Best Apparel Sourcing Podcasts (2024)

1
Fabric Supplying with Jay Arbetman of The Sourcing District 47:05

28d ago47:05

47:05

Host Heather Zager welcomes Jay Arbetman, owner of The Sourcing District, a fabric and textile products sales agency, to the show to talk in-depth about fabric supply. Jay was, as he says, born into the industry. He started working in the family business - coat manufacturing in the Chicago area - at age 14 and has been in the fabric business ever s…

1
Size and Fit 18:29

1h ago18:29

18:29

Host Heather Zager talks about size and fit in this third of her four-part series called Concept to Customer. She explains exactly what fit and size are, technically speaking, and what they should mean to a garment and the customer wearing said garment. Historical context and a modern-day leaning towards vanity sizing are also addressed in Heather’…

1
Inside SJ's Material Innovation Report 13:34

3h ago13:34

13:34

In this episode, Alex Harrell, Sourcing Journal staff reporter, discusses the gains and obstacles in the exciting world of alt materials. Download the Material Innovation Report to learn: What’s next for Renewcell, rebranded Circulose under its new private equity owner How Under Armour is pushing the envelope with its new Neolast fiber What Ganni’s…

1
Supporting the Denim Industry with a 'One-Stop-Shop' of Solutions 10:41

5d ago10:41

10:41

In this episode, Lizzie Kroeze, director of product development and marketing for the EU and UK at AGI Denim, chats with Angela Velasquez, executive editor at Rivet about its upgraded operations. The vertically integrated B Corp manages the entire production process, from yarn spinning and fabric weaving to garment sewing and finishing. In addition…

1
Inside SJ x WWD's Tech Report: The Artificial Intelligence Issue 17:50

13d ago17:50

17:50

Far from some distant sci-fi fantasy, artificial intelligence has made its way into all aspects of our lives, and the fashion industry is no exception. In this podcast, Sourcing Journal business reporter and tech editor Meghan Hall joins Lauren Parker, director of Fairchild Studio, to discuss the SJ x WWD Tech Report: The Artificial Intelligence Is…

1
Apparel Manufacture with Kyla from Lefty Production Co. 46:41

13d ago46:41

46:41

Heather Zager talks about all the questions new designers have about getting to manufacture with guest Kyla Sayre. Kyla is the Director of Business Development for Lefty Production Company and Stitch Texas. While Kyla has been in her current role for roughly four years, she’s been in the industry for ten years and has experience in many different a…

1
Why Being Sustainable is No Longer Enough - and what brands need to do now 28:57

20d ago28:57

28:57

The apparel industry is being forced to re-imagine itself in the face of pressure to meet new green standards. Suddenly, what we thought was sustainable turns out to be merely a ‘good try’ - but not enough. While apparel needs to now recycle, be circular, reduce carbon emissions and lower water usage, it also has to appeal to consumers - who want c…

1
Combatting Microplastic Pollution By Choosing Natural Materials 13:23

1M ago13:23

13:23

Since synthetic materials came on the scene almost a century ago, they have grown to become the most popular choice for apparel. But the prevalence of polyester and other polymer-based fibers has come with a tiny yet pervasive problem: microplastics. Textiles are a key contributor to microplastic pollution, as tiny plastic particles break off and e…

1
Retail Rx: Shaping J.Crew's Digital Transformation Strategy 24:41

1M ago24:41

24:41

In this special “Chat Box” episode, part of a series of executive spotlights for RetailRx community hub, Danielle Schmelkin, chief information officer of J.Crew Group joins Fairchild Studio Director Lauren Parker. Schmelkin discusses the shifting role of the CIO, J.Crew and Madewell’s digital transformation strategies, and sheds light on how retail…

1
Transforming Manufacturing Operations for Customer Centricity 12:50

1M ago12:50

12:50

In 2021, Pakistan-based manufacturer Interloop had a vision: to expand beyond the hosiery category and become a “full-family” producer. As the company grew its verticals, it established separate teams for each product type, and cross-category customers had multiple points of contact. Over the last six months, Interloop has undergone a transformatio…

1
Material Sourcing 22:55

1M ago22:55

22:55

Heather Zager discusses the second topic in her four-part series called Concept to Customer in this episode. In the first episode she introduced us to design concepting and today she talks about material sourcing. She explains the foundation of fabrics and how they are made, differentiating between natural and man-made fibers as well as how fibers …

1
Building Your First E-Commerce Website with Blockbeta 34:11

1M ago34:11

34:11

Host Heather Zager welcomes Robbin Block, the Creative Marketing Strategist at Blockbeta Marketing, to the show to explain the ins and outs of building an e-commerce website. Robbin has an MBA from Boston University and a BA in Economics from the State University of New York at Albany, and through her more than 30 years in the industry, she knows e…

