Outerwear. - Business Location Switzerland

Outerwear. 

Overview and Marketing Guide on Switzerland and the Major Markets in the European Union. 

sippo.ch

SIPPO Swiss Import Promotion Programme. 

2 

l Outerwear 2010 

SIPPO is a mandate from the State Secretariat for Economic 

Affairs of Switzerland (SECO), carried out by Osec. 

The programme supports small and medium-sized enterprises 

(SMEs) from emerging markets and markets in transition to access 

the Swiss and European markets. 

In addition to this, SIPPO helps Swiss and European importers 

to find suitable partners in emerging countries and countries in 

transition. 

The programme has five main goals: 

• To inform the Swiss and European import economy about new 

market sources 

• To strengthen trade institutions and business sector 

associations in the trade promotion process 

• To increase the competitiveness of SMEs in selected partner 

countries 

• To develop the manufacturing and exporting skills of SMEs in 

selected partner countries 

• To establish qualified trade contacts between SMEs from 

emerging markets and markets in transition and the Swiss and 

European import economy 

For further information please contact: 

Osec 

Swiss Import Promotion Programme 

Stampfenbachstrasse 85 

P.O. Box 2407 

CH-8021 Zürich 

Phone +41 44 365 51 51 

Fax +41 44 365 52 02 

www.sippo.ch 

sippo@osec.ch

The GHERZI Group (Founded in 1929). 

Gherzi is a leading industrial consulting company offering 

integrated, independent services in management, financial, 

manufacturing, supply chain management, logistics and 

engineering consultancy with more than 400 professionals. 

GHERZI has its head office in Zürich Switzerland, disposes on 

own offices in Germany, Italy, Turkey, Egypt and India and has 

developed an international presence with partner offices in 

France, UK, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Morocco, 

Nigeria, Pakistan, Vietnam and China. 

GHERZI has a reputation for project evaluation, planning and 

implementation with strengths in: 

1. Integrated Services. 

Provide a complete, integrated package from production to 

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and financial aspects. 

Our solutions are designed to meet clients’ specific needs such as 

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Supply Chain Management 

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We have undertaken more than 7’500 assignments worldwide 

in more than 70 countries. Our Clients include private & listed 

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GHERZI is an independent, private company offering neutral and 

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suppliers. We act in the interest of our clients and meet the 

professional standards of the Swiss Association of Management 

Consultants (ASCO) and the Swiss Association of Engineers and 

Architects (SIA). 

Outerwear 2010 l 3

Table of content. 

1 Introduction. 

1.1 Background and methodology of the market survey ... 7 

1.2 Product groups analysed ............................................. 7 

1.3 Market survey of the 12-EU new member countries .... 8 

1.4 Clothing consumption .................................................. 9 

1.5 Marketing and distribution .......................................... 11 

2 France. 

2.1 General economic situation ....................................... 12 

2.2 The market for outerwear .......................................... 12 

2.2.1 Market size ................................................................ 12 

2.2.2 Market characteristics ................................................ 12 

2.2.3 Demographic characteristics ..................................... 13 

2.2.4 Retail sales by product category ............................... 14 

2.2.5 Consumer behaviour ................................................. 15 

2.2.6 Price development of clothing .................................... 15 

2.3 Imports ....................................................................... 16 

2.3.1 Total imports .............................................................. 16 

2.3.2 Outward processing trade (OPT) ............................... 19 

2.3.3 Largest suppliers of outerwear .................................. 19 

2.4 Trade structure ........................................................... 21 

2.4.1 Developments in the retail trade ................................ 21 

2.4.2 Leading retailers ........................................................ 21 

2.4.3 Distribution channels ................................................. 23 

2.5 French fashion trade fairs .......................................... 25 

2.6 List of major buyers of women’s, 

4 

men’s and children's wear in France .......................... 26 

3 Germany. 



3.2.1 Market size ................................................................ 31 





3.2.6 Price developments of clothing .................................. 35 

3.3 Imports ....................................................................... 35 

3.3.1 Total imports .............................................................. 35 

3.3.2 Outward Processing Trade (OPT) .............................. 38 







3.5 German fashion trade fairs ........................................ 46 

3.6 List of major buyers in Germany ................................ 47 

4 Italy. 



4.2.1 Market size ................................................................ 53 





4.2.6 Price developments of clothing .................................. 57 

4.3 Imports ....................................................................... 57 

4.3.1 Total imports .............................................................. 57 




4.4.1 Developments in retail trade ...................................... 62 



4.5 Italian fashion trade fairs ............................................ 66 

4.6 List of major buyers in Italy ........................................ 67 

5 Spain. 



5.2.1 Market size ................................................................ 71 



5.2.4 Retail sales by product category and gender ............ 73 



5.3 Imports ....................................................................... 75 

5.3.1 Total imports .............................................................. 75 







5.5 Spanish fashion trade fairs ........................................ 85 

5.6 List of major buyers in Spain ..................................... 86

6 Switzerland. 



6.2.1 Market size ................................................................ 89 



6.2.4 Retail sales by categories .......................................... 91 



6.3 Imports ....................................................................... 95 

6.3.1 Total imports .............................................................. 95 


6.3.3 Largest suppliers ....................................................... 95 





6.5 Swiss fashion trade fairs .......................................... 100 

6.6 List of major buyers in Switzerland .......................... 101 

7 United Kingdom. 

7.1 General economic situation ..................................... 107 

7.2 The market for outerwear ........................................ 107 

7.2.1 Market size .............................................................. 107 

7.2.2 Market characteristics .............................................. 107 

7.2.3 Demographic characteristics ................................... 108 

7.2.4 Retail sales by product category ............................. 108 

7.2.5 Consumer behaviour ............................................... 109 

7.2.6 Price development of clothing .................................. 111 

7.3 Imports ..................................................................... 214 

7.3.1 Outward Processing Trade (OPT) ............................ 214 

7.3.2 Largest suppliers of outerwear ................................ 214 

7.4 Trade structure ......................................................... 116 

7.4.1 Developments in the retail trade .............................. 116 

7.4.2 Leading retailers ...................................................... 117 

7.4.3 Distribution channels ............................................... 118 

7.5 UK fashion trade fairs .............................................. 121 

7.6 List of major buyers in UK ........................................ 122 

8 Doing business in Switzerland 

and the EU. 

8.1 Market access.......................................................... 126 

8.1.1 Quality and standards in Switzerland 

and the EU ............................................................... 126 

8.1.2 Packaging, size marking and labelling ..................... 126 

8.1.3 Trade related environmental and social issues ........ 135 

8.1.4 Present trade regulations......................................... 139 

8.1.5 Implications after the elimination 

of the textile quotas .................................................. 142 

9 Appendix. 

9.1 Associations of trade agents, 

wholesalers organisations and retail organisations 

in the countries analysed ......................................... 143 

9.1.1 Europe ..................................................................... 143 

9.1.2 France ...................................................................... 143 

9.1.3 Germany .................................................................. 143 

9.1.4 Italy .......................................................................... 144 

9.1.5 Spain ....................................................................... 144 

9.1.6 Switzerland .............................................................. 145 

9.1.7 United Kingdom ....................................................... 145 

9.2 Industry federations in Switzerland 

and EU-countries ..................................................... 146 

9.2.1 France ...................................................................... 146 

9.2.2 Germany .................................................................. 146 

9.2.3 Italy .......................................................................... 146 

9.2.4 Spain ....................................................................... 146 



9.3 Major European trade fairs ...................................... 148 

9.3.1 France ...................................................................... 148 

9.3.2 Germany .................................................................. 148 

9.3.3 Italy .......................................................................... 149 

9.3.4 Spain ....................................................................... 149 


9.4 European trade magazines...................................... 150 

9.4.1 France ...................................................................... 150 

9.4.2 Germany .................................................................. 150 

9.4.3 Italy .......................................................................... 151 

9.4.4 Spain ....................................................................... 152 




9.5 Trade promotion organisations in Europe ................ 155 

9.6 Important addresses for environmental 

6 

and social issues ..................................................... 155 

9.6.1 Contact points for the Oeko-ex 100 hallmark ........... 156 

9.7 Sources of information ............................................. 156 

9.7.1 Europe ..................................................................... 156 

9.7.2 France ...................................................................... 156 

9.7.3 Germany .................................................................. 156 

9.7.4 Italy .......................................................................... 157 

9.7.5 Spain ....................................................................... 157 



l Outerwear 2010

1. Introduction. 

1.1 Background and methodology 

of the market survey. 

This survey is designed for clothing manufacturers from foreign 

countries wishing to access the European market. The main 

objective of this compendium about Switzerland and the five major 

EU clothing markets is to provide first hand market information 

about the respective target markets for the exporter from abroad. 

Secondly, a comprehensive list of addresses helps to gain more 

detailed information about the target market and to establish first 

contacts. 

The handbook includes facts and key data about consumption, 

imports, trade structure, role of trade fairs and price developments 

in the target markets. The study is completed by a detailed list 

of useful addresses at European level about trade promotion 

organisations, trade press, clothing fairs, industry federations, 

centres for ecological issues etc. as well as a detailed list of 

potential distribution partners for each of the six countries 

analysed. Furthermore, statistical market information about trade 

structure as well as prices and margins are provided. 

The countries selected for the survey are Switzerland, Germany, 

France, Italy, Great Britain and Spain. The information collected 

for this study is the latest available and should be used by the 

exporter as a basis for further individual market research to fully 

design the individual market entry strategy and to establish first 

contacts. 

The main sources of information for this study were evaluation 

of press material, research on internet, market reports, Eurostat, 

information from other trade promotion organisations, Chambers 

of Commerce, importers and / or textile associations, a.o.m. The 

sources are mentioned in the respective chapters. All contact 

addresses listed in the Appendices have been checked and 

updated, additional information about the clothing retailers and 

other potential partners with products, number of outlets, etc. is 

given for a more specific use of the contacts. 

1.2 Product groups analysed. 

This market survey covers knitted and woven outerwear and 

sportswear for men, women and children. It must be considered 

that in the official statistics no difference is made between adults 

and children, or in end use, such as conventional, casual or leisure 

clothing. In the analysis of the clothing imports, the differentiation 

between genders has been made as far as possible. 

Underwear, nightwear, hosiery, swimwear, work wear as well as 

clothing accessories and home textiles have not been covered. 

Within the EU statistical system products are specified by the 

Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS). 

These numbers clearly identify a specific product. The product 

categories covered by this study are listed in the following table. 

Table 1: List of used HS codes 

HS Code Category description 

61 Articles of apparel & clothing accessories 

- knitted or crocheted 

61.01 Men’s or boys’ overcoats etc - knitted or crocheted 

61.02 Women’s or girls’ overcoats etc 


61.03 Men’s or boys’ suits, ensembles etc 


61.04 Women’s or girls’ suits, ensembles etc 


61.05 Men’s or boys’ shirts - knitted or crocheted 

61.06 Women’s or girls’ blouses - knitted or crocheted 

61.09 T-shirts, singlets, tank tops etc - knitted or crocheted 

61.10 Sweaters, pullovers, vests etc - knitted or crocheted 

61.11 Babies’ garments & accessories 


61.12 Track suits, ski-suits & swimwear 


61.13 Garments, knitted etc, coated etc rubber, plastic etc 

61.14 Other garments - knitted or crocheted 

61.16 Gloves, mittens and mitts, knitted or crocheted 


8 


61.17 Other made-up clothing accessories, 

knitted or crocheted 

62 Articles of apparel & clothing accessories - not 


61 Articles of apparel & clothing accessories 


61.01 Men’s or boys’ overcoats etc - knitted or crocheted 

61.02 Women’s or girls’ overcoats etc - knitted or crocheted 





61.05 Men’s or boys’ shirts - knitted or crocheted 

61.06 Women’s or girls’ blouses - knitted or crocheted 

61.09 T-shirts, singlets, tank tops etc - knitted or crocheted 

61.10 Sweaters, pullovers, vests etc - knitted or crocheted 

61.11 Babies’ garments & accessories - knitted or crocheted 



61.13 Garments, knitted etc, coated etc rubber, plastic etc 

61.14 Other garments - knitted or crocheted 

61.16 Gloves, mittens and mitts, knitted or crocheted 

61.17 Other made-up clothing accessories, 


62 Articles of apparel & clothing accessories - not 


62.01 Men’s or boys’ overcoats, cloaks etc 

- not knitted or crocheted 

62.02 Women’s or girls’ overcoats etc - not knitted or 

crocheted 







62.06 Women’s or girls’ blouses - not knitted or crocheted 

62.09 Babies’ garments & accessories 


62.10 Garments, of felt etc, or fabric impregnated etc 



62.14 Shawls, scarves, mufflers, mantillas, 

veils and the like 

62.15 Ties, bow ties and cravats 

62.16 Gloves, mittens and mitts 

62.17 Other made-up clothing accessories and parts of 

garments 

Source: Foreign Trade online 

A more detailed description of the product groups analysed can 

be taken from the import statistics in all countries analysed. 

Switzerland has a national coding system for the registration of 

imports and exports, which nevertheless is based on the HS code 

system of the European Union. Thus, the HS codes referred to in 

this study are also applicable for the Swiss market. 

1.3 Market survey of the 12-EU new member countries 

The European Union (EU), which had consisted of 15 member 

states since 1st of January 1995, was enlarged by ten new joining 

countries in 2004 (Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungry, Latvia, 

Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia) and two further new 

joining countries in 2007 (Bulgaria, Romania). Negotiations are in 

progress with a number of other candidate member states such as 

Croatia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey.

Table 2: Population and GDP of EU-12 countries (data for 2008) 

Countries 

Population 

million 

Age 0-14 % Age 15-64 % GDP € billion 

New (12) EU countries 104.2 15 70.5 977.7 9.38 

Cyprus 1.1 17.4 72.8 14.5 13.63 

Czech Republic 10.2 13.8 71.2 147.9 14.48 

Estonia 1.3 14.9 67.5 15.8 12.07 

Hungary 9.9 15.2 69.3 105.7 10.64 

Latvia 2.2 13.4 69.7 23.1 10.28 

Lithuania 3.6 14.5 69.5 32.4 9.07 

Malta 0.4 16.4 69.7 5.1 12.62 

Poland 38.1 15.2 71.4 360.1 9.35 

Slovakia 5.5 16.1 71.7 64.9 11.90 

Slovenia 2.0 13.6 70.1 37.3 18.59 

Bulgaria 7.3 13.8 68.6 34.1 4.70 

Romania 22.2 15.6 69.7 136.7 6.15 

Source: US Census Bureau, Worldbank, Oanda 

1.4 Clothing consumption 

The EU market for outerwear amounted to € 260 billion in 2007. 

Consumption of outerwear grew 8.1% during the whole period 

2003-2007, of which 2.6% in 2006-2007. 

Germany is still the most important country in clothing consumption 

in the EU, but the difference between Germany and the United 

Kingdom (UK) has become smaller again. Five countries (Germany, 

UK, Italy, France and Spain) account for 75% of EU outerwear 

consumption. 

GDP per capita 2008 ‘000 

Euro 

Consumers in the UK and Austria are the largest spenders on 

outerwear in the EU, while per capita consumption in the review 

period in the new EU member states was far below the EU average 

of € 528. Experts forecast that clothing expenditure in several 

of the new EU member states will continue to see robust growth in 

the period to 2010, while expectations in the major EU countries 

are moderately optimistic. The number of garments purchased 

per head of the population will continue to rise, but prices will not 

follow this growth rate. The populations are becoming more multiethnic 

and the average age is increasing. This will lead to new 

demands and consumer behaviour. 


Table 3: Outerwear consumption in the EU countries (2003-2009, € million) 

10 


2003 2004 2007 2009 forecast Per capita 2007 - in € CAGR (03-09) 

Germany 50’548 49’915 50’863 51’100 618 0.18% 

UK 40’804 43’845 46’152 47’000 760 2.38% 

Italy 38’724 39’320 41’115 43’000 698 1.76% 

France 33’351 34’420 35’179 36’500 576 1.52% 

Spain 18’190 19’268 20’544 20’900 462 2.34% 

Netherlands 9’075 9’023 9’456 9’800 578 1.29% 

Belgium 6’712 6’972 7’219 7’450 683 1.75% 

Austria 5’846 5’918 6’132 6’240 737 1.09% 

Sweden 5’204 5’602 6’068 6’480 666 3.72% 

Greece 5’198 5’692 5’891 6’170 527 2.90% 

Poland 5’368 5’217 5’038 5’150 132 -0.69% 

Portugal 4’136 4’400 4’604 4’900 434 2.87% 

Denmark 3’039 3’408 3’694 3’950 678 4.47% 

Romania 2’572 2’922 3’210 3’500 149 5.27% 

Finland 2’382 2’668 2’992 3’140 567 4.71% 

Ireland 2’488 2’579 2’732 2’700 636 1.37% 

Czech Rep. 1’770 1’952 2’237 2’530 217 6.13% 

Hungary 1’488 1’629 1’738 1’840 173 3.60% 

Bulgaria 809 963 1’088 1’270 143 7.81% 

Slovakia 617 689 809 880 150 6.10% 

Slovenia 601 639 744 820 370 5.31% 

Lithuania 370 511 687 770 204 12.99% 

Latvia 233 324 515 580 226 16.42% 

Estonia 231 284 387 480 289 12.96% 

Luxembourg 320 329 353 370 728 2.45% 

Cyprus 301 331 344 360 402 3.03% 

Malta 149 156 165 170 406 2.22% 

EU 240’526 248’976 259’956 268’050 528 1.82% 

Source: Euromonitor, Retail Intelligence and several national statistics, CBI

1.5 Marketing and distribution 

Developments in the retail sector, like a growing concentration at 

retail level, expanding by internationalisation and growing competition, 

lead to an increased demand for fashionable products 

against low prices. 

• The EU market has witnessed the relentless growth of clothing 

multiple chains and franchised outlets, leading to the decline 

of the formerly strong independents’ sector. This trend will be 

continued in the coming years. 

• The hypermarket format, with its strong non-food component 

and international character, plays an increasingly important 

role in outerwear sales in Western as well as in Eastern EU 

countries. 

• The fast-changing demand in the clothing market is a 

significant factor. Because of the higher dynamics of the 

clothing markets in terms of more rapidly changing consumer 

preferences and more seasons per year, there is a general 

tendency in the clothing branch to demand shorter delivery 

times and smaller volumes of series and orders. 

• The role of importing wholesalers and importers remains 

relatively important but will slightly decline, while the role 

of clothing multiples and, to a lesser degree, buying groups or 

franchise formula will increase in the coming years. 

Parallel to the trend for suppliers to make their clothing abroad 

is a trend for retailers or wholesalers to bypass the local 

industry totally, by means of direct imports. 


2. France. 

2.1 General economic situation. 

The financial crisis did not spare the French economy, which faced 

a deep recession in 2009, even if the situation was less severe 

than elsewhere. After a clear drop in the fourth quarter of 2008, 

economic activity slightly grew in 2009. Both the timing and the 

strength of recovery remain uncertain, primarily because of the 

risks surrounding the balance sheets of financial institutions. While 

French banks have been weakened by the crisis, they are not as 

shaky as their counterparts in many other countries. Moreover, 

the risk that the real estate market correction now under way will 

accentuate the decline in economic activity is attenuated to some 

extent by the low rate of household indebtedness and the weakness 

of the wealth effect on consumption. The crisis will leave 

public finances in poor shape, and once the recovery begins, a 

priority will be to phase out the general government budget deficit. 

Given the already very heavy burden of taxes and compulsory 

contributions, public finance consolidation will require strict control 

over expenditures. 

According to INSEE, the French National Institute of Statistics 

and Economic Studies, the French Gross National Product (GNP) 

decreased in 2009 by -1.3%, in 2008 and 2007 in increased by 

2.1%. This was slightly over the average growth rate of the European 

Union. With 2.8% in 2009, the consumer price inflation rate 

was under the average rate of the European Union (3.5%). The 

unemployment rate declined from 10.1% in 2005 to 7.4% in 2009. 

This number is said to grow over 10% in 2010 due to the financial 

crisis. 

12 


2.2 The market for outerwear. 

2.2.1 Market size 

In 2009, the market size of outerwear in France amounted to € 

24.1 billion, which is 62% of the total clothing market. The French 

clothing market is forecast to grow steadily between 2010 and 

2013 to reach a value of € 41.4 billion, of which up to € 26 billion 

will be outerwear. France, which accounts for 13% of the population 

of the 27-member EU, is the fourth largest clothing market 

behind Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. Apparel imports, at 

€ 14.5 billion, are slightly higher than local production at €14 billion. 

The imports of outerwear increased by 25% in terms of value from 

2004 to 2009. In the same period local production decreased by 

-44%, of which goods amounting to € 5.3 billion were exported. 

Table 4: Size of the French outerwear market, 2009 

Import 

Value [€ bn] 

14.5 

Local production 4.3 

Export 5.3 

Total market size 24.1 

Source: Eurostat 2009 

2.2.2 Market characteristics 

French clothing, French design and French labels have a long tradi- 

tion and a good reputation. Clothing labels originating from France 

are internationally considered to be fashionable and of good quality. 

The internationalised French expression ‘haute couture’ signals the 

worldwide importance of French fashion and French clothing brands. 

Fashion is often associated with French fashion design. 

