Our Suppliers
We work directly with 388 suppliers in 24 countries on our exclusive lines.*
Our other business partners range from renowned international brands to up-and-coming artisanal businesses.
*This data is reviewed on an annual basis and may vary for the current year.
Our Qualification Process
and Business Practices
Simons understands the challenges of supply chain compliance, which is why it has put in place a rigorous due diligence process to protect the rights of the workers who manufacture its exclusive lines. Any new production unit must first meet a strict set of criteria before it can be formally integrated into our supply chain.
1 - PRELIMINARY RISK ANALYSIS
Each supplier must report on their social and environmental practices. We use a questionnaire, developed with the help of qualified external organizations, to conduct a cross-sectional pre-analysis of social and environmental risks by comparing the information gathered to geographical, political, social, and economic data.
2 - CODE OF CONDUCT
All suppliers of our exclusive lines must comply with Simons' Code of Conduct, which promotes the interests of workers throughout the supply chain. It is based on international standards, including the International Labour Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It establishes the standards that each supplier must meet.
We include these same requirements in our general terms and conditions of purchase. When a business partner accepts an order from us, they agree to abide by our Code of Conduct.
3 - SOCIAL AUDIT ANALYSIS
By 2025, in addition to internal audits, we would like all suppliers who produce our exclusive lines to be audited according to the social compliance standards established by a recognized and independent international organization whose mission is to foster responsible business practices, such as the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) or the SEDEX Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA). Auditors will analyze documentation and give the supplier a performance score on a scale of 1 (approved for production) to 5 (not approved for production).
4 - ONGOING MONITORING OF WORKPLACE CONDITIONS
The suppliers who manufacture our exclusive lines must be audited at least once every two years. We work closely with each plant to continuously improve their social practices.
5 - ONGOING MONITORING OF FIBRE ORIGINS
Fibre origins can be difficult to trace, and they are not all equivalent. That's why the suppliers for our exclusive lines are required to ensure compliance with our Code of Conduct throughout our supply chain and to submit a cotton origin statement as well as transaction certificates for all Vision-certified fibres. Transaction certificates are issued by independent organizations that ensure production chain traceability for certified fibres. Our aim is to assure our customers that the fibres in their products do not come from regions or countries at high risk of human rights violations. Our risk analyses are based on data provided by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other recognized international organizations.
Remediation Protocol
As set out in our Code of Conduct, Simons condemns and strictly prohibits all forms of child labour, forced labour, or other human rights violations. If such a situation should arise with one of our exclusive line suppliers, we will implement our remediation protocol. Appropriate measures will be taken to address any negative consequences for vulnerable workers.
Beyond Social Compliance
MAINTAINING LONG-TERM, SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
Simons cares about developing long-term business relationships with its suppliers. From the trust we've built over the years, we've created close partnerships and developed a better understanding of the working conditions in which our exclusive lines are made. As a result, we can more effectively pinpoint risks and proactively mitigate them.
Through transparency and loyalty, we provide our partners with a business environment conducive to improving working conditions and social practices in their operations. This is another way we help protect human rights throughout our supply chain.
61% OF OUR SUPPLIERS HAVE WORKED WITH US FOR OVER FIVE YEARS, AND 20% HAVE WORKED WITH US FOR OVER TEN YEARS.
DEENU International: A Steadfast Tradition
DEENU International began its clothing manufacturing journey in 2002. A year later, in 2003, their team met ours. “From the outset, we transcended the typical relationship between a manufacturer and a brand,” notes Mr. Velusamy, owner of DEENU International. “We started this partnership by building a strong foundation of mutual trust and collaboration.”
Over the years, DEENU has incorporated many new technologies into its production process, ensuring high-quality merchandise. In addition, the company has implemented environmentally responsible manufacturing practices, such as solar energy and wastewater recycling. “We are proud that as our organization has grown, we have ensured a high level of employee satisfaction, a healthy and safe work environment, responsible business practices, and a satisfied client base,” said Raj Sethi, representing DEENU International.
“Spanning 20 years, our partnership with Simons has been a core and instrumental factor of our company's growth. In an industry where relationships between manufacturers and clothing brands often revolve solely around money, we are fortunate to enjoy a long-term dynamic with Simons, where communication, mutual understanding, and support come naturally,” he said. More recently, to meet Simons' unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability, DEENU has taken the necessary steps to obtain several social and environmental compliance certifications, such as OEKO-Tex, GOTS and, more recently, GRS. “In the coming years, we want to power all of our plants with clean energy, increase our use of recycled and organic materials, and incorporate innovative technology that can improve the sustainability of our production process,” concludes Velusamy.
Championing workers' rights
in the fashion industry
To support the rights of fashion industry workers, Simons participates in the International Labour Organization's (ILO) Workmen's Compensation Convention (WCC) as part of a pilot project in Bangladesh. The project, launched in 2021, aims to create a monetary compensation fund to provide adequate coverage for workers in the textile industry after any work-related accident. This five-year pilot project is the first step in establishing a national and institutionalized structure.
2024
Continue mapping our supply chain beyond the first tier
Traditionally, companies in the fashion industry first establish business relationships with manufacturing plants. To reduce the risks associated with human rights violations, we need to know the other stakeholders in the supply chain involved in product manufacturing. We implemented this process several seasons ago and will pursue it over the next few years to identify and locate our partners all the way down to fibre production.
Our Next Steps
2025
Aim for all suppliers of our exclusive lines to be audited according to social compliance standards established by a recognized and independent international organization whose mission is to foster responsible business practices.
Social Responsibility and Compliance
Our Values and Mission
Corporate social responsibility is one of our core values at Simons. We believe fashion can be a source of inspiration while still being sustainable and socially conscious.
Our multifaceted approach helps us identify the most pressing risks throughout our supply chain. The measures we put in place are modeled on strict ethical standards and internationally recognized practices, and demonstrate our commitment to reducing these risks. We recognize the challenges associated with social compliance, particularly when not all the individuals involved in our production chains are fully transparent. This is why we are conducting a mapping exercise to identify them.
To support fashion industry workers' rights, we also take part in initiatives such as the International Labour Organization's (ILO) Workmen's Compensation Convention (WCC) as part of a pilot project in Bangladesh.
Through our ever-evolving processes, initiatives, collaborations, and concerted efforts, we hope to have a positive impact on communities, the environment, and all our stakeholders.