How Industry Trends are driving up cost and MOQs

The global fashion industry is constantly evolving, and as business owners, staying ahead of the curve often means adapting to changes beyond our control. At Black Unicorn Merchandising, we pride ourselves on transparency, which is why we’re sharing the factors influencing our recent decision to increase our minimum order quantities (MOQs) to 200 pieces per color starting March 1, 2025.

The Impact of the Chinese Economy on US Manufacturing

China has long been the manufacturing powerhouse for countless industries, including fashion. However, recent economic shifts have sent ripple effects through the global supply chain. A combination of rising labor costs, government regulations, energy shortages, and inflationary pressures in China has driven up production costs significantly. For U.S.-based businesses that rely on Chinese manufacturing, these changes have resulted in higher material prices, increased shipping costs, and longer lead times.

Adding to this challenge, geopolitical tensions and tariffs have further strained trade relations between the U.S. and China. These issues have compounded supply chain difficulties, leaving small to mid-sized businesses like ours facing tough decisions.

Why We're Adjusting Our MOQs

To navigate this landscape while maintaining the exceptional quality you expect, we’ve decided to increase our MOQs to 200 pieces per color. This adjustment allows us to optimize production runs, negotiate better rates with our suppliers, and ensure that every garment meets our high standards. While we understand this change might require adjustments on your end, it’s a necessary step to keep our operations sustainable in an increasingly challenging economic environment.

Introducing Our Branded Wholesale Merch Program

We know that not all brands are ready for higher MOQs, which is why we’ve launched a solution tailored to meet your needs. Our new Branded Wholesale Merch Program offers a curated selection of high-quality wholesale blanks that can be customized with your branding. This program is perfect for brands looking to create smaller runs while maintaining a polished, professional look.

Adapting Together

The fashion industry has always been resilient, and so are the entrepreneurs who power it. At Black Unicorn Merchandising, we’re committed to helping you navigate these changes and grow your brand. Whether you’re scaling up production to meet the new MOQs or exploring our branded wholesale options, we’re here to support your journey.

Thank you for trusting us with your vision. Together, we can turn today’s challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

Krystal Lewis#FashionProductDevelopment, #ApparelDesignExpert, #MidLevelFashionBrands, #ClothingLineConsultant, #CustomApparelSolutions, #FashionBrandGrowth, #EthicalSourcing, #LowMOQManufacturing, #FashionTechPacks, #GarmentDevelopment, #ClothingLineStartupHelp, #FashionBusinessSupport, #ApparelProductionManagement, #BrandingAndMerchandising, #WholesaleApparelOptions, #SustainableFashionDevelopment, #FashionSupplyChainExpert, #ScalableApparelSolutions, #FashionManufacturingConsultant, #ApparelDevelopmentServicesComment