The fashion industry is globalizing faster than ever, and production turnaround deadlines get shorter with each season. To keep up with the accelerated pace, companies look to make the best sourcing decisions possible—delicately balancing speed, costs, and risk.
Now, according to the McKinsey Global Fashion Index, the fashion industry may be looking at a slowdown in the year ahead. For 2019 they predict growth of 3.5 percent to 4.5 percent, down from an estimated 4 percent to 5 percent for 2018. This weaker forecast reflects economic predictions for slightly slower growth globally and the threat of potential trade relations issues. Europe is facing a slowdown like many other regions, in part thanks to political crises like Brexit.
As a part of their efforts to alleviate the effects of a slump in global fashion forecasts, many brands are looking to diversify and bolster their sourcing. Consumer desires are a double-edged sword for fashion in 2019, with customers seeking transparent, ethical, high-quality products but demanding them at the dizzying speed of fast fashion. The increasing importance of being flexible and quick-to-market reinforces a need to strengthen sourcing relationships to weather the impact of demand and the market.
One great way to shore up sourcing vulnerabilities is to start and build relationships with new and potential vendors. It is with this need to connect fashion companies to a variety of vendors in mind, that the industry-leading materials and components trade event, The Materials Show, announces it is headed to Europe. Currently hosting its Northeast Materials Show in the USA on March 6-7, the show is coming to London in Spring 2019. The Materials Show will bring a full roster of exhibiting suppliers from around the world to the Truman Brewery Exhibition Facility.
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Europe is home to many footwear and apparel companies who are looking for the types of materials and components currently exhibiting at shows throughout the USA. International brands are collaborating with showrunner Hisham Muhareb of American Events to bring the expertise and offerings of The Materials Show to Europe.
Brands that are anticipated to attend the EU show include NB Europe, Clarks, Pentland Brands, Le Coq Sportif, Fitflop, Hummel, Diadora, Camper, Ecco, Dr. Martens, Decathlon Group, Wolverine Group, Footsoldiers, Espirit, Grenson, Invito, Hotter, N’Hampton Sneaker Co, Solomon, Beach Body, Berghaus, Vans Europe, Hi-Tec, Brown Shoe Companies, Irregular Choice, Gola/Jacobsons, Geox, Walsh, Memphisto, Finn Comfort, BATA, and many more.
The debut of the European Materials Show will take place in London on May 1st from 9am-5pm and May 2nd from 9am-4pm. To find out more or to register to attend visit americanevents.com.