California Apparel News

The apparel industry is facing a new dynamic as buyers head to Miami Beach for the Material World, SPESA Expo & Technology Solutions May 8–10.

The tri-annual show features three shows in one, with textiles, machinery and software technology under one roof at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

During the last show in 2004, the industry was wondering how business would change under the elimination of quotas for World Trade Organization members. Today, the industry is still being challenged by trade restrictions, but companies are also concerned about improving speed to market while maintaining quality to compete.

Asked what has changed over the past three years, SPESA Executive Vice President Benton Gardner was quick to answer.

“The entire industry,” she said. “It’s a changed industry, yet we believe there still is a viable industry in this hemisphere.”

Gardner said one of the ways manufacturers in the United States, Mexico, Canada and Central America can gain an upper hand is through its top design and technical expertise.

Cary, N.C.–based {TC}2 will show current and next-generation technologies in an exhibit called The Cool Zone. The area will be manned by President Michael T. Fralix and will show the best of technology in the areas of product development, marketing and merchandising, digital distribution and conversion.

“We spent the past two years working on this and wanted to build a technology showcase that breaks out of the ordinary, so we’re just calling it “real cool stuff.”

About 15 companies will participate and show technical wonders such as “magic mirrors,” where consumers can stand before a mirror and receive product information as well as suggestions on how to accessorize via RFID technology provided by Paxar. Another type of magic mirror allows subjects to be scanned and then dressed using 3-D draping tools. One Japanese company will show how it is shaving time off the product-development cycle by transmitting digital data files with product information to a location near the client, rather than to a remote factory. The location could be a dry cleaner for instance, said Fralix. Malibu, Calif.–based Shapely Shadow will demo a similar concept using body-scanned data.

Kevin Burke, president of the Arlington, Va.–based trade group American Apparel & Footwear Association, said technology will be a key tool for companies moving forward.

“PLM [product lifecycle management] is continuing to evolve, and RFID [radio frequency identification] is growing. I don’t think we’ve even seen the tip of the iceberg of what is coming with RFID,” he said.

RFID and PLM vendors will be rampant through the show’s Technology Solutions section.

A large contingent of manufacturers from Central America is expected. With most participants of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) signed, the region should remain an important resource for U.S. importers and manufacturers.

“I think CAFTA is an evolving trade measure. It’s taken a long time to implement, but it should create some positive things for the region, and this area is still of great importance for American-branded companies looking for alternatives.”

Buyers looking for manufacturing sources will have plenty of choices at Material World, with representatives from around the world on hand. Leading the way is a growing contingent from India with a pavilion of 33 booths. India will also participate in the Material World Global Roundtable discussion on Tuesday, May 8, from 4 to 5 p.m. The seminar, titled “Material World Global Roundtable: An International Panel Discussion of Fabric Sourcing and Garment Production,” will include a panel of international garment producers and mills who will discuss the unique advantages and aspects of their country’s production capabilities. Top executives from India, Asia, Latin American and the Caribbean will share their thoughts and insights on the future of international trade.

Gardner said she has been impressed by the number of pre-registrants, though she did not disclose the number.

Multi-line exhibitors such as Gerber Technology and Lectra are each taking 4,000-square-foot booths to show their entire lines of equipment, cutters and software.

The show will also feature seminars throughout the three days, kicked off by the AAFA Headliner Conference, featuring executives from Gap Inc., Timberland and VF Corp. —Robert McAllister