Odd Lots Sarah LaFleur On the Existential Threat From the Tariffs
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May 9, 2025 
Sarah LaFleur, the founder and CEO of M.M.LaFleur, shares her insights on the challenges of running a women's workwear brand amidst escalating tariffs. She discusses the urgent scramble for shipping space and how tariffs are reshaping her business strategies. LaFleur reveals the impact on fabric sourcing and production timelines, as well as the broader implications for the clothing industry facing a turbulent economic landscape. Her transparent approach provides a unique look at navigating a crisis in fashion.
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Tariff Chaos in Early April
- Sarah LaFleur experienced chaos securing shipments due to tariffs between April 2 and April 11, 2024.
- Factories worked nonstop trying to get clothing on boats before tariffs took effect.
Tariff Changes Disrupt Seasons
- Even a tariff reduction from 54% to 10% still caused significant disruption.
- Missed seasonal selling windows force some products to delay release by a year.
China's Quality and US Limits
- Most of Sarah LaFleur's production is in China due to exceptional quality and competitive prices.
- Moving production back to the US is nearly impossible because the local garment industry is mostly gone.