Why Sourcing Professionals Aren’t Going Away

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Sourcing professionals are experiencing a renaissance in the fashion industry, rather than fading into obsolescence as some predicted. In fact, the fashion sourcing segment now constitutes an estimated 5 percent of the entire industry , with one prominent sourcing business reporting remarkable growth of 152 percent from 2022 to 2023 . This surge isn’t happening by accident.

With global supply chains remaining “precariously vulnerable” , brands are actively seeking strategic partners who can navigate these challenges. As the personal luxury goods market is projected to reach €580 billion by 2030 , the role of sourcing agents is evolving beyond traditional procurement. The industry is responding to new demands, evidenced by the fact that 50 percent of companies have initiated major transformations to achieve greater speed and flexibility . In this article, we’ll explore how tech-enabled sourcing is reshaping the fashion landscape and why smart brands are leveraging multi-sourcing strategies to thrive in an increasingly complex future.

The changing role of sourcing agents in fashion

Gone are the days when sourcing agents were viewed merely as middlemen. The fashion industry has undergone a fundamental shift in how it perceives these critical partners. Previously seen as simple intermediaries, sourcing agents have evolved into strategic allies who provide far more comprehensive value to brands.

This transformation comes at a critical time. Global supply chains remain “precariously vulnerable” [1], prompting forward-thinking brands to expand their sourcing footprint across multiple nations. Meanwhile, top-end luxury consumers — though only representing 2% of the total luxury consumer base — now account for a staggering 40% of the market [2]. These high-net-worth individuals demand personalized attention that traditional retail channels often can’t provide.

Consequently, a new generation of fashion sourcers has emerged, offering hyper-personalized retail models for luxury’s top spenders. These modern agents go beyond the limitations of in-store personal shoppers, instead providing “almost 24-hour, one-stop-shop luxury retail, with virtually no limits” [2]. They operate through global networks of sourcers who maintain strong relationships with luxury boutiques and store assistants worldwide.

Furthermore, procurement in fashion has become highly strategic. According to Deloitte’s Global Chief Procurement Officer Survey, 61% of procurement leaders delivered better year-over-year savings performance, yet only one in four believe they’re contributing significant strategic value to their companies [3]. This highlights both the progress made and the untapped potential within the field.

Additionally, as luxury brands like Chanel and Hermès tighten their distribution to maintain exclusivity, accessing premium products grows increasingly difficult. This has created new opportunities for sourcing agents who can navigate these restrictions through their established relationships and industry knowledge.

Overall, the industry mindset is changing — but so are the agents themselves. The old transactional model has given way to a collaborative approach where sourcing agents function as extensions of brand teams, providing expertise, market intelligence, and strategic guidance that extends far beyond simple product procurement.

The pain points that led to innovation

Traditional fashion sourcing has long been plagued by challenges that have gradually pushed the industry toward innovation. Fashion brands face numerous obstacles that hinder growth and efficiency in their global supply chains.

Communication breakdowns represent one of the most significant barriers. Coordinating across geographically dispersed teams creates logistical nightmares, with time zone differences leading to delays and missed deadlines [4]. Language barriers frequently result in misunderstandings, directly impacting product quality [4]. Moreover, siloed communication channels like email make tracking progress and sharing ideas nearly impossible [4].

Visibility issues further complicate sourcing operations. Many traditional models lack real-time insight into production processes, raising concerns about quality control and ethical labor practices [4]. Without transparent communication channels, brands struggle to verify compliance with sustainability standards — a growing priority for conscious consumers.

Production delays create devastating ripple effects throughout the supply chain. Factors including factory overbooking, fabric shortages, and labor issues commonly derail timelines [5]. These delays cause missed market opportunities in an industry where timing is crucial [4]. Additionally, quality problems damage brand reputation and erode consumer trust [4].

External challenges have intensified these difficulties. Shipping disruptions, including harbor shutdowns, port congestion, and container shortages, have severely impacted delivery schedules [6]. The pandemic created uneven global recovery rates while exposing vulnerabilities in concentrated supply chains [6]. Raw material shortages, particularly from China, have forced brands to reconsider their sourcing strategies [6].

Hidden costs also plague traditional sourcing models. Vague supplier quotations often lead to higher expenses than initially planned [5]. Unexpected fees for samples, materials, and shipping charges squeeze already thin margins [5].