Compared to other EU countries, France is said to be dominated by 

price-conscious consumers. The reasons for this can be found in an 

unemployment rate of around 7.5% and a relatively low economic 

growth rate. On the other hand, the French are said to be very 

fashion-conscious too. However, spontaneous purchases are comparatively 

rare because of price sensitivity. 

There is a high share of independent retailers in France that are run 

as smaller boutiques all over the country.

However, the other extreme is also seen in the retail market: the so 

called ‘centrales d’achat’, huge supermarkets (Carrefour, E. Leclerc, 

Intermarché etc.) and clothing chains like Promod, Pimkie, Kookai 

etc., have strengthened their share in the French clothing market. In 

this scenario it is obvious that the French clothing retail system is very 

fragmented. France has the largest network of outlets and franchise 

systems operated by clothing manufacturers within Europe. Both 

systems, franchising and own outlets, merge with each other and 

cooperate very closely. 

2.2.3 Demographic characteristics 

The size and age structure of the population is one of the basic 

determinants of which products will be bought and how much will 

be spent on clothing. 

Figure 1: Age structure of the French population by gender, 2008 

10 0 + 

9 5 - 9 9 

9 0 - 9 4 

8 5 - 9 0 

8 0 - 8 5 

75 -79 

70 -74 

6 5 - 6 9 

6 0 - 6 4 

5 5 - 59 

50 - 5 4 

4 5 - 49 

4 0 - 4 4 

3 5 - 3 9 

3 0 - 3 4 

25 -29 

20 -24 

15 -19 

10 -14 

5 - 9 

0 - 4 

male female 

2,5 2,0 1,5 1,0 0,5 0,0 0,0 0,5 1,0 1,5 2,0 2,5 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Data Base 

Population in millions 

France’s population has increased at a very slow rate in recent 

years. This has been a result of a low birth rate narrowly outstripping 

the declining death rate. Rates of immigration have also 

decreased in recent years, further slowing population growth. 

The 15-24 age segment of the female population tends to be 

made up of fashionable consumers, with a tendency to spend a lot 

of money on their clothing and personal adornment. These consumers 

are also likely to look for new styles and designs. 

With life expectancy among the French population increasing 

significantly over the past ten years, in addition to the effects of the 

‘baby boomer’ generation, the number of over-50s in the population 

has increased rapidly. 


The following figure shows a breakdown of outerwear expenditure 

by demographic segment in 2009. 

Figure 2: Breakdown of outerwear expenditure by demographic 

segment in 2009 

Source: Eurostat 2009 and Euromonitor 2009 

2.2.4 Retail sales by product category 

Table 5 gives a brief overview of the market share for the most 

relevant clothing segments, divided into men and women. Formerly, 

French consumers tended to buy more formal clothing than 

consumers in other European countries. This share has declined, 

to the advantage of basic leisurewear sales. 

Table 5: Market share of outerwear by gender, 2003 and 2007 [%] 

Women Men 

2003 2007 2003 2007 

Formal 36 32 41 37 

Casual 39 41 30 32 

Leisure 19 20 21 22 

Active sports 6 7 8 9 

Total 100 100 100 100 

Source: CBI 

Table 6 indicates the sales development of the women’s outerwear 

segment in € million of sales. 

14 

Women 

Men 

Children (aged 8-14) 

Babies (aged 0-7) 

53% 


4% 

14% 

29% 

Table 6: Sales of women's wear by product categories, 2007 – 2008 

Sales in mn Euro 

per article category 

2007 2008 +/- from 

previous year 

Waterproof coats 758 741 -2% 

Anoraks, parkas, jackets 445 348 -22% 

Jackets & blazers 155 145 -6% 

Coats etc. 268 293 9% 

Gilets without sleeves 55 77 40% 

Suits, outfits 915 615 -33% 

Dresses 665 728 9% 

Skirts 741 568 -23% 

Trousers 1’546 1’532 -1% 

Trousers (sports) 46 38 

Jeans 1’007 1’084 8% 

Overalls 5 12 140% 

Shorts & bermudas 86 95 10% 

Skirts & smocks 28 24 -14% 

Blouses 527 544 3% 

T-Shirts 1’186 1’133 -4% 

Tops without sleeves 270 216 -20% 

Polos 135 111 -18% 

Bodies 7 17 143% 

Pullovers, waistcoats, 

cardigans 

270 257 -5% 

Sweatshirts 97 92 -5% 

Tracksuits 61 70 15% 

Swimsuits 236 231 -2% 

Unitards 58 56 -3% 

Sport shirts 56 48 -14% 

Other pieces of outerwear 0 69 n.a. 

Other small pieces 

of outerwear 

999 999 0 

Total 10’604 10’073 -5% 

Total pieces of outerwear 6’674 6’261 -6% 

Total small pieces 

of outerwear 

3’930 3’812 -3% 

Source: Fédération Française du Prêt à Porter Féminin 

The above table indicates the sales development of the women’s 

clothing segment in thousands of articles. Overall, an important 

decrease in sales can be observed between 2007 and 2008.

2.2.5 Consumer behaviour 

2.2.5.1 Consumer preferences 

As with the young generations in other European countries, French 

children like U.S. fashion styles and are influenced by American 

culture. Therefore, American brands and/or brands perceived to 

be American are particularly successful in the children's wear 

segment. The youngsters are also interested in sportswear, which 

is used also as everyday clothing. Sports like rugby, football and 

basketball are quite popular. 

The trends for ‘American’ styles strongly influenced by the ‘Hip- Hop 

Scene’ and the preferred sportswear are expressed in the sales 

of items like t-shirts, sweatshirts, polo-shirts in combination with 

baseball caps. Young consumers’ demand for sportswear helped 

the largest sports retailer Decathlon to increase its sales of 

children’s clothing in the last few years. 

As regards fabrics, there is a trend towards natural, easy to wear 

and modern fibres (jersey, cotton flannel, stretch, technical fabrics, 

polar fleeces). The children’s parents prefer clothing which is 

easy to wash and which requires no ironing. However, 70% of the 

clothing of 4 to 14 year old is selected by the children themselves 

and not by the parents. Children from six years up develop brand 

awareness, which is mainly formed by their peer group and TV 

advertising. 

Women’s wear follows the broad trend toward more casual and 

sporty garments. Several fashion forecasts announced that 

collections will be more feminine and will have less casual details. 

The younger men in France are more fashion-conscious, spending 

more on clothing in the last few years than before. The fact that 

casual wear is more common for the office is a particular trend 

which has grown in recent years. 

Children’s wear is more classic and formal for special occasions 

than in other EU countries, like The Netherlands and Germany. 

However, younger fashion brands have increased the last few 

years, and more and more have an adult look. 

Trends in consumption 

• In women’s wear, clothing is becoming more feminine. Luxury 

looking materials and colours are used to create a good feeling 

in answer to financial unstable times. 

• The increasing feminization of clothing products could drive 

trends for clothing accessories, also for the use of pearls and 

embroidery. Luxury appearance materials and colours are used 

to create a good feeling, in answer to financial instable times. 

Other forecasts are: 

A-symmetrical openings and several layers will become popular. 

Several lengths can be created in one garment or in a combi 

nation of several garments, like skirt with long tunic or blouse 

and short waistcoat or short jacket on a top. 

Accents on the waist by large belts or accents on the neck by 

wide scarves in accent colours. 

Skirts remain popular in all types and kind of lengths. 

• In general, there is much dynamism in consumer preferences 

at the moment. Cultural changes are succeeding each other 

rapidly. This makes predictions of consumer behaviour rather 

tricky. 

• Babies’ wear is still classical and hardly follows the trends of 

adult clothing. Newborn collections are mainly plain or have 

childlike decorations and are less influenced by the casual 

trends, as in adult fashion. 

• Materials, like cashmere and angora, are very expensive 

and delicate to treat, but in France where more luxury fashion 

is appreciated by women, this quality is and will become more 

popular. 

• For the coming winter-season (2010/11) the trend is warm 

colours in hairy woollen yarns such as mohair, angora or 

cashmere. This combination gives knitwear a voluminous look 

and warm feeling. 

• Tunics and long pullovers to wear like a dress combined with 

legging/trousers/tights will become more popular. 

• Catwalk reports announced an upcoming trend for winter 

2010/11: more accent on neck and shoulder, for example big 

collars or cowls. 

• Consumers become more aware of sustainability issues. 


2.2.5.2 Consumer expenditures 

Taking the total consumer expenditure on manufactured goods as 

reference value, the share of consumer expenditures on clothing 

has declined by 1.9% from 2004 to 2009. 

The development of consumer expenditure of manufactured goods 

increased in the same period by 13.9% and the expenditure on 

total clothing and total outerwear by less than 1%. This is certainly 

due to two different factors, which are a) falling clothing prices due 

to cheap imports and b) to shift of expenditure to electronic goods 

and leisure. 

Table 7: Development of consumer expenditure in France 

16 


2004 2006 2008 2009* 

Manufactured goods [€ bn] 231.6 250.5 261.0 263.7 

Total clothing [€ bn] 38.7 39.8 40.6 39.0 

In % of manufactured goods 16.7% 15.9% 15.6% 14.8% 

Total outerwear [€ bn] 33.9 34.9 35.3 34.0 

In % of total consumption 87.7% 87.6% 87.0% 87.2% 

Source: Eurostat and Euromonitor – Note: *estimation 

According to Table 8, which considers the expenditures on outerwear 

by gender in France, consumption of women’s outerwear 

clothing was € 18.2 billion in 2009 and accounted for 53.5% of 

total clothing consumption. 

Table 8: Consumer expenditure on outerwear clothing 

2004 2006 2008 2009* 

Women [€ bn] 18.0 18.8 18.8 18.2 

Men [€ bn] 9.8 9.9 10.1 9.7 

Children 

(aged 3-14) [€ bn] 

6.1 6.2 6.4 6.1 

Total [€ bn] 33.9 34.9 35.3 34.0 

Source: Eurostat and Euromonitor – Note: *estimation 

2.2.6 Price development of clothing 

Prices of imports into France fell during the period 2006-2008, as 

table 9 indicates. Prices from DCs (Developing Countries), as well 

as from other EU countries fell during the period mentioned. 

In 2008, price movements reinforced the trend of increasing 

purchases of lower-priced outerwear from Asian manufacturers. 

Import prices from DCs were 61% of the level of intra-EU import 

prices, but they fell as from 2004. 

Table 9: Developments of average import prices per unit in France [€] 

Total 

imports 

2006 2007 2008 CAGR* 

4.89 4.82 4.74 -1.0% 

Intra-EU 6.39 6.23 6.16 -1.2% 

Developing 

countries 

3.79 3.76 3.73 -0.5% 

Source: Gherzi analysis based on CBI Note:* Compound Annual Growth Rate 

This data must be interpreted with care, as changes in imports do 

not reflect the demand in France. 

2.3 Imports. 

2.3.1 Total imports 

According to Eurostat, total imports of apparel into France amounted 

to € 13.1 billion in 2008. Since 1999, there has been a continuous 

increase in clothing imports. The share of imports of outerwear 

in total French clothing consumption is over 30%. 

Increasing imports are more than balancing the shrinking domestic 

outerwear production. A comparison of the following Table 10 and 

Table 11 shows that the proportion of men’s and women's wear 

imports into France are different for knitted and woven outerwear. 

While the imports of woven outerwear for men (€ 2.5 billion) and 

women (€ 3.5 billion) are at a similar level, the imports of knitted 

women' s wear (€ 0.9 billion) clearly over top the imports of knitted 

menswear (€ 0.4 billion). The imports of woven outerwear are, 

depending on the product category, five to nine times higher than 

the imports of knitted outerwear. 

According to Table 10, the imports of knitted outerwear into France 

increased steadily from 2006 to 2008. Active sportswear such as 

tracksuits, ski suits and swimwear is particularly worth mentioning. 

Woven outerwear for both genders is by far the largest sector with 

€ 7.2 billion in 2008.

Table 10: imports of knitted outerwear by gender and product categories, 2006-2008 

For men or boys 

2006 2007 2008 

Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € 

Coats, raincoats, anoraks etc. (61.01) 1’442 33’622 1’630 34’265 1’636 31’359 

Suits, jackets, outfits, trousers, 

shorts etc. (61.03) 

1’331 88’256 1’686 92’406 1’395 76’811 

Shirts (61.05) 6’372 175’888 8’697 256’631 9’828 285’013 

Sub Total 9’145 297’765 12’012 383’301 12’859 393’183 

Sub Total Extra EU 8’045 118’297 11’115 160’301 12’181 180’412 

For women or girls 


Suits, jackets, outfits, trousers, dresses, 

skirts etc. (61.04) 

11’592 453’299 13’602 576’785 15’659 570’854 

Blouses and shirts (61.06) 4’443 190’839 6’512 265’987 7’812 283’737 

Sub Total 18’992 728’839 22’295 919’440 25’383 936’490 


For both genders 

T-shirts, singlets etc. (61.09) 60’245 1’580’733 61’031 1’615’262 54’764 1’465’754 

Jersey, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats, 

etc. (61.10) 

64’190 1’946’166 60’872 1’989’934 61’043 2’135’580 

Babies’ garments (61.11) 21’983 323’331 22’197 325’293 22’210 328’447 

Garments rubberised, impregnated, 

etc. (61.13) 

1’555 24’779 1’711 27’490 1’588 24’768 

Gloves, mittens and mitts (61.16) 6’326 120’928 6’768 119’140 8’003 141’282 

Other made-up clothing accessories (61.17) 3’735 74’194 3’630 76’235 3’951 76’063 

Sub Total 158’034 4’070’132 156’208 4’153’354 151’559 4’171’895 

Sub Total Extra EU 143’974 2’101’010 147’397 2’137’733 142’665 2’105’247 

Active Sportswear 

Track suits, ski suits and swimwear (61.12) 4’203 211’871 3’942 203’673 3’385 198’164 

Special garments for professional 

sporting or other purposes (61.14) 

6’046 142’545 5’539 132’021 6’071 127’166 

Sub Total 10’249 354’415 9’480 335’694 9’455 325’330 


TOTAL 196’419 5’451’152 199’996 5’791’789 199’257 5’826’897 

TOTAL EXTRA EU 177’152 2’673’443 187’471 2’847’294 187’013 2’873’909 



In comparison to previous years, the share of the non-EU countries 

in the knitted outerwear imports is with 49% stable, while the 

overall trend in France is an increase in imports. The end of the 

MFA radically changed the French textile and clothing production 

landscape. An innumerable number of mills have been closed and 

many jobs have been lost. 

Table 11: Imports of woven outerwear by gender and product categories, 2006-2008 

2006 2007 2008 

Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € 


Coats, anoraks, windcheaters, etc. (62.01) 12’377 352’898 10’880 346’659 11’287 370’994 


shorts, etc. (62.03) 

49’466 1’557’904 50’733 1’606’991 51’388 1’613’016 

Shirts (62.05) 13’827 491’092 14’806 521’555 14’635 533’004 

Sub Total 75’670 2’401’895 76’419 2’475’205 77’310 2’517’014 

Sub Total Extra EU 


72’844 1’164’986 76’043 1’219’641 77’298 1’232’880 


Suits, jackets, dresses, skirts, trousers, 

etc (62.04) 

60’269 2’544’895 57’539 2’507’454 57’579 2’409’944 


Sub Total 81’555 3’444’840 78’468 3’474’150 79’136 3’495’224 



76’544 1’596’160 77’808 1’562’223 79’126 1’597’206 

Babies garments (62.09) 10’086 187’197 10’162 188’624 9’777 180’947 

Others incl. Impregnated (62.10) 29’558 360’977 28’799 327’161 29’464 315’592 

Shawls, scarves, mufflers, etc. (62.14) 2’350 115’410 1’842 112’583 2’530 128’206 

Ties, bow ties and cravats (62.15) 358 43’100 481 43’986 478 44’262 

Gloves, mittens and mitts (62.16) 1’346 36’189 994 27’729 894 26’888 

Other made-up clothing accessories 

(62.17) 

3’370 65’949 3’945 75’315 3’284 74’284 

Sub Total 47’068 808’823 46’222 775’398 46’426 770’178 



26’418 432’433 26’500 408’163 27’599 406’395 

Track suits, ski suits (62.11) 23’574 402’070 23’759 399’016 28’647 461’674 

Sub Total 23’574 402’070 23’759 399’016 28’647 461’674 


TOTAL 227’866 7’057’627 224’868 7’123’769 231’519 7’244’091 

TOTAL EXTRA EU 191’132 3’400’379 196’462 3’407’965 203’147 3’490’404 


18 


The import of the women’s woven segment increased from € 3.4 

billion in 2006 to € 3.5 billion in 2008. Woven suits for men (€ 1.6 

billion) and women (€2.4 billion) have the highest share of imports.

2.3.2 Outward processing trade (OPT) 

The analysis of the largest suppliers of OPT outerwear into France 

in Table 12 shows a downturn in OPT. Overall, the OPT business 

plays a minor role in France, accounting for only 0.66% of the total 

outerwear clothing imports. 

Tunisia is the most important OPT partner country for France. 

Morocco is second, as it was in the previous two years. Belarus 

is catching up to China and could become fourth in the coming 

years. 


Position Country 2006 

[‘000 €] 

2.3.3 Largest suppliers of outerwear 

Table 13 gives a very good overview of the twenty major extra EU 

countries supplying clothing to France from 2006 to 2008. The 

share of clothing imports from extra EU countries in France was 

48.6% in 2006 and had slightly increased to 48.7% in 2008. 

The imports from outside the EU in 2008 amounted to € 6.4 

billion, whereas € 6.7 billion were imported from the European 

Union. While the total imports to France amounted to € 12.5 billion 

in 2006, they exceeded € 13.1 billion in 2008, an increase of 

4.8%. Overall, the growth rates of total imports increased by 3% 

and 1%, respectively. The main import countries for France from 

outside Europe are: China (€ 2.4 billion), Tunisia (€ 0.7 billion) and 

Morocco (€ 0.6 billion). Morocco and Tunisia are French speaking 

countries; this is a very important advantage for them when 

exporting to France. 

Change 

from 2006 

2007 

[‘000 €] 

Change 

from 2007 

2008 

[‘000 €] 

1 Tunisia 36599 -9% 33’480 -7% 31’249 

2 Morocco 36’294 -21% 28’694 -24% 21’859 

3 Ukraine 24’319 -10% 21’874 -27% 15’928 

4 China 6’842 55% 10’636 -22% 8’301 

5 Belarus 1’757 41% 2’486 106% 5’130 

6 Serbia 1’831 -12% 1’613 -17% 1’345 

7 Bosnia - Herzegovina 583 12% 653 17% 766 

8 Hong Kong 451 5% 474 52% 719 

9 Moldova 478 214% 1’500 -65% 529 

10 Lao (People’s Democratic Republic) 0 0 400 

11 Madagascar 840 -1% 835 -59% 340 

12 Vietnam 38 194% 111 160% 289 

13 India 339 270% 1’256 -81% 244 

14 Turkey 31 11% 35 422% 182 

15 Croatia 65 102% 131 -42% 76 

16 Egypt 17 -100% 0 35 

17 South Korea 0 0 19 

18 USA 0 0 15 

19 Thailand 44 -75% 11 -68% 3 

20 Switzerland 0 28 -100% 0 

Total 163’031 -36% 104’125 -16% 87’428 



Table 13: Largest extra EU supplying countries of outerwear, 2006-2008 

20 

Position Country 2006 [‘000 €] Change from 

2006 


2007 [‘000 €] Change from 

2007 

2008 [‘000 €] 

1 China 1’706’835 21% 2’063’477 16% 2’403’807 

2 Tunisia 724’022 -2% 712’974 1% 716’682 

3 Morocco 673’775 -1% 667’699 -5% 632’342 

4 India 575’986 -2% 563’260 3% 579’893 

5 Bangladesh 506’696 0% 505’593 6% 538’135 

6 Turkey 473’249 -4% 456’431 -5% 432’976 

7 Switzerland 147’655 26% 186’272 3% 191’969 

8 Mauritius 141’210 -10% 127’783 -13% 110’726 

9 Madagascar 82’148 9% 89’489 -6% 84’430 

10 Thailand 160’357 -15% 135’684 -39% 82’628 

11 Pakistan 71’823 9% 78’482 0% 78’534 

12 Vietnam 83’922 -2% 82’205 -7% 76’574 

13 Indonesia 99’603 -15% 84’583 -18% 69’144 

14 Hong Kong 125’119 -33% 83’618 -54% 38’281 

15 South Korea 67’096 -36% 42’641 -21% 33’894 

16 Cambodia 33’740 -2% 33’020 -13% 28’743 

17 Malaysia 25’550 8% 27’592 -14% 23’682 

18 Macao 67’610 -23% 52’341 -62% 20’126 

19 USA 19’313 2% 19’660 -7% 18’336 

20 Sri Lanka 24’124 -23% 18’470 -1% 18’228 


Extra-EU 27 6’073’822 3% 6’255’259 2% 6’364’314 

Intra-EU 27 6’434’957 4% 6’660’298 1% 6’706’674 

Total 12’508’779 3% 12’915’557 1% 13’070’988 

Typically, the French consider themselves to be rather weak 

in foreign language skills. Moreover, they are not very keen on 

speaking another language than French. This fact should be 

considered by foreign manufacturers wishing to sell in the French 

market. This fact also explains the leadership position of the 

relatively small EU country Belgium, which is characterised as 

a multilingual country, including the French language. Much 

business with Belgium is done on a subcontracting basis.

