Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), the organizers of one of the biggest and most successful fairs in the garment space in India -- the annual National Garment Fair (NGF) -- is all set to roll out its 55th edition from July 9 to 11, 2012
at the Bombay Exhibition Ground in Mumbai. And looking at the positive exhibitor response, CMAI is very optimistic about its success this year as well. As Rahul Mehta, President, CMAI points out, “Stalls are fully sold out. For the first time, we have also organized business networking sessions between exhibitors and retailers. A lot of exhibitors come looking for agents and distributors in states where they are not represented but they don’t know how to go about it. So we are providing a platform for exhibitors to come and meet them, show them their products and firm up business plans.”
Mehta
further says “Normally, when a manufacturer has a slow last season he anticipates larger booking volumes because all retail stores don’t carry inventory. They need to stock up for a season which is going to be very long from Eid to Christmas. As it has been in the last quarter, aspirations of manufacturers are higher. When buying is low, inventory is low at the retail level. And when inventory is low, retailers have to fill up stocks for a long festive season. So they anticipate good business at the fair,” Mehta explains.
Optimistic about the forthcoming season from a retailers’ point of view, Mehta says, “After last Diwali, buying has been very low. People are not willing to spend because the economic conditions are not favorable. But when it comes to festivities, people would like to wear new clothes. So that’s when they do the buying. With NGF the entire booking season kicks off. We have 375 exhibitors who would be showcasing some 400 brands covering men’s, women’s and children’s wear. It will have everything from ethnic wear to lingerie and fashion accessories and service providers to the industry similar to a one-stop shop. Last July, we had over 17,000 visitors, this year we expect even more.” Also among the visitors are 50 to 75 buyers from countries which have a strong Indian population like the Middle East, Singapore, Malaysia and London.
And while the focus is pure business, the organizers are also adding some glitz and glamour with fashion shows. As Mehta sums up, “We are going to reintroduce fashion shows this fair, where brands can showcase their latest collections.”
