The Global Village

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/1/2001 12:00:00 AM

Global sourcing requires a special set of skills. Cross-cultural communication, precision logistics and an ability to resolve crises half a world away being not the least among them.

Recent events have demonstrated the potential impact that global politics can have upon the rapidly growing network of international textiles alliances — further proof that the business of sourcing demands swiftness, shrewdness and agility.

The 45 companies presented in this report comprise a sample rather than a compendium of global textiles companies. Some are much larger than others. Some are fairly new to the practice. Some have been importing from overseas for decades.

Together, they offer a menu of strategies and varied points of view on the global scene. And while no one can predict the shape it will take tomorrow, future formulas are almost certain to be built upon today's foundations.