Walmart Will Sell Domestic Made Apparel By Classic Fashion

A new factory in Santa Ana, California will cut and sew apparel exclusively for WalmartWMT
for the next five years. It reinforces a commitment by both companies to make merchandise in the U.S. It also recalls Sam Walton’s effort to bring manufacturing back to the U.S.

Classic Fashion is a supplier to major brands such as Adidas, JCPenney, Tommy Hilfiger and American Eagle. Now, its new strategy is to support U.S. production facilities. This is a new move. The cut & sew facility in Santa Ana will create 125 jobs now and management projects that by 2027 an additional 225 people will be working in the facility.

Sanal Kumar, chairman and managing director of Classic Fashion said: “Classic Fashion is proud to be a supplier of Walmart as we build our manufacturing presence in the United States. I am proud to highlight our incredible U.S.-based manufacturing staff and the local community here in Santa Ana as we continue to build on Classic Fashion’s 20 year of success.”

Walmart responded: ”Walmart is proud to work with Classic Fashion, which will soon be manufacturing its excellent products here in the U.S. Investing in local manufacturing creates American jobs, helps small businesses expand and benefits communities like Santa Ana. We are excited to feature Classic Fashion’s American manufactured apparel exclusively in our stores” said Jason Fremstad Walmart’s SVP for supplier development and sourcing.

While most chain stores will feature fashion from off-shore Walmart’s effort to bring more manufacturing back home has been effective. Customer’s wear domestic fashion with pride and with the knowledge that it creates jobs and supports U.S. economy. I remember when Sam Walton brought towels to a meeting. They were to be made in the U.S. and he spoke about his efforts to bring more manufacturing home.

Classic Fashions was established in 2003. Today it is one of the largest manufacturers in the Middle East and Africa with more then 30,000 employees, 16,000 machines and has production capacity of 500,000 to 550,000 garments in 200 different styles. In fiscal 2021 the company had revenues of $802 million.

POSTSCRIPT: It is exciting news that a major manufacturer returns to the U.S. to manufacture fashion garments for Walmart. It is an example that others suppliers should follow. As we face a recession, probably early next year, the need to create jobs will become even greater. Companies like Walmart benefit from local manufacturing since they can produce new styles quickly, and create new fashion trends rapidly and successfully.