Apparel Sourcing announces record number of exhibitors

By

Matthieu Guinebault

Published
Sep 12, 2014

The Apparel Sourcing trade fair will take place September 15 to 18 at Le Bourget exhibition centre outside of Paris with a roster of nearly 300 exhibitors. The number sets a new record for the fair owned by Messe Frankfurt, organized in partnership with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Textile Industry (CCPIT Tex).

The number of booths marks an unprecedented increase since the launch of the show in September 2011. Compared to September 2013, this edition of Apparel Sourcing boasts 50 percent more exhibitors.

The some one hundred new exhibitors include companies from Turkey, Vietnam, Germany, Bangladesh, Belgium, China, Hong Kong, India and Ireland, causing a reshuffle in national exhibitor rankings. While China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan) remains ahead of India, Bangladesh took over third place from Pakistan, whereas Turkey remains at number five.

"Our show of multi-range international sourcing companies attracts international manufacturers and buyers," says Michael Scherpe, president of Messe Frankfurt France. "We are going to foster the growth of Apparel Sourcing Paris by bringing in more new products and services."

But the show is not waiting for the next edition to build out its product range. The current session marks the launch of the new "Shawls & Scarves" area for scarves, wraps and silk carrés. The section will showcase the work of twenty manufacturers that use cashmere, merino, silk, linen, bamboo and technical fabrics. The scarf area is located in the middle of one of the fair's two trend forums and will have its own special catwalk.

Apparel Sourcing ultimately wants to attract buyers both from the luxury and fast fashion sectors interested in both short-term and long-term partnerships, such as with Chinese manufacturers now focused on the medium and high-end of the market; Indian companies specialized in accessories and sportswear; and Vietnamese producers in shirting and men's knitwear. Buyers are also interested in European manufacturers in women's fashion and the Turkish industry, which has proven itself to be a reliable supplier for a wide range of products.