Levi Strauss & Co. Joins Digital Supply Chain Institute to Advance Direct-to-Consumer Business Models

New York, N.Y. — November  18, 2024 — The Digital Supply Chain Institute (DSCI) is excited to announce that Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.), a global leader in the apparel industry, has become a DSCI member organization. As part of its membership, LS&Co. will collaborate with DSCI and Professor Dennis Campbell from Harvard Business School on a case study focused on the digitization of supply chain operations to optimize Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) business models, deliver value to customers and cultivate long-term loyalty.

The project will leverage DSCI’s extensive expertise in the digital transformation of supply chains and LS&Co.’s pioneering role in the apparel sector. Together, the organizations aim to show how supply chain innovations can support DTC models and drive sustainable business growth.

Exploring the Future of Direct-to-Consumer Models

DTC business models have changed the way brands engage with their consumers, allowing companies to directly manage consumer relationships, control the entire product journey and create bespoke experiences. However, for a DTC strategy to be effective, it must be supported by an agile, responsive and technologically advanced supply chain.

Through this collaboration, LS&Co. and DSCI will focus on identifying opportunities for supply chain practices to enhance DTC performance. The project will analyze topics such as inventory management, packaging, managing returns, demand forecasting, last-mile delivery and the role of digital platforms to determine how they impact the consumer experience. With supply chains playing a critical role in fulfilling orders, managing returns and ensuring timely deliveries, this project will provide actionable insights into creating a seamless end-to-end experience for consumers.

A Case Study as Output to Benefit the Industry

The findings from this collaborative project will be compiled into a comprehensive case study and related work that will serve as a benchmark for other organizations looking to refine their DTC strategies. Developed in partnership with Professor Dennis Campbell from Harvard Business School, a leading expert in organization and supply chain management, the case study will examine examples from LS&Co.’s DTC operations, highlighting key challenges, solutions and best practices.

“We are thrilled to welcome Levi Strauss & Co. as a new member of the Digital Supply Chain Institute,” said Marko Kovacevic, managing director of DSCI. “LS&Co. has been a trailblazer in the apparel industry for over a century, and their commitment to innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to drive digital transformation in supply chains. This project will allow us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in direct-to-consumer business models by demonstrating how an optimized supply chain can create true customer value. We look forward to working closely with LS&Co. on this exciting initiative.”

“Joining DSCI is a great opportunity for us to explore the cutting edge of supply chain innovation,” said Craig Jones, LS&Co.’s senior vice president of global distribution and logistics at. “As we continue to expand our direct-to-consumer offerings, we must align our supply chain operations to meet the evolving needs of our consumers. This partnership will not only help us optimize our supply chain but also ensure that we continue to provide the personalized, seamless experiences our customers expect.”

About Levi Strauss & Co.

Levi Strauss & Co. is one of the world’s largest brand-name apparel companies and a global leader in jeanswear. The company designs and markets jeans, casual wear, and related accessories for men, women, and children under the Levi’s®, Dockers®, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™, Denizen®, and Beyond Yoga brands. Its products are sold in more than 110 countries worldwide through a combination of chain retailers, department stores, online sites and a global footprint of approximately 3,200 brand-dedicated stores and shop-in-shops. Levi Strauss & Co.’s reported 2023 net revenues were $6.2 billion.

About Digital Supply Chain Institute (DSCI)

The Digital Supply Chain Institute (DSCI) is a leading global research organization focused on the digital transformation of supply chains. DSCI brings together corporate leaders, academics, and industry experts to develop and implement cutting-edge strategies that drive innovation and create value in the supply chain. Through research, collaboration, and education, DSCI helps organizations unlock the full potential of their supply chains in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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Levi Strauss & Co contact info

NewsMediaRequests@levi.com

Ira Sager
Director, Communications, DSCI
isager@thecge.net