Honest, not Perfect Ep 4: Simon Platts, ex-Sourcing Director, ASOS

In this episode, Simon Platts reflects on his ethical sourcing journey, the trade-offs brands face, and the urgent changes needed in the industry. What should young sourcing professionals know? Listen in for key insights.

'

 

Honest, not Perfect Ep 4: Beyond the Bottom Line with Simon Platts

In this episode, Suzanne Ellingham and Jack Stratton welcome Simon Platts, the former Sourcing Director at ASOS. With nearly 40 years of experience—starting from a Saturday boy at Next to leading global sourcing for an e-commerce giant—Simon shares a masterclass on why "Responsible Sourcing" is the only way forward for a profitable business.

The "False Economy" of Cheap Sourcing

Most retailers focus solely on the Intake Margin (the initial cost of buying). Simon argues this is a dangerous trap.

• The Reality Check: If you buy cheap but end up with 30% unsold stock sitting in a warehouse, you aren't actually making a profit.

• The Solution: Focus on the Total Life Cycle Cost. By sourcing closer to home (near-shoring) and using better data, you reduce markdowns and logistics costs, ultimately hitting a better net profit.

"More Responsible," Not "Sustainable"

Simon prefers the term "Responsible Sourcing" over "Sustainable." Why? Because in an industry that relies on consumption, "sustainable" can be a misleading absolute.

"It’s about making the right decisions for the right reasons. We need progress over perfection." [00:10:13]

The Rise of Circularity: Recom

After leaving ASOS, Simon co-founded Recom, a tech platform helping brands recover products from consumers.

• The Goal: Closing the loop through repair, resale, and fiber-to-fiber recycling.

• The Message to CFOs: Circularity isn't just "feel-good" marketing; it's about unlocking capital from deadstock and unwanted items.

Key Takeaways for the Industry:

• [00:25:29] Learning from Tech Giants: How AI-driven models (like Shein/Temu) are disrupting fashion by producing only what will sell, and why traditional brands must adapt.

• [00:31:04] Invest in Buying Tech: Why CFOs should view sourcing technology as "low-hanging fruit" for increasing efficiency and profit.

• [00:49:44] The UK Manufacturing Opportunity: Simon debunks the myth that UK manufacturing is "too expensive" by factoring in speed-to-market and reduced risk.

• [00:59:12] Don't Wait for Legislation: With Digital Product Passports and EPR laws coming, smart brands are mapping their Tier 3 and Tier 4 suppliers now.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '''' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '

'

'