Product Sourcing

Rebuilding US Manufacturing: A Furniture Manufacturer's Perspective
March 24, 2025 at 10:23 am

For decades, the upholstered furniture industry, like many others, has witnessed the U.S. manufacturing landscape shift toward cheaper labor markets abroad, driven by cost savings and profit margins. Beginning in the late 20th century, companies moved manufacturing to countries like China, Mexico, and Vietnam. While this globalization brought short-term benefits, the long-term impact has been…

Navigating Trump’s Tariffs: What Retailers Can Do to Protect Their Bottom Line
February 24, 2025 at 5:37 pm

With Trump back in office and paving the way for new tariffs, retailers can expect significant supply chain disruptions and cost fluctuations in 2025. Navigating these new tariffs means understanding the impact across key areas and adjusting supply chain strategies accordingly. Here's how retailers can strengthen their operations and protect their bottom line in preparation…

China Retaliates With Tariffs on US Imports
February 5, 2025 at 8:18 pm

China announced it was levying tariffs on select imported U.S. goods Tuesday in response to President Donald Trump's imposed 10 percent tariffs on China, which went into effect Tuesday. The Associated Press reported that China would implement a 15 percent tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) products as well as a 10 percent…

Tariffs on Imported Goods From Canada, China Go Into Effect; Mexico Paused
February 3, 2025 at 3:56 pm

President Trump on Saturday signed an executive order that imposes 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada, while adding an additional 10 percent levy on goods from China. Canada responded hours later with retaliatory tariffs of its own. China's commerce secretary said that country would challenge the tariffs through the World Trade Organization, according to…

Tech-Driven Solutions for Retail: Stopping Counterfeits Before They Reach Consumers
January 20, 2025 at 10:43 am

Imagine two pairs of your favorite sneakers: one purchased from a trusted local store and the other delivered from a popular e-commerce giant. They might look identical, but what if I told you there’s a real chance the second pair could be fake? Last year alone, more than 7 million counterfeit items were seized —…

Navigating Post-Election Success: The Necessity of Source Diversification for Retailers
October 30, 2024 at 12:15 pm

As we head towards a pivotal U.S. presidential election for retailers, it’s paramount that leaders in our industry pay attention to the impact it can have on their operations. The convergence of economic, political and regulatory risks presents a volatile landscape, demanding that retail leaders act swiftly to mitigate unprecedented challenges that will likely materialize…

Biden Targets Shein, Temu With New Rules to Curb Alleged ‘Abuse’ of US Trade Loophole
September 16, 2024 at 2:57 pm

The Biden administration announced new steps on Friday to curtail what it calls the “overuse and abuse” of a longstanding trade law that permits low-value shipments to enter the United States without paying import duties and processing fees. The steps include a new rule proposal which would bar overseas shipments of products that are subject…

How Alibaba is Simplifying Logistics for Sellers and Buyers
August 26, 2024 at 6:06 pm

In episode 463 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Rah Mahtani, head of marketing, North America at Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce. Listen in as Mahtani discusses the launch of Alibaba Guaranteed (0:55), how the solution addresses global sourcing challenges (2:45), and the process of incorporating feedback from buyers…

Cracking Down or Smart Compliance? Navigating the Tightening Grip of Entry Type 86 Regulations
August 14, 2024 at 11:32 am

Stricter Enforcement of the ACE Entry Type 86 program In response to findings of counterfeit goods, illegal substances and misclassified shipments, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is intensifying enforcement of the ACE Entry Type 86 program, which exempts U.S.-bound shipments valued under $800 from duties and taxes. Now, Entry Type 86 needs to be…

Preparing for Peak Season: Why This Year is Different
July 2, 2024 at 10:59 am

As we approach the holiday season, retailers and logistics service providers (LSPs) like freight forwarders and warehouses are placing their respective orders to secure the availability of merchandise before shoppers add to their carts. This year, the holiday consumer landscape is slightly different. With U.S. businesses gearing up to import more goods now compared to…