The first-ever Apparel Sourcing Week, to be held in March 2019 at Bengaluru, will see 40 manufacturers from Bangladesh exhibit a wide range of products. While the retailers are keen to see the offerings from these manufacturers, the Bangladeshi companies are also very excited to explore opportunities in Indian retail. A few of the exhibitors shared their expectations and why India is the market to be in at this point of time.. |
Bando Design, which has recently expanded its product line from kidswear, that too mostly in bottoms to fashionwear for women with its new factory Laila Styles, is keen to understand what will work for India. Though it is confident of the opportunities having invested in new developments, for the company being ready with the right product at the right price is important. “India is a market that everyone in Bangladesh is eyeing, when to enter and with what product and at what price point is the debate. Apparel Sourcing Week is just the appropriate platform to get a first-hand feel of the market and to interact with the industry for mutual growth,” says Imranur Rahman, Managing Director, Bando Design Ltd. |
Manufacturing an enviable range of affordable tailored outerwear like suits, blazers, dress pants, skirts and girls formal workwear, for many international brands including Sears, Next, Tesco, M&S and Peter England, Energypac Fashions is keen to explore the structured wear market in India which is growing. “India has a very resourceful service industry, while its manufacturing segment, especially in apparel is not as strong. I sincerely believe that the two countries should get into the supply chain together in RMG, if we join hands, we can actually beat China,” says Humayun Rashid, MD, Energypac Fashions Limited. |
At Giant Group, the focus is now on product development in the knitted segment, which includes fresh developments in fabric and also value additions. Geared up for next phase of growth, post the joining of the next generation into the business, entering the India market at this stage is for them a strategical move into the market of the future. “We are hearing so much about the growth of the retail segment in India, spearheaded by a young population willing to pay for good quality brands. The event is an opportunity to make a presentation of our capabilities to the brands and retailers in India that are looking for something fresh,” says Faruque Hassan, MD, Giant Group. |
Another keen youngster ready to take up the India Challenge is Md. Monabber Ahmed, Director, Anowara Group. The Group that specialises in knitwear, including blanks, is looking at cornering a share in the Indian market. “We have faith in Apparel Resources bringing out Apparel Online for the industry, to put together a show that will create a platform for mature networking between Bangladeshi manufactures and Indian retailers. I am looking forward to attending the seminars and building my future strategies based on the discussions held during the two days,” says Monabber, who adds that the synergy has to happen and with Apparel Resources taking up the initiative, the fear factor is taken care of. |
Specialising in flat knits with over 250 Shima Seiki machines, Enayetuddin Md. Kaiser Khan, Managing Director of Sonia & Sweaters Limited, is upbeat about increasing reference to flat knits as a fashion product and not just as winterwear. “Fashion in India is very near to the fashion one would find in the West, so we see a huge scope for our fashion knitwear in the Indian Market. While many may say that sweaters is not a ‘hot’ category for India, I am very excited to take my products to the Apparel Sourcing Week and show the retailers our design competencies,” says Khan. |
Each exhibitor has his own product range to show, but the goal is common… explore the potential that Indian retail presents as markets of the West face slowdown. |
Apparel Sourcing Week 2024, a two-days Sourcing Show not only provides the Asian manufacturers a platform to showcase their products & manufacturing capabilities to the Brands & Retailers from all over the world including India, but also extends them a chance to attend the multiple seminars (headed by industry experts), workshops, open-house discussions and networking opportunities organised during these three days, which would help the manufacturers get a better understanding of Indian and International Retail and evolving dynamics of sourcing in various markets and retail formats.
Apparel Resources is well known for its benchmark publications – Apparel Online, StitchWorld and Resource Guide published from India, Bangladesh & Vietnam. These publications have been around in the industry for over 35 years, supporting, guiding and standing by garment exporters and the retail industry globally, providing them a platform to source better.