These mounting pressures have ultimately forced sourcing agents to evolve or become obsolete. The industry recognized that continuing with outdated methods was unsustainable, creating fertile ground for technological innovation and new approaches to sourcing — especially as brands sought greater resilience, speed, and flexibility in an increasingly unpredictable market.

How tech-enabled sourcing is reshaping the industry

Technology is rapidly transforming how sourcing agents operate in the fashion industry. As traditional pain points intensify, innovative digital solutions have emerged to address longstanding challenges and create new opportunities.

Artificial Intelligence now powers modern sourcing platforms, scanning and evaluating over 500,000 suppliers globally [7]. Unlike basic directories or costly intermediaries, these systems aggregate data from trade records, compliance reports, and real-time performance metrics to identify qualified partners. AI doesn’t just find suppliers — it matches them precisely to specific criteria using customizable scoring models that prioritize sustainability, delivery speed, or regional proximity.

Automation has significantly streamlined supplier communication. AI tools now manage the entire workflow by automating quote requests and centralizing all interactions into intuitive dashboards [7]. This allows sourcing teams to focus on strategic decisions and relationship building rather than administrative tasks.

Demand forecasting has been revolutionized through machine learning algorithms that analyze multi-channel historical sales data and market trends. This provides factories with visibility on desired production outputs, helping them optimize capacity planning [8]. Similarly, predictive analytics tools now examine social media trends and online shopping behavior to forecast emerging style preferences.

Notably, virtual sampling technologies have replaced costly and time-consuming physical sampling processes. Using 3D body scanning and visualization tools, brands can create virtual prototypes to assess fit and esthetics remotely [8]. This accelerates time-to-market while reducing material waste.

For sustainability and compliance verification, remote auditing tools enable virtual factory inspections [8]. This enhances transparency throughout the supply chain — particularly important for ensuring ethical production practices. Simultaneously, blockchain technology provides immutable records of each step in the apparel journey, allowing consumers to verify product authenticity and origins [8].

Personalization capabilities have expanded through tech innovations as well. With 84% of consumers interested in personalized fashion products [9], brands are developing digital 3D configurator tools that simulate finished products in real-time, both online and in-store. High-spending fashion enthusiasts show even greater interest (94%) [9], making this a particularly valuable advancement for luxury fashion sourcing.

Conclusion

Fashion sourcing agents stand at a critical crossroads today. Rather than facing extinction as previously predicted, these professionals have transformed themselves into indispensable strategic partners for brands navigating complex global supply chains. The evidence clearly demonstrates their growing importance — from the 5 percent industry segment they now represent to the remarkable 152 percent growth reported by leading sourcing businesses.

This evolution hasn’t happened accidentally. Traditional challenges such as communication breakdowns, visibility issues, and production delays created an urgent need for innovation. Consequently, sourcing agents adapted, moving beyond simple procurement to offer comprehensive value through technological advancement and strategic expertise.

Technology certainly drives this transformation forward. AI-powered platforms now evaluate hundreds of thousands of suppliers worldwide, while automation streamlines communication processes that once consumed valuable time. Additionally, virtual sampling and blockchain verification address sustainability concerns that matter deeply to today’s conscious consumers.

The future of fashion sourcing undoubtedly belongs to those who embrace this tech-enabled evolution. Smart brands already recognize the competitive advantage gained through multi-sourcing strategies and collaborative partnerships with modern sourcing agents. As luxury markets continue expanding and supply chains remain vulnerable, these evolved agents will play an even more vital role.

Ultimately, what we witness isn’t the disappearance of sourcing agents but their reinvention into something more valuable. They have become essential guides through an increasingly complex fashion landscape, combining technological capabilities with human expertise. The most successful brands will therefore be those who recognize and embrace this shift, partnering with forward-thinking sourcing agents who continue adapting to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

At Maryadha, we believe this transformation isn’t just inevitable — it’s essential. Rather than replacing sourcing agents, we’re building the infrastructure that empowers them: a platform where digital tools, real-time transparency, and heritage storytelling converge to support deeper, faster, and more meaningful brand-manufacturer connections. By offering curated access to India’s finest leather manufacturers, visual assets, and on-ground support, Maryadha helps sourcing professionals do what they do best — only better. In an era defined by uncertainty, it’s this kind of creative, human-backed innovation that will drive sustainable, scalable growth.