Apparel July 2019 Apparel July 2019 issue | Page 14

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK Dear Friends, May I, through this President’s Message, extend a warm welcome to all of you visiting the 69th National Garment Fair. The NGFs, as they are popularly known, continue to be the most sought-after Trade Shows of our Industry. Companies plan their Brand launches based on the NGF Calendar, Brands, their Range launches, and even non-participants, their own presentations to coincide with the NGF dates. Ironically, even other Trade Shows are planned based on the dates finalised for the NGF. This is not to boast or tom-tom the NGFs, but merely to underscore the importance of NGFs in the Domestic Industry. And why not—with over 1,000 Brands participating, and close to 50,000 Retailers visiting the Fair, surely, this event justifiably claims the numero uno status among all other Shows and Fairs. With the success of last year’s experience, CMAI has decided to continue with the four-day format. I think this is a wise move, as it was becoming impossible for a visitor to effectively cover the whole Fair in a three-day format. However, with yet another 100 odd applicants having been left disappointed, I think the time is not far when we will have to move to a three-one-three format, by which I mean a three-day Fair for Menswear, followed by a three-day Fair for Womenswear and Kids’ wear, with a day in between. A sort of CMAI Fashion Week. There is some justifiable resistance to this idea; with a majority of our MBOs being the Family Shop variety, I am wondering if there is a choice. Online Registration is continuing to gain ground, and this certainly will help in reducing long queues at the Registration counters. Frankly, this, along with the lack of space for customer lounges, is now probably the only area left for improvement in the NGF. I am sure the Fair Committee will look into these areas. So once again, a warm welcome to all visitors and participants, and my best wishes to all for a great season ahead. RAHUL MEHTA Help us improve Apparel. Please send in your suggestions and feedback to [email protected] 4 I APPAREL I July 2019