India : National Garment Fair A Grand Success

National Garment Fair 2003 elicited a rousing response which saw a total of nearly 225 exhibitors and brands and 15000 buyers up from 12,000 last year Organized by the apex body of the industry the Clothing Manufacturers Association (CMAI) Rs 250 crore worth of business was transacted at the three day trade fair.

The number of visitors increased by 25% since last year, where about 12,000 business visitors came to see the latest in men, women and children''s fashion as presented by 175 brands. CMAI had roped in Gini and Jony and Trigger Jeans as the associate sponsors for the largest ever >garment extravaganza in India and they showcased their 2004-spring/autumn collections through exclusive fashion shows. 

In addition, a special CMAI fashion show saw collections from other brands Like, Levis, Trigger, Oobe, Lawman Jeans, Raymond, flying Machine and Louise Phillipe to  name a few.  Also showcasing their collections were FDCI designers Priyadarshini Rao, Nikhil and Shantanu, Geisha and Narendra Kumar Ahmed.

Organized by CMAI (The Clothing Manufacturers Associations of India) the apex association of the industry, NGF is the largest meeting ground for the manufacturers and retailers in the garment industry. It has been at the forefront in providing a platform to the garment industry in India.

Wills Sport, Zodiac, Trigger and Levis made their first appearance in NGF 2003. Also dominating the exhibits on display in the 250 stalls in the 12,500 square-meter exhibition hall were leading brands like Raymonds, Arvind Mills, Lee, Wrangler, Louis Phillipe, Allen Solly, Killer Jeans continuing their association with NGF 2003. On the buyers front retailer''s houses like Shoppers Stop, Westside, Globus, Pantaloon, Lifestyle, Ebony, Snowhite were a part of the fair.  

Says Mr. Premal Udani, President CMAI, "The CMAI has acknowledged the importance of bringing retailers and manufacturers together through the NGF and this years business success is testimony to that need.”

Says Mr. Rahul Mehta, Chairman, NGF  “ The overwhelming response to the fair year after year is evocative of the voluminous business potential of the branded retail market.”

NGF 2003 saw an increase of 20% participation since last August 2002. The key participating brands come from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Indore, Hyderabad, etc.