversify their apparel sourcing bases in 2022. Based on the remarks in the article and my general knowledge gained from reading the articles this semester, I believe that the only way for development is to see diversification, and the only way we can see change is through working with less-developed nations to build relationships and grow our country as a whole. It’s also worth mentioning that organizations with broad supplier sourcing methods prior to the pandemic performed much better than companies that didn’t. Also, given the difficulties encountered with sourcing during the pandemic, I believe it is important to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and good labor regulations by proving we can expand our sourcing bases and still stay true to that commitment.
Before the pandemic, I likely would have sided with consolidating apparel sourcing bases rather than diversifying them because this promotes sustainability and a more transparent supply chain. However, due to the rather unpredictable state of the world, I believe that for now, in 2022, it is important to have a diverse sourcing strategy. I believe this because issues in one country can have an immediate impact on retailers, so if the country facing conflict is the main area of sourcing, it is extremely difficult to shift manufacturing if relationships with other suppliers have not been previously established. This being said, I recommend for US fashion retailers of all sizes to try to source from multiple areas to decrease the risk associated with sourcing from a consolidated sourcing base. Ultimately, my stance on this issue is significantly impacted because of the implications associated with COVID-19.
The last two years have drastically changed the way the fashion industry operates. I think it is extremely beneficial for US companies to expand their sourcing bases and even look for new opportunities. The pandemic showed that many brands are dependent on their supply chains, which has created a multitude of issues. As a developed country we have an advantage and the opportunity to help underdeveloped countries, which I think could be very beneficial for these countries and the US. Additionally, I would advise brands to actually begin to shift their supply chain centers to areas where they can closely monitor and make adjustments. This would not only remove supply chain issues but also increase transparency with consumers.
I believe that it is in the best interest of U.S. fashion companies to diversify their apparel sourcing bases. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us to expect the unexpected, and companies must be prepared to shift their supply chain practices at any moment. Diversifying their sourcing bases will not only prevent supply chain issues due to the pandemic, but it will also keep costs down, benefitting the US companies financially. Furthermore, we are seeing a shift in consumer demand for companies to increase sustainability and ethical labor efforts. By shifting to countries that have strict labor laws and the ability to audit these factors will aid the US companies in keeping transparency with consumers.
I find the argument to not diversify apparel sourcing bases very interesting. While building and strengthening relationships with key vendors is important, throughout the pandemic we have seen companies who do this struggle due to government shutdowns and port closures. Diversifying can help to combat such issues as these.
I think that like anything, there are pros and cons to diversifying apparel sourcing bases. It is important to keep your options open and not put your eggs all in one basket. We have seen through the COVID-19 pandemic that unexpected changes can cause many issues. The US fashion industry is still faced with backlash from COVID-19 and all the change that it caused in the sourcing and production sections of the industry. If we were to diversify our sourcing bases will lower the chances of issues with the supply chain, lower costs, and keep the US from worrying about something like COVID-19 causing issues again. We are also seeing how much consumers are changing the way in which they shop, as well as how they go about spending their money. The pandemic caused many consumers to pay attention to the things they are buying, and lots of individuals are starting to realize that the products they are purchasing are not made ethically. As we learned in class, Xiaojing, China was using forced labor in order to produce garments, and the US had to put a hold on doing business with them because of this. As a result, the fashion brands were not receiving their product, and the consumers were seeing empty shelves, and delays on their orders. This causes a huge setback for fashion brands and is why diversifying apparel sourcing bases would be smart move for the US.
I think that the US should diversify their apparel sourcing base in 2022. Since COVID, we have seen a lot of issues popup with sourcing and supply chain. We have seen how vulnerable the market it is and we can predict or rely on certain things to always stay the same. During COVID, companies saw how unprepared they were for the changes that they have encountered, by not having enough diversification during COVID, the US was in a bad place because we had a lot of eggs in one basket, and relied on certain things in the supply chain. By diversifying they are setting themselves up for success because they wont be set back if one country can’t keep up with the US sourcing needs. By diversifying the US can provide opportunities for other countries.
I definitely agree that the US should continue to diversify their sourcing bases. I think this could help increase the economy and possibly make connections with other countries that the US didn’t have before. The Russian and the Ukraine war is a great example of expect the unexpected. Even though I am not always up to date on current world affairs and what countries are “bad”, I never expected Russia to invade into Ukraine and more importantly, the economy decreasing rapidly in Russia because of repercussions. The stocks are crashing, gas is increasing everywhere, and major companies are pulling out. It will also help the country to become more sustainable and transparent. Some of the major sourcing bases have been called out for their unethical working conditions and consumers are becoming more aware of the issues. Some have pride when spending a couple more dollars because they know that garment is higher quality and will have a longer life cycle.
