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Apr 172026
In conversation with Yogesh Sharma, Senior Merchant, on experience-led decisions that protect quality, timelines, and trust.
Successful garment manufacturing isn’t just about executing designs, it’s about understanding intent, anticipating challenges, and making the right calls before production begins.
With over 20 years in the apparel industry and bringing over 12 years of association with Vishvas across different phases of the company’s growth, Yogesh Sharma brings a rare combination of design sensibility and merchandising discipline. Having started his career in design before moving into merchandising, he works at the intersection where buyer vision meets manufacturing reality.
In this conversation, Yogesh shares how buyer intent is evaluated, how costing conversations have evolved, and what truly makes a buyer-manufacturer relationship work over time.
Buyers often come with a strong vision for a collection. How do you evaluate whether that vision is commercially and operationally viable before it moves forward
“Most buyers share detailed mood boards, themes, and design directions well in advance. Based on these inputs, our design team develops styles that are then presented to buyers, either at our facility or during meetings at their offices.
Once a style is shortlisted, our Product Development and merchandising teams sit together with the buyer to understand how they want to take it forward, whether the design works as it is or needs refinement. From there, we evaluate feasibility across construction, materials, cost, timelines, and production capacity.
The idea is to align creative intent with what can be executed smoothly at scale, so decisions are practical from the start.”
Over the years, how have buyer expectations around costing, margins, and value changed, and how has your role adapted
“Buyers today are far more informed and involved than they were 8-10 years ago. Margins are tighter, and most buyers now come with a defined or ballpark budget. Costing has become a collaborative discussion rather than a one-sided negotiation.
Sustainability has also become central. Over the last five to six years, we’ve seen a clear shift towards certified fabrics, responsible materials, and even sustainable packaging. Our role now is to offer solutions that balance look, quality, cost, and sustainability; all together.”
When timelines are tight and changes come late in the process, how do you manage deliveries without compromising quality
“In most cases, things are finalised by the fit, size-set, and pre-production sample stages. Late changes are rare, but when they do happen, timelines naturally shrink.
In such situations, we first assess feasibility internally with the production team. We adjust line planning where possible and then communicate clearly with the buyer. If additional time is genuinely required, we discuss it openly. Clear communication and realistic planning usually help keep things smooth without affecting quality.”
From your experience, what does a truly collaborative buyer–manufacturer relationship look like beyond orders and negotiations
“It comes down to regular interaction, clear communication, and mutual respect. Buyer visits, honest discussions around timelines, and understanding each other’s realities make a big difference.
When both sides bring knowledge and transparency to the table, the relationship moves beyond transactions. That’s when it becomes a long-term partnership.”
The Vishvas Perspective
Between buyer intent and bulk production lies judgement. Through experience, collaboration, and practical decision-making, Yogesh Sharma helps ensure that ideas don’t just look good, they work in the real world.
VISHVAS INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE LIMITED
A-46, SECTOR-58, NOIDA 201301
UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA
+91-120-4149999
info@vishvas.asia
