CEO Randy Carr on Nearshoring, AI and Sustainability

January 27, 2025

World Emblem CEO Randy Carr has published an article in Retail TouchPoints – a leading publication for retail executives – titled “Nearshoring, AI and Sustainability: 3 Trends Transforming the Apparel Manufacturing Industry.”

Companies that embrace nearshoring, AI, and sustainability will be at the forefront of the apparel industry for years to come, Randy noted:

· Nearshoring is becoming a primary strategy for U.S. manufacturers seeking faster turnaround times, better quality control and overall cost savings

· AI-driven customization is the next big wave for manufacturers and will dramatically transform the sector in 2025

· Customers increasingly want personalized, high-quality products, and AI will empower manufacturers to deliver them efficiently and at scale

· Sustainability will become a core expectation from both customers and regulators, and there will be more mandates around eco-friendly materials and waste reduction

· Integrating sustainable practices will no longer be a luxury but a necessity to remain competitive

“While these are not new concepts – nearshoring has been talked about regularly since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, AI is becoming part of our everyday lives, and the push for sustainability in manufacturing has been growing for years – the ability to adapt to and benefit from all three will help bring apparel manufacturers to the next level.”

Read the full article here.