Table 14: Largest intra EU supplying countries of outerwear, 2006-2008 

Position Country 2006 [‘000 €] 

Change from 

2006 

2007 [‘000 €] 

Change from 

2007 

2008 [‘000 €] 

1 Belgium 1’912’349 9% 2’078’537 0% 2’071’727 

2 Italy 1’221’326 7% 1’303’005 -1% 1’294’389 

3 Germany 908’896 2% 930’096 8% 1’003’780 

4 Spain 451’480 -2% 443’357 35% 598’331 

5 Netherlands 527’459 2% 538’405 -11% 480’377 

6 UK 310’152 4% 323’906 1% 327’259 

7 Portugal 284’717 5% 297’679 -4% 287’208 

8 Romania 289’010 -19% 235’203 -23% 182’195 

9 Luxembourg 32’180 -8% 29’705 0% 29’702 

10 Bulgaria 140’716 -19% 113’425 -14% 98’016 


Intra-EU 27 5’933’106 4% 6’141’834 2% 6’266’298 

Extra-EU 27 6’073’822 3% 6’255’259 2% 6’364’314 

Total 12’508’779 3% 12’915’557 1% 13’070’988 

2.4 Trade structure. 

2.4.1 Developments in the retail trade 

It would be too simple to assume that price is the only area of 

competition in the French market. Quality, style and trend also play 

an important role. 

The clothing retail sector in France went through major changes 

over the last years. From the beginning of the 1980’s, consumers 

were used to independent shops that offered various brands. Apparel 

sold by independent retailers in France accounted for 39.1% 

of total sales in 1995. In 2008 only 20% were sold by independent 

retailers. Within the last years, the multiples also (as in other European 

countries) invaded France, and consumers are more likely to 

buy in speciality chain stores with large outlets. 

This development enhanced lower prices for outerwear through 

the greater competition and number of goods imported by these 

chains. These companies, of which most are French chains, have 

a very up-to-date concept with a high standard in logistics, IT 

and advertising. There seems to be a real competition on who is 

the next to open up a high-end logistics centre. The professional 

management system in the clothing sector has swept away small 

retailers. This development has been a concentrated process 

that has given the retailers more purchasing power against the 

manufacturers in comparison with the formerly fragmented small 

retailers. 

The multiples are now in the position to react more quickly to 

consumer demands by following a strategy of greater ‘just in time’ 

supply to the shops and the consumers. The chains act like manufacturers 

in this respect. However, the link to the manufacturers has 

become closer. The importance of middlemen has been reduced 

and retailers buy directly from the clothing companies (abroad). 

The increased purchasing power of the retailers stimulated some 

clothing manufacturers to build up an independent distribution system 

by operating self-owned outlets or using a ‘franchise system’. 

2.4.2 Leading retailers 

In France, there are about 33'250 active clothing retail companies, 

which have 47'500 stores, of which an estimated two thirds are 

owned by independent retailers, which have fewer than 5 outlets. 

The big number of specialists chains indicates that the French 

market is less concentrated than, for instance, the UK market. Important 

French groups are Vivarte, Auchan/Mulliez, Etam, Groupe 

Beaumanoir and Promod. These groups are also active in many 

European countries. 


Table 15: Major specialised clothing chains of French origin in France, 2008-2009 

22 

Clothing retail chain Parent company Website Number of outlets 

General 

Kiabi Association Mulliez www.kiabi.com 160 

La Halle aux Vêtements Vivarte www.lahalle.com 345 (463) 

Vêtimarché ITM Intermarché www.vetimarche.com 154 

Eurodif 

Men and women 

Eurodif UOCR www.eurodif.com 74 

Armand Thierry 

Women’s wear 

Ecce www.armandthiery.fr 279 

Promod Promod www.promod.eu 271 (783) 

Camaïeu Femme Cime-Camaïeu www.camaieu.fr 504 

Etam Etam Developpemt www.etam.com 718 (3’300) 

Pimkie Association Mulliez www.pimkie.fr 270 (655) 

Mim New Look (UK) www.mim.fr 278 

Caroll Vivarte www.caroll.com 350 (2’350) 

Cache Cache Groupe Beaumanoir www.cachecache.fr 541 

Patrice Bréal Groupe Beaumanoir www.patricebreal.fr 239 

Scottage 

Men 

Groupe Beaumanoir www.scottage.fr 89 

Brice Brice www.brice.fr 204 (220) 

Jules 

Children 

Association Mulliez www.jules.fr 238 

Jacadi Id Group www.jacadi.fr 109 (250) 

Okaidi / Obaidi 

Sports 

Id Group www.idgroup.com 560 

Décathlon Association Mulliez www.decathlon.com 235 (475) 

Intersport Intersport Group www.intersport.com 522 (4’885) 

Sport2000 Groupe Sport 2000 www.sport2000.fr 600 (2’446) 

Source: CBI - Note: Numbers in brackets including outlets abroad 

Only three out of the top ten general clothing specialists in France 

are companies from abroad - C&A (from Germany; 119 stores), 

H&M (from Sweden; 133 stores) and Inditex from Spain (231 

stores in France, of which 115 Zara stores). Other foreign retail 

companies, active in France, are other formula of Inditex (mainly 


Bershka), Cortefiel; Mango (also from Spain; 107 stores); Benetton 

(from Italy; 91 stores); M&S Mode (from The Netherlands; 150 

stores), Esprit (from Germany/Hong Kong; 640 stores) and Gap 

(from the USA; 17 stores).

2.4.3 Distribution channels 

Table 16 gives an overview on sales made by different clothing retail 

channels in 2004 to 2008. Compared to previous years, sales 

in independent clothing shops are decreasing. They once used to 

be the most important location for the French to buy their clothing. 

Now they are (at 20%) behind the multiples that have a share of 

37%. The trend towards more concentration is also reflected by 

the relatively high share of super- and hypermarkets (11%). Home 

shopping companies took some 9% of sales value in 2008. 

Table 16: Market shares of retail distribution of clothing in France, 

2004 – 2008 [% of value] 

Market Shares 

of retail distribution 

2004 2006 2008 

Specialists 59 58 57 

Independent retailers 21 21 20 

Clothing multiples 38 37 37 

Non-specialists 41 42 43 

Department and variety stores 7 8 9 

Hyper- and supermarkets 12 12 11 

Home shopping companies 8 8 9 

Sports shops and other chains 7 8 9 

Other channels 7 6 5 

Total 100 100 100 

Source: Journal de Textile (2009) and UFIH (2009) 

Factory Outlet Centres have also gained importance, in 2008 there 

were 21 of them spread around the country with an total area of 

280'000m2 and a total turnover of € 0.8 billion. 

2.4.3.1 Retailers 

2.4.3.1.1 Independent retailers 

The share of independent retailers decreased from 28% in 1995 

to 20% in 2008. Independent retailers are defined as retailers with 

less than five ‘active’ outlets. There are around 33'250 independent 

outlets in France. Their buying is sometimes linked to franchise 

organisations. Although the share of independent specialised 

retailers is generally decreasing, it is still much higher than in other 

countries. Figures indicate that the strong decline came to a stop 

in 2004, when there was an upward trend. 

Market share: 20% in 2008, Trend: Decreasing 

2.4.3.1.2 Clothing multiples 

The long-term trend clearly indicates a higher importance of 

clothing multiples and more concentration of the market (Journal 

de Textile). Generally, the French market is still less concentrated 

in the retail sector than in other European countries. However, 

this is expected to change. The outlets for children's wear are 

numerous. There are three times more outlets of clothing multiples 

for women than for men. The largest player in the retail business 

is the Groupe Vivarte (formerly Groupe André). Groupe Vivarte 

owns the clothing chains Caroll, Kookaï, Creeks, Liberto and La 

Halle aux Vêtements. Shoe shop chains called André, San Marina, 

Orcade-Minelli, La Halle aux Chaussures and Chaussland et 

Besson also belong to Groupe Vivarte. In November 2001, Groupe 

André was renamed Groupe Vivarte. 

Market share: 37% in 2008, Trend: Stable 

2.4.3.1.3 Department and variety stores 

The main department store in France is Les Galeries Lafayette, 

which also operates under the name Nouvelles Galeries. Another 

department store of importance in France is PPR (Pinault- 

Printemps-Redoute). Variety stores include Prisunec, Monoprix 

and Inno, which belong to Galeries Lafayette. The importance 

of department stores has stabilised over the last few years after 

decreases in the last decade. 

Market share: 9 % in 2008, Trend: Increasing 

2.4.3.1.4 Hyper- and supermarkets 

The grocery super- and hypermarkets offer comparatively more 

men's wear. The supermarkets and hypermarkets that have a 

higher share in the menswear segment have done better for 

major items, but are reported to have problems with small items, 

although socks and underwear constitute their main clothing 

business. A trend can be noted away from cheap products to 

fashionable clothing offering better quality. 

Market share: 11% in 2008, Trend: Slightly decreasing 


2.4.3.1.5 Home shopping companies 

The mail-order business in France slightly increased during the 

past 3 years but still remains under 10%. Among the mail-order 

houses, La Redoute and 3 Suisses must be mentioned. La 

Redoute is owned by PPR, and 3 Suisses belongs to the Groupe 

3 Suisses International, which also carries the mail-order business 

Blanche Porte. Home shopping companies are said to have 

aggressive sales policies and heavy promotion. In the longer run, 

however, the mail-order business is expected to grow, since more 

and more French consumers have Internet access at home. It 

is only a matter of time until the French return to buying certain 

products from the home shopping companies. 

Market share: 9 % in 2008, Trend: slightly increasing 

2.4.3.1.6 Sports shops and other chains 

There are four relevant sports shops in France; Decathlon, Go 

Sports, Sport 2000 and Intersport. Sportswear is often used by 

the French youth and mixed with other styles. 

Market share: 9% in 2008, Trend: Increasing 

2.4.3.1.7 Other channels 

The share of other distribution channels is decreasing. Other 

channels are those that do not fall into the definition of the above 

mentioned channels. Examples of such distribution channels 

would be markets, fairs, and factory outlets. 


2.4.3.2 Sales intermediaries 

2.4.3.2.1 Clothing manufacturers 

French manufacturers have slid against the retailers and their 

position has weakened in recent years. This is also confirmed by 

the fact that there are fewer ‘manufacturer’s brands’, because they 

are partially being replaced by the ‘retailer’s brands’. The industry 

is characterised by high price pressure: on the one hand, consumers 

have become more price conscious; on the other, imports of 

cheap garments from abroad lower the prices. Manufacturers have 

no chance but to follow the retailers. French manufacturers often 

produce their core product range on their own, but they also buy 

a considerable share of their product assortment from manufacturers 

abroad. Apparently, they do so in order to add certain products 

to complete their collection. Opportunities exist for exporters 

who are interested in forming relationships or partnerships with 

French producers. 

24 


The clothing manufacturer has to rely on the distributors’ promotion 

and advertising for their respective collection. This can cause 

problems, for instance when brand names are promoted inadequately. 

This can only be avoided by the installation of a costly 

own retail system by the manufacturer. Because of the strong 

position of the retailers, some French clothing brands are ready to 

accept these greater financial investments. 

Establishing their own retail chain allows them to adapt more 

quickly to evolving market trends and have more influence on the 

distribution. The sales personnel can be trained according to the 

marketing strategy as well as the product’s image. In any case, it is 

recommendable not to neglect other local apparel manufacturers 

when building up an own retail system. 

2.4.3.2.2 Central buying associations 

There are not many important buying organisations for independent 

retailers in France, as they are mainly provided by the French clothing 

manufacturers and the wholesalers and importers. For the most part, 

meaningful buying associations can be found in the sportswear segment, 

for instance Intersport, Go Sport and Sport 2000. 

2.4.3.2.3 Sales Agents 

A sales agent based in France normally takes a commission of 10- 

15% if the manufacturer is from overseas (slightly higher commission 

because of higher risks). The sales commission within France 

or Europe is normally below 10%. 

Clothing exports into the French market via a sales agent are very 

common. Especially in the case of France, it is recommended 

for foreign manufacturers EU to work with agents as the buying 

of clothing is very much concentrated on the so called ‘centrales 

d’achats’. The buying managers often import through sales agents 

based in France who represent reliable manufacturers from abroad. 

2.4.3.2.4 Importers/wholesalers 

Some French retailers (mainly super- and hypermarkets, textile 

discounters and to some extent clothing chains) prefer not to run 

own control and sourcing units in overseas markets. These retailers 

buy their products via importers/wholesalers and often get 

attractive conditions. Since the end of the eighties, the importers 

have gained importance as the previously very strong national 

French clothing industry became less competitive due to increasing 

production costs. As a result, many importers/wholesalers 

enjoy increasing orders and revenues.

2.5 French fashion trade fairs. 

Table 17: French fashion trade fairs 2010 

Trade fair Date Location 

Salon international de la lingerie 23. - 25.01.2010 Paris 

Who’s next (general clothing) 23. - 26.01.2010 Paris 

Prêt-à-Porter (women’s wear) 23. - 26.01.2010 Paris 

Communiquez Textile (general clothing, textiles) 02. - 04.02.2010 Lyon 

Rendez-Vouz Femme (Paris Fashion Week) 05. - 08.03.2010 Paris 

TRANSITION (fashion and accessories) 13. - 15.04.2010 Paris 

Interselection (general clothing) 13. - 15.04.2010 Paris 

Prêt-à-Porter (women’s wear) 04. - 07.09.2010 Paris 

Mode city (lingerie and swim wear) 04. - 06.09.2010 Paris 

TRANSITION (fashion and accessories) 19. - 21.10.2010 Paris 

FATEX (The fashion sourcing trade fair) 19. - 21.10.2010 Paris 

Interselection (general clothing) 19. - 21.10.2010 Paris 

Who’s next (general clothing) 19. - 21.10.2010 Paris 

Rendez-Vouz Femme (Paris Fashion Week) October 2010 Paris 

Source: Gherzi research, AUMA 

The Prêt-à-Porter Trade Fair is an international women readyto-wear 

exhibition with a ‘boutique’ section. The collections are 

normally presented on the classical pre-order system, meaning 

half a year ahead of the actual sales in the shops. The 

winter collection is shown in March, the summer collection in 

September of the previous year. The fair has a certain importance 

at the European level, but it has the character of an image fair. 

Nevertheless, it is the French trade fair that attracts the most 

visitors. 

Who’s Next is less specialised according to gender. Exhibitions 

include men's wear, women's wear and children's wear. It is also 

held twice a year and has attracted more than 30,000 visitors in 

recent years. 

In the highly competitive European fashion world, French trade 

fairs are major opportunities for business and marketing on an 

international scale, although the Prêt-à-Porter has slipped against 

the Italian and German clothing trade fairs in recent years. 


2.6 List of major buyers in France. 

Clothing Chain Stores 

26 

CMC agnès b. 

17, rue de Dieu 

F - 75010 Paris 

Tel.: +33 – 1 – 4003 45 00 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 4003 45 50 

www.europe.agnesb.fr 

mailing@agnesb.fr 

Caroll International 

38, rue du Hameau 

F - 75740 Paris Cedex 15 

Tel.: +33 -0- 810 30 40 30 

Fax: +33 -01- 56 23 34 07 

contact@caroll.com or 

adenaes@caroll.com 

(Direction commerciale 

internationale) 

www.caroll.com 

Chattawak 

29, boulevard des Italiens 

F - 75002 Paris 

Tel.: +33 – 1 - 44 94 80 60 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 42 66 93 92 

www.chattawak.fr 

courrier@chattawak.fr 

Brice 

152, avenue Alfred Motte 

F- 59100 ROUBAIX 

Tel.: +33 (0)3 20 99 36 36 

www.brice.fr 

contact@brice.fr 

Aubert France 

4, rue de la Ferme - BP 

30130 

F - 68705 Cernay 

aubert.contact@aubert.fr 

www.aubert.fr 


Product range: ladies’, 

men’s, childrenswear 

Price segment: 

high price level 

Number of outlets: 229 

shops (38 in France) 

Product range: 

womenswear 


mid-price level 


shops, of which more than 

100 abroad and 75 franchising 

partners + mail order 


ladies’, menswear 




shops + 90 franchising 

partners 


menswear 





babies’ wear 



Number of outlets: more 

than 200 shops (in Europe) 

+ mail order 

Infinitif 

26, rue du Caire 

F - 75002 Paris 

Tel.: +33 – 1 – 45 08 15 29 

www.infinitif.com 

info@infinitif.com 

Kookai 

45, avenue Victor Hugo 

93534 Saint Denis la Plaine 

Cedex 

Tel.: +33 – 399 292 994 

www.kookai.fr 

serviceclient.kookai@mixcommerce.com 

La Halle aux Vêtements 

26, rue de Flandres 

F - 75019 Paris 

Tel.: +33 – 1 – 533 50 425 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 533 50 480 

contact@contact-lahalle.com 

www.lahalle.com 

Oliver Grant Diffusion 

74, rue Elysée Reclus 

F - 69150 Décibes Cedex 

Tel.: +33 – 472 – 81 25 60 

Fax: +33 – 472 – 81 25 61 

contact@olivergrant.com 

www.olivergrant.com 

Promod – Centrale d’Achat 

Chemin du Verseau 

F - 59847 Marcq en Baroeul 

Tel.: +33 – 3 – 204 57 551 

Fax: +33 – 3 – 204 57 454 

contact@promod.fr 

www.promod.fr 


womenswear 


mid- to high price level 

Number of outlets: 

10 in F + 400 franchising 

partners 


womenswear 




30 outlets + 120 

franchise partners + 320 

franchise partners abroad 

Note: belongs to the former 

André Group, Paris 




low to mid-price level 


Note: belongs to the former 

André Group, Paris 


womenswear, menswear, 

sportswear 


mid- to high pricelevel 


32 shops, 

3 franchising Partners 


womenswear 


low price level 


203 shops in France

Clothing Chain Stores 

Tartine-Et-Chocolat.Com 

Bebeo Sa 

Parc des Docks de Saint- 

Ouen, 

Lot 567 - Portes B et C 

50, rue Ardoin 

F - 93400 ST OUEN 1 – 

4562339 

www.tartine-et-chocolat.com 

Tati Sa 

81, rue Cartier Bresson 

F - 93697 Pantin Cedex 

tati_contact@agora-distribution.com 

www.tati.fr 

Groupe Zannier 

Head Office 

6 bis, rue Gabriel Laumain 

F - 75010 Paris 

Tel.: +33 – 1 – 44 83 45 45 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 44 83 45 30 

jfrousseau@groupezannier.fr 

www.groupezannier.fr 


childrenswear 



Number of outlets: 3 shops, 

15 franchising partners 


all kinds of clothing 




(of which 20 are for marrige 

clothing) and 2 (in Poland 

& Spain) 


childrenswear 




270 outlets 

Note: own brands like Trios 

Pommes, 

Hawai – 60% of the clothing 

is sourced 

from outside 

Jeans- and Sportswear 

Chausport 

Belongs to Société Spodis 

96 rue du Pont Rompu 

F-5920 Chausport Tourcoing 

T: +33 -3- 59 36 02 86 

service-client@chausport.fr 

www.chausport.com 

Decathlon-Sport 

4, Boulevard de Mons 

F - 59650 Villeneuve d’Asqu 

Tel.: +33 – 3 – 203 350 00 

Fax: +33 – 3 – 203 350 01 

contact@decathlon.com 

www.decathlon.com 

Decouverte Vêtements 

Cloup Diffusion CD Textile 

28, rue Maillot 

F – 81100 Castres 

Tel.: +33 – 5 63 59 24 39 

Fax: +33 – 5 63 59 31 43 

cdtextile@aol.com 

www.creatives-decouverte.com 

ITM Entreprises S.A. 

24 rue Auguste Chadrieres 

F-65737 Paris Cedex 5 

Tel. : +33 - 1 45 33 74 17 

Fax : +33 - 1 45 33 39 13 

www.itmentreprises.fr 

Lasserre (modern cottage) 

20, chemin de Laporte 

F - 31300 Toulouse 

Tel.: +33 – 561 – 49 13 13 

Fax: +33 – 561 – 49 98 48 

enquiries@lasserre.co.uk 

NAF NAF SAS 

6-10, Boulevard Foch 

F - 93807 Epinay sur Seine 

Tel.: +33 – 1 – 4813 8888 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 4813 8850 

serviceclients@nafnaf.fr 

direction.internationale@ 

nafnaf.fr 

dircom@nafnaf.fr 

www.nafnaf-sa.com 

Product range: Casual 

wear and active sportswear, 

sports articles 





Casual wear and 

active sportswear 



Number of outlets: 220, 

belongs to Auchan 


Womenswear and 

sportswear 




10 + 45 franchise 

partners (Brands: Cache 

Cache, Caroll, Old River) 

Product range: all kinds of 

clothing incl. sportswear 


lower price level 


163 shops ‘Vetimarché’ 

Product range: sportswear 




40 + 35 franchise partners 


womenswear 


mid- to high price level 


142 in France 

(over 400 worldwide, in 

over 40 countries) 


Department stores 

28 

Au Bon Marche (ABM) 

24, rue des Sèvres 

F – 75007 Paris 

Tel.: +33 - 1 – 44 39 80 00 

Fax: +33 - 1 – 44 39 81 19 

www.lebonmarche.fr 

Galeries Lafayette 

40, Boulevard Haussmann 


Tel.: +33 – 14 – 878 25 19 

Fax: +33 – 14 – 282 80 23 

www.galerieslafayette.fr 

www.groupegalerieslafayette.fr 

Nouvelles Galeries Réunis 

66, rue des Archives 

F - 75150 Paris Cedex 

Tel.: +33 – 1 – 427 48 212 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 427 46 652 

Printemps 

102, rue des Provence 

F - 75009 Paris 

Tel.: +33 – 1 – 42855000 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 42823600 

17 shops + related shops 

www.printemps.com 







approx. 150 

Note: textile share app. 

