Title: Nearshoring and its potential impacts on the global supply chain: case study of retailing and manufacturing firms

Authors: Alan D. Smith

Addresses: Department of Marketing, Robert Morris University, 6001 University Blvd., Moon Township, Pittsburgh, PA 15108, USA

Abstract: In recent years, a multitude of events have occurred to significantly test the resiliency of global supply chains. The largest impact were the effects and fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic which saw extreme variability introduced to all aspects of supply chain management including procurement, warehouse operations, transportation and sustainability initiatives. To best counteract potential foreseen and unforeseen circumstances, organisations have reevaluated their ideologies and examined how nearshoring operations can be advantageous to minimise challenges and perils to their business continuity. A scholarly examination of the principles surrounding nearshoring and its impacts on global supply chains. With context paid to two Pittsburgh, PA-area companies in the retail and manufacturing markets, practical application of these principles are examined with managerial implications addressed. Nearshoring will be recommended as an efficient route for companies to achieve streamlined operational approaches and their goals within while minimising their risk exposure and maximising perceived values.

Keywords: business case study; information technology; IT; manufacturing; nearshoring; offshoring; onshoring; operations; retail marketing and services; supply chain management; SCM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBFMI.2025.142951

International Journal of Business Forecasting and Marketing Intelligence, 2025 Vol.10 No.1, pp.1 - 21

Received: 28 Aug 2023
Accepted: 01 Sep 2023
Published online: 02 Dec 2024 *

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