I found it extremely interesting to see different viewpoints regarding US fashion companies diversifying their apparel sourcing. While both viewpoints have convincing arguments, I believe US fashion companies should continue to diversify their apparel sourcing basis in 2022. With the demand for sustainability on the rise, brands must branch out and source products in new locations with stricter regulations. Sourcing from different countries can help companies move away from only sourcing in China, and can help to build developing countries economy. The pandemic was extremely difficult on US brands who did not have a diverse sourcing base as they were unable to source products in a timely fashion. A diverse sourcing base will give companies more flexibility so they do not have to rely on a specific base. Diversifying the supply chain will prepare companies for any other crisis that could occur within the supply chain.
It is definitely a strong decision for US fashion companies to continue to diversify their apparel sourcing bases this year. I understand that after the pandemic, the supply chain slowed down significantly but it does not change the fact that many undeveloped countries still struggle economically every year. A lot of countries even depend on making money from exporting certain goods to other countries. If this were to stop completely, I feel like it would do more bad than good.
Being that we’re in the third year of a global pandemic and the catastrophic effects it’s had on the fashion industry, US fashion companies should definitely continue to diversify their apparel sourcing base. Since covid hit, there’s been a huge supply chain crisis where costs have increased and deadlines and lead times have been pushed back. By diversifying our sourcing base, we can find manufacturers closer to home to get products quicker while also maintaining relationships with further manufacturers that have lower costs for other products. It’s also beneficial for the US to build ties with new countries to source from and work on specialization with a diverse sourcing base.
Do you think that diversifying our sourcing will dissolve the idea of transparency in the supply chain? Is there a way to have a diverse sourcing base but still be transparent?
I definitely think that US fashion companies should continue to diversify their apparel sourcing bases in 2022. We have been living through history in the making with the pandemic, and companies are having issues they never experienced before. Full blown lockdowns across the globe caused major delays and complete shutdowns of the supply chain. Orders were canceled, shipments were delayed, factories were closed down, borders were locked, issues only kept rising during the pandemic, and for countries that sourced from various places, it allowed them to have a better opportunity to get some of their supply rather than none. Each country had their own rules, and so when one country was open, that did not necessarily mean all countries were able to begin production again. Diversifying sourcing is not only beneficial when issues of outbreaks or political wars break out, but it is also beneficial when the demand for sustainability and ethical practices is so high. When a brand is willing to source from another place that treats workers fair, it not only benefits those garment workers and factories, but it benefits the brand because now consumers can know their clothing is being made ethically because of the brands decision to source ethically.
I think that US fashion companies should definitely continue to diversify their apparel sourcing base. Many more issues have arisen because of the pandemic including the supply chain crisis. Factories were shut down, shipments were delayed and there was a huge increase in costs. By companies sourcing from various places, they could be able to receive some orders from their supply chain rather than none at all. By doing this, US fashion companies can also build ties with more countries which can be beneficial for them and their suppliers.
I think the U.S. should continue to diversity their sourcing base in 2022 due to the events going on in the world right now. In terms of the pandemic, various countries handled the virus differently, some completely shut down, while others were able to set lighter restrictions. By diversifying the sourcing base, there is better opportunity to avoid conflict if certain nations or areas are forced to shut down. The same situation applies to the Ukraine and Russia at the moment. It is not beneficial for a company to put all sourcing in one area because of events like this. Diversifying also gives them an opportunity to source places that may be a better fit or require less transportation for the products.
I believe if US fashion brands choose not to diversify their apparel sourcing bases there is a large chance that an issue will occur as they are only using one country as a location. The issue that arises would be on where a crisis occurs in the sole country the US uses, so there will be a disruption with processing time in the industry. The US companies using materials or products from this location would be put on pause and then this pause will cause economy issues. The economy troubles that would be faced would come after the disruption in lengthening industry waiting times. US companies choosing to diversify their sourcing bases would allow them to continue their sales and production if an issue were to arise, even if one base needs to shut down. Having multiple locations also allows fashion companies to pick which locations will take care of what needs need to be fulfilled based on speed, quality time, cost, and other qualifications. Having multiple options for sourcing would allow companies to continue to grow and have the best economic standing for themselves. It will serve in the best interest of these companies to have multiple locations for their apparel sourcing bases.
The top two sourcing factors that matter the most to the US fashion companies are trade regulations and product quality. The major purpose of trade agreements for the United States is to lower obstacles to American exports, safeguard American interests competing overseas, and improve the rule of law in the FTA partner nations or countries. I believe that the United States should begin sourcing more American-made items. A lot of my clothes aren’t created in the United States. In comparison to other countries, the United States has this disadvantage. The epidemic had an impact on the supply chain, and the US understood just how much not sourcing their apparel might benefit. The US should continue to diversify its sourcing base by 2022 so circumstances such as shortages of workers, space, and equipment are not an issue in the future. The US is a very advanced country but in some aspects not as much as others.