49% - 1’500 employees - 

mail-order business 


womenswear 




shops in France and more 

in other countries 






287 shops 

Note: belongs to Galeries 

Lafayette 

Group – textile share in 

assortment 25% - app. 

25’000 employees 






Mail Order Companies (product range: generally all kinds of 

clothing, price segment: low to middle) 

Cyrillus (Redcats) 

Avenue Amsterdam 

F - 59910 Bondues 

Tel.: +33 – 3 – 209 9330 

Fax: +33 – 3 – 209 9332 

Products: ladies’, men’s, 

children’s wear, Mailorder + 

25 shops also in B, CH and 

www.cyrillus.fr 

La Blanche Porte 

22, rue de la Blanche 

F - 59200 Tourcoing 

Tel.: +33 – 3 – 20282028 

Fax: +33 – 3 – 20282029 

www.lablancheporte.fr 

Maison de Valerie 

ZI, rue Jacquart 

F - 41350 Vineuil 

Tel.: +33 – 2 – 54425254 

Fax: +33 – 2 – 54815053 

www.lamaisondevalerie.fr 

Trois Suisses International 

4, place de la République 

F - 59962 Croix 

Tel.: +33 – 3 – 20203062 

Fax: +33 – 3 – 20720406 

www.3suisses.fr 

www.3suissesinternational.com 

Good Life 

33, rue de l’Assomption 

F - 75016 Paris 

Tel.: +33 – 1 – 45245650 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 45245599 

Products: ladies’, men’s 

wear Mailorder + retail 

www.goodlife.fr 

La Redoute a Roubaix 

S.A. 

(Redcats) 

57, rue Blanchemaille 

F - 59100 Roubaix 

Tel.: +33 – 3 – 206 96 000 

Fax: +33 – 3 – 202 40 337 

www.redcats.com 

Neckermann Sarl 

5, rue du Château 

d’Angleterre 

F - 67300 Schiltigheim 

Tel. +33 – 3 – 88191010 

Fax: +33 – 3 – 88191030 

Note: all kinds of clothing 

– 260 employees – textile 

share 75% 

www.neckermann.fr

Super- and hypermarkets 

Auchan 

Rue de la Recherche 200 

F - 59650 Villeneuve-d’Asqu 

Tel.: +33 - 320 – 431212 

Fax: +33 – 320 – 436400 

Carrefour SA 

ZAC Saint-Guénault 

BP 75 

F - 91002 Evry Cedex 

Tel.: +33 – 360 – 913737 

Fax: +33 – 360 – 794498 

www.carrefour.com 

Casino-Groupe 

24, rue de la Montat 

F - 42004 Saint-Etienne 

Tel.: +33 – 477 – 454256 

Fax: +33 – 477 – 454365 

Intermarché 

1, rue du Chemin Blanc 

F - 91160 Longjumeau 

Tel.: +33 – 164 – 545500 

Fax: +33 – 164 – 545190 

E. Leclerc 

52, rue Camille Desmoulins 

F - 92451 Issy Les Moulineaux 

Tel.: +33 – 146 – 625200 

Fax: +33 – 146 – 629600 

www.e-leclerc.com 

Promodes 

Z.I. route de Paris 

F - 14127 Mondeville Cedex 

Tel.: +33 – 231 – 706000 

Fax: +33 – 231 – 706000 

Product range: all products 

Price segment: mid-price 

level 

Number of outlets: 14 countries, 

294 

hypermarkets, 588 supermarkets 



level 


hypermarkets 



level 

More than 6000 outlets (not 

all selling 

clothing) 



level 

Number of outlets: approx. 

75 



level 



level 

Manufacturers / importers and wholesalers / importers 

Adolphe Lafont SA 

320, rue Georges Foulc 

F - 69665 Villefranche sur Saone 

Tel.: +33 – 474 – 62 68 68 

Fax: +33 – 474 – 62 23 99 

Chipie International 

11, avenue du Général Leclerc 

F - 11003 Carcassonne Cedex 

Tel.: +33 – 468 10 54 54 

Fax: +33 – 468 10 54 55 

Catimini SA 

94, rue Choletaise 

F - 49 – 450 St. Macaire-en- 

Mauges 

Tel.: +33 – 241 – 71 41 41 

Fax: +33 – 241 – 71 41 32 

Chouette Sportswear 

216, rue St. Denis 

F - 75002 Paris 

Tel.: +33 – 1 – 42 36 39 50 

Fax: +33 – 1- 42 36 4 554 

Class Affaire 

67, rue de Sedaine 

F - 75011 Paris 

Tel.: +33 – 1 – 48 06 46 06 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 48 06 46 92 

Coup de Coeur 

6, rue de Bachaumont 

F - 75002 Paris 

Tel.: +33 – 1 – 448 28 500 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 448 28 501 

Eden Park 

9, av. Hoche 

F - 75008 Paris 

Tel.: +33 – 1 – 538 90 010 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 495 30 697 

Products: ladies’, men’s 

wear, professional wear, 

manufacturer and 

wholesaler 

Products: ladies’, 

men’s, children’s wear, 

Manufacturer of sportswear, 

leisure wear, 

35 own shops – brand 

‘Chipie’- high price level 

www.chipie.tm.fr 

Product: children’s wear 

and maternity wear 

Outlets: 95 shops in 

France 

Products: 

ladies’ wear, sportswear. 

Manufacturer 

Products: 


Manufacturer + 37 shops 

Product: womenswear 

Manufacturer + 10 shops 

Product: menswear 

Manufacturer + 7 shops, 

15 franchising 

partners 

www.eden-park.tm.fr 


Buying associations 

30 

Fusalp (Creations) SA 

114, avenue de France 

F - 74000 Annecy 

Tel.: +33 – 450 – 238888 

Fax: +33 – 450 – 238899 

Disco SA 

18 – 20, avenue Gustave Ferrie 

Zone Industrielle, BP 926 

F - 49309 Cholet 

Tel.: +33 – 241 – 714 452 

Fax: +33 – 241 – 714399 

Sagam SA 

4, allée Verte 

F - 75011 Paris 

Tel.: +33 – 1 –143577748 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 143574658 

Promodes 

9, rue Close Famille/B.P. 19 

F - 78240 Chambourcy 

Tel.: +33 – 139 – 793944 

Fax: +33 – 139 – 794662 

Sport Europe Distribution 

S.E.D. 

10, rue d’Arcelle 

F - 38600 Fontaine 

Tel.: +33 – 4 – 76859276 

Fax: +33 – 4 – 76531067 


Manufacturer jeans- and 

sportswear 

www.catimini.com 

Buying for app. 4,000 

retailers - approximately 

1.5 billion € turn-over p.a. 

Product: childrenswear 

and maternity dresses – 

226 members 

Buying association for 

Discounters, 

buying via C.I.M. 

Product: sportswear

3. Germany. 


The German economy over the last year collapsed. The gross 

domestic product in Germany decreased in 2009 compared to the 

previous year by a full 5% decline in real gross domestic product 

(GDP). Thus, the recession was more than five times as strong as 

in the previously largest decline in 1975 following the oil crisis. At 

that time, a decrease of 0.9% was recorded. In 2008, the German 

economy had grown by 1.3% a year earlier by 2.5%. 

Reason for the severe recession was the slump in exports and 

investment. Exports collapsed by 14.7%, while businesses spend 

20.0% less in machinery, vehicles and other capital goods. The 

construction spending fell by 0.7%. On the other hand private 

consumption went up by 0.4%; because the prices barely rose and 

the German government introduced the car scrap scheme. The 

government consumption grew by 2.7%. 

In the second quarter of 2009, the German economy grew for the 

first time since the beginning of 2008 - by 0.4% over the previous 

quarter. In the third quarter thanks to strong investment, fiscal 

stimulus programs and the continuing increase in exports the GDP 

grew by 0.7%. 

For 2010, the federal government expects a growth of about 1.5%. 

Unlike in previous recessions, the labour market remained 

relatively stable: It is estimated that the number of unemployed 

will rise in 2010 by about 450,000 compared to the 2008 annual 

average. However, this figure remains well below the 1.5 million 

additional jobs that were created during the years 2006 to 2008. 



Germany still represents the largest single market within the EU, 

with an estimated total sales volume in clothing of 58.4 billion € 

in 2008 (Statistics BTE Cologne 2009, amounts at retail prices 

including VAT), this represents an increase of 1.0 % to 2007. 

The outerwear clothing sales volume was 50.3 billion € in 2008 

(down from € 50.9 billion in 2007), this corresponds to an average 

spending per person of € 611 (down from € 618 in 2007) per 

annum (EU average in 2008 was € 590 per annum). For the last 3 

years, German households spent a constant average of 4.4% of 

their disposable income on clothing. 

Several factors resulted in the stagnation of expenditure on 

clothing, like: 

• Decreasing population figures 

• Changing consumer expectations 

• Growing imports from low-cost countries 


In 2009, clothing price rose by 2.4% and the average outerwear 

spending per person reached € 611 in 2008, which was higher 

than the EU average of € 590. 

The present situation of the outerwear market in Germany can be 

characterised by the following brief statements: 

Clothing items from the outerwear segment can be characterised 

by a permanent price decrease. The main reason for this is 

the production of garments from low-wage countries. Product 

imitation has become easier through global production, easy 

communication by Internet / e-mail and liberalised trade. 

Renowned market research institutes have stated that the ‘middle 

market segment’, (which is characterised by quality consciousness 

and ‘brand orientation’) has become much smaller in recent years. 

The outerwear and clothing market is moving in two directions: 

(a) value/price and (b) trend/fashion, whilst the middle segment is 

decreasing. 

German consumers are well-known for their price consciousness, 

the share of private label merchandise in the outerwear market 

being higher than in other major EU countries. Influences of the 

media (magazines, TV and Internet) make consumers more 

conscious about the latest fashion trends and prices, so they are 

better informed to make a choice than before. 

Especially the men’s wear market is very dynamic due to an 

increasing number of fashion-conscious men. Spin-offs from adult 

brands and extensive marketing led to good results in children’s 

and teenage clothing from trendy brands and sports labels. 

However, the market for children’s outerwear has been negatively 

affected by the declining birth rate. Babies’ wear and small sizes 

in children clothes are decreasing, due to the popularity of second 

hand clothes and by receiving used clothes from friends and 


family. The German population is becoming oversized, so that 

demand for clothes for the full figured man or woman is high and 

increasing. Many companies started collections for larger sized 

clothing. 


Figure 3 shows that the major population segment by age group is 

between 40 and 44 years of age (approximately 7.5 million – male 

and female), followed by those in the 35-39 bracket (approximately 

7 million people). In other words, Germans in their early forties 

represent the largest target group (in numbers only). 

The younger generation under 25 is comparatively small, e.g. the 

age group between 20 and 24 represents only approx. 4.5 million 

Germans (5.5% of the whole population). The smallest potential 

‘target group’, apart from those over 70, is the segment under 10 

years of age. The consequences of this for clothing manufacturers 

from foreign countries are evident. 

Figure 3: Age structure of German population by gender, 2008 

32 


10 0 + 

9 5 - 9 9 

9 0 - 9 4 

8 5 - 9 0 

8 0 - 8 5 

75 -79 

70 -74 

6 5 - 6 9 

6 0 - 6 4 

5 5 - 59 

50 - 5 4 

4 5 - 49 

4 0 - 4 4 

3 5 - 3 9 

3 0 - 3 4 

25 -29 

20 -24 

15 -19 

10 -14 

5 - 9 

0 - 4 

male female 

4,0 3,5 3,0 2,5 2,0 1,5 1,0 0,5 0,0 0,0 0,5 1,0 1,5 2,0 2,5 3,0 3,5 4,0 



The size and age structure of the population is one of the basic 

determinants of how much will be spent on outerwear. 

The German population is decreasing at a very slow pace from 

82.5 million in 2003 to 82.3 million in 2007 and 82.0 million end of 

2008. It is projected to decrease to 81.2 million by 2015. 

The following positive trends influence the market for outerwear: 

The older people amongst the aging population tend to spend 

more on comfortable clothing, while outdoor activities are 

becoming more and more popular among an important number of 

active seniors. 

Younger consumers are becoming more and more interested in 

fashion trends. 

The following negative trends influence the market for outerwear: 

The German birth rate is projected to decrease over the next 

years; this will affect the growth of the babies’ wear market.


Table 18 shows that the overall outerwear turnover increased 

by 4.1% from 2007 to the 1st quarter 2009. This is a good result 

compared to the high downturn of -13.4% between 2002 and the 

1st quarter 2005. 

The total turnover for men’s wear (6.1%) performed by 1% better 

than women’s wear (5.1%). Children’s wear decreased by 1% 

in total turnover; this reflects the declining birth-rate and the 

popularity of second hand clothes and used clothes received from 

friends and family. 

There are several ways of segmenting the clothing market. Table 

18 provides an overview of the turnover development in the major 

product segments, in percentages, covering the main items of 

women’s, men’s and children’s outerwear analysed by this survey. 

Table 18: Outerwear turnover development in % by gender and 

product categories 

2007 2008 1st Q. 

2009 

Women’s wear 3 1 1 

coats -4 0 -7 

suits -4 2 -5 

jackets/blazers -1 1 4 

dresses 12 3 7 

skirts -6 -22 -10 

trousers 3 -1 -2 

Jeans wear 3 5 4 

blouses 10 -2 -3 

Men’s wear 3 2 1 

coats 3 2 -1 

suits 2 2 2 

blazers 5 -5 -6 

jackets 5 5 3 

trousers 3 -2 -4 

Jeans wear 6 3 3 

Children’s wear 2 -1 -2 

Textiles total 2 1 1 

Source: BTE Cologne, 2009 


The latest observations on consumer behaviour based on market 

research for this marketing handbook show that consumer of 

2009: 

• react very noticeably to economic changes and moods 

• tend to buy less since all wardrobes are full and basic needs can 

be fulfilled less expensively 

• are highly sensitive to price the former belief that ‘cheap things’ 

are bad and expensive is good, no longer applies 

• show a clear trend towards shopping at textile discounters 

• Significant fashion impulse does not exist any more. If everything 

is acceptable, then so does the outfit from last year. 


There have been tremendous shifts in consumer preferences with 

regard to the most popular shops in recent years. Market leaders 

confirm that this development corresponds directly to more unpredictable 

consumer buying patterns towards much cheaper goods, 

closer to the actual demand (not in advance) and in shops with 

more ‘event character’. 

A survey of the clothing market segment shows that many Germans 

buy from clothing multiples (31%). Department stores lost 

1% compared to 2004 to 11% in 2007 are has been overtook by 

home shopping companies (13%). 

Table 19 shows the trends in various retail channels between 2003 

and 2007. Compared to its 28% market share in 2000, independent 

retailers constantly continue loosing market share from 2003 

to 2007. 

Table 19: Clothing retail channels by market share [%] 

2003 2005 2007 



Clothing multiples* 29 30 31 


Department/variety stores 13 12 11 



Sports stores 4 5 5 

Other 10 10 10 

Total 100 100 100 

Source: CBI and BTE – Note: *including discounters 


Following the 2008 communication analysis report published by the 

Brigitte magazine, the 5 most preferred clothing retailers among all 

female consumers between the ages of 14 and 64 years are; 

1) C&A 

2) H&M 

3) Galeria Kaufhof 

4) Karstadt 

5) Esprit 

Looking at consumer patterns, market research by Intermedia 

in 2009 on behalf of Burda Verlag, Hamburg shows interesting 

results, summarised in Table 20. The key fact is that 22.7 % of women 

are interested in the latest fashion trends and 19.4 % of men 

have the same interest. 

Table 20: Consumer patterns with regard to interest in fashion, 

purchase timing, brand awareness and bargains by gender, 

2009 [%] 

Women Men 

Interest in fashion 

I am interested 

in the latest fashion trends 

22.7 19.4 

I often talk about fashion 

Purchase timing 

17.9 13.8 

I often buy fashion 

at the beginning of the season, 

when the new range comes 

into the shops 

10.4 11.2 

I often buy fashion at 

the end of the season, 

when prices have already been 

reduced in many places 

Brand Awareness and Bargains 

43.5 39.8 

I am very concerned about 

buying the right vvvbrand 

13.7 15.9 

I often buy special offers 51.1 45.2 

Source: Typologie der Wünsche, Intermedia-Burda, 2009 

34 


3.2.5.2 Consumer expenditure 

The private household consumption increased by 0.3% to € 1’341 

billion in 2009. 

The latest detailed analysis of expenditure structures of German 

households by the German Federal Statistical Office in 2009 

shows that out of € 100, € 4.40 was spent on clothing. Single 

males have a relatively higher disposable income but save most 

on textiles and clothing. Couples with kids spend the most on 

textiles. The self-employed and employees tend to spend the most 

on clothing. 

Table 22 gives an overview of the share of the clothing segments 

in German household expenditure. A general tendency is for consumers 

to spend less on clothing, especially since the beginning 

of 2002 and the introduction of the Euro. Also a large part of their 

income is spent on electronic devices, services, travel, education, 

fitness / health and rent for housing. 

A different analysis of consumer expenditure by the CBI in 2009 

showed that the per capita consumption for clothing amounted to 

€ 611 per year. Table 21 shows the annual consumption in different 

product groups. A clear fact is that the per capita consumption 

has decreased in value in recent years, as the turnover in the 

clothing market has reduced, whilst the population has increased. 

Table 21: Expenditures on outerwear per capita for outerwear, 

2009 [€/year] 

Total (average) 

of which: 

611 

Women’s outerwear 786 

Men’s outerwear 425 

Children’s outerwear 623 

Source: Gherzi estimation, CBI 2009 

The share of clothing expenditure in all household expenses has 

permanently fallen. According to Table 22, published by the BTE 

(German Association of Textile Retailers), German consumers 

only spend in 2008 an average of 4.4 % of their purchases on 

fashion. Back in 1997 German households used to spend 5.8 % of 

their disposable income on clothing.

Table 22: Household spending on clothing [% of total spending] 

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

4.82 4.61 4.42 4.42 4.43 4.43 4.39 

Source: German Federal Statistical Office 

Table 23: Average retail prices by product categories 

2004 2008 CAGR 

2004-2008* 

Suit 312 349 2.84% 

Coat 216 246 3.30% 

Sports jacket 134 174 6.75% 

Trousers (classic) 89 110 5.44% 

Trousers (leisure) 73 90 5.37% 

Jeans 76 84 2.53% 

Sweatshirt 71 79 2.71% 

Jacket 145 201 8.51% 

Leather jacket 323 350 2.03% 

Shirt 44 50 3.25% 

Polo shirt 28 33 4.19% 

Tie 30 37 5.38% 

Source: BTE Cologne 2009 – Note: *Compound Annual Growth Rate 

3.2.6 Price developments of clothing 

Between 2007 and the first half of 2009, the prices for all product 

segments in the clothing sector have increased in a lower percentage 

as the total cost of living. For more details, see Table 24 

Table 24: Clothing price index relative to national consumer price 

index (2007-2009). 

Index: 2005 = 100 2007 2008 1st half 2009 

Price index clothing 100.7 101.4 102.8 

Price index total cost of living 103.9 106.6 107.7 

Source: BTE Cologne 2009 – Note: Based on all private households in Germany 

3.3 Imports. 


Table 25 gives an overview of import volume in terms of value and 

volume of the respective product groups into Germany. The value 

of total imports has grown by only 1.7% from 2006 to 2008. Total 

extra European imports grew by 7.5% in the same time period. 

The total European import share fell from 36.4% in 2006 to 32.8% 

in 2008. 

In general, imports from non EU countries have increased in most 

product segments, thus indicating more sales opportunities for 

manufacturers abroad (including, to a large extent, developing 

countries). 

The two main knitted product groups imported where t-shirts, 

singlet (61.09) and jersey, pullovers, etc. (61.10). From 2006 to 

2008 the 61.09 product group had a slight decline of 2.1% and 

61.10 had only an insignificant growth of under 1%. Men shirt 

(61.05) and women suits (61.04) had the highest growth with 

28.3% (61.05) and 31.4% (61.04) from 2006 to 2008. The share of 

European imports of knitted outerwear fell from 32.7% in 2006 to 

30.6% in 2008. 


