Having almost two decades of experience in RMG industry, Shagufhta Newaz, Founder of N2N Sourcing Ltd., and EC member of Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association (BGBA) is amongst those few women of Bangladesh who started as a professional and later successfully built their own buying house, further geared up to grow. With a focus on the European market, particularly in Denmark, Portugal, Spain and France, the buying house, offering fashion clothing as well as workwear, has forged strong relationships with buyers and manufacturers alike, continually adapting to changing market demands. In discussion with Apparel Resources (AR), Shagufhta shares that entering into unexplored markets, starting overseas office and more thrust on technology are few of the steps on the radar of the company to grow further.
Large and diversified offerings
Initially concentrating on basic promotional items, over the years, the company has expanded its portfolio to include a wide range of garments from T-shirts and school uniforms to workwear and denim. It has also enhanced its buyer portfolio and overall business. It even deals in jackets, outerwear, sports items, casuals, formal shirts and sleepwear for men and women.
“I started with white T-shirts and gradually built an extensive product range. Today, we can handle virtually any workwear product. It has helped us to grow well and this evolution reflects not just a response to buyer needs but a proactive approach to capturing market trends and diversifying offerings,” says Shagufhta.
The large range of products is further supported by N2N Sourcing’s integrated designs as it has always prioritised product development. By creating unique designs, the company offers buyers more than just products, it provides tailored solutions that meet specific market demands.
Shagufhta has introduced a payment model for design exclusivity, ensuring that their creative efforts are recognised and compensated. They have implemented fee for the same because some buyers would evaluate the design and then take the idea to another company. Now, regardless of whether a buyer places an order or not, if they review the design, they are required to pay a specific amount.
Thrust on quality and vendor selection
Having a strong focus on quality, N2N Sourcing follows that precision and perfection are not luxuries; they are necessities. To ensure quality, from factory audits to in-line inspections and final checks, N2N employs an experienced team of quality controllers who monitor production processes closely, ensuring each product meets the high expectations of clients. To choose a vendor, the buying house has a strong thrust on compliance. Currently, the buying house has association with 20 factories in Bangladesh, which are meticulously vetted for compliance and quality assurance. Each factory is selected based on stringent factors such as management proficiency, financial stability and operational transparency, ensuring that they uphold the company’s high standards.
| There are plenty of challenges in RMG business but as Shagufhta is into the business from two decades, she has a passion for overcoming challenges, irrespective of the nature of challenge. “I had to assert myself in a male-dominated sector, but I was never deterred. Each challenge came with an opportunity and I embraced them,” she reflects. |
Along with all this, Shagufhta emphasises that if the top management of the company are involved with specific products and orders, then the product is never likely to go down.
Expanding on market front
Happy with the growth of the company, Shagufhta highlights future plans to expand further into the German and Italian markets. Additionally, the potential entry into the Russian and Canadian markets reflects N2N Sourcing’s ambition to seize new opportunities amidst a rapidly changing global landscape. Shagufhta is of the view that these markets offer untapped potential for the company, so in the coming years, it aspires to have good share of business in these booming hubs.
The company is considering establishing an office outside the country as this will allow its sourcing to expand further. Shagufhta also aims to operate in the US and Europe simultaneously.
Further focus on tech
Shagufhta is keen on the use of technology. Her company is actively investing in software solutions to improve transparency and efficiency. It is moving away from manual data management towards a more integrated system that allows buyers to access real-time information about their orders and production progress. Reinforcing the company’s commitment towards transparency and clear communication, the development of its customer portal – ‘iTower’ – is in progress that allows buyers real-time access to production updates, inspections and shipping statuses. The company is moving ahead in this direction step by step and later, the plan is also to focus on virtual sampling with AI support.
| To stay ahead of trends and foster innovation, I maintain a keen awareness about cultural shifts, consumer behaviour and emerging technologies. Additionally, I prioritise collaboration with talented designers, creatives and industry experts, fostering an environment of creativity and experimentation. |
“As we are moving forward on multiple fronts, sustainability is also our focus. We are aligning our operations with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It includes prioritising products which are biodegradable and collaborating with accessory companies to explore eco-friendly alternatives,” says Shagufhta and further adds that not only top buyers but also every kind of client is having growing concerns about sustainability and we must rise to meet these expectations.
