The National Garment Fairs (NGFs) are India’s largest Apparel Trade Shows. The 69th National Garment Fair (NGF), which was concluded recently, was yet again instrumental in bringing together stalwarts from the industry under one roof. The National Garment Fair was held for four days from July 15, 2019 to July 18, 2019, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NSE Complex, Goregaon (E), Mumbai.
The fair was inaugurated by Rahul Mehta, President, CMAI in presence of Rajesh Masand, Vice President, Rohit Munjal, Chairman, Fair Sub-Committee, Anand Chokshi, Joint Chairman, Fair Sub-Committee, Members of the Managing Committee & Fair Sub Committee, Ankit Agarwal, Business Head of Clothing, Udaan, exhibitors, visitors and the media.
Addressing the audience, Rahul Mehta, President, CMAI, shared some insights into the Fair, including its journey from the 1st NGF when the total number of participants was 17, to where it has reached today. He thanked the government for its steadfast support for CMAI’s activities, and in particular the fair. He also thanked and congratulated the Fair Committee for their continuous perseverance to make the fairs what they are today. He also gave a special mention to Govind Shrikhande, erstwhile Managing Director of Shoppers Stop, for all the support that he has extended to the fair and Association over the years.
Mehta added that business worth `750 cr to `800 cr was expected to be generated during the four days of the fair. He mentioned that this time, the fair was home to even Corporates such as Pepe, Bestsellers, Levis, Siyarams, etc. and that this only adds to the overall appeal of the fair. Mehta then touched upon a few key trends and problems plaguing the industry currently. He averred, “The biggest problem facing domestic garment manufacturers today is the credit squeeze in the market, the unrestricted Duty-Free Imports from Bangladesh, and the backdoor entry of Chinese fabrics via Bangladesh.”
The 69th NGF comprised 882 exhibitors showcasing 1,062 Brands. Approximately 45,000 retailers and trade visitors from all over India visited the fair. The National Garment Fair ended on a successful note, and re-established itself as one of the most coveted trade fairs of India’s apparel industry. Even though the market at large is experiencing a downward trend in terms of demand and capital-generation, the 69th NGF once again heralded in a newer business dynamic, and with it, the promise of a more inclusive trading future for the years to come.
The fair was brought about with the combined effort of CMAI and Udaan, the title sponsor of the event, and a pioneer business-to-business (B2B) marketplace that boasts the largest distribution network for retailers, wholesalers, brands and manufacturers across multiple categories.
