This year, Sourcing Journal readers homed in on key topics and players, from Nike’s many moves and the drama around Xinjiang to store closings, West Coast port problems, toxic chemicals, mushroom-root leather and more. Read on to discover the headlines that got your attention in an action-packed 2021.
Rare Dior Air Jordans Stir Inauguration Intrigue
As Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) spoke at January’s history-making inauguration, a pair of blurry shoes cladding the feet of an attendee behind her snatched sneakerheads’ attention.
LA Port Blasts ‘Lazy’ Crane Operator Report as ‘Inaccurate Characterization’
The port pileups that plagued the nation’s biggest marine gateway this year devolved into undignified name-calling. But was it justified?
USPS Criticism of Unauthorized Sneaker Turns the Tables on Nike
Nike made more than its fair share of headlines this year, but one high-profile brand protection imbroglio appeared to put the proverbial shoe on the other foot.
Nike Exec’s Son Was Reported Multiple Times for Abusing Family Discount
The sneaker reselling son of now-former Nike executive Ann Hebert was reported multiple times for abusing the brand’s family discount at Nike across Oregon stores, a surefire way to erode consumer trust.
Christian Siriano Sends Thrifted ThredUp Garments Down NYFW Runway
The New York designer and breakout “Project Runway” star executed the secondhand feat in partnership with ThredUp, which supplied Siriano with dresses from his past collections that found their way into the resale giant’s clutches.
Related Stories
Jessica Simpson Owner’s Financial Woes Mount Amid Bankruptcy Questions
The owner of Jessica Simpson’s lucrative fashion empire faced trouble from all sides this year, spawning the downfall of a brand management giant.
‘Escalating Situation’ Forces PVH Out of Ethiopia Factory
The northern African nation’s deadly conflict put the Calvin Klein owner in a tough sourcing spot.
American Eagle Closing Up to 225 Stores
Chief creative officer Jen Foyle said the company was looking to reinvigorate the “under-appreciated” American Eagle brand.
Nike Sued Adidas. Here’s What’s at Stake.
The twin titans of the sneaker world are duking it out in court over valuable IP.
Nike Sneakers Targeted for Recall: ‘Only an Idiot Would Wear’ These Shoes, Twitter Says
Images of an upcoming Air Force 1 sneaker celebrating Nike’s namesake goddess left Twitter users in disbelief back in June.
Foot Locker Marks Autism Acceptance Month While Zappos Advances Adaptive
Diversity and inclusion take on new meaning for the footwear sellers.
Retailer of Wrangler, Carhartt and Under Armour is Going Out of Business
A Midwestern retailer that sold a range of categories such as apparel, footwear, farm supplies, outdoor goods for camping, boating, fishing and hunting, power tools and even firearms is closed up shop at all 25 of its locations, and hosted a chainwide liquidation sale.
Prada Comes to Valentino’s Aid After 38,000 Shoes Burn in Factory Fire
Italian solidarity helped the luxury maker recover from a devastating conflagration.
Container Crushes Car Near Overloaded LA Port
Southern California’s cargo crunch turned calamitous in October.
Levi’s Goes Avant Garde on Amazon’s “Making the Cut”
Gary Graham, or “little Gary on the prairie,” as the judge and Moschino creative director Jeremy Scott called him, keyed into three of fashion’s hottest trends when creating his winning design for episode five of “Making the Cut,” the Amazon Studios reality series where 10 global designers duke it out for the opportunity to turn their creative chops into the next big household-name brand.
AliExpress, Shein Caught Selling Toxic-Chemical Clothing
The problem with the textile supply chain is that current standards and technology are insufficient for avoiding chemicals of concern, one expert said.
Adidas Gives Stan Smith a Mushroom Leather Makeover
Big-name brands are increasingly turning to vegan-friendly animal-skin alternatives.
Nike Reportedly Cutting Ties With 6 More Retailers
The Oregon athletic giant made good on its commitment to the Consumer Direct Offense plan it hatched three-and-a-half years ago.
Nicki Minaj Instagram Post Sparks Run on Pink Crocs 19
The “Anaconda” hitmaker’s post sent legions of fans chasing down their own pair of bubblegum-colored footwear—enough to even crash Crocs’ site at one point, according to a Twitter user.
Xinjiang Maelstrom Rocks Burberry, Adidas, Uniqlo—and Mega Brands Scrub XUAR Statements
After Weibo users denounced H&M and Nike, Tencent scrapped a Burberry deal, while statements on XUAR are gone from Inditex and PVH’s sites.
Macy’s Closing 45 Stores to Start 2021
The retail giant has been moving away from Tier C and D malls.