Fashion Retailer C&A adopts GSDCost for a Responsible, Transparent and Sustainable Supply Chain

European fashion retailer C&A has adopted Coats Digital’s GSDCost solution to introduce more accurate and transparent costing and capacity forecasting across its extensive supplier network.  By establishing international standard time benchmarks based on accurate Standard Minute Values (SMVs), C&A’s vendor partners will be able to offer accurate Cost to Make quotations, using the same scientifically grounded language.

The use of a common language and standards will ultimately support more accurate cost predictions, fact-based negotiations and a more efficient garment manufacturing process, while concurrently delivering on CSR commitments, throughout C&A’s wide-reaching, global supply chain.

With over 1,300 stores in 17 European countries and more than 27,000 employees, C&A is one of Europe’s leading fashion retailers. Every day, C&A welcomes millions of visitors to its stores in Europe and to its online shop. C&A offers quality and long-lasting fashion at affordable prices for all.

The company has head offices in Düsseldorf, Germany and Vilvoorde in Belgium. Founded over 180 years ago and still family-owned after six generations, C&A continues to adapt and innovate to create attractive, affordable, ready-to-wear clothing, whilst supporting a more sustainable and ethical framework of doing business.

An active member of the ACT Group – a world-leading enabler of global energy transition which helps support organisations to hit their sustainability targets – C&A was challenged by the lack of common costing and sourcing methodology amongst its suppliers which resulted in inconsistent and disparate Cost to Make quotations and a lack of transparency with regards sustainable practices.

Coats Digital’s GSDCost method analysis and pre-determined times solution is widely acknowledged as the de-facto international standard across the sewn products industry. The solution supports a more collaborative, transparent and sustainable supply chain, in which brands and manufacturers establish and optimise ‘International Standard Time Benchmarks’ using standard motion codes and predetermined times. This use of a common language and standards supports accurate cost prediction, fact-based negotiation, and a more efficient garment manufacturing process, while concurrently delivering on CSR commitments.

Liv Zhang, Sales Director (Greater China), Coats Digital, added: “By phasing in a ubiquitous, standardised language for establishing accurate benchmarks around production methods, production times and costs, C&A is effectively breaking down previously siloed walls of communication between the brand and its vendors so both can benefit from a more transparent, connected and profitable way of doing business, whilst also ensuring – as well as evidencing – sustainability and fair working practices. We look forward to working closely with C&A to ensure the seamless roll out of GSDCost across its supply chain partners and help it future proof its operation to meet the increasingly complex demands of a more discerning consumer.”