Off-price fashion is no longer a niche industry operating on the fringes of the fashion world. As consumers grow increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint, the demand for affordable, sustainable clothing continues to surge. In this rapidly evolving landscape, creativity is no longer just about quirky designs or innovative marketing. It’s about meeting consumer needs, driving meaningful change, and staying competitive all while steering clear of the pitfalls of fast fashion.
At the forefront of this transformation is Kenchen Bharwani, a trailblazing fashion consultant with over 17 years of experience in the off-price fashion industry. Her innovative approach combines creativity with a deep commitment to sustainability and female empowerment. Kenchen’s ability to leverage creativity not only fuels business growth but also uplifts women throughout every part of the supply chain, creating a ripple effect of economic empowerment.
Today’s challenges require bold, creative solutions, and Kenchen is setting an example for the industry to follow. From fostering a culture of collaboration to building resilient supply chains and carving out unique brand identities, her work provides invaluable lessons for navigating the future of fashion sustainably and ethically.
Fostering a Creative Company Culture
Kenchen believes that the power to drive success lies within every division of a company. As a leading consultant, she champions a company culture rooted in creativity and collaboration, ensuring that every team member from buying to logistics to sales contributes meaningfully to a unified vision. Her forward-thinking mindset and commitment to positive change have led to ground-breaking advancements in the industry.
One standout example of Kenchen’s ingenuity came in the wake of the pandemic. Facing a shortage of closeout and cancellation sleepwear sets from Vietnam and China—a key product category for her company she collaborated with cross-functional teams to explore alternative solutions. Her resourcefulness led her to a Cambodian manufacturer holding surplus recycled polyester spandex blend fabrics, originally canceled by a major retailer due to delivery delays.
Recognizing the fabric’s potential, Kenchen spearheaded its integration into Empire Apparel’s private label, Cammi Jeanne, creating a distinctive line of luxurious, eco-friendly sleepwear. The fabric’s softness, stretch, and sustainable appeal resonated with consumers, addressing inventory gaps while reinforcing Empire Apparel’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
Kenchen’s decision to collaborate with the Cambodian manufacturer had far-reaching impacts. By repurposing surplus fabrics, she championed a circular economy model that reduced waste and supported sustainable practices. Additionally, her partnership stabilized the livelihoods of women workers in Cambodia, who were at risk of unemployment due to the canceled fabric orders. This initiative exemplifies how ethical decision-making can transform global supply chains, benefiting both local economies and the environment.
Building Resilient Supply Chains
The off-price fashion industry faces numerous challenges, from supply chain disruptions to shifting consumer preferences. Kenchen’s creative leadership has consistently turned these challenges into opportunities for growth. One of her key strategies is diversifying supply chains by sourcing both domestically and internationally, mitigating risks while maintaining sustainability.
During the pandemic, Kenchen anticipated the fallout from port congestions and shipping delays. To ensure steady inventory flow during the peak holiday season, she spearheaded an initiative to source apparel domestically within the U.S. This move not only met consumer demand but also supported local manufacturers and logistics providers, creating a ripple effect that strengthened communities and economies.
Kenchen’s collaboration with Hanes Brands Inc., a selective partner, further illustrates her market expertise. When the company liquidated its inventory of Champion-branded clothing, she seized the opportunity, curating selections that aligned with mass-market consumer preferences. This strategic move boosted Empire Apparel’s offerings while reducing waste, showcasing how sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
By fostering partnerships that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices, Kenchen has reshaped supply chains into resilient ecosystems. Her efforts inspire the industry to embrace sustainability as a pillar of long-term growth, proving that creative leadership can address critical challenges while driving innovation.
Carving Out a Unique Brand Identity
In a saturated market, building a distinctive brand identity is essential for staying competitive. Kenchen’s expertise lies in finding creative ways to differentiate brands while aligning with consumer values, particularly sustainability.
Under her guidance, Empire Apparel’s private label, Cammi Jeanne, launched festive collections that combined versatility, appeal, and eco-consciousness. For example, she developed a Christmas-themed line of graphic sweatshirts using surplus fleece cotton-poly sweatshirts, preventing them from ending up in landfills. Similarly, she created an Americana-themed collection of t-shirts from leftover cotton-poly jersey fabric, celebrating holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.
Kenchen also collaborated with manufacturers to repurpose sherpa fabric into holiday-themed cozy socks, appealing to eco-conscious Gen Z and Millennial shoppers. These initiatives not only reduced waste but also highlighted the creative potential of surplus materials, setting an example for other brands in the off-price sector.
Beyond product innovation, Kenchen’s efforts have empowered women across the supply chain. By supporting projects that emphasize sustainability and ethical practices, she has provided meaningful work for female workers in manufacturing, packaging, and logistics. Her initiatives demonstrate that creativity and strategic thinking can drive both profitability and social impact, fostering a fairer and more sustainable fashion industry.
Empowering Women in the Supply Chain
Kenchen’s commitment to empowering women extends beyond business transactions. She recognizes the pivotal role women play in the global supply chain, from garment manufacturing to logistics, and actively works to create opportunities that uplift and support them.
In her travels to Ethiopia and Pakistan, Kenchen conducted training programs focused on inspection standards and color assortments, enabling women to gain valuable skills and improve their livelihoods. Her efforts have inspired countless women to step into leadership roles within the industry, fostering a culture of mentorship and growth.
Moreover, her initiatives ensure that women in the supply chain receive fair wages and work under safe conditions. By championing these principles, Kenchen demonstrates that ethical practices are not just compatible with business success but integral to it. Her focus on female empowerment has created a ripple effect, inspiring other industry leaders to prioritize inclusivity and equality in their operations.
A Catalyst for Change: Kenchen’s Legacy in Off-Price Fashion
Kenchen Bharwani’s contributions serve as a blueprint for building a resilient and sustainable off-price fashion industry. Her ability to anticipate trends, foster collaborations, and drive innovation has positioned her as a game-changer. By addressing critical gaps and setting new standards, she redefined what it means to lead in this competitive field.
The global off-price retail market is projected to surpass $558 billion by 2030, driven by consumer demand for affordable, high-quality fashion. Kenchen’s strategies, which prioritize sustainability and ethical practices, align perfectly with these trends, ensuring long-term growth and relevance.
Kenchen’s journey is a testament to the power of creative leadership. Her initiatives transformed supply chains into ethical ecosystems, empowered women at every stage of the industry, and championed sustainable growth. By leveraging her extraordinary abilities, Kenchen has not only driven economic impact but also inspired a global movement toward a more responsible fashion industry.
As the off-price sector faces new challenges and opportunities, Kenchen’s vision and leadership will undoubtedly continue to shape its future. Her legacy is one of innovation, empowerment, and positive change a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
