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 altMacedonia face to face with EU buyers
"I don't know why I haven't considered Macedonia before," said a UK buyer at the first annual Macedonia-EU Apparel Business-to-Business event. "It just hasn't been on my radar."
It is now. Macedonia’s leading apparel makers got extensive face time with famous-name retailers, buyers, agents and industry journalists from the UK and Austria, thanks to the March 2010 event organized by the USAID Macedonian Competitiveness Project, managed by CARANA. The Macedonian delegation of 29 manufacturers showcased the country’s production capabilities to buyers including Topshop, Monsoon, Whistles, BMB Clothing and ASOS.com, throughout a day of more than 130 one-on-one pre-matched meetings, followed by 50 factory visits over three days. The event gave Macedonian manufacturers exposure to UK buyers and better understand the supply requirements—particularly fast fashion cycles and preference for fully factored or full package business. This is a new approach for Macedonia, where most manufacturers focus on cut make (CM) or cut, make, trim (CMT). Targeting the UK means an opportunity to move up the value chain and target higher-value markets.
Buyers and manufacturers described the event as a cost-effective means to develop new sourcing contacts. UK buyers were impressed by the proximity, quality and flexibility for smaller orders offered by Macedonia. Since the event, a number of buyers have carried out sampling and costing exercises, and at least one has stated an intention to carry out trial orders. Upon successful completion of trial orders, production orders for the 2011 season are expected this June.
"It really is a brilliant way to meet a new manufacturing partner, and an idea that would surely be welcomed if it was adopted in more countries,” said Leonie Barrie of Just-style.com, an industry website that covered the event.
Published April 2010
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