Table 25: Imports of knitted outerwear by gender and product categories, 2006-2008 

36 


2006 2007 2008 

Tons 1‘000 € Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € 


Coats, raincoats, anoraks 

etc. (61.01) 

1‘861 41‘746 2’276 44’170 2’477 43’823 


shorts etc. (61.03) 

7’545 89’433 9’829 93’195 10’455 84’631 

Shirts (61.05) 18’141 303’649 22’926 368’153 24’658 389’701 

Sub Total 27’546 434’828 35’031 505’518 37’590 518’155 



21’425 274’296 28’914 331’538 32’643 365’237 

Coats, raincoats, anoraks 

etc. (61.02) 

12’165 193’524 12’519 198’127 15’943 243’406 


dresses, skirts etc. 

(61.04) 

40’970 614’055 56’711 793’274 61’496 806’679 


Sub Total 70’808 1’210’158 90’204 1’454’400 99’135 1’519’275 



56’869 796’621 75’257 974’985 86’395 1’082’953 

T-shirts, singlets etc. 

(61.09) 

172’574 2’560’691 180’682 2’708’509 169’890 2’505’292 

Jersey, pullovers, cardigans, 

waistcoats, etc. 

(61.10) 

158’491 2’870’355 143’219 2’660’808 157’014 2’880’060 



etc. (61.13) 

7’545 89’433 9’829 93’195 10’455 84’631 

Gloves, mittens and mitts 

(61.16) 

12’135 122’208 14’824 134’804 16’540 146’418 

Other made-up clothing 

accessories (61.17) 

6’992 113’302 6’974 107’826 7’230 112’015 

Sub Total 372’238 5’959’386 371’304 5’918’945 376’967 5’946’124 



292’830 4’077’694 290’031 3’991’723 302’779 4’166’553 

Track suits, ski suits and 

swimwear (61.12) 

12’356 225’973 12’916 239’550 11’573 225’180 


sporting or other 

purposes (61.14) 

6’163 152’003 7’676 169’399 7’886 169’746 

Sub Total 18’519 377’976 20’593 408’949 19’459 394’926 


TOTAL 489’111 7’982’349 517’132 8’287’811 533’151 8’378’480 

TOTAL EXTRA EU 


385’065 5’375’273 409’616 5’539’830 436’060 5’835’073

As shown in table 26 the two main woven product groups imported 

where suits, jackets, etc. for women (62.04) and suits, jackets 

etc. for men (62.03). From 2006 to 2008 the 62.04 product group 

had a value decline of 12.1% and 62.03 had an increase of 4.8%. 

Shawls, scarves, etc. (62.14) and coats, anoraks, etc. for women 


(62.02) had the highest growth with 22.2% (62.14) and 13.9% 

(62.14) from 2006 to 2008. The share of European imports of 

woven outerwear fell from 39.2% in 2006 to 34.7% in 2008. Total 

imports of woven outerwear fell by 0.7% in the same time period 

2006 2007 2008 

Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € 



Suits, jackets, outfits, trousers, shorts, etc. 

(62.03) 

148’688 2’836’842 159’554 2’946’346 160’250 2’973’935 

Shirts (62.05) 42’370 812’348 47’678 847’702 43’024 807’638 

Sub Total 225’634 4’236’464 246’440 4’400’261 242’931 4’396’412 



166’946 2’409’221 192’041 2’660’920 198’140 2’836’084 

Coats, anoraks, windcheaters, etc. (62.02) 56’211 923’077 62’019 961’399 62’025 1’050’988 

Suits, jackets, dresses, skirts, trousers, etc 

(62.04) 

159’685 3’463’442 159’769 3’442’706 143’015 3’042’514 


Sub Total 239’189 5’127’510 247’708 5’222’995 229’488 4’894’026 



183’328 3’209’334 196’706 3’314’724 184’732 3’188’785 




Ties, bow ties and cravats (62.15) 1’180 57’726 1’335 62’186 1’434 59’693 


Other made-up clothing accessoires (62.17) 4’460 61’754 4’533 64’155 3’878 54’455 

Sub Total 49’863 769’348 50’727 759’976 50’113 776’054 



39’177 526’678 40’693 518’993 40’649 538’155 


Sub Total 25’245 366’869 25’960 375’094 24’845 355’702 


TOTAL 539’931 10’500’192 570’834 10’758’326 547’377 10’422’194 

TOTAL EXTRA EU 409’242 6’382’769 450’577 6’742’024 444’186 6’804’126 



3.3.2 Outward Processing Trade (OPT) 

A brief analysis of the OPT imports of outerwear into Germany 

shows that most of the top 20 OPT countries decreased OPT with 

Germany in 2008. Overall OPT decreased by 35% from year 2006 

to 2008. 

Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Bosnia-Herzegovina have increased their 

OPT activities with Germany by 59%, 53% and 43% respectively 

from 2006 to 2008. 

Table 27: Largest supplying countries of OPT outerwear, 2006-2008 


38 

Position Country 2006 [‘000 €] Change 

from 2006 



Table 28 shows the imports of finished products from major 

supplying countries into Germany between 2006 and 2008. 

Germany’s main import partners are China followed by Turkey and 

Bangladesh. The three leading supplying countries represent 46% 

of all clothing imports in 2008. Not less than 67% of all imports 

originate from non-EU countries. 

Extra European imports by Germany increased by 7.5% from 

2006 to 2008. Taking a closer look to the largest extra EU 

supplying countries of outerwear (Table 28), the ‘winners’ in terms 

of sales increases from 2006 to 2008 are China (+43%), Egypt 

(+39%) and Switzerland (+31%). The ‘losers’ are Hong Kong 

(-73%), Cambodia (-26%) and Myanmar (-25%) 

2007 [‘000 €] Change 

from 2007 

2008 [‘000 €] 

1 Macedonia 115’634 20% 138’538 7% 148’863 

2 Ukraine 185’669 -14% 160’464 -10% 144’647 

3 Vietnam 25’579 14% 29’129 35% 39’250 

4 China 33’157 24% 41’214 -5% 39’028 

5 Tunisia 37’956 8% 41’025 -8% 37’576 

6 Hong Kong 32’643 22% 39’778 -7% 37’058 

7 Bosnia-Herz. 25’127 35% 33’875 6% 35’891 

8 Croatia 25’713 14% 29’195 13% 32’955 

9 Indonesia 17’571 26% 22’223 3% 22’929 

10 Moldova 24’421 7% 26’108 -17% 21’607 

11 Serbia 20’065 33% 26’716 -31% 18’516 

12 Sri Lanka 8’786 36% 11’924 17% 14’000 

13 Morocco 16’176 0% 16’164 -18% 13’242 

14 Belarus 20’517 -43% 11’768 -13% 10’233 

15 Thailand 8’703 25% 10’847 -16% 9’129 

16 Philippines 8’470 5% 8’912 -3% 8’661 

17 Myanmar 10’085 -16% 8’428 -15% 7’145 

18 Albania 5’690 -4% 5’479 5% 5’726 

19 Russia 16’189 -54% 7’496 -25% 5’626 

20 Colombia 5’189 -33% 3’481 -4% 3’358 

Total 2’052’996 -33% 1’367’722 -3% 1’333’493

Table 28: Largest extra EU supplying countries of outerwear, 

2006-2008 


from 2006 

2007 [‘000 €] Change 

from 2007 

2008 [‘000 

€] 

1 China 3’531’488 21% 4’277’658 18% 5’052’168 

2 Turkey 2’266’329 6% 2’406’256 -10% 2’164’774 

3 Bangladesh 1’322’747 -5% 1’252’179 10% 1’382’857 

4 India 636’947 -1% 629’546 7% 676’051 

5 Indonesia 379’466 -8% 350’770 9% 382’068 

6 Vietnam 286’205 12% 320’795 4% 332’125 

7 Tunisia 263’559 14% 300’974 5% 316’015 

8 Macedonia 250’020 13% 281’857 1% 283’411 

9 Pakistan 188’163 2% 191’213 -5% 182’072 

10 Hong Kong 649’736 -39% 396’867 -55% 178’285 

11 Cambodia 239’220 -28% 173’271 2% 176’215 

12 Ukraine 193’167 -14% 166’724 -8% 153’661 

13 Switzerland 117’102 43% 167’025 -8% 153’373 

14 Thailand 140’748 -16% 118’085 1% 119’368 

15 Morocco 125’567 1% 126’818 -16% 106’876 

16 Sri Lanka 82’690 17% 96’539 10% 106’336 

17 Egypt 68’938 6% 73’048 31% 95’506 

18 Croatia 103’687 2% 105’975 -12% 93’526 

19 Bosnia and Herzegovina 59’305 8% 64’257 5% 67’460 

20 Myanmar 82’290 -16% 68’844 -11% 61’389 


Extra-EU 27 11’735’915 4% 12’259’693 3% 12’616’660 

Intra-EU 27 6’666’593 1% 6’702’980 -9% 6’105’096 

Total 18’402’508 3% 18’962’673 -1% 18’721’757 

European imports by Germany decreased by 8.4% from 2006 

to 2008. Taking a closer look to the largest intra EU supplying 

countries of outerwear (Table 29), the ‘winners’ in terms of sales 

increases from 2006 to 2008 are Poland (+34%), France (+13%) 

and Belgium (+7%). The ‘losers’ are Romania (-33%), Bulgaria 

(-19%) and Italy (-15%). 



40 


from 2006 


2007 [‘000 €] Change 

from 2007 

2008 [‘000 €] 

1 Netherlands 977’171 10% 1’075’327 -16% 902’396 

2 Italy 968’719 -4% 934’172 -12% 824’799 

3 Poland 451’965 4% 469’121 29% 606’172 

4 Romania 845’030 -24% 641’298 -12% 563’918 

5 Belgium 375’729 6% 398’439 0% 400’277 

6 Denmark 420’293 2% 428’398 -8% 394’474 

7 France 327’427 24% 406’936 -9% 369’416 

8 Bulgaria 404’017 -12% 355’342 -8% 325’439 

9 United Kingdom 320’485 2% 327’902 -4% 315’168 

10 Austria 259’514 10% 285’428 -13% 247’062 

Intra EU 27 6’666’593 1% 6’702’980 -9% 6’105’096 

Extra EU 27 11’735’915 4% 12’259’693 3% 12’616’660 

Total 18’402’508 3% 18’962’673 -1% 18’721’757 




Table 30: The most important foreign-owned clothing retailers 

in Germany 

Retailer Country 

of origin 

Hennes & Mauritz Sweden 340 

Vögele Switzerland 326 

Miss Etam France 81 

Orsay (Mulliez Group) Germany (France) 260 

Pimkie (Mulliez Group) Germany (France) 170 

Benetton Italy 212 

Zara (Inditex) Spain 65 

Mango Spain 52 

M&S Mode Netherlands 62 

Arsana Turkey 230 

Zeeman Netherlands 245 

Source: Gherzi analysis, CBI 

Number of 

stores in 

Germany 

20 companies accounted for 50% of the German retail-clothing 

and textile market. 

The major developments in the German clothing retail structure 

are as follows: 

Market shares of specialised clothing multiples, textile discounters 

and non-specialists like hyper-, supermarkets, discounters, variety 

stores and also the coffee shop chain Tchibo, have increased in 

the outerwear sector. This has negatively affected specialized 

independents and department stores. 

According to BTE, the total number of German outlets with clothing 

in their assortment is 45’000. The number of independent clothing 

stores is estimated at 26’500, of which 7’000 are specialised in 

women’s wear, 2’000 in men’s wear, 15’000 have a broader range 

and the remaining part is specialised in another product group. 

Around 40% of the independent retailers are member of a buying 

corporation. In no other European country, with the exception 

of the Netherlands, do the buying organisations also act as 

independent retailers as they do in Germany. The most important 

buying corporations are Ardek (http://www.ardek.de) which 

specializes in babies’ and children's products including clothing 

and has 350 members with 500 outlets; and Katag-abz (http://

www.katag.net) which operates through 364 members with 1’200 

outlets. Other buying groups are Unitex (http://www.unitex-gmbh. 

de) with 500 members; Sütegro (http://www.suetegro.de) which 

has 130 members and is specialized in women’s wear. Sütegro 

became the fashion and style division of the EK-Service group. 

Most of the sport shops are organisations of independent retailers, 

many of them being organised in (international) co-operations like 

Intersport (1’462 outlets; http://www.intersport.com) and Sport 

2000 (770 members with 1’130 outlets; http://www.sport2000.de). 

Table 31 gives an overview of the important German chains, 

operating in Germany. Some remarks regarding this overview: 

• Orsay is owned by the French Muliez Group. Since the with 

drawal of Orsay from the French market, this company can be 

considered as German-based. 

• Since 1997, the European part of the Esprit business was 

acquired by the Hong Kong division of Esprit Holding. 

Headquarters of Esprit Europe is established in Germany, from 

which the wholesale and retail activities are managed. 

• The number of children’s wear chains and men’s wear chains is 

very limited in Germany. 

• Leading clothing multiple C&A sells clothing for the whole family 

and operates mainly in the middle of the market, but is also 

active in both the upper and the lower price brackets. Other 

C&A formula are Kids Stores and Women Stores (mostly active 

in Germany). The market share of C&A came under pressure, 

besides increasing competition from non-specialists, since the 

entrance and strong expansion of foreign general clothing chains 

like Hennes & Mauritz, Vögele and Zara. 

Table 31: Major German-based chains selling outerwear 

(2008/2009) 

Retail chain 

General 

Parent company Number of 

stores in 

Germany 

C&A C&A 303 

P&C P&C West and P&C Nord 88 

Sinn Leffers WHG 24 

Wöhrl Wöhrl 40 

K+L Ruppert K+L Ruppert 61 

Strauss Innovation Strauss Innovation 98 

Esprit 

Women 

Esprit Europe 140 

Bonita Mode Bonita Group 732 

Ulla Popken Popken Group 186 

Women Store C&A 17 

Orsay 

Men 

Mulliez Group (France) 260 

Pohland Pohland 12 

NIC 

Children 

Bonita Group 60 

Kids Stores 

Leisure 

C&A 105 

New Yorker Friedrich Knapp 299 

Mister Lady Western Store Beran 204 

Jeans Fritz 

Sports 

Schaeffer-Kuehn 191 

Runners Point 

Discounters 

Hannover Finanz 102 

Ernsting’s Family Ernsting Familie 1’350 

Takko Takko Holding 841 

KiK Tengelmann-Gruppe 2’039 

Adler Metro Group 107 

NKD Daun & Cie. 1’000 

Source: CBI 


Textile discounters sell family clothing, sportswear, body wear 

and household textiles, but sometimes also other product groups. 

They buy in large quantities and avoid middlemen, in order to get 

low-priced goods in the shops quickly. All discounters mentioned 

increased strongly in turnover and in number of outlets in recent 

years; they compete, among others, with the Dutch discount chain 

Zeeman (239 stores in Germany). 

Table 32: Other outerwear selling branches in Germany 

Retail chain 

Food discounters 

Web site Number of stores in Germany 

Aldi Nord www.aldi-essen.de 2’500 

Aldi Süd www.aldi-sued.de 1’700 

Lidl www.lidl.de 2’950 

Netto www.netto-online.de 1’442 

Penny www.penny.de 2’000 

Plus 

Super- and hypermarkets 

www.plus.de 2’950 

Real www.metrogroup.de 343 

Kaufland/Kaufmarkt www.kaufland.de 750 

Tengelmann www.tengelmann.de 3’379 

Edeka (Spar, Netto, etc.) 

Non-specialized stores 

www.edeka.de 12’000 

Metro C+C www.metro-cc.de 122 

Fegro / Selgros www.fegro-selgros.de 44 

Tchibo www.tchibo.com 900 

Source: CBI 

According to CBI the actual trends are as follows: 

• Market conditions have become more difficult and the 

competitive pressure is increasing. This is due to the expansion 

of powerful foreign companies in the German market and 

market activities by companies from outside the clothing sector. 

On the other side, many German retail chains have expanded 

their activities abroad. 

• The non-food offer in the grocery sector is increasing in 

Germany. The hypermarket format, with its strong non-food 

component, plays an increasingly important role. However, 

it should be noted that these companies operate more in 

low-priced incidental offers than in a fixed/permanent outerwear 

assortment. 

42 


Many textiles, including knitted and woven outerwear, can increasingly 

be found in food discounters, super- and hypermarkets. 

• Ongoing expansion by many of the leading chains to develop 

smaller store formats, so as to create a more specialised 

boutique character (for instance H&M, C&A and Zara). 

• Stronger ranges of complementary accessories and footwear. 

• Clothing specialised multiples have been the largest exponents 

of the fast-fashion phenomenon, which has encouraged more 

frequent purchasing.


Table 33 gives an excellent overview of the structure and the 

development of the largest German textile retailers. This analysis 

was carried out by the renowned trade magazine Textilwirtschaft/ 

Frankfurt on an annual basis 

Table 33: Major German textile retailers 2008 / 2007 

Position Retailer Chain Turnover 2008 [mn €] Turnover 2007 [mn €] Change [%] 

1 Arcandor 4’116 4’170 -1.3% 

2 Otto 3’480 3’406 2.2% 

3 C&A 2’954 2’933 0.7% 

4 Metro 2’539 3’077 -17.5% 

5 H&M 2’476 2’395 3.4% 

6 Tengelmann 1’568 1’498 4.7% 

7 P&C, Düsseldorf 1’343 1’351 -0.6% 

8 Aldi-Gruppe 1’071 1’100 -2.6% 

9 Lidl 1’029 1’050 -2.0% 

10 Tchibo 931 1’023 -9.0% 

11 Esprit 800 740 8.1% 

12 Ersting’s Family 676 550 22.9% 

13 New Yorker 622 603 3.2% 

14 Takko 560 566 -1.1% 

15 Klingel 525 536 -2.1% 

16 NKD 498 498 0.0% 

17 Adler 464 515 -9.9% 

18 Bonita 443 428 3.5% 

19 Sinn Leffers 430 474 -9.3% 

20 P&C, Hamburg 420 420 0.0% 

Source: Textilwirtschaft 



The structure of the textile / clothing retail market can also be split 

into two major groups: “specialised retailers” and “larger forms of 

textile retail”. For more details, see Table 34. 

Table 34: Textile and clothing retail channels by market share, 

2006 - 2008 

Retail channel 2006 2007 2008 

General clothing retail 38.0 39.3 39.5 

Men clothing retail 2.6 2.6 2.7 

Women clothing retail 7.6 7.6 7.6 

Children clothing retail 0.5 0.6 0.5 

Others 0.2 0.2 0.2 

Total general clothing retail 48.9 50.3 50.5 

Dowry, bedding 2.2 2.2 2.3 

Carpet, drape 3.2 3.2 3.2 

Other 0.8 0.8 0.7 

Total general textile retail 6.2 6.2 6.2 

Total textile and clothing 

specialised retail 

55.1 56.5 56.7 

Department stores 12.2 11.9 11.7 

Sports shops 2.5 2.5 2.6 

Home shopping companies 13.5 12.8 12.9 

Super- and Hypermarkets 13.7 13.4 13.1 

Other 3.0 2.9 3.0 

Total non textile or clothing 

specialised retail 

44.9 43.5 43.3 

Grand Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 

Source: BTE 

44 



3.4.3.1.1 General clothing retail 

Independent retailers do not usually buy directly from developing 

countries. With approximately 43'000 textile and clothing shops 

all over Germany, they still play an important role in the market. A 

high percentage of the retailers are members of buying associations 

that takes over certain functions from the members such as 

purchasing, marketing, logistics etc. 

The most important department stores are C&A (435)*, H&M 

(339)*, P&C West and Anson’s Menswear (88)* and P&C North 

(25)*, Sinn Leffers (47)*, K+L Ruppert (65)*, C. Vögele (326)* and 

Wöhrl (36)*. New Yorker with 302 outlets is the largest jeans and 

sportswear chain. The major women's wear multiples are BiBa 

(250)* and Appelrath_ Cüpper (14)*, part of the Douglas Group, 

Orsay from France (242)*, Bonita (800)* and Ulla Popken for large 

sizes (187)*. Menswear multiples are NIC (41)* (owned by Bonita) 

and Pohland (8)*. 

* number of outlets 

Market share: 48.9% in 2008 

Trend: Slightly increasing (2006 = 50.5%) 

3.4.3.1.2 Department stores 

The major department stores are Karstadt with 120 outlets (since 

1st December 2009 in chapter 11) and Galleria Kaufhof with 113 

stores, belonging to the Metro group. Galleria Kaufhof's turnover 

declined constantly from € 3.6 bn in 2006 to € 3.5 bn in 2008. 

Another example is Woolworth with 161 outlets. 


Trend: Slightly decreasing (2006 = 12.2%) 

3.4.3.1.3 Sport shops 

The turnover of clothing in sports shops is influenced by the unpredictable 

weather, shorter product life cycles, consumer behaviour 

and continued cost and price pressures. In recent years sports 

shops have developed themselves from pure or predominant providers 

of winter clothing towards providers with a large range of for 

all weather gears, with emphasis on outdoor and lifestyle. 


Trend: Slightly increasing (2006 = 2.5%)


Quelle, one of the leading home shopping companies filed chapter 

11 in 2009. The Otto Group (another leading home shopping company) 

bought the Quelle brand. This deal still has to be approved 

by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). 

53.3% of the total home shopping turnover in 2009 was generated 

by internet sales. 



