Talbots names Li & Fung as global sourcing agent

HINGHAM, Mass. Talbots announced that Hong Kong-based global consumer goods exporter Li & Fung will act as the exclusive global apparel sourcing agent for the Talbots brand.

As part of the agreement, Li & Fung will serve as the exclusive agent for substantially all Talbots apparel products. Li & Fung will also be non-exclusive agent for swimwear, intimate apparel, footwear, jewelry, handbags and accessories. Going forward, Talbots will pay an agency commission on its product purchases through Li & Fung.

Trudy Sullivan, Talbots president and CEO, commented, “We have made tremendous strides over the past year executing our long-range strategic plan, and we believe that this partnership with Li & Fung represents another significant step towards enhancing our operating performance. By leveraging Li & Fung’s position as a best-in-class sourcing agent, we will be able to simplify and centralize our sourcing activities, which we anticipate will further reduce our costs of goods sold and internal operating expenses, while improving our time to market. Together with Li & Fung, we plan to develop a single, world-class supply chain organization that will strengthen our competitive position.”

The new buying agency arrangement with Li & Fung will go into effect in September.