Fresh Produce now produces 70% of lifestyle clothing domestically

07 Dec '10

3 min read

After shifting over half of their production abroad, Fresh Produce Clothing has recently brought the majority of their manufacturing back to the USA. The colorful brand is proud to produce over 1.2 million pieces of colorful, casual resortwear at home this year.

Several years ago, Fresh Produce moved about 50% of their manufacturing offshore, but quickly learned manufacturing abroad wasn't always right for their vision. Over the past two years, Fresh Produce has brought almost half of their overseas manufacturing back to the USA. The colorful women's retailer now manufactures 70% of its casual, lifestyle clothing domestically.

“We're happy the majority of our apparel is being made domestically again in California” said co-founder, Thom Vernon. “We learned that producing overseas didn't fit our niche or who we are. There's tremendous value to manufacturing here and now we're using it to our advantage.”

Throughout this transition, Fresh Produce found three key benefits of manufacturing right here in the USA that help make this brand so vibrant and unique.

Made in the USA Means Just-in-time Manufacturing
Being made in the USA helps build strong partnerships with their 400 Fresh Produce dealers. Fresh Produce gives their accounts the opportunity to watch style trends from consumers and place orders based off sales and interest. When orders are placed, the clothes are made on an as-needed basis and reach the stores quickly. Fresh Produce's 39 retail stores also use this approach to manage and order their own inventory depending on buyer interest. “In these economic times, long-term forecasting has gone out the window,” explains Vernon. “Now we can react much more quickly and reduce excess inventories.”

Made in the USA Means Better Quality Clothing
Every piece is hand-inspected by Fresh Produce's in-house production team to ensure maximum quality control in everything from cutting, sewing and sorting, to fabrication and finishing. This results in better quality clothes that women can wash and wear time after time, while still maintaining the integrity of the original garment. The wearable, classic pieces are made to last, and have proven to be more than just fast fashion.

Made in the USA Means it Feels Good to Fresh Produce
For the Fresh Produce team, it feels right to create product here, where they live. Being able to observe the entire process from cutting to sewing to dying and finishing helps the brand keep its unique, fresh feel. Fresh Produce is proud to contribute to the local and national economy with the support of their suppliers, factories, cotton farmers and spinners who are such an integral part of the process. The Fresh Produce team is also proud that being made at home helps consumers feel good about their associations with the brand.

Fresh Produce Clothing makes colorful and effortless lifestyle clothing and resortwear women can look and feel good in all year-round. With vibrant prints, essential neutrals and breezy yet flattering styles, the clothes help bring out the fresh, fun personalities of women everywhere.

Fresh Produce Sportswear

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