I personally think that US fashion companies should continue to diversify their supply chain. D0ing so would provide them with a greater amount of flexibility if issues were to arise in a specific country where their supply chain is located. It is impossible to be prepared for every unexpected circumstance, but a diverse supply chain can often provide US fashion companies with more options when a crisis arises. Furthermore, this makes it easier for US fashion companies to establish a global presence if they have suppliers all over the world. Additionally, some countries and cultures have ways of making apparel that we do not have in the US or close by. This is an opportunity to share another country’s culture and provide positive exposure to the American consumer. Furthermore, diversification helps US fashion companies to have more control and stability when it comes to pricing. If a fashion company had to change their prices every time a crisis happened in a particular country, it would have negative impacts on their consumers, and they could lose significant amounts of business.
I don’t think US fashion companies should continue to diversify their sourcing bases as we continue into 2022. Especially when topics like sustainability and transparency are becoming more pressing issues for companies to disclose, having a smaller sourcing base would make these things more manageable. If you have fewer relationships to manage, then you can build stronger relationships, have better oversight, and really keep track of all aspects of your business. If a company is sourcing from hundreds of different areas, how are they going to be able to track all of this in detail and be transparent about it. In terms of sourcing, I think less is more! (Yes, all of this comes with a lot of risks, but I think these risks may be able to create a more sustainable and ethical supply chain).
I think this article is very interesting because it covers both aspects of why US fashion companies should diversify their sourcing bases and why they should not. I believe they should only because of the problems we faced during. the pandemic. But I do also agree with why we should not due to an in increase sustainability and better labor conditions. by having limited sourcing. bases. Fashion brands can keep in close contact with suppliers and it would allow them to track inputs easily. But the fashion industry cannot afford another disruption in the supply chain so to be safe and proactive to any unpredictable events they should diversify their sourcing bases.
I agree, companies should continue to diversify their supply chain. The demand for greater transparency served as a motive for companies to search for alternative vendors, suppliers, and factories to work with. However, diversifying a supply chain serves as a safety net. For instance, companies continued to work with China despite the challenges presented. This resulted in may negative outcomes such as increased and delayed shipping times. Diversifying a supply chain allows companies not to be solely dependent on one source for their merchandise. As the article mentioned, companies that didn’t have a diverse supply chain were greatly affected.
I believe that United States garment companies should proceed to diversify their sourcing bases. Because of the pandemic’s risks and implications on the sector, I believe it is critical to have many sources rather than depending solely on one. We’ve also learned that focusing just on one country for sourcing is never promising or successful. This leads to the others also questioning whether having too many sources is also risky. I believe that too many sources have both positives and negatives. The advantages consist of cutting costs and developing relationships with other countries. The disadvantages arise from COVID hazards. Numerous developing countries have been experiencing economic difficulties, which could either be very risky or help these struggling countries. It’s also far more difficult to maintain track of all of the nation’s transparency and sustainability.
I think that fashion companies should be actively trying to diversify their sourcing bases in 2022. After many issues in the pandemic regarding sourcing, the US needs to take precautions. There have been ongoing issues with sustainability and working conditions. By expanding its sourcing base, the US opens up new relationships with countries that may be better than the ones that they currently have. It also creates competition between the countries and gives undeveloped countries a chance to grow. In addition, by sourcing in multiple countries, if issues arise within one country, such as a covid lockdown or another political crisis, the US has other countries to source from. This can help prevent another supply chain crisis similar to the one we have today.
Yes I think that US fashion companies should continue to diversify their apparel sourcing in 2022 for many reasons. Like it says in the article, companies that are huge here in the US like McDonalds and Starbucks have had to shut down their businesses in Russia because they were sourcing from one place and with the Russia-Ukraine war they no longer could source from them anymore. If the US were to lose companies like McDonalds and Starbucks, many lives would change, and it would have a huge hit on our economy. Sourcing from many different places can ensure that something like that will never happen, so if you lose your source in one place, you have other places to fall back on. With the pandemic fall out still happening across the globe, especially with the supply chain, some places may take too long to get companies the products they need when they need it, and with so much uncertainty still happening you never know when a country is going to be out on lockdown, meaning nothing would be able to come in or out. Overall the US should not put all their trust into sourcing from one place because you never know what can happen and I think a lot of companies realized that when the pandemic hit.
I believe that there is definitely an argument to be made for both sides. As stated in the article, diversifying your sourcing base can help mitigate supply-chain delays and issues. From COVID to the war between Ukraine and Russia, uncertainty in the supply chain is almost a guarantee. Sourcing from a wider range of places keeps companies agile and allows them to make changes quickly to ensure that their consumers get their products within a timely manner. On the other hand, sourcing from a weirder variety of countries can result in longer lead times. This requires companies to order their merchandise months ahead of time which leaves little room for error and adjustment. Sourcing from fewer countries from more areas that are more local could help companies shorten these lead times and make adjustments as needed when changes in the market occur.