In the ever-evolving landscape of the apparel industry, Arzee International has emerged as a leading private label apparel manufacturer, standing out for its commitment to sustainability, innovation and nearshoring.
The company’s founder, Ryan Zimmerman, sheds light on the specific services offered by Arzee and the numerous advantages of nearshoring in Mexico compared to manufacturing in distant Asian markets.
“Arzee International specializes in product development, material sourcing, and high-quality production of apparel with a strong emphasis on sustainability, traceability and collaboration,” Zimmerman said. “Our value proposition for brands and retailers is multifaceted, covering shorter lead times, improved working capital, strong collaboration, innovation and a dedication to sustainability.”
Arzee International deploys a “blank canvas” development strategy, Zimmerman said, noting that this involves working closely with clients. And since the company is a comprehensive, full-service operation, Arzee International can work with established brands as well as start-up designers. Zimmerman said by partnering with Arzee, retailers and brands can achieve more streamlined operations, quicker replenishments, and closer oversight of the production process.
Regarding Arzee International’s sustainability initiatives, Zimmerman said the company employs various measures to ensure greater sustainability in its manufacturing processes. “Recycled water and careful treatment of chemical dyes are used, while sustainable inks are employed for graphic printing,” he explained. “Brands and retailers, in their quest for more eco-friendly practices, are increasingly drawn to manufacturers prioritizing environmental responsibility.”
When asked about nearshoring capabilities and what is driving its demand, Zimmerman explained that the COVID-19 pandemic “significantly impacted the apparel industry, compelling companies to reevaluate their supply chains and product development strategies.” He said Arzee International witnessed a surge in demand for core products such as jersey, French terry and fleece during the pandemic.
“The crisis underscored the importance of digitizing supply chains and finding cost-effective methods to enhance product development,” Zimmerman noted.
With its manufacturing in nearby Mexico, Arzee International offers retailers and brands several advantages over sourcing from overseas Asian markets. “Apart from shorter lead times and the ease of overseeing operations, the free trade agreement between Mexico and the U.S. [USMCA] is a significant benefit,” Zimmerman said, adding this agreement streamlines cross-border trade, further bolstering the appeal of nearshoring to North American brands and retailers, without passing tariffs along to consumers.
In addition, nearshoring has a sustainability dimension to it. Because apparel manufacturing is “closer to home,” less carbon is gobbled up. It’s a win for brands, consumers and the planet.
With an eye on the future, Zimmerman said Arzee International envisions fully digitizing its supply chain for North America, while emphasizing traceability and sustainability. The company aims to lead the industry in this transformation, paving the way for a more eco-conscious and efficient apparel sector. Zimmerman said as part of its forward-thinking approach, Arzee International intends “to implement QR codes on all garments to allow easy tracking from the production origin to the final destination, ensuring transparency throughout the supply chain, similar to Registered Identification Numbers (RN #s).”
Zimmerman said partner brands and retailers now have the flexibility to order fewer goods with quicker lead times based on real-time market demands and specific trends. “This shift enables greater agility in adapting to customer preferences, particularly for direct-to-consumer [DTC] brands and the influencer market,” he added.
Tie-dye drying.
This approach allows for in-season reactivations for smaller brands and on-demand replenishments for private label programs, catering to the ever-changing consumer demands amplified by social media influencers.
As the industry continues to evolve, Arzee International stands at the forefront of sustainable and nearshoring practices. With its unwavering focus on innovation, collaboration, and environmental responsibility, Zimmerman said the company “is primed to lead the way in transforming the apparel manufacturing landscape in North America. As other businesses look to adopt more sustainable practices and reap the benefits of nearshoring, Zimmerman said his company’s forward-thinking approach positions it “as a beacon of success in the ever-changing world of fashion and manufacturing.”
