Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Selection in the U.S. Textile— Apparel—Retail Supply Network

This research investigates the key causal linkages in supply chain management—the impact of strategic sourcing and supplier selection on firm performance in the U.S. textile—apparel—retail supply network. A conceptual framework was developed and the empirical survey-based research methodology was used to gather data from the U.S. textile—apparel—retail complex. The data collection resulted in 181 responses, representing a 38.2% response rate. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the research model and test the research hypotheses. The research findings support that strategic sourcing has a significant and positive effect on business performance, and supplier selection has a significant and positive effect on the firm's ability to gain competitive advantages. The research concludes with implications, limitations, and directions for future research.