Sourcing Journal Fall Summit
Letter from Our Founder

Not a single day goes by without my phone ringing and the caller asking something along the lines of, “Is the cost of goods going to go down?” “When will inventories clear out?” “Just how bad will holiday be?”

It’s clear to me that the industry has not yet found its footing as to what a New Normal looks like. Whether it’s a brand, a factory, a VC or a retail analyst, almost everyone is struggling to forecast what lies ahead.

I know it’s more fun to come together during joyous times and celebrate our victories and record profits, but it is during challenging times like these that our industry convening is the most important.

It’s very apparent to me, as I monitor the constant boom-and-bust cycle we rinse and repeat, that as much as we compete, as much as we like to see ourselves as unique, we’re a herd at heart. We all make the same mistakes.

Legacy brands will not just survive on their IP, and DTC brands, regardless of niche, can’t ride the VC wave forever.

What I’m getting at, is that no one is immune to downturns. No one has a secret cure to what ails us. But together we can solve for X. We can take the herd mentality that is sometimes our worst enemy, and use it to unite us in problem solving, best practices and actionable ideas moving forward.

I ask you to join me at the Sourcing Journal Fall Summit, Oct. 18 at the gorgeous Cipriani 42nd Street with an open mind, a willingness to share, an intellectual curiosity and the humbleness to learn.

We make a vow to you that the hard questions will be asked. The toughest dilemmas worked through, and the most vital information that affects your business brought to the fore. Simply put, it’s what we do best.

As observers, reporters and stakeholders in all aspects of the fashion industry, we are proud to provide a meeting place where egos are set aside, and problems are resolved. There is no part of business on which sustainability, logistics and the supply chain don’t cast a shadow. Let’s illuminate it together.

I know you’re all busy, and perhaps we’ve all become too comfortable Zooming in and out of meetings, but some things are better discussed in person. I ask you to dust off that suit, pick up your blazer from storage or polish your heels and come take your seat. We saved it for you.

Till then,