3.4.3.1.5 Super- and hypermarkets 

The main super- and hypermarkets selling clothing are: Metro, 

Aldi, Edeka, Tengelmann, Rewe, Lidl, Tchibo, and Globus. The 

clothing sold in those markets is mainly restricted to clothing 

accessories such as socks, caps, scarves and so on, but increasingly 

includes T-shirts, shirts, jeans etc. Aldi and Lidl in particular 

offer more and more fashion products alongside their food- and 

non-food assortment. 



3.4.3.1.6 Others (FOC) 

Factory Outlet Centres are becoming very popular in Germany. 

So far 11 FOCs have been built with a total surface of 120'000 

m2. Further 11 FOC's with a total surface of about 120'000 m2 will 

soon be built. 



Manufacturing companies play a pivotal role in the clothing 

distribution system in Germany. Most of the German clothing 

brands work in a dual way: On the one hand they buy directly from 

developing countries in the Far and Middle East on a full import 

basis (finished products). On the other hand, Germany is by far 

the largest European buyer of clothing on outsourcing basis (OPT 

business). Due to its proximity to Eastern European countries, 

Germany was the ‘pioneer’ country in outsourcing production in 

the neighbouring countries to the East. The clothing industry has 

been shrinking since the beginning of the nineties, to the point 

where now only the ‘fittest’ have survived. Larger companies such 

as TOM TAILOR, CARLO COLUCCI, S. OLIVER, STREET ONE 

and so on (also) sell through their own outlets. These brands are 

normally positioned in the mid- to upper market segment. The 

tendency towards self-retailing by clothing brands/manufacturers 

has increased and taken on different forms such as concessions, 

shop-within- the-shop, sales corners in department stores and 

own mono-brand shops. 


55% of all independent clothing retailers in Germany are members 

of a buying association. These figures underline the significant role 

of buying associations for the majority of specialised independent 

retailers. The buying policy is similar to that of multiple stores (buying 

directly or through buying agents abroad). They operate in the 

mid- to upper market segment. The leading associations are Katag 

/ abz in Bielefeld and Unitex in Neu-Ulm. Some, such as Ardek 

in Hofheim / Wallau specialise in children's wear, or Intersport in 

Munich specialising in active sports- and hardware. The German 

buying associations also have members from the Netherlands, 

Belgium, Austria and Switzerland. 

3.4.3.2.3 Sales agents 

Sales agents for clothing in Germany play a major role in the 

market, especially for the renowned clothing brands. The more 

reputable agents are members of the Central Association of German 

Sales Agents (CDH) in Cologne. They often have their own 

showrooms in fashion centres of major German cities such as 

Neuss / Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich and so on. Only 

strong manufacturers from non- European countries with a market 

oriented range and an excellent service might find the right partner 

in the CDH News published monthly. 

3.4.3.2.4 Importers / wholesalers 

It is estimated that there are over 1'000 importers / wholesalers 

for clothing in Germany. They range from very small units run by 

the owner, up to larger companies with more than 100 employees 

worldwide such as Miles, Jebsen & Jessen, Nickel etc. They often 

operate through their buying offices in the Far East, which take 

over the order and control function on the ‘sourcing spot’. The 

importers / wholesalers have an important role, they have excellent 

know-how about worldwide sourcing and supply directly to all 

kinds of retailers in Germany and the neighbouring countries. The 

most reputable importers are members of the Association of nonfood 

importers (VFI) in Hamburg. 


3.5 German fashion trade fairs. 

For women's wear, the main event not only for Europe but also 

worldwide is the CPD Fashion Fair in Düsseldorf, which is organised 

twice per year (February and July) by the IGEDO company. 

Approximately 44'000 visitors and around 1'500 international 

exhibitors attend per event. The fair organisers have grouped the 

fair in different ‘theme worlds’ (Gallery, Italian Suite, Boutique, 

Concept II, Modern Essentials, Decorate, Special Luxury Women's 

Wear, Special Big is Beautiful). For manufacturers from emerging 

or developing countries the so called ‘Global Fashion’ (a fair within 

the fair) of the CPD in Düsseldorf is generally a good choice, since 

many buyers from Germany, Belgium, Luxemburg, Netherlands 

as well as to a certain extent from Austria and Switzerland tend 

to visit this fair when they look for new suppliers. Leading fashion 

fairs have suffered from the market developments. Nevertheless, 

for ‘mainstream’ fashion manufacturers from developing countries, 

the German clothing fairs are still a very good choice (from a commercial 

point of view). For the active sportswear market (including 

Table 35: German fashion trade fairs 2010 


Spirit of Fashion 20. - 22.01.2010 Berlin 

MMC Kids Collections Kinder Mode Messe 05. - 07.02.2010 Schkeuditz / Leipzig 

Premium Order Düsseldorf 06. - 09.02.2010 Düsseldorf 

ISPO Winter 07. - 10.02.2010 Munich 

CPD incl. Global Fashion 07. - 09.02.2010 Düsseldorf 

MMC Mitteldeutsche Mode Messe 13. - 15.02.2010 Schkeuditz / Leipzig 

MMC Fashion Update 07. - 09.03.2010 Schkeuditz / Leipzig 

Sport Source Europe 07. - 10.02.2010 Munich 

Premium Order München 26. - 01.03.2010 Munich 

Munich Fashion Women 26. - 01.03.2010 Munich 

In Fashion Munich 26. - 01.03.2010 Munich 

Modatex Fashion Fair 03. - 06.07.2010 Essen 

Bread and Butter 07. - 09.07.2010 Berlin 

MMC Fashion Start 11. - 13.07.2010 Schkeuditz / Leipzig 

CPD incl. Global Fashion 25. - 27.07.2010 Düsseldorf 

MMC Kids Collections 30. - 01.08.2010 Schkeuditz / Leipzig 

MMC Mitteldeutsche Mode Messe 07. - 09.08.2010 Schkeuditz / Leipzig 

MMC Fashion Update 05. - 07.09.2010 Schkeuditz / Leipzig 

Kind + Jugend, Internationale Kinder- und Jugend- Messe 16. - 19.09.2010 Köln 

Import Shop Berlin 10. - 14.11.2010 Berlin 

Imotex Open all year Neuss 

Source: AUMA 

46 


footwear and sports equipment), which is partially covered by the 

products specified for this study, the ISPO Fair in Munich plays a 

leading role for Germany and Europe. Approximately 1'600 exhibitors 

from more than 40 countries show their products in February 

and July each year. There have been tremendous changes and 

challenges for the German textile and clothing fairs since 2000 

and this trend can be expected to continue in the next few years. 

The shift in the ‘classical’ menswear segment from Cologne to 

Düsseldorf was the initial factor. Some two years back many reputed 

jeans and sportswear brands moved to the ‘Bread and Butter’ 

in Berlin. The fair organisers are permanently working on developing 

the fair structure and services: the idea being that the visitor 

should have the most efficient and convenient way to become 

informed about fashion trends and to buy the clothing they require. 

In most clothing segments, from a commercial point of view, the 

German fairs still have the leading position within Europe although 

some other fairs (particularly in Italy) have taken over the ‘fashion 

leadership’. Among German retailers, the fairs mentioned above 

are regarded as ‘information platform No. 1’ to a very large extent.

3.6 List of major buyers in Germany. 

Clothing chain stores 

Bonita Gefühl für Mode 

GmbH & Co. KG 

Kesseldorfer Rott 39 

D - 46499 Hamminkeln 

Tel.: +49 – 2852 – 9500 

Fax: +49 – 2852 – 950100 

info@bonita.de 

www.bonita.de 

E. Breuninger GmbH & Co. 

Marktstr. 1 – 3 

D - 70173 Stuttgart 

Tel.: +49 – 711 – 211-0 

Fax: +49 – 711 – 211-3053 

kontakt@breuninger.de 

www.breuninger.de 

C&A Mode KG 

Wanheimer Straße 70 

40468 Düsseldorf 

Tel.: +49 – 211 – 98720 

service@shop-CundA.de 

www.cunda.de 

Appelrath-Cüpper 

Zeppelinstrasse 2 

D - 50667 Köln 

Tel.: +49 – 221 – 20 59 90 

info@appelrath-cuepper.de 

www.appelrath-cuepper.de 

Pohland-Herrenkleidung 

GmbH & Co. KG 

Brückenstraße 17 

D - 50677 Köln 

Tel.: +49 – 221 – 270497 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 221 – 270497 – 39 

info@pohland.de 

www.pohland.de 


Women‘s wear 


Lower to mid level 



Women’s, men’s and 

children’s wear 


Upper level 



Women’s, men’s and 

children’ s wear 





Women’s wear 


Mid to upper level 


Note: belongs to Douglas 

Holding AG 

Product range: Men’s wear 




Note: belongs to Douglas 

Holding AG 

Esprit Europe GmbH 

Esprit-Allee 

D-40882 Ratingen 

Tel.: +49 – 2102 – 123 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 2102 – 123 – 45 

– 100 

info@esprit.com 

www.esprit.com 

Hettlage + Fischer GmbH 

Industriestraße 1 

D - 48644 Coesfeld-Lette 

Tel.: +49 – 2546 9345 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 2546 9345 – 79 

info@hettlage-fischer.com 

www.hettlage-fischer.de 

H&M Hennes & Mauritz 

GmbH 

Spitalerstrasse 12 

D - 20095 Hamburg 

Tel: +49 – 40 – 350 95 50 

www.hm.com 

Orsay GmbH 

Im Lossenfeld 12 

D - 77731 Willstätt-Sand 

Tel.: +49 – 7852 – 910 – 0 

Fax +49 – 7852 – 910 - 909 

info@orsay.com 

www.orsay.com 

Peek & Cloppenburg KG 

Berliner Allee 2 

D - 40212 Düsseldorf 

Tel.: +49 – 211 – 3662 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 211 – 3662 – 697 

dialog@peekundcloppenburg. 

de 

www.peekundcloppenburg.de 

http://b2b.peek-und-cloppenburg.de/ 

Product range: Women’s, 

men’s and children’s wear 


Upper level 


800 directly managed 

retail stores and over 

6,000 wholesale outlets 

worldwide 


Ladies, men’s and 





Product range: Women’s, 

men’s and 


Price segment: Lower level 


Product range: Women’s 

wear 

Price segment: Lower to 

mid level 


Note: belongs to Mulliez 

Group 

Product range: Ladies 

men’s and 

childrenswear 

Price segment: Upper level 




48 

SinnLeffers AG 

Batheyer Str. 115 – 117 

D - 58099 Hagen 

Tel.: +49 – 2331 – 620 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 2331 – 620 – 100 

info@sinnleffers.de 

www.sinnleffers.de 

s.Oliver Bernd Freier GmbH 

& Co. KG 

s.Oliver Straße 1 

D - 97228 Rottendorf 

Tel.: +49 – 93 02 / 3 09 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 93 02 / 3 09 – 473 

info@soliver.de 

onlineshop@soliver.com 

www.soliver.de 

Takko Holding GmbH 

Alfred Krupp Str. 21 

D - 48291 Telgte 

Tel.: +49 – 2504 – 923 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 2504 – 923 – 277 

info@takko.de 

www.takko.de 

Tchibo GmbH 

Überseering 18 


Tel.: +49 – 40 – 6387 – 2876 

Fax: +49 – 40 – 6387 – 2530 

info@tchibo.com 

www.tchibo.de 

Charles Vögele Deutschland 

GmbH 

Zeppelinstrasse 2-8 

72488 Sigmaringen 

Tel.: +49 – 7571 723 0 

Fax +49 – 7571 723 171 

kundendienst.de@charlesvoegele.com 

www.voegele-mode.de 



Ladies men’s and 

childrenswear 





Ladies’, men’s and 

childrenswear 



Number of owned stores: 

155 

Number of stores with 

partners: 370 



Childrenswear 

(and Accessoires, Jewelry) 



920 Germany 

(1’400 worldwide) 



childrenswear 



over 1000 



childrenswear 




Wehmeyer Lifestyle GmbH 

Rotter Bruch 17 

D - 52068 Aachen 

Tel.: +49 – 2 41 / 51 97 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 241 51 97 107 

www.wehmeyer.com 

www.w-lifestyle.de 

kundenbetreuung@ 

wehmeyer.com 

Rudolf Wöhrl AG 

Lina-Amman-Str. 10 

D - 90471 Nürnberg 

Tel.: +49 – 911 – 8121 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 911 – 8121 – 100 

info@woehrl.de 

www.woehrl.de 

Department stores (selection) 

Zara 

Moenckebergstrasse, 10 


Tel.: +49 – 40 3 030 97 28 

Fax: +49 – 40 30 96 22 40 

www.zara.de 

Deutsche Woolworth GmbH 

Lyoner Str. 52 

D - 60528 Frankfurt a.M. 

Tel.: +49 – 69 – 6601 – 1 

Fax +49 – 69 – 6601 – 2399 

info@woolworth.de 

www.woolworth.de 

Metro AG 

Schlüterstraße 1 


Tel.: +49 211 6886 10 51 or 

19 36 

Fax: +49 211 6886 37 59 

kontakt@metro.de 

www.metro-ag.de 

www.metrogroup.de 

www.investorrelations@metro.de 


Ladies’ and menswear 






childrenswear 


Upper level 

(brands mainly) 



Ladies’ and 

menswear 






childrenswear 


Lower level 


161 in Germany 


Ladies’, men’s, 

childrenswear and 

sportswear 




Real/Extra 560, 

Kaufhof 141 in Germany

Department stores (selection) 

Kaufhof Warenhaus AG 

Leonhard-Tietz-Str. 1 

D - 50676 Köln 

Tel.: +49 02 21 223 55 95 

Fax: +49 02 21 223 55 99 

www.galeria-kaufhof.de 

Callcenter Tel: 

+49 01805 17 25 17 

Callcenter Fax: 

+49 01805 17 35 17 

service@galeria-kaufhof.de 

Strauss Innovation GmbH & 

Co. KG 

Raiffeisenstr. 15-18 

D - 40764 Langenfeld 

Tel.: +49 - 2173 - 99 00 01 

Fax +49 - 2173 - 99 23 90 

fragenundantworten@ 

strauss-innovation.de 

gutesundschlechtes@ 

strauss-innovation.de 

www.strauss-innovation.de 

Wal-Mart Germany GmbH & 

Co. KG 

Friedrich-Engels-Allee 28 

D-42103 Wuppertal 

Tel: +49 – 202 – 2829 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 202 – 2829 – 1724 

kontakt@wal-mart.com 

www.walmart.de 



childrenswear 




Note: Belongs to Metro AG 







Ladies’, men’s, childrenswear 

and sportswear 


Lower level (for clothing) 


Clothing manufacturers (importing) 

and wholesalers / importers 

Heinrich Nickel Gmbh & 

Co.Kg 

Wilhelm-Bergner-Str. 10 

D - 21509 Glinde 

Tel.: +49(0)40 7270 241 

Fax: +49(0)40 7270 224 

www.nickel-sportswear.com 

office@nickel-sportswear.com 

APRIORI Textilvertriebs 

GmbH 

Harkortstr. 24 

D - 48163 Münster 

Tel.: +49 (0)251 7135-0 

Fax: +49 (0)251 7135-837 

dialog@apriori-fashion.de 

www.apriori-fashion.de 

ara Shoes AG 

Zur Schlenkhecke 4 

D – 40764 Langenfeld 

Tel.: +49 – 2173 105 0 

Fax: +49 – 2173 105 108 

www.ara-moden.de 

info@ara-shoes.de 

Bay City Textilhandels & 

Co.KG 

An‘n Slagboom 7 

Postfach 3165 

D-22848 Norderstedt 

Tel.: +49 (40) 534 13 300 

Fax: +49 (40) 534 13 301 

baycity@fashioncenter.net 

www.fashioncenter.net/ 

baycity 

www.bay-city.de 

F.W. Brinkmann GmbH 

Waltgeristraße 1-5 

32049 Herford 

Tel: +49 (0) 52 21 / 88 40 

Fax: +49 (0) 52 21 / 88 42 81 

info@bugatti.de 

www.bugatti.de 

Importer of men’s, ladies 

and 

children’s sportswear 

Wholesaler of ladies wear 

Number of owned stores: 

125 

Belongs 100% to: 

PRIMERA GmbH & Co. 

Manufacturer of classic 

women and men shoes 

Over 500 shops worldwide, 

in 2008 sold 7 mn. Shoes 

in over 50 countries 

(CMT business mainly) 

Importer for jeans, casual 

and active sportswear 

founded: 1975 and belongs 

to Schmid Gruppe 

License Contract with 

Unilever (Lable: Langnese) 


men’s and 

sportswear (mainly CMT 

business – 

brand orientated) 

Forecast: 150 new shops 

to be open (average / year: 

15 shops) 


Clothing manufacturers (importing) 

and wholesalers / importers Mail order companies 

50 

Bültel Bekleidungswerke 

GmbH 

Rheiner Str. 28 

D - 48499 Salzbergen 

Tel.: +49 – 5976 – 270 

Fax: +49 – 5976 – 27410 

www.bueltel.com 

info@bueltel.com 

elho Business & Sport Vertriebs 

GmbH 

Bronkhorstr. 56 / 2. Etage 

D – 47137 Duisburg 

Tel.: +49 – 89 – 42091 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 89 – 42091 – 213 

www.elho.de 

otto.schwarz@elho.de 

Frontline GmbH 

Hinüberstraße 4A 

30175 Hannover 

Tel.: +49 – 4105 – 6105 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 4105 – 6105 – 64 

www.frontline.de 

Gardeur GmbH 

Alsstraße 155 

D - 41063 Mönchengladbach 

Tel.: +49 – 2161 – 816 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 2161 – 183833 

www.gardeur.com 

info@gardeur.de 

Hucke AG 

Ravensberger Str. 41 

D - 32312 Lübbecke 

Tel.: +49 – 5741 – 364 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 5741 – 364 – 414 

www.hucke.de 


Manufacturer of men’s 

sportswear 

Founded: 1964 

Manufacturer of active and 

casual 

sportswear (full import and 

CMT) 

Distributor of garments of 

all kinds 


ladies’ and menswear 

specialised in trousers 

(CMT business – brand 

oriented) 

Gardeur GmbH, founded 

in 1920, has recently been 

acquired by HSH Private 

Equity (Hamburg) 

Multi Brand manufacturer 

of ladies’, men’s and 

childrenswear (full import 

and CMT) 

Hucke Fashion GmbH, 

Königsmühle u. R. Overmeyer 

Bekleidungs GmbH 

Alba Moda Gmbh 

Daimlerstr. 13 

D - 32108 Bad Salzuflen 

Tel.: +49 – (0) 180 540 55 

Fax: +49 – (0) 180 540 59 99 

www.albaModa.de 

Baur Versand (GmbH & Co. 

