Apparel August 2019 Apparel August 2019 issue | Page 30

69TH NGF SPECIAL
SUCCESSFUL STRIDES
The National Garment Fairs (NGFs) are touted to be one of India’s largest Apparel Trade Shows.
The 69th National Garment Fair, which was held this July, was yet again instrumental in bringing
together the entire Apparel Industry under one roof. Mili Doshi reports.
Photographs: Subhabrata Das
One of the widely used truisms in the Apparel
Industry is that the Clothing Manufacturers
Association of India’s (CMAI’s) NGFs fit a mould
that is truly their own. Held from July 15 to July
18, 2019, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NSE
Complex, Goregaon (E), Mumbai, the 69th NGF
followed a similar style as the previous editions,
in that it was as ably conducted by the Fair’s
Managing Committee, just like every year. What
the Fair particularly prides itself on is its potential
to act as a connecting thread between Buyers,
Manufacturers, Agents, and Distributors to forge
worthwhile business bonds, which remain long
after the Fair is over.
DAY ONE
Spread across an area of approximately 7,00,000
square feet, the 69th NGF covered almost all
possible halls at the Bombay Exhibition Centre,
with Halls 1 and Hall 1A having been dedicated
to menswear, Halls 2 and 3 to womenswear, and
Hall 4 and 8 (a new introduction) to kids’ wear.
Speaking of the addition of Hall 8 in the 69th
NGF, Mr Rahul Mehta, Chief Guest of the Fair and
President, CMAI, remarked, “I think we have done
a great job in trying to almost reinvent that hall
24
I APPAREL I
August 2019
as it was in an absolute shambles when we had
taken possession. The participants in Hall 8, in
particular, seem to be extremely satisfied.”
The 69th NGF comprised 882 Exhibitors
showcasing 1,062 Brands. Approximately 45,000
Retailers and Trade Visitors from all over India
visited the Fair.
This time around, registration was held behind
Hall 8. The ‘no decoration’ policy of the Fair
was sincerely adhered to by all the participants.
However, Manufacturers adopted other design
elements that made each of their stalls stand out.
The Fair was brought about with the combined
efforts of CMAI and Udaan, the title sponsor
of the event, and a pioneering business-to-
business (B2B) marketplace that boasts the
largest Distribution Network for Retailers,
Wholesalers, Brands, and Manufacturers across
multiple Categories.
Day One of the Fair kicked off on a splendid
note. Mr Rajesh Masand, Vice President,
CMAI, opened the inauguration by delivering
a few words about the 69th NGF. Further on,
Mr Mehta addressed the crowd and shared
some invaluable insights into the Fair. He then
thanked the Government for its steadfast effort