Sourcing Canadian Fabric and Findings Suppliers: Guide and Tips

Objectives:  

• To find domestic suppliers of raw materials and production for a specific item of apparel
• To research and evaluate qualified sources of information in domestic apparel sourcing.
• To identify companies by sector – manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer - per NAICS. – Ch 3
• To reflect critically onthe process of finding Canadian suppliers
• To apply the Five (5) Make or Buy criteria to sourcing within Canada – Ch 4
• To reflect critically and apply strategic sourcing theories towards sustainable sourcing - Ch 2

Part 1:  Complete the information below for the item you chose, describe it correctly and add photographs showing the front, back, and findings:  5 marks

Part 2: Conduct research of Canadian databases and find the best available Canadian suppliers. List one supplier each for fabric, findings and production services, that a sourcer can use to complete this garment. (Note 3 examples of suppliers are required, do not repeat even if the supplier fills more than one requirement) 10 marks

Desk Research

Canadian textile and apparel Associations:

Industry magazines, LinkedIn, GBC Library research databases, word of mouth, your network

Search engines /Google for examples  “Made in Canada” plus“cut and sew” “CMT clothing manufacturers” “custom clothing manufacturers” “textile printer” “fabric wholesalers”

Provide the search term and source for reference

NAICS sector, sub-sector classification

Use Industry Canada for the NAICS code. Examine the “About Us” product and services description to classify the company by NAICS code.

Field research: Communicate with businesses as needed to verify information before completing a Vendor Matrix. Suppliers must sell wholesale (B2B) not retail only. They can be importers, but must have a Canadian address to qualify as “domestic” sourcing.

Part 3: Conclusion: 10 marks

Reflect on the process and experience of finding Canadian suppliers. Was the information up-to-date, accessible and understandable? Do you have confidence in the suppliers to be able to “buy” Canadian products and services? Why or why not?  Were you able to choose between suppliers, or did you find just one to meet the need.

 

Discuss the viability of making this product in Canada, using the 5 Make or Buy criteria - Ch. 4.

 

Which strategic sourcing theory will maximize sustainable sourcing of this product? As a future sourcing director choose and apply the theory/s as a guide to better practices. Ch 2