KG) 

Bahnhofstraße 10 

96224 Burgkunstadt 

Tel.: +49 – 0 95 72 - 91 0 

www.baur.de 

service@baur.de 

Bruno Bader Gmbh + Co Kg 

Maximilianstraße 48 

D - 75172 Pforzheim 

Tel.: +49 – 180 – 5 222 111 

Fax: +49 – 180 – 5 222 777 

www.bader.de 

service@bader.de 

Cyrillus Deutschland Gmbh 

Sonneaue 69 

D - 47804 Krefeld 

Tel.: +49 – 180 5 095 095 

Fax: +49 – 180 5 000 955 

www.cyrillus.de 

mailbox2@cyrillus.com 

Heinrich Heine Gmbh 

Windeckstr. 15 

D - 76135 Karlsruhe 

Tel.: +49 – (0) 180 – 536 36 

Fax: +49 – (0) 180 - 5 524 524 

Tel. Kundenbetreuung: 

+49 (0) 180 - 522 66 

www.heine.de 

service@heine.de 

Versandhaus Robert Klingel 

Sachsenstr. 23 

D - 75177 Pforzheim 

Tel.: +49 – 0180 53 200 

Fax:+49 – 0180 530 56 70 

www.klingel.de 

service@klingel.de 





Note: Fashion orientated 

(not young fashion) 

Product range: All kinds 

of goods, ladies’, men’s, 

childrenswear 


Mid market level 

Note: one of the larger 

mail-order companies 



childrenswear 





Product range: Ladies’, 


Price segment: Mid level 

Note: Niche market 

mail-order house 

Products: 

Home textiles, furniture, 

accessories, ladies’, 

menswear 



Note: more classic styles 

Product range: All kinds of 

goods, ladies’, men’s and 

childrenswear 

Price segment: Mid level

Mail order companies 

Neckermann Versand AG 

Hanauer Landstraße 360 

D - 60386 Frankfurt am Main 

Tel.: +49 – 180 55414 

www.neckermann.de 

service@neckermann.de 

Otto (GmbH & Co KG) 

Wandsbeker Straße 3-7 


OTTO-Hotline: 0180 - 5 30 

30Hotline: +49 (0) 180 530 30 

Tel.: +49 40 - 64 61 - 0 

Fax: +49 40 - 64 61 - 85 71OT- 

TO-Hotline: 0180 - 5 30 30 

www.otto.de 

service@otto.de 

Sport Scheck GmbH 

Sendlinger Str. 6 

D - 80331 München 

Tel: +49 89 2166-0 

Fax: +49 89 2166-1420 

Tel. Kundenbetreuung: 

Tel.: +49 – 180 55050* 

Fax: +49 – 180 55051* 

www.sportscheck.com 

filiale_muenchen@sportscheck.com 

Jeans-, sportswear and young fashion 

Western Store Beran 

Mister-Lady GmbH 

Sprottauer Str. 4 – 8 

D - 90475 Nürnberg 

Tel.: +49 – 911 – 984 760 

Fax: +49 – 911 – 984 73 04 

www.wsberan.de 

Diesel Deutschland Gmbh 

Kasernenstr. 1 


Tel.: +49 211 8622 966 

www.diesel.com 



childrenswear 






men’s and hildrenswear 

and other goods 



Note: Largest mail order 

house in the orld selling 

worldwide 

Product range: All kinds of 

goods, women’s and 

children’ wear, sportswear 



Product range: Jeans and 

sportswear, young fashion 





Jeans, young fashion 




Jeans Palast Görgens 

GmbH 

Schildergasse 55 

D - 50667 Köln 

Tel.: +49 221 – 257 86 49 

Fax: +49 221 – 258 85 51 

jeans-palast-koeln@goergensgruppe.dehttp://filialnetz.guna.de/filialnetz/koeln/jeanspalast/ 

Jeans Fritz 

Handelsgesellschaft für 

Mode mbH 

Tengerner Straße 143 

D - 32609 Hüllhorst 

Tel.: +49 (0) 5744 512 – 0 

Fax: +49 (0) 5744 512 – 111 

www.jeans-fritz.de 

New Yorker S.H.K Jeans 

GmbH 

Hansestraße 48 

D - 38112 Braunschweig 

Tel.: +49 – 531 – 2135 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 531 – 2135 – 187 

www.newyorker.de 

smattern@newyorker.de 

(Produktanfragen & Expansion) 

HIS TEXTIL GmbH 

Bellevue 7 

D - 22301 

Tel.: +49 – 89 – 329070 

Fax: +49 – 89 – 32907108 

www.his-jeans.de 

www.info@his-jeans.com 

MUSTANG Jeans GmbH & 

Co.KG 

P.O. Box 1264 

D – 74642 Künzelsau 

Tel.: +49 – 7940 – 125 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 7940 – 125 – 102 

www.mustang.de 

info@mustang.de 


Jeans, young fashion 





Jeans, leisurewear 






Product range: Jeans 

Price segment : 


Note: Manufacturer + 

clothing chain 


Jeans and sportswear 

Price segment : 



clothing chain 


(an present in over 31 

countries worldwide) 



52 

ARDEK eG (proBABY c/o) 

Robert Bosch Str. 9 

D - 65719 Hofheim-Wallau 

Tel.: +49 – 6122 – 72 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 6122 – 72338 

www.ardek.de 

info@ardek.de 

www.probaby.de 

info@probaby.de 

INTERSPORT Deutschland eG 

Wannenäckerstr. 50 

D - 74078 Heilbronn 

Tel.: +49 – 7131 – 288 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 7131 – 21257 

www.intersport.com 

contact@intersport.com 

KATAG AG 

Stralsunder Str. 5 

D - 33605 Bielefeld 

Tel.: +49 – 521 – 292 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 521 – 292 – 101 

www katag.net 

www.info@katag.de 

Kurtenbach Gbmh & Co. Kg 

Offheimer Weg 45 

D - 65549 Limburg 

Tel.: +49 – 6431 – 503 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 6431 – 503 – 201 

www.mut-kurtenbach.de 

Geschäftsleitung@Kurtenbach.de 


Product range: Products 

for children, childrenswear, 

pro-BABY-Line / 

Products for babies (100 

Member companies) 



Member companies: 

over than 500 


(Active) sportswear 




1,450 

Note: Market leader for 

active sportswear 


Men’s, ladies’ and 

childrenswear 




1’200 


All kinds of garments 


Lower level 


2000

4. Italy. 


Italy’s current population is 60 million; the country has developed 

to an economic level similar to that of countries such as Germany, 

France or United Kingdom. Before 1945, Italy was quite rural and 

today the country is still characterised by an agricultural South 

with an unemployment rate of 13.2% and a few big state-owned 

companies. On the other hand, the ‘rich’ North has a favourable 

economic climate and many successful private companies. 

In 2009 Italy faced a difficult period with a GDP real growth rate 

of -4.5%. The economy was in a sharp recession, mainly because 

of external developments linked to the global financial crisis, and 

there was great uncertainty about the strength and timing of the 

recovery. Italian exports plummeted 26% in 2008, the largest drop 

since records began in 1991. Despite a relatively healthy banking 

system Italy seems particularly sensitive to both the credit tightening 

which has occurred in line with that in other countries and the 

weakness in external demand. This sensitivity has probably been 

accentuated both by the poor productivity and aggregate profitability 

performance of the economy over the past decade or more, 

and by the weak underlying fiscal situation. An array of budget 

neutral measures have been taken in the short term, but economic 

performance must be enhanced over the longer term by both macroeconomic 

and structural policy reforms. 



Italy is the third largest clothing market in Europe, behind Germany 

and the UK, and therefore plays a major role in the European 

fashion business. The market size for outerwear stands at € 40.9 

billion. 


The Italian clothing market has traditionally been mainly supplied 

by a strong national apparel industry, comprised primarily of family 

owned production companies. These small to medium size companies 

are flexible and often highly specialised in specific products. 

They are able to react quickly to market needs. The strong 

community within these companies allows the Italian companies to 

produce higher quality goods and to be more effective. About 90% 

of the small firms are geographically concentrated and often build 

so-called ‘conzorzii’, e.g. for export group marketing activities. 

The problems in Italian fashion business are also due to its own 

structure. Therefore many companies have begun or are planning 

to embark on restructuring processes. Nonetheless, the Italian 

clothing industry is one of the most competitive within Western 

Europe and imports of outerwear encounter difficulties in finding 

suitable market access. The Italian clothing industry itself is highly 

export oriented and plays an important role in the economic situation 

of the whole country. 

500'000 workers directly depend on the Italian clothing industry. 

Italy is a leading country for clothing (and textiles) worldwide. 

Clothing exports are double the imports. Italian consumers are 

very much brand oriented, but also are looking for items which 

offer value for money. In recent years, the consumers have also 

become more price oriented and are known for their high demands 

regarding quality. Because of the high specialisation of the 

Italian producers and their offer of very sophisticated collections, 

manufacturers from abroad should avoid copying Italian outerwear. 

Cheaper and lighter clothing is more often sold in the South of 

Italy, where the climate is warmer and there is less income per 

capita. There is more expenditure on clothing in the richer North 

than in the South, although more people live in the South of Italy. 


Italy is known as a family loving country where children and mothers 

play an important role in society. Less known is the fact that 

the formerly high birth rates in Italy have dramatically dropped 

since the beginning of records in 1952 from 2.33 living birth per 

women to 1.41 in 2008. The lowest birth-rate was recorded in 

1995 with 1.18 living birth per women. Since then, birth-rate went 

constantly up again. The Italian population grew constantly from 

1952 to 2009 with a CAGR of 0.4% per year. 

The most numerous group in the population are the 35 – 39 and 

40 - 44 age groups, with a total of about 5 million inhabitants. 

Compared to this age group, there is nearly half of that number in 

the lowest age group, that is, the newborn – 4 year old segment 

(2.5 million persons). Figure 4 shows further details. 


The consequence of the low birth-rate is not only that less children's 

wear is sold, but major changes are required on the production 

side. Since clothing production in Italy has a tradition of small 

family owned companies, there are negative effects due to smaller 

family sizes. The owners are no longer able to run the company 

with fewer family members. 

Figure 4: Age structure of Italian population by gender, 2008 


54 


10 0 + 

9 5 - 9 9 

9 0 - 9 4 

8 5 - 9 0 

8 0 - 8 5 

75 -79 

70 -74 

6 5 - 6 9 

6 0 - 6 4 

5 5 - 59 

50 - 5 4 

4 5 - 49 

4 0 - 4 4 

3 5 - 3 9 

3 0 - 3 4 

25 -29 

20 -24 

15 -19 

10 -14 

5 - 9 

0 - 4 


Another possible consequence is that parents often cannot find 

a successor for their clothing business. Since these small family 

companies are flexible, highly service oriented and dominating 

the independent shops, the whole clothing distribution in Italy is 

affected. 

male female 

2,5 2,0 1,5 1,0 0,5 0,0 0,0 0,5 1,0 1,5 2,0 2,5 


The shares of the different apparel segments (styles) of formal 

and casual clothing, leisurewear and active sportswear in Italy are 

similarly structured to the more traditional oriented British clothing 

market. Table 36 shows the dominant role in sales of formal 

clothing: 40% of men's wear sold in Italy is formal wear as is 38% 

of women's wear. Compared to other European countries, the 

share of formal wear is very high. 

Casual wear has a market share of 34% for men's wear and 37% 

for women's wear and is a preferred product category of the Italian 

consumer, as in all other Western European countries. However, 

casual wear as the Italians understand it has a very sophisticated 

touch with high quality fabrics and basic but elegant designs in 

comparison to the Northern European markets. 

Basic leisure wear is less important in Italy and only represents 

18% (men's wear) and 18% (women's wear) of the total clothing 

market. 

Table 36: Share of outerwear by gender, 2004 and 2008 

Women Men Children 

2004 2008 2004 2008 2004 2008 

Formal 40% 38% 41% 40% 17% 16% 

Casual 35% 37% 33% 34% 70% 71% 

Leisure 19% 18% 19% 18% n.a. n.a. 

Active 

sports 

6% 7% 7% 8% 13% 13% 

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 

Source: Analysis based on Eurostat and Euromonitor



Table 37 shows the development of the preferred types of retail 

channels for clothing from 2004 to 2008. The table indicates that 

Italian consumers mainly prefer to buy clothing in independent 

shops. This retail sector still accounts for half of the total Italian 

clothing retail market. The main reasons why Italian consumers 

prefer independent retailers is that these shops are somehow 

‘closer to the consumer’. Furthermore, these boutique-like shops 

offer personal contact and mores service. The formerly very strong 

market position of independent retailers has been weakened, but 

is still clearly dominating the buying decisions of the consumers. 

The high share of clothing consumption through independent 

shops expresses the desire for service and quality. A graphic 

illustration of the 2008 situation is given in chapter 4.4.3.1 ‘Retailers’. 

Generally speaking, the Italian consumer is extremely quality and 

fashion conscious, but very hesitant and looks only for products 

which he or she is really convinced of. 

The fact, that Italians are more and more price oriented as 

consumers can be derived from the increasing role of hyper- and 

supermarkets in the Italian retail market, where men’s and children's 

wear in particular is bought. At the same time, consumers 

have a high brand awareness. This is particularly evident in the 

segment of children’s clothing. Many children love to have clothing 

with pictures of current trends for kids on it. 


2004 2006 2008 









Other 8 7 7 

Total 100 100 100 

Source: CBI 


Italy, in terms of consumption volume of clothing, belongs to the 

top four countries within Europe together with France, the UK and 

Germany. The consumption of clothing will, according to most 

recent estimates, account for € 44 billion in 2009. Over the last 

few years, spending on clothing in Italy was fluctuating around € 

46 billion. As mentioned at the beginning of the Italian chapter, the 

economy was badly hit by the financial crisis. This is also reflected 

in the drop by -5.3% in total clothing consumption from 2008 to 

2009. More details may be found in table 38. 

It is notable that Italian women do not buy that much more clothing 

than men. In other European countries like UK or Switzerland, 

women’s expenditure for clothing is nearly double that of men. 

In Italy, women only spend around 50-55% more on clothing 

compared to men. This means that in Italy the market segment for 

men's wear is more important than in the other countries analysed 

in this survey 

Table 38: Consumption of clothing in Italy 

2004 2006 2008 2009* 

Total clothing [€ billion] 45.3 45.7 46.5 44 

Change [%] - 0.9% 1.8% -5.4% 

Source: CBI – Note:*forecast 

As table 39 indicates, the total expenditures in the North and in the 

South of Italy are different. The disposable income in the North is 

much higher than in the South. The Italian Statistical Office (ISTAT) 

indicates an average household expenditure in 2006 of € 2'860 for 

the North and only € 2'010 for the South of Italy. 

It is not possible to make a distinction between clothing and 

footwear consumption on the basis of ISTAT figures. The figures 

indicate that the consumption of clothing/footwear in 2006 in Italy 

accounts for 6.4% of total household consumption (Basis: middle 

income household). 


Although expenditure in the South in total is lower - due to less North and Central part of Italy, where the import and distribution 

disposable income - the share of expenditure for clothing (and structures are much better developed. Nevertheless, the South, 

footwear) is at 7.7% and higher than the Italian average. Generally due to lower income, has a higher demand for ‘basic clothing 

speaking, the more attractive areas for clothing sales are in the items’ (e.g. cotton products like cotton casual shirts and trousers, 

T-shirts, knitwear). 

Table 39: Comparison of household expenditure on selected categories by region, 2002 - 2006 

56 


2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 

Monthly expenditure per household € 

North Italy 2’413.89 2’572.14 2’699.75 2’726.62 2’859.61 

Central Italy 2’347.88 2’466.15 2’391.75 2’478.17 2’494.53 

South Italy 1’786.56 1’906.64 1’971.31 1’970.76 2’009.21 

Italy 2’194.23 2’313.00 2’381.07 2’397.54 2’460.80 

Spending categories 

Clothing / footwear 

Percentage distribution 

North Italy 6.3% 6.0% 6.2% 5.6% 5.5% 

Central Italy 6.4% 6.5% 6.4% 6.2% 6.10% 

South Italy 7.9% 7.7% 7.7% 7.9% 7.7% 

Italy 

Housing 

6.8% 6.7% 6.6% 6.3% 6.4% 

North Italy 25.7% 26.4% 26.1% 26.6% 27.2% 

Central Italy 26.5% 27.6% 27.6% 28.9% 28.8% 

South Italy 21.4% 20.7% 21.7% 22.0% 23.0% 

Italy 

Fuel and electric power 

24.7% 24.9% 25.5% 25.8% 26.0% 

North Italy 5.2% 5.1% 5.0% 5.1% 5.3% 

Central Italy 4.5% 4.6% 4.7% 5.0% 4.9% 

South Italy 4.4% 4.5% 4.4% 4.7% 4.8% 

Italy 

Food and drinks 

4.7% 4.7% 4.7% 4.9% 5.0% 

North Italy 16.1% 16.6% 15.9% 15.8% 15.4% 

Central Italy 18.8% 19.0% 19.0% 18.8% 19.0% 

South Italy 24.3% 24.3% 23.8% 23.6% 24.2% 

Italy 19.4% 19.5% 19.0% 19.0% 19.0% 

Furniture, appliances and household services 

North Italy 6.4% 6.1% 6.1% 5.9% 6.2% 

Central Italy 6.8% 6.1% 5.6% 5.7% 5.6% 

South Italy 6.8% 7.2% 7.2% 7.1% 6.4% 

Italy 6.4% 6.2% 6.3% 6.1% 5.9% 

Source: Analysis based on ISTAT

4.2.6 Price developments of clothing 

Table 40 indicates the clothing (and footwear) price index compared 

with the general consumer price index in Italy from 2003 to 

2006. 

The clothing price index CAGR from 2003 to 2006 was with 1.7% 

smaller than the CAGR of the general consumer price index with 

2.1%. 

Table 40: Comparison of household expenditure on selected 

categories by region, 2002 - 2006 

2003 2004 2005 2006 

General consumer 

price index 

Clothing and footwear 

122 124.7 127.1 129.8 

price index 124.4 127.2 129.2 130.9 

Source: Analysis based on ISTAT – Note: 1995 = 100.0 

4.3 Imports. 


Total Italian imports of outerwear in 2008 amounted to € 9.8 billion. 

The CAGR was 1% from 2006 to 2008. Like elsewhere in Europe, 

extra EU imports increased in the same period with a higher pace. 

In the case of Italy extra EU imports grew with a CAGR of 1.7% 

from 2006 to 2008, amounting to an end value of € 6 billion. This 

shows that developing and emerging countries also are increasing 

their market share of outerwear clothing in Italy. 

In addition, imports of the different outerwear segments covered by 

this study showed a strong upswing from 2004 to 2008. Specially 

the import increase by 36% of knitted women's outerwear (table 

41) is remarkable. 

In the same period, the imports of men’s and boys outerwear only 

grew by 25% in value terms. Category 61.03 (suits, jackets, outfits, 

trousers, shorts etc.) only grew by 0.6%, this may be the result of a 

very strong national menswear industry which is able to successfully 

compete against foreign producers. 

In 2008 the total extra EU imports value amounted to 59% of the 

knitted outerwear clothing import and grew by 11.7% from 2006 to 

2008 in value terms. In the same period total import value grew by 

11.8%. 

Table 41: Imports of knitted outerwear by gender and product 

categories, 2006-2008 

2006 2007 2008 

Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € 



Suits, jackets, outfits, trousers, shorts 

etc. (61.03) 

11’705 142’297 8’983 158’408 7’705 143’124 

Shirts (61.05) 8’380 188’298 10’106 238’978 10’627 268’854 

Sub Total 22’070 368’537 20’789 437’522 19’996 458’772 



20’354 230’137 20’789 259’256 19’996 271’069 




23’438 230’638 12’937 311’990 10’395 341’770 


Sub Total 28’425 405’142 16’894 515’312 15’118 551’123 






etc. (61.10) 

57’994 1’420’391 40’768 1’430’229 45’963 1’504’714 



etc. (61.13) 

889 11’772 638 11’273 526 9’394 



(61.17) 

4’559 50’923 2’738 40’364 2’805 45’076 

Sub Total 140’489 2’866’976 111’651 2’948’867 114’265 2’981’551 



124’026 1’774’804 107’453 1’799’282 110’165 1’940’600 

Track suits, ski suits and swimwear 

(61.12) 

18’065 232’051 14’406 229’937 12’357 248’433 



8’767 239’645 11’236 300’967 19’379 358’683 

Sub Total 26’832 471’696 25’642 530’904 31’736 607’116 


TOTAL 217’816 4’112’351 174’976 4’432’606 181’116 4’598’561 

TOTAL EXTRA EU 194’025 2’422’120 163’195 2’500’496 160’195 2’704’537 


Table 42 shows the import figures of woven outerwear into Italy 

from 2006 to 2008. An interesting fact is that imports of woven 

men's wear dropped by -5.2% from 2006 to 2008. Total women's 

woven outerwear imports grew by 1.4% in the same time period. 

The Extra EU import share grew in both cases by 4.6% and 8.8% 

respectively. 

In 2008, imports of woven men's wear into Italy amounted to € 1.5 

billion and imports of woven women's wear in 2008 represent € 

2.2 billion. It must be mentioned that imports of woven men's wear 

where much higher in 2004 with € 2 billion and woven women's 

wear reached only € 1.6 billion. 

Imports of all woven outerwear categories for men decreased from 

2006 to 2008. Especially category 62.10 (coats, anoraks, windcheaters, 

etc.) decreased by -11.3%. In the same period women's 

woven outerwear imports of the same category increased by 

4.1%. 

58 


Total woven outerwear imports decreased by 2% to € 5.2 billion 

from 2006 to 2008. In the same period the share of extra EU 

imports increased by 5.7% to 63%. This corresponds to a value of 

€ 3.3 billion.



2006 2007 2008 

Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € 

Coats, anoraks, windcheaters, etc. 

(62.01) 

31’959 582’666 24’359 531’266 19’594 516’676 

Suits, jackets, outfits, trousers, shorts, 

etc. (62.03) 

69’278 1’397’554 55’871 1’371’590 51’872 1’353’472 

Shirts (62.05) 20’572 432’402 16’169 426’841 13’668 417’779 

Sub Total 121’809 2’412’622 96’399 2’329’697 85’134 2’287’927 



105’477 1’494’501 96’399 1’504’279 85’134 1’482’408 


(62.02) 

29’856 569’159 21’559 566’107 17’262 592’285 


etc (62.04) 

53’923 1’384’183 35’749 1’387’445 32’927 1’363’832 


Sub Total 89’883 2’179’884 61’268 2’193’522 54’337 2’210’837 



79’076 1’248’820 61’268 1’295’412 54’337 1’377’740 





Gloves, mittens and mitts (62.16) 1’337 27’523 998 20’054 861 18’585 


(62.17) 

3’074 54’024 2’632 51’332 2’303 51’328 

Sub Total 26’292 445’842 25’226 439’951 23’192 429’096 



19’051 256’475 17’553 243’027 17’143 251’929 


Sub Total 20’000 294’016 17’931 277’373 18’820 295’945 


TOTAL 257’983 5’332’364 200’824 5’240’543 181’483 5’223’805 

TOTAL EXTRA EU 218’161 3’183’770 189’139 3’222’366 170’402 3’297’750 




According to table 43, the main two import countries for OPT business 

with Italy are Albania, with imports of € 35.7 million in 2008, 

and Tunisia, with imports valuing € 28.8 million. At present, the 

countries with the highest growth rates in the outward processing 

trade are Hong Kong (+155%), Armenia (+126%), Switzerland 

(+63%) and Ukraine (+61%). 

Table 43: Largest supplying countries of OPT outerwear, 

2006-2008 


from 2006 

60 


For Italy, the proportion of OPT imports compared to ‘normal’ 

imports of outerwear (f.o.b. business) is low. The implication for 

clothing manufacturers mainly based in Eastern European countries 

is that there is a great deal of potential for more OPT business 

in the Italian market due to the national industry’s struggle 

with increasing costs for labour, energy, raw materials etc. 

