It seems like yesterday when we launched Apparel Online in Bangladesh, yet it’s almost like we’ve always been with the industry. In these three years, we have met and befriended so many wonderful people that it has become our second home. My team is always excited to be in the country and no amount of political unrest has ever deterred them from being with the industry.
Looking back at these three years, it has been an emotional journey… We were there when Rana Plaza collapsed; we felt the pain when fire gutted the Tazreen Fashions factory, pride swelled our chest when international buyers clamoured to support the industry in transforming it into a safe working place… In these years we have become part ‘Bangladeshi’.
I remember that in the first year, my editorial in the May 2012 edition, passionately appealed to the industry to consider us as one of them, and today the mails I get convinces me that our magazine has not only found acceptance in the industry, but many consider us as partners in growth as well… What better endorsement could we have…?
Over these three years, we have covered a vast subject-base with timely attention to critical issues and concerns. But I am sure there must be many more topics that you would like to read about… do let us know, so that we can plan our issues accordingly. Constructive feedbacks are the backbone of any progressive media, and we constantly look for the same from our readers.
We look forward to the continual support and affection of the industry to grow together and take the industry to the next level… Thanks again for your warm acceptance.
In this issue, we have some interesting articles beginning with a rundown on a developing product category – ‘Workwear’. Not many realize that this category is not too difficult to handle, provided some interventions are incorporated in the sewing lines. Some big- and medium-sized players in this category explain the potential and challenges of working in the workwear category. The CEO of Basic Apparels, a major success story in workwear manufacturing, shares shopfloor secrets.
Also in the spotlight is Silver Line Group, which has made Bangladesh proud by being the country’s first vertically integrated shirt unit. We have many integrated denim units, but Silver Line has taken the plunge to move up the value chain, setting an example for others to follow. In our Buyer Segment, an exclusive interaction with Sudhir Nair, Country Manager, Connor International Ltd. – Bangladesh Liaison Office, highlights the need for the industry to also look at the small quantity business as the retail scenario worldwide is now moving towards more styles in lesser quantities.
