A Glimpse into the Promising Future of the Indian Apparel Industry
The clothing industry in India is gearing up for a promising year ahead, as the 78th National Garment Fair (NGF 2024), organised by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), recently took place in Mumbai. With its expansive 700,000 square feet area across seven halls at the Bombay Exhibition NESCO Complex in Goregaon East, the NGF 2024 showcased over 1,120 brands encompassing women’s, men’s, kids’, and accessories.
The Significance of NGF 2024: Connecting Stakeholders and Driving Growth
The 78th National Garment Fair by CMAI holds a special place in India’s apparel industry. It is a vital platform connecting national and regional brands, manufacturers, designers, and fashion accessories manufacturers to retailers, agents, distributors, and e-commerce companies. The fair maximises time and cost efficiency for all stakeholders, serving as a comprehensive sourcing platform.
NGF 2024: An Impressive Showcase of Brands and Products
Spanning across an expansive area of 700,000 square feet, the NGF 2024 presented a diverse range of over 1,120 brands. The event showcased a wide variety of apparel, including women’s wear, men’s wear, kids’ wear, and accessories. With such an extensive offering, the NGF 2024 catered to retailers’ and consumers’ diverse preferences and demands.
Positive Momentum: A Glimpse into the Future of the Apparel Industry
The NGF 2024 Spring-Summer Edit set a positive tone for the apparel industry outlook in the fiscal year 2025. The event recorded robust business activities and bookings, reflecting the anticipated surge in retail sales for the upcoming Spring-Summer season. This positive momentum signifies a gradual progress towards normalisation in the industry, following the challenges faced during the post-pandemic revival.
Industry Experts’ Perspectives: Anticipated Growth and Shift in Consumer Behavior
Mr. Rajesh Masand, President of CMAI, acknowledged the struggles faced during the post-pandemic revival, with retailers dealing with a significant inventory backlog. However, the retail sales growth can be attributed to store and network expansions, which have been the main drivers of growth in the past year.
Mr Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor of CMAI, highlighted the expansion of major retailers and brands into Tier 2 and 3 markets as a significant driver of retail sales growth. While last year witnessed restrained shopping behaviour, this year reflects anticipation of consumers refreshing their wardrobes and returning to normal shopping patterns. This positive shift in consumer behaviour indicates a promising future for the domestic garment industry.
The Relaunched CMAI Apparel Magazine: A Celebration of Apparel Excellence
In addition to the fair, the prestigious CMAI Apparel magazine was successfully relaunched during NGF 2024. The magazine now offers exclusive content, in-depth features, and exciting apparel trends as a quarterly edition. With fresh perspectives from industry experts, insightful interviews, and stunning visuals, the magazine aims to celebrate the world of apparel and provide a better reading experience to its readers.
Shaping the Future: The CMAI NGF’s Impact on the Apparel Industry
The 78th National Garment Fair by CMAI has set a positive tone for the apparel industry outlook in the fiscal year 2025. With the strong participation of brands, retailers, and industry professionals, the fair has showcased the potential for growth and recovery in the post-pandemic era. Beyond business transactions, the event provided networking opportunities, knowledge sharing, and trend discovery, shaping the future of the apparel industry in India.
Conclusion: A Promising Future Awaits the Indian Apparel Industry
The 78th National Garment Fair by CMAI has marked a significant milestone for the Indian apparel industry. Amidst the challenges faced during the post-pandemic era, the fair has served as a platform for growth and recovery. The future looks promising with the positive momentum witnessed during NGF 2024 and the anticipated surge in retail sales. As the domestic garment industry prepares to return to normalcy in shopping patterns, the NGF has proven to be a pivotal event in shaping the industry’s future.
