Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) plans to organise a series of training workshops for the MSMEs in the Ahmedabad Apparel Cluster from Nov 26-28, 2024.

Focusing on the topic, ‘Market Intelligence & Technological Development, these workshops will provide valuable insights on ‘Best Practices to Improve Productivity, Quality, Product Development and Competitiveness of Apparel MSMEs’. They will be held at the Ahmedabad Management Association, University Road in Ahmedabad.

Intended for the MSME apparel factory owners and key staff committed to adopting effective practices to enhance performance, competitiveness and profitability, these sessions will be delivered by Rajesh Bheda Consulting (RBC). Besides Dr Rajesh Bheda, Managing Director, RBC, the sessions will be attended by key speakers including Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, The Clothing Manufacturers Association; Deepika Diwan, Sourcing Strategist; Prof Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT, Gandhingar; Karin Kilian from Dürkopp Adler; Rakesh Kumar, VP, ABFRL; Prof. Asha Baxi; and Abhishek Gupta, Sr Consultant, RBC.

The workshops will cover a range of topics across three days. On Nov 26, 2024, they will focus on Product Development and Business Growth Opportunities, exploring opportunities for small apparel manufacturers, strategies for working with Western retailers, and tips for product development to foster business growth.

On Nov 27, 2024 a session on Productivity Improvement Fundamentals and Best Practices will be organised to address the global and domestic apparel industry landscape, technology trends, productivity improvement methodologies, and actionable case studies for immediate gains.

On the final day, Nov 28, 2024 a session focusing on Profitability Through Quality in The Apparel Industry will be held to discuss the connection between quality, profitability, and competitiveness, quality expectations of fashion brands, quality KPIs, quality tools and actionable case studies.

Abolition of sales tax has caused Pakistan’s cotton imports to rise sharply in the 2024-25 Cotton Year. The rise is also impacting local cotton and seed cotton (phutti) prices, causing grave concerns amongst farmers and cotton ginners

Ehsan-ul-Haq, Chairman, Cotton Ginners Forum, explains, the 2024-25 federal Budget exempted imported cotton and yarn—specifically for the export-driven textile sector—from the 18 per cent sales tax. However, cotton purchases made within the country remained subject to this tax.

Additionally, the excessive cultivation of sugarcane in traditional cotton-growing areas led to a degrading of the quality of domestically produced cotton. He adds, this is compelling textile mills to increase their reliance on imports, with projections of contracts for nearly 6 million bales of imported cotton being secured during this cotton year. Pakistan has already finalised contracts for around 3 million bales, say reports.

So far, Pakistan has imported over 1.3 million bales of cotton, causing local cotton prices to drop significantly. Over the past week, cotton prices have fallen by PKR 500 per maund, with prices now at PKR 17,500 per maund in Punjab and PKR 17,300 per maund in Sindh. Seed cotton prices have also declined sharply, leading to an accumulation of cotton stocks at ginning factories and a substantial rise in seed cotton stocks in the market.

Its record increase in cotton imports has made Pakistan the largest buyer of US cotton for the first time. The country is expected to import between 4.5 to 5 million bales from the US during the current season, while additional imports are coming from Brazil, Argentina, Tanzania, and Afghanistan.

At a time when the fashion landscape is saturated with choices, brands are increasingly turning to the art of seduction to captivate customers. 'Romancing the customer' has become a powerful strategy, transcending the mere act of selling clothes, evolving into a curated experience that resonates with consumers on an emotional level. This approach involves building a deep, personal connection with customers, understanding their desires, and delivering more than just products.

Romancing the consumer

Brands are going all out to lure consumers, a prime example of this is Zara, the Spanish fashion giant. Zara's success lies in its ability to rapidly translate runway trends into affordable, on-trend pieces. However, their true brilliance lies in their understanding of the customer's psyche. By constantly refreshing their stores with new arrivals, Zara creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity, enticing shoppers to return frequently. They also excel in creating a visually stunning shopping experience, with well-lit stores and carefully curated displays.

Another brand that has mastered the art of seduction is Burberry. Known for its iconic trench coats and luxurious aesthetic, Burberry has elevated the shopping experience to an art form. Their flagship stores are designed to evoke a sense of heritage and exclusivity. Customers are greeted by attentive staff who offer personalized service, from styling advice to bespoke alterations. Burberry also leverages digital platforms to create an immersive brand experience, offering virtual try-on options and exclusive online content.

Offering curated shopping experiences

While large brands have the resources to execute elaborate campaigns, smaller brands and retailers can also successfully romance their customers. A great example is & Other Stories, a Swedish fashion brand known for its affordable, stylish pieces. & Other Stories differentiates itself by offering a curated shopping experience that extends beyond fashion. Their stores are designed to be inviting and inspiring, with in-house cafes and book shops. They also actively engage with their customers through social media, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses and encouraging user-generated content.

The concept of romancing the customer is not just about creating a beautiful store or running a clever marketing campaign. It's about understanding the emotional needs of the customer and delivering experiences that resonate with them. This can be achieved through personalized service, exclusive offers, and a commitment to sustainability. By prioritizing the customer's desires and creating a sense of connection, brands can build lasting relationships and drive loyalty.

The moot point is, romancing the customer is a powerful strategy that can help fashion brands differentiate themselves in a crowded market. By understanding the customer's emotional needs, creating memorable experiences, and building a sense of connection, brands can cultivate a loyal following and drive long-term success.

Bluesign, a global leader in sustainable solutions for the textile industry, has announced LIM Group as its first laundry system partner in Italy. Known for its expertise in denim washing and dyeing, LIM Group collaborates with prestigious brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Valentino. This partnership aims to set a benchmark for sustainable denim production in Europe.

Founded in the 1980s and managed by the Stevanin family, LIM integrates cutting-edge eco-technologies such as ozone and laser systems, renewable energy, and wastewater purification. These advancements align with Bluesign’s mission to reduce environmental impact and ensure compliance with EU regulations, including CSDDD, CSRD, and ESPR.

"This partnership reinforces the importance of sustainable practices in denim production," stated Daniel Rüfenacht, CEO of Bluesign. "Working with LIM Group allows us to expand our mission for clean manufacturing across global markets."

For LIM, joining the Bluesign system highlights its commitment to eco-conscious innovation. Gianfranco Stevanin, CEO and Co-Owner of LIM Group, emphasized the collaboration’s transformative potential. “This milestone strengthens our sustainable operations and empowers us to meet the expectations of today’s conscious consumers,” he said.

The synergy between Bluesign’s chemical management expertise and LIM’s craftsmanship redefines Italian textile manufacturing. Together, they aim to drive transparency, accountability, and innovation in the global denim supply chain.