1
Steps to Success in Apparel Manufacturing with Satsuma Designs 29:03

1M ago29:03

29:03

Host Heather Zager welcomes Jennifer Porter, the owner and operator of Satsuma Designs out of Seattle, to the show to talk about the different types of manufacture and what the manufacturing process entails. Jennifer has been in the business for twenty years and through that experience walks listeners through how to prepare for manufacture and addr…

1
Design Concepting 18:49

1M ago18:49

18:49

Host Heather Zager welcomes listeners to the inaugural episode of the MADE Apparel Services Podcast. Heather started the podcast to offer tips, tricks, and advice on getting a sewn product idea into development and manufacture. Today she begins a four-part series called Concept to Customer and explains the first step, design concepting boards. Desi…

1
Retail Rx: Effective Real Estate Asset Management Strategies 31:09

2M ago31:09

31:09

In real estate, the mantra is often location, location, location. But when it comes to truly effective real estate asset management, there is so much more to it, like knowing when to play the long game, when to make a quick decision and why "time kills deals" In this Sku View fireside chat for Retail Rx, Laren Parker, director of Fairchild Studio, …

1
Retail Rx: Coach on Balancing Product and Purpose 29:13

2M ago29:13

29:13

Coach remains one of the world's most recognizable brands, which is no small feat after 80 plus years. It's not easy for legacy brands to stay relevant, yet reinvention with the younger consumer can be even harder. Coach has done both by realizing that product-centric isn’t enough; handbags and other fashion items can also be a stand in for self-ex…

1
Retail Rx: Retail's State of Distress 22:23

3M ago22:23

22:23

Despite some bright spots, retail has had a bumpy road lately, with shifts from malls to online, store closings, bankruptcies, restructurings, liquidations and the like. Yet as Tolstoy might have put it, “Successful retailers are all alike; each distressed retailer is distressed in its own way.” In this fireside chat, Rob Gorin, managing director a…

1
Retail Opportunities that Mass Market Brands Might Be Overlooking 33:28

3M ago33:28

33:28

Retail sales continue to outperform expectations - in both the US and in key European markets. Yet analysts are still waiting for that slowdown that was supposed to be driven first by inflation - and then by higher interest rates. Yet, consumers are proving resilient - but for how long? Long term a lot is likely to come down to the retailers themse…

1
Retail Rx: Why Should Retailers Care About AI? Is it Hype? 28:17

3M ago28:17

28:17

It seems as if tech is one of the biggest recurring stories that touches many facets—economies, societies and businesses. In this episode we will discuss why retailers should care about AI and what makes a successful tech-rich organizational environment. In this fireside chat, Michael Appel, managing director and head of retail practice, Getzler He…

1
KIL- Interview with Jeff Miller, Business Leader Coach, Author of Winning Habits 44:11

4M ago44:11

44:11

Interview with Jeff Miller, Business Leader Coach, Author of Winning Habits We speak to Jeff about Coaching and Why he got started We talk about Charlotte and Business Challenges Jeff will be coaching Pam and Justin over the next three months! Pray for Him to deal with us! He is extending his coaching to us to assist us as Business Owners/ Leaders …

1
Retail Rx: Supporting Frontlines to Deliver Retail Success 32:02

4M ago32:02

32:02

Well-trained, committed frontline workers are key to a retailer’s success, but that’s proving more and more elusive. With a worker attrition rate of about 60 percent, retailers are essentially replacing more than half their staff every year. That’s a lot of churn. In this fireside chat, Christine Tutssel, co-founder of Axonify, Michael Appel, manag…

1
New HR Tech that's Reducing Documentation and Processing Problems 35:34

4M ago35:34

35:34

It seems we live an age of documentation. There are increasing levels of regulations around everything - and the supporting documentation around those regulations keeps getting more complex. Paper work that used to be handled by one or two people now requires a department with a hierarchy of staff - just to understand the regulations - let alone do…

1
How AI is Revolutionizing Healthcare 27:36

4M ago27:36

27:36

Telehealth got a serious toehold into healthcare during the pandemic. Now it looks set to be a massive disrupter to the healthcare industry, powered by greater digitization and the use of AI. If it comes to its full potential, more people will be able to get better healthcare - at more affordable prices. The opportunity here is so massive that Amaz…

1
Retail Rx: PacSun Brings in Gen Z with Co-Creation 22:47

4M ago22:47

22:47

How are smart retailers bringing their own customers into the mix as co-collaborators and co-creators? PacSun is a leader in this regard, making sure its brand resonates with Gen Z, and not just in product, but in overall vibe and messaging. Whether this means using its own consumers as models in advertising campaigns or soliciting Gen Z customer a…

