The Outsourcing Evolution - in men's clothing - Statistical Data Included

Bobbin, May, 2001 by Jules Abend

Muggeridge, who is responsible for coordinating the sourcing of these products, also oversees a Canadian plant, Golden Brand Clothing Ltd., which came under the company's umbrella as part of the Moores acquisition two years ago. The facility is capable of producing about 500,000 jackets and 1 million pairs of pants annually.

So how does the retailer keep such a far-flung operation in balance? First, there are many highly experienced manufacturing veterans in the sourcing department, advises Muggeridge, who previously was with Neema Clothing. And in addition to having a team that knows the business and stays in close contact with the factories, he says Men's Wearhouse has a history of working very closely with vendors.

"As a retailer we've never been a company that has used a lot of chargebacks, for example," notes Muggeridge. "We try to look at the long-term relationship, and we have been extending this policy into the manufacturing environment as well."

He firmly believes corporate sensibility will carry the day. "The tailored business is difficult for everybody right now," Muggeridge states. "And the more we bond together, transcend traditional relationships and find ways to make things work for everyone, the better we're all served. One of the things we do is allow people, as partners, to run their businesses, take responsibility, and build relationships where their interests are closely parallel to ours. We don't like to be standing next to somebody with a hammer, waiting for them to make a mistake."