10 Procurement Shifts Retailers Can’t Ignore in 2025
The recent global crisis didn’t just disrupt the furniture and home retail industry—it completely rewrote the rulebook.
Retailers who once relied on stable and predictable procurement strategies are now facing rising costs, longer lead times, and shrinking margins. While some businesses are still trying to catch up, others have already adapted and pulled ahead. What sets them apart? A flexible, diversified procurement strategy backed by the right partnerships.
If you’re still following a 2024 model, it’s time to pivot—fast. Every delay gives your competitors a head start in locking down new production hubs, forming supplier agreements, and optimizing logistics. Those who act now will maintain control over pricing, inventory, and margins. Those who don’t risk stockouts, lost revenue, and reduced profitability.
Here are 10 key procurement shifts you must embrace to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond.
1. Expanding Procurement Beyond a Single Region
Relying on just one country for procurement is no longer sustainable. Tariffs, shipping delays, and political instability have exposed the risks of a single-region strategy. As a result, many retailers are experiencing supply disruptions, rising costs, and longer production timelines.
To stay ahead, businesses are building multi-country procurement networks—spanning Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and India. This approach spreads risk, stabilizes supply, and helps maintain competitive pricing.
Global Base gives retailers immediate access to a diverse, ready-built procurement network—ensuring continuity even during global uncertainty.
2. Shifting a Portion of Procurement to Vietnam
Vietnam is fast becoming a preferred destination for furniture and home goods manufacturing. Thanks to its strong production base in solid wood, upholstered furniture, and engineered materials, the country offers both reliability and scale.
Retailers who act early are gaining:
- Access to dependable factories with trend-aligned capabilities
- Modern export infrastructure that shortens delivery times
- Long-term pricing stability and fewer capacity bottlenecks
Global Base helps retailers seamlessly move procurement to Vietnam—without compromising consistency or timelines.
3. Leveraging Indonesia for Unique, High-Margin Products
Indonesia has emerged as a go-to for handcrafted, eco-conscious, and artisan-quality furniture. Its strength lies in natural materials and skilled craftsmanship, making it ideal for design-led retail collections.
By integrating Indonesian production, retailers unlock:
- High-margin SKUs like rattan, teak root, and reclaimed wood items
- Scalable production for both small runs and large orders
- Sustainable materials that meet rising consumer expectations
Global Base connects retailers with certified manufacturers in Indonesia—ensuring both creativity and operational efficiency.
4. Securing Alternative Supply Chains Before It’s Too Late
As procurement shifts toward Vietnam and Indonesia, competition is heating up. Factory slots and logistics capacity are filling quickly.
Retailers that wait too long may face:
- Longer lead times
- Limited supplier availability
- Higher costs for last-minute production
Global Base enables retailers to lock in manufacturing and shipping capacity early, ensuring uninterrupted inventory flow when it matters most.
5. Reworking Freight and Logistics for Speed and Savings
Changing procurement hubs means it’s no longer business as usual for shipping. New routes and transit hubs require smarter logistics planning.
Forward-thinking retailers are:
- Choosing faster, more efficient shipping lanes
- Tracking shipments in real time to avoid delays
- Reducing overall freight costs through better coordination
With Global Base, businesses gain access to optimized freight strategies, ensuring their new procurement model is both agile and cost-effective.
6. Using Real-Time Procurement Tracking for Smarter Moves
Procurement visibility is no longer optional. Without it, delays go unnoticed, stockouts become common, and supplier performance drops.
Retailers using real-time tracking can:
- Spot and resolve issues before they escalate
- Adjust schedules to meet shifting demand
- Gain deeper insights into procurement performance
Global Base equips its clients with live tracking and reporting systems—so decisions are based on data, not guesswork.
7. Strengthening Vendor Relationships for Better Terms
Procurement success now depends on strong vendor partnerships—not just pricing. Retailers with trusted suppliers get better service, faster turnaround, and more flexible terms.
Benefits of deeper relationships include:
- Priority production during busy seasons
- Greater influence over cost negotiations
- Faster issue resolution during disruptions
Global Base has built long-term relationships across key production hubs, making it easier for retailers to plug into reliable, trustworthy networks.
8. Adjusting Pricing Models to Reflect New Realities
With sourcing costs shifting, retailers need to rethink their pricing strategies. Simply passing costs onto consumers isn’t sustainable.
Instead, successful businesses are:
- Highlighting premium designs to justify better price points
- Rebalancing product mix to increase high-margin items
- Allocating inventory smarter across stores and channels
Global Base helps retailers rework pricing structures that reflect new procurement models while preserving brand value and customer affordability.
9. Choosing a Strategic Procurement Partner (Not Just a Supplier)
The global procurement landscape is moving too fast to manage alone. Without expert guidance, mistakes become costly—lost sales, delayed stock, and missed market opportunities.
Retailers partnering with Global Base are already:
- Securing multi-region sourcing strategies with built-in resilience
- Building adaptable supply chains that absorb tariff shocks
- Reducing procurement costs while increasing inventory reliability
With over 23 million units delivered across 51 countries, Global Base offers more than just procurement—we offer a roadmap to long-term retail success.
10. Acting Now to Secure Long-Term Advantage
Retailers who wait for “things to settle down” will be left behind. The post-tariff world rewards those who move quickly and build flexible procurement systems today—not tomorrow.
Acting now allows you to:
- Reserve factory capacity in competitive markets
- Build stable supply lines before demand surges
- Protect your pricing and margin strategy from further disruption
Retailers already working with Global Base are future-proofing their procurement and gaining an edge that slower competitors won’t catch up to.
Final Thought: The Future Belongs to the Fast Movers
The rules of procurement have changed—and businesses that adapt will thrive. Whether it’s diversifying suppliers, optimizing logistics, or leveraging smarter tracking, each step you take now secures your retail future.
Global Base is here to help you lead the change.
Reach out at info@globalbasehk.com to explore how we can build a smarter, faster, and more resilient procurement strategy—one that protects your profits and keeps your shelves stocked, no matter what the global market throws your way.