CMAI's NIGF 2024 ends successfully, signals strong festive season

Held from June 11-13, 2024, at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre (IICC) in Dwarka, New Delhi, the 2nd North India Garment Fair (NIGF 2024) concluded successfully, organized by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI). The event saw participation from over 200 exhibitors and attracted more than 5450 trade visitors, reflecting strong positive sentiments for the upcoming festive season.

A platform for connections
NIGF serves as a crucial platform where manufacturers from across India meet retailers, distributors, and agents from Northern India. This year, the event's highlight was a business networking session on the second day, featuring one-on-one meetings between 65 exhibitors and 22 leading agents and distributors from various regions. These interactions enabled exhibitors to present their collections to potential partners, fostering new business relationships.

Industry leaders reflect on success
Rajesh Masand, President of CMAI, praised the event's success, highlighting the overwhelming response to NIGF 2024 as evidence of the Indian garment industry's strength and potential. He emphasized that the fair facilitated connections between manufacturers and North region buyers, demonstrating the industry's readiness for the festive season. Masand expressed confidence that the event would help stabilize business and pave the way for significant growth this year.

Santosh Katariya, Chairman of NIGF, highlighted the significance of the networking session, stating it greatly enhanced and broadened the retail industry's reach by introducing new suppliers and refreshing merchandise. He noted that NIGF 2024 attracted a substantial turnout from leading retailers and distributors from various regions, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and West Bengal.

Diverse participation
Exhibitors from cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Surat, Ahmedabad, Ludhiana, and Noida showcased their collections. Notable exhibitors included J.D. Enterprise (Ahmedabad), Lekhus Collections (New Delhi), Maa Garments (Mumbai), Manjot Trading Co (Ludhiana), Pocket Money Fashion (Indore), and many others. Leading retailers such as Aristocrat Garments (Ludhiana), Paul Garments (New Delhi), Bindals Group (New Delhi & UP), and Stanmax (New Delhi) visited the fair.

Exhibitors share positive experiences
Arun Sharma of Multi Brand Exports expressed his satisfaction with the event, stating, “The footfall has been amazing, and we have been able to connect with many new buyers. The success here has encouraged us to participate in other CMAI shows like the upcoming NGF in Mumbai and the Brands of India Show in Dubai.”

Arshdeep Singh Dua of Knit Tech India also noted improved footfalls compared to the previous year and expressed optimism about the upcoming season, highlighting buyers' interest in creative styling.

Inaugural highlights and future prospects
The fair was inaugurated by notable retailers and featured a diverse range of menswear, womenswear, and kidswear. Key dignitaries from CMAI, including Rajesh Masand, Rohit Munjal (Vice President), Santosh Katariya, Rahul Mehta (Chief Mentor), and Pankaj Jain (Hon. Secretary – North), graced the inaugural ceremony.

The success of NIGF 2024 underscores the importance of trade shows in gauging industry sentiments and identifying market trends. As the industry looks forward to a prosperous festive season, events like NIGF play a vital role in highlighting business opportunities and driving growth.