A point we try to remind people of (ourselves included) is that, regardless of prevailing trading conditions, business goes on. That’s a key point stressed in an article entitled, "2009 - Another Great Recession or a Great Opportunity?" Which side do you stand on?
To get into a more positive frame of mind we carry two short pieces: one on the Philippines, the other on Vietnam, both of which have something positive going for them.
Others are making their own story. An interesting development is the development of the G4 Leather Group: comprising China, India, Brazil, and the USA. Watch this space.
Of course, with three major industry events coming up in a few weeks time in Hong Kong: APLF - Materials, Manufacturing & Technology (MM&T), Fashion Access (FA) and Prime Source Forum (PSF), we can attest that the international leather sector is still very, very busy. We carry news up-dates for MM&T and FA, plus an interesting item on CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements who will be showing a range of high-end accessories for the footwear market. And by offering generously to sponsor several APLF activities in 2009 they demonstrate their commitment to the leather, fashion and life-style sectors.
What is your expectation of future leather market? In the coming APLF, let’s share your points of view with Ron Sauer in the round-table seminar on the dramatic developments in the hide market and prospects for this year. Certainly, you may also want to see the up-date of our debut trade fair in India, Footwear Materials, Manufacturing and Technology. Check it out.
Incidentally, on March 30, the day prior to the opening of the Hong Kong exhibitions, APLF together with BLC are organising a half-day seminar on Effective Leather Sourcing. These days, more than ever before, ‘mistakes are not an option’. Simply put, mould spores, left untreated, can ruin an entire shipment - but it can be avoided.
Associate Editor, Mike Redwood, offers his usual insights into the industry. In this month’s article one (of several) points he makes is that when times are hard consumers tend to go for goods that will last. Value-for-money and ‘classical’ designs are ‘in’. Come to think of it, were they ever out?
Indeed, it’s been by offering value-for-money, being innovative and listening to what the industry really wants, that APLF is marking it’s 25th Anniversary in 2009. These are not times for wild celebration but we hope that we offer some proof that taking the long-term view, valuing your customer base, and listening, listening, listening - pays off in the long term.
Despite being a bit low-key about our anniversary we still want to acknowledge those who joined with us at the outset, in 1984. We would very much like to hear from you if you (or your company) attended that 1984 event.
