CitySource

CitySource Lunch & Learn:
Nearshoring—Successful Local Sourcing

Tuesday, July 28, 2026; 1—2 pm

Hosted by FIT’s Center for Continuing and Professional Studies (CCPS) and the Garment District Alliance (GDA), the Lunch & Learn will take place virtually on Tuesday, July 28, 1–2 pm.

Nearshoring is easier said than done. While it promises short lead times and scalability, this session examines the fundamental differences between sourcing with full-package vendors overseas versus sourcing successfully closer to home.

We will address the challenges of continental sourcing, including how to locate raw materials and find factories capable of manufacturing your product at a competitive cost. Additionally, we will discuss logistics and production management, while identifying the product sectors best suited for local sourcing.

We will also illustrate the benefits of close-to-market sourcing, such as cost savings, shorter lead times, a reduced need for oversight and social compliance auditing, and the advantages of processing re-orders within the active selling season. Finally, we will provide a primer on 807 sourcing to show how Caribbean resources can profitably serve your needs.

Register for the July 28th Lunch & Learn


Upcoming 2026 CitySource events:

  • September 22: Manufacturing Symposium at FIT 
  • October 13: Virtual Lunch & Learn
  • October 20: Manufacturing Expo: Local Supplier Showcase at FIT 
  • October 27: Virtual Lunch & Learn

CitySource was started in 2011 to connect designers and small businesses with local fashion manufacturers in New York City. With the generous support of the Garment District Alliance, FIT's Center for Continuing and Professional Studies has produced an in-person trade show highlighting these factories and businesses within the Garment District.

Check out previous events here

Garment District Alliance and FIT logos