Supporting the sector in this vital moment of Covid, the Spanish Trade Show launches its September 2020 edition
MOMAD, the International Textile, Footwear and Accessories Show, launches the call for exhibitors for its next fair, which will take place from 18 to 20 September 2020, in Hall 6 at IFEMA.
The event is aiming all its efforts to reviving the fashion industry, and therefore is deploying all its assets towards a new hybrid format. This hybrid model will have a space dedicated to the physical exhibition of the collections, combined with a marketplace to facilitate digital commerce.
Julia González, the Fair’s Director states that “MOMAD will be held with one fundamental objective: to support the sector at this vital moment that is so important for the progress of our industry. Which is why MOMAD is taking a step forward”.
The idea is also to reinforce IFEMA as a safe space.
IFEMA, Fiera de Madrid the Organising association is also reinforcing its safety with protocols and cutting-edge technology to guarantee a ‘safe space’ at the exhibition centre. Numerous innovations in prevention and protection are, therefore, being worked on by the Health and Safety Control Unit (UCS) that was recently created by IFEMA. Measures are being carried out by IFEMA to guarantee the health and safety of its exhibitors, visitors, suppliers and employees.
The February 2020 edition brought together 800 national and international brands to present their proposals for Autumn-Winter 2020/21 and Fast Fashion for Spring/Summer 2020. The fair has been focusing on sustainable fashion, with its specialised Sustainable Experience area. It is interesting to know that 32% of the buyers came from outside Spain and the rest from 64 different countries.
MOMAD February 2020 was visited by 15,225 professionals from the textile, accessories and footwear sector.
According to IFEMA’s trade figures, the retail fashion sales in Spain increased by 1.2% in 2019 to around €18 billion. Fashion sector has always had its importance in the Spanish economy, representing about 13% of total trade and 3% of the country’s GDP. Furthermore, both exports and online sales also continued to grow during the past year. It is also interesting to know that exports in Spain increased by 2.5% in 2019, to €17.1 billion, while online sales reached €1.8 billion, 8% of the total fashion sold in Spain.
The Fashion sector is reinventing itself, trying to alleviate losses with producing medical supplies, or promotions and discounts. Nevertheless, the textile industry confederation (Texfor) estimates a 37% loss in annual turnover due to Covid-19. According to data from a survey of its members, more than half of the companies in the textile sector predict a drop in turnover of at least 30%.
Some 60% of companies in the fashion and textile sector have already submitted an official request to temporarily lay off employees until the health crisis is over. Beyond this year, the crisis could play a relevant role in transforming the sector. The sector has also been reinvented by coronavirus with some firms making medical supplies. Spain’s textile industry is demanding that the process of granting credits be speeded up, and more flexibility to labour measures and aspects related to temporary lay-offs, as well as providing direct aid to companies through subsidies.
Image Credits: Momad / Ifema, Spain