Product Sourcing

If there's anything consistent when it comes to global trade at present, it is its constant inconsistencies. Global sourcing is entering a new phase defined less by cost optimization and more by resilience and flexibility. So far this year, retailers and brands are navigating a complex environment shaped by tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and shifting trade…

U.S. retailers now face a heightened antislavery risk at the border. Picture a routine day at a busy port. An inspector opens a box of imported snacks and notices a small logo. The shipment stops immediately. U.S. Customs and Border Protection detains the goods and flags related shipments at other ports. Inside the company, teams…

The U.S. Supreme Court said President Trump's tariffs policies imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEPPA) are unconstitutional, dealing a major blow to the president's signature economic policy. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the 6-3 opinion. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh dissented. Writing for the court's majority, Chief Justice John…

For years, fashion retailers have relied on global sourcing models built for speed, efficiency and cost control. However, today's operating reality looks very different. Tariffs have become an unpredictable constant, layered on top of regulatory shifts, supply chain disruptions, and growing transparency expectations. As a result, diversification is one of the most important strategies for…

lululemon athletica said on Tuesday that it has paused online sales of a new workout line called "Get Low" after user complaints. Users on Reddit complained that the leggings from the new launch are "see-through" while bending or squatting. The new product line on lululemon's site seemed to be inaccessible and showed "something went wrong"…

IKEA plans to source more products from factories in the United States, the Swedish furniture group's top supply chain executive told Reuters. The announcement comes as President Donald Trump's tariffs drive up the cost of importing bookcases, mattresses and sofas. This marks a significant shift for IKEA after the share of the company's U.S.-made products…

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) initiative coming out of the European Union is already reshaping how brands think about product data. While its initial enforcement will be in the EU, U.S. brands shouldn't assume they can wait on the sidelines. If you sell into Europe (or plan to) you’ll be impacted. Even if you don’t,…

With fall officially underway, holiday prep is ramping up for retailers. Between tariff uncertainty, lingering supply chain issues, and a more values-driven consumer mindset, the road to a strong year-end starts now. Retailers that plan early and act intentionally will have the advantage. At Lightspeed, we work with thousands of retailers worldwide, giving us a…

President Donald Trump on Monday delayed high U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods from snapping back into place for another 90 days, a White House official told CNBC. Those tariffs were set to resume Tuesday. However, Trump signed an executive order hours beforehand that extends the deadline until mid-November, according to the official. The delay was the…

When the United States threatened a 50 percent duty on every T-shirt and pair of jeans sewn in Lesotho this spring, U.S. buyers cancelled orders overnight, factories in Maseru went dark, and the government declared a two-year state of disaster as up to 40,000 garment workers lost their jobs. The episode is a vivid reminder…