In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Amanda Uprichard rapidly reshaped her fashion brand's supply chain, shifting 90% of manufacturing back to New York from China. This move highlights the critical need for supply chain agility and domestic production capabilities for ecommerce brands navigating global disruptions. The episode offers valuable lessons on operational pivots and strategic sourcing in times of crisis.
Key takeaways
Transitioning manufacturing domestically can provide greater control and resilience during global disruptions; Amanda Uprichard shifted 90% of production to New York from China due to COVID-19.
Leverage brand heritage and
authenticity in times of crisis, as Amanda Uprichard returned to her New York manufacturing roots.
Carefully evaluate platform decisions like Amazon; Amanda Uprichard previously left Amazon but is considering a return, indicating the dynamic nature of sales channels.
Influencer marketing remains a key strategy for fashion brands.
Amanda Uprichard's namesake fashion company has quickly reshaped its supply line to work in a world living with the coronavirus.
"Now, we make maybe 90% of our stuff here because of the virus," Uprichard said about her New York operation. Previously, half of the line's manufacturing was based in China.
"Anyone that's in manufacturing, you're just affected by the supply chain," she added. "But I do believe China will be completely normal in another month."
For Uprichard, making things out of New York was a return to the brand's beginnings. Everything was made out of New York City, "until about a year and a half ago, when we started switching to China because the resources are drying up here," she said.
Uprichard talked about the importance of influencers, the reality TV show "The Bachelor" and walking away from Amazon (and, just maybe, going back to it).
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Transitioning manufacturing domestically can provide greater control and resilience during global disruptions; Amanda Uprichard shifted 90% of production to New York from China due to COVID-19.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Leverage brand heritage and
What does this episode say about brand & content?
authenticity in times of crisis, as Amanda Uprichard returned to her New York manufacturing roots.
What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
Carefully evaluate platform decisions like Amazon; Amanda Uprichard previously left Amazon but is considering a return, indicating the dynamic nature of sales channels.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Influencer marketing remains a key strategy for fashion brands.
