NEW YORK — As the global trade landscape braces for potential shifts in tariff policies under the incoming administration, PBS News Hour turned to the hospitality sector for a boots-on-the-ground perspective. In a featured report by special correspondent Catherine Rampell, TILIT Co-Founder and CEO Jenny Goodman discussed the complexities of maintaining a resilient supply chain in an unpredictable economic environment.
The segment, which focused on how American businesses are preparing for new trade taxes, highlighted TILIT as a prime example of a company navigating the delicate balance between domestic production and international partnerships.
Navigating Geopolitical Shifts
For Goodman, the challenge of managing a supply chain that spans China, Mexico, and the United States has become increasingly volatile. During the interview, she described the strategy of diversifying manufacturing as a necessary buffer against risk, but noted that recent tariff threats on multiple fronts have complicated the playing field.
"It feels a little bit like Whac-A-Mole," Goodman told PBS, describing the situation where solving a supply issue in one region often leads to new challenges in another due to rapidly changing trade policies.
The Domestic Manufacturing Reality
While TILIT continues to produce approximately 10% of its goods—specifically its premium seasonal fashion collections—in New York, the interview shed light on the hurdles of scaling "Made in USA" production.
Goodman explained that expanding domestic operations is not a simple switch. The brand faces significant constraints, including a shrinking pool of skilled seamstresses and the economic reality of the hospitality market. "We feel that we're pretty much at max capacity with what we can produce domestically," she noted, citing the price sensitivity of restaurant clients who are already managing tight margins.
Protecting the Hospitality Industry
A central theme of the report was the potential impact of tariffs on end-users: the chefs and restaurant operators. With inflation already affecting every aspect of the food service industry, from ingredients to labor, TILIT aims to absorb complexities rather than passing them on.
"We're already in this period where we're trying to combat inflation," Goodman stated in the broadcast. "The butter has gotten more expensive. The uniforms have gotten more expensive. The labor has gotten more expensive."
By appearing on PBS News Hour, TILIT underscored its position not just as a uniform provider, but as an advocate for the industry, transparently addressing the macroeconomic forces that shape the cost and quality of professional gear.
Watch the full segment on PBS News Hour Website.