Browsing by Author "Erthal, Marie-Luise"
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- Nearshoring as a sourcing strategy for the German fashion industry : a forward-looking analysisPublication . Erthal, Marie-Luise; Rajsingh, PeterThis study examines the role of nearshoring in the German fashion industry and evaluates its potential as a dominant sourcing strategy. While nearshoring is increasingly discussed as an alternative to Offshoring, its actual impact remains debated. To assess this, a mixedmethods approach was applied, integrating expert interviews, literature analysis, and a scenario-based Cross-Impact Balance analysis to identify key influencing factors. The identified factors indicate that nearshoring is unlikely to see significant growth under current market conditions. While drivers such as regulatory developments, time to market, and sustainability goals create incentives, price-sensitive consumer preferences, operational constraints, and cost considerations limit its broad adoption. For the near future, companies are expected to maintain their current sourcing strategies that balance cost, risk, and demand. The scenario analysis further supports this conclusion. Most companies will continue to prioritize Global Sourcing due to cost efficiency, established supply chain structures, and logistical considerations. Only under specific conditions, such as stricter regulations, increased demand for quickly available sustainable products, and advancements in automation, does nearshoring gain strategic relevance. This study contributes to the academic discourse by integrating management theory, strategic procurement frameworks, and value chain perspectives. It provides a comprehensive assessment of nearshoring’s role in the German fashion industry, highlighting both its opportunities and limitations. By offering insights into key influencing factors and future developments, this research helps decision-makers assess the viability of nearshoring as part of a long-term procurement approach.