Matalan requests major price cuts from suppliers

LONDON – UK clothing retailer Matalan is demanding price cuts of up to 20 per cent from Asian suppliers on a ‘take it or leave it’ basis, Apparel Insider has learned. A group of exasperated suppliers contacted us this week claiming they are effectively being played off against one another as Matalan seeks to cut costs. Suppliers have also shared evidence of constantly shifting targets and extended payment terms. “We talk a lot about environmental sustainability but what about the social side?” one beleaguered supplier told us. “There is no question these poor purchasing practices will negatively impact garment workers.”