Spain is one of the important markets for India which has many wholesalers and top brands of the world. Recently, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), an official body of apparel exporters in India, organized ‘Buyer Seller Meets’ (BSMs) at Barcelona from 6 -7 October, and Madrid from 10-11 October. Total 38 exporters from India including CTA Apparels, TT Ltd., Maral Overseas Ltd., etc. participated at both the events. Though most of the exporters to whom Apparel Resources talked, were not happy with the events but AEPC claims that as per the response sheets submitted by the exhibitors, a business worth US $ 3,33,890 is expected to be negotiated by the exhibitors from the total quantity of 60,200 pieces enquires received during this MAI/MDA supported BSMs.
Also Read – BSM @ Spain: Lost opportunity due to improper planning
Quite disappointed with the events, Amit Gupta, Proprietor, Maya Exim, Noida informed that whatever money he invested in these BSMs, not even one per cent of it was recovered from both the events. We have mentioned our disappointed with AEPC in our remarks. Buyers asked for 10-20 pieces from us. I can’t understand that why the BSMs was open for very small retailers having only one store. Apart from El Corte Inglés none of the big buyer visited the show; moreover, only lingerie division of El Corte Inglés visited the show and it was not serving anybody’s purpose as none of the lingerie exporter was there at BSMs. AEPC had not done proper publicity of the fairs.” It was first ever participation of Maya Exim at Spain’s BSMs.
Working with Spain market from last 10 years, M. Anbukani Managing Director, Penguin Apparels told, “As far as event of Barcelona is concerned, there was every less footfall while in Madrid it was a little better. We met total 8-10 buyers – a mix of wholesalers and brands but none of them was new for us. Overall, Spanish market is slow but as we do offer niche products like Jackets, it is okay for us.”
Exporters were also of the opinion that the gap of two days between both the BSMs proved to be a wastage of time and resources for them. “I don’t see any reason to have gap of two days between both BSMs, one day was more than enough. Now one month has past and no communication has been made by buyers, so event was not fruitful for us,” said Raj Kumar Sharma of Anjali Exports, Jaipur. He also added that embroidered garments were liked by buyers at BSMs. There were 4-5 other companies as well from Jaipur that participated at the events.
Irrespective of the fairs, exporters shared that Spain is the market which prefers value-added garments and pays little better than other countries of Europe as Amit said, “No doubt, being a part of Europe, Spain is also impacted but not as much. Indian exporters have good opportunities there.”
