Textile trade show Pitti Filati launched a new show space inside the Stazione Leopolda former railway plant, welcoming some 78 exhibitors. Exhibitors described the return to the physical experience as relieving in that there’s nothing that can replace the touch-and-feel experience when it comes to choosing fibers and textiles.

Exhibitors said, they felt the impact of the pandemic on many levels, from the notable absence of some international buyers to the preoccupation of exhibitors, which are recovering from a downturn in orders caused by protracted store closures that have left retailers with huge inventory from previous seasons.

They expect to see some signs of a rebound this year, even though the health emergency has conditioned retail sales and promotion of new collections in the first half, so it’s hardly business as usual, says Fabio Campana, CEO, Lanifico dell’Olivo.

Increasing challenges in the procurement of raw materials and spiking prices — due to shortage of supply, farmers’ financial struggles and increased logistics costs — are leaving spinners with more than one snafu to handle, he adds.

According to Alessandro Bastagli, CEO, Lineapiu, a Florence-based company, prices for the most luxurious materials including alpaca and super kid mohair skyrocketed by as much as 70 percent year-over-year, and even acrylic fibers are on the rise.