Japan is an important market for Indian apparel exporters who are continuously exploring new clients in this region. Recently organized 4th India Trend Fair (ITF), Tokyo did not prove very fruitful as Indian participants could not get many new buyers. Nearly 70 participants from across India displayed their latest collection in the event, organized by Japan India Industry Promotion Association (JIIPA). In discussion with Apparel Resources, Participants explained why the fair was not much beneficial for them.
Ravi Kumar Jain of Paras Fashions, Jaipur supplying women wear to Japan for almost three decades got only two new buyers, much lesser than what he had expected. “Timing of the show is one of the main reasons for less footfall of the buyers. Rather than end of September, the event should happen at the end of July or maximum by mid of August as this is the ideal time for Japanese apparel retailers and buyers for their sourcing planning,” he stated. And further added that he informed about this to the AEPC officials but they seemed helpless as already there were many sourcing fairs happening in July.
Another participant C.M.N. Muruganandan, Partner, Gomatha International, Tirupur gave another reason for the low status of fair. He informed, “There were very few buyers in the show as far as knitted garments are concerned so we are not happy with the event. We met only one prospective buyer. This was our first-time participation in Tokyo-based fair and in future, rather than this event, we will participate in Osaka-based fair of ITPO (India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).” He also added that his team observed that Tokyo fair is mainly a platform for old buyers to meet their existing Indian apparel suppliers.
