Up Close is Sourcing Journal’s regular check-in with industry executives to get their take on topics ranging from their company’s latest moves to personal style. In this Q&A, Dr. Madhav Durbha, group vice president of CPG and manufacturing at supply chain and retail planning software firm Relex Solutions, discusses how retailers can optimize store sales floors and what approaches could help the industry scale sustainability.
Name: Dr. Madhav Durbha
Title: Group vice president of CPG and manufacturing
Company: Relex Solutions
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Which other industry has the best handle on the supply chain? What can apparel learn?
Consumer electronics does a great job managing the supply chain. It’s a fast-moving industry that has mastered adapting to constant innovation and market shifts. They’re great at using advanced decision-making tools, working closely with suppliers and running tight global distribution networks. They also share some similarities with apparel in the way of frequent new product and extension launches, seasonal nature, pricing and promotions intensity, among other factors.
Apparel brands can take a page from their playbook to become more agile, shorten lead times and keep inventory better aligned with customer demand. There’s also a lot to learn from how electronics companies are starting to embrace sustainability; things like recycling programs and modular designs could really benefit apparel.
What should be the apparel industry’s top priority right now?
Driving efficiency through better data and smarter planning, because that’s what ultimately leads to more sustainable outcomes. When companies reduce overproduction and markdowns, avoid stockouts and streamline operations, they naturally cut down on waste. Consumers care about sustainability, but it has to be backed by systems that make it achievable at scale.
What innovation or development holds the greatest potential to improve operations in the apparel and textile industries?
Being consumption driven where practical and using appropriate allocation strategies for seasonal buys can really move the needle. Forecasting, allocation and replenishment tools that learn from trends and real-time insights can help manufacturers streamline their production and purchasing decisions, stay ahead of demand, cut waste and adapt to change. For industries like apparel, where timing and trends are everything, that kind of visibility and control makes a huge difference.
Tell us about your company’s latest product introduction:
Relex Solutions recently launched Relex Space, a new solution designed to help retailers and manufacturers get smarter about how they use their in-store space. By tapping into data and automation, it makes sure the right merchandise is showing up in the right stores, which helps avoid stock imbalances, move product faster and cut down on waste. It also gives retailers the flexibility to adapt to local demand, improve the customer experience and operate more efficiently in an ever-changing industry.
How would you describe your corporate culture?
Our culture is all about collaboration, innovation and delivering real results. We treat our colleagues and customers like friends—it’s about building trust, working together and making the process not just effective, but enjoyable.
What’s the best decision your company has made in the last year?
Expanding our support for the manufacturing sector and strengthening collaboration between suppliers and retailers has been a pivotal move. By helping businesses work together across the end-to-end supply chain, we’re enabling greater efficiency, better responsiveness and less waste industry wide.
Where do you look for personal style inspiration?
I’m drawn to timeless design and function. I like keeping things simple and authentic, whether it’s a tailored piece or a well-made T-shirt. Travel and different cultures often spark new ideas and keep my perspective fresh.
How do you shop for clothing? How would you describe yourself as a fashion consumer?
I look for quality and pieces that I can wear in different settings. I also try to support brands that are doing their part for the environment. For me, thoughtful design and long-lasting value win over fast fashion any day.
What are the top three product attributes that you factor into your purchasing decisions?
Sustainability—it reflects my values and supports responsible practices. Quality—durable products reduce waste and offer better value. Functionality—practicality ensures the product meets my needs effectively.
What is a retail experience that stands out to you?
Visiting a store where everything just worked efficiently—from product availability to checkout. It showed how much impact streamlined operations and smart use of data can have on the overall customer experience.
What keeps you up at night?
Keeping up with how quickly consumer expectations are changing, and making sure we stay innovative while keeping sustainability at the core. It’s a constant balancing act.
What makes you most optimistic?
I’m encouraged by how closely consumer values are starting to align with business goals. The momentum around sustainability and innovation is real, and it gives me hope for lasting, positive change in our industry.
