The Gujarat Garment Manufacturers Association (GGMA) that will represent nearly 1,700 garment manufacturers in the three-day garment fair in the city, is fearing a shortfall of about 50% in orders as compared to the previous year's. Overall slowdown in the economy, they say, is taking a toll on the business.
The fair will see wholesale and retail buyers from across the country and abroad placing orders for the upcoming festive season of Navratri to Diwali as well as Eid. The orders will give local manufacturers an idea about the fashion trends and the demand from the market for the season.
However, unlike previous events, the mood this time is dampened. "The industry is facing a severe downturn. Against orders worth Rs 3,000-4,000 crore in previous fairs, this time we expect a business of about Rs 2,000 crore," said Vijay Purohit, president of GGMA.
Over 260 manufacturers, representing close to 600 brands, will exhibit their products to over 18,000 buyers from states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhatisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala as well as from countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and those of Middle East.
With nearly 5,000 garment manufacturers, Ahmedabad is one of the major hubs in India producing cotton garments, mainly menswear. "Buyers choose products from Ahmedabad because of its quality and price competitiveness," said Purohit. Local manufacturers provide a direct employment to close to 2.5 lakh individuals.
With festivals like Bakri Eid, Navratri and Diwali approaching in few months, the fair holds strategic significance for the manufacturers. While the market for menswear may be slowing down, manufacturers of womenswear and ethnicwear are bullish about the festive season. "Fashion is very dynamic in womenswear compared to menswear. Men's fashion is limited, but there are a number of options for womenswear. There is much more novelty here, so buying continues and we expect growth in business," said Vikas Bhansali, partner and creative director of Asopalav. "Womenswear segment has a significant proportion of impulsive buying, which is not the case in menswear," said Bhansali.
This will be the second consecutive year when the se ntiments are down ahead of the fair. The fair in 2017 was eclipsed by the roll out of Goods and Services Tax (GST).
THE STAGE IS SET
- Over 260 manufacturers, representing close to 600 brands, will exhibit their products to over 18,000 buyers from various states
- These include Maharashtra, Rajasthan, MP, UP, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhatisgarh, TN, AP, Karnataka, Kerala
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