Global sourcing: new research and education agendas for apparel design and merchandising

In response to the dominance of global sourcing in the apparel industry within developed economies, this paper illustrates how the topic of global sourcing could help direct agendas for future research and education within the apparel discipline. By reviewing major functions of apparel design, product development, merchandising, and marketing in consideration of global sourcing, this paper shows how global sourcing could help designers and product developers make better decisions of fiber choices, better understand tradeoffs users may make between different raw materials, and become more aware of product performance requirements and design compliance issues. It illustrates how research on global sourcing would help merchandisers become more effective forecasters, planners, and implementers in this highly unpredictable marketplace. Marketing professionals will also learn to work with global sourcers to ensure transparency and integrity of their messages within the legal and ethical frameworks. A discussion on future research questions and educational goals follows.