Apparel Online India Magazine February 1st Issue 2019 | Page 38

INDUSTRY LIVE TO EXHIBIT TO VISIT Ila Saxena [phone] [email protected] Shruti Arora [phone] [email protected] 62nd IIGF Overview PLATFORM FOR REGULAR AND BOUTIQUE BUYERS T he 62nd edition of India International Garment Fair (IIGF) covering the Autumn/Winter 2019-20 collection beheld more than 207 garment exporters and many buyers from across the world. Some veteran exporters, who have been showcasing their products for decades, felt that the footfall was shrinking with the growing year. However, many noticed that the buyers’ footfall as well as their quality was reasonably good this time as compared to that in the last edition. Most of the participants were able to meet their regular buyers, which made the fair worthwhile. Sourcing teams of famous brands, top buying houses and buying agents like Lulu Group International, Garments Worldwide, Osaka Industry and Young Threads NYC, etc. made their presence felt at the event. The fair also witnessed many first- time buyers visiting the stalls. Some of ESSENTIALS After participating for over a decade, most of the exporters felt that the buyers’ demands and preferences have shifted with the change of time. The buyers are demanding customised products and expecting quick delivery. This means increased number of styles but smaller MoQs, which was not favourable for the vendors. the regular buyers were appreciative about the collections, while the new buyers were amazed to see the trendy, contemporary designs. Prices were the spotlight at the fair as buyers admitted that the higher FOBs were justified, but still they negotiated for lower prices. For some buyers, more than the prices, the delivery commitments were a concern. “With the US tariff charges against China, there is an advantage for India, but delivery on time is surely a problem. If the exporters make delivery on time, then that will be a win-win situation for both,” quoted one of the buyers at the event, requesting anonymity. Although he felt that the products manufactured in India are different and more value- added than China. Apart from the regular participants, some first-time exporters also attended the event. Although these Indian exporters regularly participate 38 Apparel Online India | FEBRUARY 1-15, 2019 | www.apparelresources.com in other overseas and local sourcing fairs, the 62nd IIGF was the first for them and they seemed quite enthusiastic about the future business despite the initial hiccups and challenging market conditions. One of the Ludhiana-based manufacturer of knitted fabrics, womenswear and menswear, Shoshi Exports participated in IIGF for the first time expecting to meet prospective buyers. Himanshu Aggarwal, Director of the company said, “We would like to add all kinds of international clients to our portfolio. We are specialised in organic-certified products with manufacturing units both in India and Nepal.” He further observed, “Few international clients have enquired about our products, but we were expecting to see more traction in this global platform.” While a majority of exporters showcased Summer collections, the