1
KIL-@BellaBellerina Franchise Owners & Girl Hive- Building Your Tribe 33:57

4M ago33:57

33:57

www.bellaballerina.com Interviewed Natalie Perkins and Laura DiFrank on being Business Owners! Thriving in Business! Meeting Others and Why They Started Girl Hive! Don't Miss These Woman Making a Difference here in Charlotte! Check Out Their studios in Tega Cay and Huntersville! Bella Ballerina: www.bellaballerina.com @bellaballerinastudios faceboo…

1
KIL- Interview with Owner of Krustaceans Charlotte, Marcus Lucas 28:58

4M ago28:58

28:58

Attention Charlotte business owners! Are you looking to support a local Business Owner and a Foodie? and attract new customers? Then tune in to this episode of the Charlotte Business Podcast where we interview Marcus Lucas, the owner of the popular local seafood market, "Krustaceans"! Marcus with his partners, will share his insights on running a s…

1
Chris Richardson Offering The Voice of Reason 43:50

5M ago43:50

43:50

This Episode was Recorded over Valentine's Day. Introducing Chris: The Voice of Reason Establishing Credibility In a sea of uncertainty, credibility reigns supreme. Introduce Chris as the voice of reason, a trusted confidant revered for his wisdom and candor in navigating the complexities of relationships. Emphasizing Unfiltered Responses Why settl…

1
Retail Rx: Driving Concept to Conversion with Voice of the Consumer (VOC) 26:55

5M ago26:55

26:55

Are retailers really listening to their customers? In this fireside chat for business hub Retail Rx, Michael Appel, managing director and head of retail practice for Getzler Henrich & Associates, and Greg Petro, CEO of consumer insight platform First Insight discuss the importance of digital tools to gather voice of customer insights data and apply…

1
Why Organizations Now Need Generalists 32:18

5M ago32:18

32:18

After decades of being counseled to become specialists - to find our niche - to be known as an expert in a specific field - it seems now the pendulum might be shifting in the opposite direction. Are we at the cusp of a new era that favors generalists? And if so, why the change? And just as importantly, we do we need to do to get ahead of the curve?…

1
Introducing WWD x Sourcing Journal's Retail Rx 23:32

5M ago23:32

23:32

In response to a challenged and constantly shifting retail market, WWD and Sourcing Journal have joined forces and teamed up with Getzler Henrich & Associates LLC, a Hilco Global Company, to launch “Retail Rx.” This digital content microsite presents news and insights to help executive leaders make better-informed business decisions. Fresh content …

1
The Current Outlook for Cotton Prices 23:27

5M ago23:27

23:27

One of the biggest supply chain concerns right now is materials costs. While most stakeholders would like to see costs go down, everyone would at least like some clarity on what prices might be like - especially for cotton, which plays a key role in the apparel supply chain. While nobody has that proverbial crystal ball that can see the future, the…

1
Interview with Dr. Roshon Bradley, Owner of ReStore Power washing ( Praying and Spraying) 45:38

5M ago45:38

45:38

Interview with Dr. Roshon Bradley, Owner of ReStore Power washing ( Praying and Spraying) Dr. Roshon Bradley, the founder of Restore Power Washing, LLC, is a local business owner who spreads hope through his powerwashing services in Indian Land, South Carolina. Let’s shine a spotlight on his inspiring story: Background: Dr. Bradley, an EdD, has bee…

1
The Next Big Thing in Sustainable Housing 34:09

5M ago34:09

34:09

After decades of wanting bigger and more, people have been starting to recognize the benefits of downsizing. It’s not just about buying less stuff or finally clearing out the closets, garage or basement. Over the past decade there has been a clear and growing trend towards to choosing smaller houses - much smaller. The most recent iteration of this…

1
Custom Apparel Source Interview with Mariellen Auer 42:51

6M ago42:51

42:51

Meet Mariellen Auer! a passionate artist and visionary once wielded her creativity through pixels and vectors. As a graphic artist, she breathed life into digital canvases, crafting logos, illustrations, and visual stories. But Mariellen's heart yearned for something more tangible—a way to blend her artistic flair with the world of textiles and wea…

1
The Retail Leaders Roadmap: Practical Steps to Power Up Your Career 29:58

6M ago29:58

29:58

I just sat down with Brian Librach to discuss his new book "The Retail Leaders Roadmap" and the conversation was powerful! A lot to unpack! Some of the key insights you're going to get from Brian include: 1. The five practices of building character, and their significance in career development. 2. Strategies for career advancement within a retail e…

1
Using Holistic Branding to Stand Out in a Noisy Market 32:16

6M ago32:16

32:16

Competition is fierce these days. The solution, according to marketing experts, is to create a ‘brand story’ for your company or your product. Sounds simple. Until you actually try to do it. And then, well, suddenly you feel like a stranger in a strange land. Staring at blank piece of paper or screen - or brainstorming with colleagues only to come …

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Apparel Sourcing Podcasts

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