The National Garment Fairs (NGFs) not only usher in the new season, but have often played the role of turning around the mood of the industry – with its showcasing of new trends, brand launches, fresh innovations – and bringing in its wake a new excitement and energy. In the current situation of agonisingly slow recovery, such a change of mood is keenly required, CMAI said in a press release.

As per the CMAI Apparel Consumption Study, conducted with the assistance of AC Nielson, India’s premier market research agency, the size of the domestic market before covid-19 crisis stood at ₹6.5 lakh crore. The survey was conducted over a sample size of 80,000 plus households.

CMAI estimates that the consumption will go down by approximately 30 per cent in the year 2020-2021. Various surveys conducted by CMAI over the last few months also indicate at least 20 per cent of respondents shutting business unless markets improve substantially. It is estimated that most manufacturers have also planned a reduction in employee strength by 20 per cent to 25 per cent. "Considering that the garment Industry employs around 12 million people, this reduction amounts to an alarming figure," the release said.

The biggest issue confronting the domestic market is the slow recovery of consumer sentiment, and hence the strong decline in domestic sales. The market is expected to revive to around 70 per cent of previous year’s levels by the 3^rd quarter, with the festive season setting in. "It is to take advantage of this partial recovery that CMAI is planning the 71^st NGF, and it is expected to kick-start the season once again," the release added.

This month, CMAI is also launching a Mobile Catalogue App in partnership with Quick Sell, which will enable its members to maintain a 24x7 connect with their clients with their products, their promotions, and their developments digitally.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RKS)