The total OPT business into Italy from non EU countries has been 

slightly shrinking year after year: -1.8% in 2006 and -1.6% in 2008 

2007 [‘000 €] Change 

from 2007 

1 Albania 19’042 103% 38’650 -8% 35’682 

2 Tunisia 22’442 11% 24’960 15% 28’769 

3 China 8’221 171% 22’319 -19% 18’001 

4 Croatia 10’441 107% 21’649 -24% 16’387 

5 Moldova 9’358 68% 15’755 -1% 15’615 

6 Ukraine 7’575 0% 7’547 61% 12’147 

7 Morocco 1’043 557% 6’850 -13% 5’976 

8 Serbia 984 379% 4’717 -11% 4’198 

9 Switzerland 0 - 2’501 63% 4’079 

10 Macedonia 1’666 94% 3’229 6% 3’427 

11 Hong Kong 588 83% 1’073 155% 2’736 

12 Egypt 41 4733% 1’968 8% 2’119 

13 Bosnia-Herz. 243 566% 1’616 18% 1’912 

14 Mauritius 74 1457% 1’155 56% 1’797 

15 Montenegro 760 53% 1’163 -53% 546 

16 Macao 0 - 351 52% 534 

17 Armenia 0 - 143 126% 322 

18 Vietnam 806 4% 841 -69% 257 

19 Israel 0 - 0 - 201 

20 Sri Lanka 762 -59% 316 -43% 180 


2008 [‘000 €] 

Total 168’360 -6% 158’631 -2% 155’541


Looking at the major clothing supplying countries to Italy, table 

44 gives a very good survey on the ‘top 20’ extra EU suppliers. 

Among the emerging and developing countries is China, with high 

year to year growth rate imports of € 2.7 billion in 2008. This figure 

represents almost 45% of the total imports of outerwear into Italy. 

A similar picture can be drawn for Tunisia (€ 0.8 billion) and Turkey 

(€ 0.5 billion) which have considerable growth rates, too. 

Table 44: Largest extra EU supplying countries of outerwear, 

2006-2008 


from 2006 

2007 [‘000 €] Change 

from 2007 

2008 [‘000 €] 

1 China 2’274’671 7% 2’434’448 10% 2’672’062 

2 Tunisia 718’142 9% 781’795 5% 818’742 

3 Turkey 474’623 12% 530’804 2% 539’329 

4 Bangladesh 333’929 -10% 301’923 18% 355’189 

5 India 339’217 -10% 305’470 -10% 275’318 

6 Croatia 169’421 -11% 151’551 5% 159’431 

7 Morocco 99’119 40% 139’136 1% 140’423 

8 Albania 90’461 5% 94’981 8% 103’042 

9 Switzerland 79’284 9% 86’119 9% 94’021 

10 Sri Lanka 50’128 30% 64’977 25% 81’487 

11 Vietnam 58’959 17% 69’198 11% 76’803 

12 Moldova 62’696 15% 71’836 -3% 69’527 

13 Indonesia 95’186 -33% 63’707 -2% 62’424 

14 Pakistan 67’418 -3% 65’559 -17% 54’596 

15 Egypt 44’712 8% 48’458 8% 52’122 

16 Thailand 48’457 -4% 46’628 -7% 43’354 

17 Hong Kong 164’314 -43% 93’411 -55% 41’708 

18 USA 41’510 -9% 37’829 10% 41’671 

19 Serbia 37’930 -2% 37’219 -17% 30’974 

20 Mauritius 39’619 -4% 37’883 -25% 28’427 


The three biggest suppliers are China, Tunisia and Turkey. These 

three countries account for more than two thirds of the import share. 

Tunisia is also a strong OPT country for Italy, ranking on 2nd 

place in the above shown table. 

Extra-EU 27 5’605’889 2% 5’722’862 5% 6’002’287 

Intra-EU 27 3’838’826 3% 3’950’287 -3% 3’820’079 

Total 9’444’715 2% 9’673’149 2% 9’822’366 


Intra EU imports into Italy remained constant over the period 2006 

to 2008. This imports accounts for 39% of the total outerwear 

clothing imports to Italy. Only Romania, which in ranking on the 

1st place and Hungary (ranking 10th) had constantly decreasing 

values over the period from 2006 to 2008. 

Table 45: Largest intra EU supplying countries of outerwear, 

2006-2008 

62 


2006 


2007 [‘000 €] Change from 

2007 

2008 [‘000 €] 

1 Romania 1’031’866 -16% 865’063 -5% 825’811 

2 France 656’167 11% 725’300 -5% 692’522 

3 Spain 260’587 28% 333’812 18% 395’027 

4 Belgium 306’036 11% 338’639 12% 379’088 

5 Germany 304’743 9% 331’168 -9% 301’442 

6 Bulgaria 221’171 2% 225’221 2% 229’919 

7 UK 165’151 18% 194’700 13% 220’946 

8 Netherlands 147’755 22% 180’373 1% 182’025 

9 Portugal 125’380 14% 143’076 -14% 123’179 

10 Hungary 258’008 -12% 226’398 -54% 105’074 

Intra-EU 27 3’838’826 3% 3950287 -3% 3’820’079 

Extra-EU 27 5’605’889 2% 5’722’862 5% 6’002’287 

Total 9’444’715 2% 9’673’149 2% 9’822’366 



4.4.1 Developments in retail trade 

The independent retailers, which are mainly run as family businesses, 

still have a strong market position. As stated previously, 

the role of the independent shops in Italy has diminished and 

many shops have had to close down because the owners could 

not find a successor for their business. 

Furthermore, a tremendous competition has arisen in the clothing 

market from clothing multiples and supermarkets that have 

discovered that selling clothing is a profitable business. As in 

other South European countries, in Italy the domestic production 

and distribution of clothing is closely linked. Many Italian clothing 

brands like Benetton, Marzotto Group etc. have built up their own 

retail system, often based on franchise partnerships all over the 

country. In Europe, however as in Italy itself, Italian clothing brands 

and collections have lost market share. The multiple shops of Italian 

clothing companies have tried to answer by ‘going public’, joint 

ventures and mergers, with partial success. With the money earned 

from giving out stocks, some Italian multiples have financed 

their expansion plans to buy other companies and brands, enlarge 

their production facilities or extend their distribution network. 

As shown in chapter 4.3, imports grew constantly and in particular 

low priced products were imported and sold in Italian super- and 

hypermarkets. In addition, formerly middle priced and high priced 

items are influenced by increasing imports. 

The Italian clothing association ‘Sistema Moda Italia’ states that 

the multiples in Italy cope better with the new challenges of cheap 

mass imports than many small companies. The developments 

in clothing retail are very much in favour of multiples like Sasch, 

Benetton, Gas etc. that are able to optimise stock keeping and act

efficiently in the market. The small companies however have less 

financial possibilities to follow the technical trends in research and 

development and to establish their own distribution system. 

Since the variety stores also import and take advantage of cheaper 

clothing from outside the country, this segment could have profited 

in terms of gaining market share. However, the market importance 

is not as much as was forecast years before. Variety shops 

have to fight against discounters or super- and hypermarkets not 

to lose their customers searching for mid-priced and middle quality 

items. Unlike previous years, these super- and hypermarkets 

nowadays offer good quality and very reasonable prices. 

Instead of only selling clothing, advanced managed Italian retailers 

(mainly multiples and department stores) also often offer cosmetics, 

bags, shoes, accessories and sometimes even stylish 

household articles. There is a trend that retailers in Italy put 

emphasis on a ‘lifestyle ambience’ in the outlets and appropriate 

surroundings like cafeteria or special places for children. The aim 

is to keep the customers in the shops as long as possible to motivate 

them to finally buy something. 

E-commerce and internet sales in Italy have fewer opportunities 

than in other European countries. Only very low growth rates of 

clothing sales through this distribution channel can be predicted, 

because the logistically similar structured mail-order business is 

very small as well. The Italian Post is not efficient and too slow 

and it is a real burden to run a proper mail-order or e-commerce 

business. Furthermore, Italian consumers like to touch the fabric 

and trying on the clothing. Italian consumers, having ordered via 

internet or mail-order, are generally not prepared to wait for the 

items bought for more than one week. 

A phenomenon in Italy are the so called street markets with a 

share of approximately 10%. North-Africans and increasingly Chinese 

dealers offer cheap (branded) and very fashionable clothing 

with minor faults at a reasonable quality. Obviously, some of the 

products are counterfeited. 8 out of 10 Italian consumers admit to 

buy from these mainly illegal market dealers. Most of the goods 

are smuggled from China, Morocco or elsewhere. 

Based on developments in the European clothing market, changes 

will also occur in the Italian retail sector. 


The largest clothing retailer is the well known Benetton Group 

which has 6'200 shops all over the world. The turnover was € 

2.1 billion in 2008. Benetton is both manufacturer and retailer 

and carries the brands United Colors of Benetton (UCB Kids and 

UCB Adults), Sisley, Playlife, and other brands for sportswear and 

sports equipment. The group’s strategy is to increase floor-space 

and to transform its shops into mega stores. The large shops are 

managed directly by Benetton (no franchising) and are located in 

historical town centres and main shopping centres. The new Benetton 

‘Megastores’ sell casual wear and underwear and accessories 

for women, men and children. 

Max Mara is an Italian fashion giant with a continuously growing 

turnover, about € 1.7 billion, with more than 2'254 shops in over 

100 countries. Max Mara operates 17 companies in the markets 

and owns more than 35 labels. The brand produces and distributes 

women's wear, mainly coats and suits. 

Stefanel has 691 mono brand stores of which 264 are directly 

operated stores. In the mega stores of Stefanel, brands other 

than Stefanel are also offered. The whole company has a turnover 

based on retail and production activities of € 275 million a year. 

Stefanel owns four production sites in Italy and one in Germany. 

The Coin Group is one of the leading European retailers for 

clothing, accessories, and household goods with a turnover of € 

1.2 billion in 2009. The retail chains Oviesse and Coin belong to 

the Coin Holding and are subsidiary companies for different market 

segments. Throughout Italy there are 299 shops and 19 are 

located in other countries. The Coin clothing range is produced by 

Manifatture di Fara SPA and Sirema Srl. 

LA RINASCENTE is the leading department store in Italy with a 

good reputation offering a wide product range including a wide variety 

in clothing. In 2008, the turnover of La Rinascente was € 420 

million. La Rinascente aims to be the most elegant department 

store. Like other retailers that pursue a quality strategy, the stores 

are attractively decorated for national and international customers. 

La Rinascente department stores are located in characteristic 

places in the city centres of the major Italian cities. La Rinascente 

sold its subsidiary company UPIM (€ 430 million turnover in 2009) 

to the Gruppo Coin. 




Table 46 gives an overview on the structure of the Italian clothing 

retail market from 2004 to 2008. The numbers indicate that independent 

retailers account for 48% of clothing retail and therefore 

represent nearly half of the market. As opposed to other European 

countries, where multiples have the largest share, in Italy only 

19% of the clothing is sold through these clothing chains. Hyperand 

supermarkets represent 10% and department stores account 

for 10% of the clothing retail distribution in Italy. 


2004 2006 2008 









Other 8 7 7 

Total 100 100 100 

Source: CBI 


The Italian clothing market is dominated by independent retailers. 

These are mainly family run clothing shops, and had a market 

share of 59% in 1995. Since then, the importance of independent 

retailers has dropped to a market share of 48% in 2008. Italian 

small retailers offer high-priced items with an emphasis on quality, 

brands, well designed outlets and service. These ‘boutique like’ 

shops convince with ‘personal contact’ and good ‘availability’ by a 

dense allocation of the shops all over the country. 

Market share: 48% in 2008, Trend: Strongly Decreasing 


In contrast to other EU countries, clothing multiples in Italy mainly 

belong to clothing manufacturers. The most prominent is Benetton. 

Other clothing brands with own shops are Stefanel (women's 

wear), Max Mara (women's wear), Prenatal (children's wear) or 

Chicco (children's wear). Since these clothing chains aim to sell 

their own collections, importers will have difficulties in selling to 

them. This situation is totally different to other countries like UK, 

64 


Germany or The Netherlands. The Italian clothing multiples only 

buy a few items to complete their product range. However, if they 

import clothing, then they buy directly and concentrate on basic 

items. 

Market share: 19% in 2008, Trend: Slightly increasing 

4.4.3.1.3 Department/variety stores 

There are two big department stores in Italy: La Rinascente and 

Gruppo Coin. The department stores in Italy have an amazingly 

large range of products to offer. For example, Coin offers women's 

clothing from outerwear, underwear, night and swimwear to jeans 

and sportswear. Beauty, fitness and shoes also have a major share 

in the range of products offered in the Coin stores. 

Market share: 10% in 2008, Trend: Slightly Increasing 

4.4.3.1.4 Mail-order houses 

Over the last years the Italian postal service has made some 

improvements. But still the mail-order business is little developed 

and has no real tradition as in other European countries. The leading 

mail-order company is ‘Postalmarket’. Although the German 

mail-order company Otto gained market importance, the mailorder 

market share has decreased to 1% and does not show any 

significant signs of change. 



While multiples and department stores often buy directly from manufacturers, 

the hyper- and supermarkets sometimes also make 

use of agents and importers/wholesalers based in Italy. These 

hyper- and supermarkets concentrate on cheap products and are 

direct buyers/importers of clothing for which they have installed 

purchasing departments and specialised buyers for clothing who 

also travel abroad to inspect the production partner on the spot. 

Hyper- and supermarkets in Italy only offer a limited range of 

clothing products; often the consumer finds knitwear like T-shirts 

and pullovers, casual trousers including jeans, underwear items, 

anoraks and all kinds of shirts. The major supermarkets, mainly 

located in the North of Italy, are Coop, Ipercoop, Gruppo Standa, 

Conad, Despar Italia and Esselunga. The share of clothing sold 

through hyper- and supermarkets is slightly but continuously increasing, 

reaching a level of 10% in 2008. 

Market share: 10% in 2008, Trend: Slightly increasing

4.4.3.1.6 Sport stores 

Sport stores in Italy only offer a limited range of clothing products 

specialised to fit to numerous sporting disciplines. 


4.4.3.1.7 Others 

Open (street) markets and consumer fairs are often supplied by 

specialised wholesalers that import directly from emerging and developing 

countries. Markets and fairs traditionally play an important 

role in Italy. However, the wholesalers involved in this fair and open 

market business also buy good quality fashion products that are 

sold at these fairs as well. Since the traders exhibiting on those 

open markets have to react quickly to market trends, they also buy 

selected clothing items from domestic manufacturers. 




Clothing manufacturers in Italy often run their own shops to be 

independent from retailers. Manufacturers only buy a small share 

of their collection from foreign manufacturers, mainly in order to 

complete the existing product range. Large scale clothing manufacturers 

in Italy are e.g. Benetton, Sixty, Replay, Diesel, Gas, Stefanel, 

Max Mara, Prenatal, Marzotto or Chicco. The small clothing 

companies are concentrated in so-called ‘conzorzii’ in Biella/Piémont 

region (woollen products, coats, jackets, suits), Como-Lecco/ 

Lombardie (silk, woollen products, coats, jackets, suits), Emilia 

Romagna (all kind of textiles), Tuscany (woollen products, coats, 

jackets, suits). 


As the retailers are scattered all over Italy and difficult to reach 

from overseas markets, collaboration with an agent is common in 

Italy and generally recommended for better market penetration. 

Most of the agents are concentrated in the North of Italy and operate 

with sub-agents in central and southern Italy. The commission 

for an agent covering the whole of Italy is about 10%-15%. Independent 

regional sales agents take between 5% and 10%. 

4.4.3.2.3 Importers and wholesalers 

Italian importers operate nationwide and mainly ask for the ‘exclusive 

distribution rights’ for the whole of Italy. Importers/wholesalers 

in the classical sense tend to be few in Italy, because of the high 

competition within the distribution system and the strong position 

of the clothing brands with their own efficient outlets. The importers 

can often only position themselves by a ‘low price strategy’, e.g. 

by sourcing basic fashion items in emerging and developing 

countries. The role of Italian importers is getting less important, 

because dealing and importing of clothing (being a fashion item 

with its up and downs in sales) is increasingly seen as a risk. National 

manufacturers try to avoid collaboration with Italian importers 

because they have the image of being too expensive. Similar 

advantages and disadvantages may occur when dealing with Italian 

wholesalers. Wholesalers in Italy normally act only within their 

region to be more flexible for local markets and fairs. The Italian 

wholesalers mainly buy from local producers. Italian wholesalers 

also tend be very spontaneous in their choice with a strong tendency 

not to bind themselves in long-term business partnerships. 


4.5 Italian fashion trade fairs. 

The Italian market for fashion fairs is quite clearly structured according 

to their main product segments. The main cities for fashion 

fairs with European recognition are Milan and Florence. Italian 

fashion fairs like the ‘International Menswear Fair ‘Pitti Uomo’ still 

has an international excellent reputation and in fact buyers from 

all over the world tend to visit these international fashion events. 

The exhibitors at Moda Prima in Milan are manufacturers of ready 

to wear clothing from Italy and from countries like France, Spain, 

UK and Germany, Eastern Europe and Asia. The trade show aims 

to address major Italian retailers like department stores, chains 

and mail-order companies, but also wholesalers, importers and 

trading companies. The fair also gives space to manufacturers of 

non-exclusive clothing. Only one out of four sections is reserved for 

Italian manufacturers. Moda Prima seems to be the most suitable 

clothing fair for manufacturers from developing and emerging 

markets wishing to increase their sales to Italy. The most important 

fashion fair for women's wear is the Milano Moda Donna in 

February and September each year. The main fashion fair for 

men's wear is the Pitti Uomo which is quite small but of absolutely 

international importance with many buyers from overseas. The 

table of the specialised clothing fairs below only includes events 

with an international approach. 

Table 47: Italian fashion trade fairs 2010 

66 


Milano Moda Uomo 16. - 19.01.2010 Milan 

Milano Moda Showroom 18.01. - 07.02.2010 Milan 

Milano Unica - International Textile Fair 16. - 18.02.2010 Milan 

MODA IN - TESSUTO & ACCESSORI (Part of Milano Unica) 16. - 18.02.2010 Milan 

Ready to show 17. - 19.02.2010 Milan 

Milano Moda Donna fall/winter 2010/2011 24.02. - 03.03.2010 Milan 

MI Milano pret-à-porter (former Milanon Vende Moda) 26.02. - 01.03.2010 Milan 

Pitti immagine uomo 28.02. 03.03.2010 Florence 

Milano Moda Design 13. - 19.04.2010 Milan 

Milano Moda Pre Collezioni Spring 18.05. - 18.06.2010 Milan 

Moda Prima 22. - 24.05.2010 Milan 

Pitti immagine uomo 15. - 18.06.2010 Florence 

SI SPOSAITALIA COLLEZIONI 18. - 21.06.2010 Milan 

Milano Moda Donna spring/summer 2011 22. - 29.09.2010 Milan 

Milano Moda Pre Collezioni Fall 16.11. - 16.12.2010 Milan 

Moda Prima 27. - 29.11.2010 Milan 

Source: Gherzi research 


4.6 List of major buyers in Italy. 


Arimo S.r.l. 

Via Libertà 52 

I-20029 Turbigo (Mi) 

Tel.: +39 0331 890814 

Fax: +39 0331 898079 

info@arimo.it 

www.arimo.it 

Arteni Spa 

Via Nazionale, 133-141 

I - 33010 Tavagnacco (UD) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 432 661288 

Fax: +39 (0) – 432 660624 

info@arteni.it 

www.arteni.it 

Bernardi SpA 

Via dell’ industria 1 

I - 33050 Ronchis (Ud) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 431 568111 

Fax: +39 (0) – 431 567066 

info@bernardi.it 

www.bernardi.it 

Jeune Srl 

123/125, V. del Casale Santarelli 

I - 00040 Roma (RM) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 6 7984 5219 

Fax: +39 (0) – 6 7984 5931 

jeune@jeune.it 

www.jeune.it 

La Cicogna srl 

Piazzale Biancamano 1 

I - 20154 Milano 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 233 605725 

Fax: +39 (0) – 233 605725 

Product range: underwear, 

swim- and beachwear 

Price segment: mid level 



men’s, childrenswear, 

sportswear 




menswear 

Price segment: lower level 


Product range: womenswear, 

young fashion 

Price segment: mid to 

higher level 


Product range: childrenswear 



Modifin SpA 

Via Manzoni, 38 


Tel.: +39 (0) – 2 7609 3558 

Fax: +39 (0) – 2 7609 3550 

Mango (head office in Spain) 

Mercaders 9-11 

P.I. Riera de Caldes 

Apartado de Correos 280 

ES-08184 Palau-solità i Plegamans 

(Barcelona) Spain 

Tel.: +34 93 860 24 24 

Fax: +34 93 860 22 07 

www.mango.es 

Nico Garda SpA 

Via S. Zeno, 67 

I - 36022 Cassola (VI) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 424 570630 

Fax: +39 (0) – 424 570703 

www.nico.it 

www.grupponico.com 

Zara (Head office in Spain) 

Via Morimondo, 26 


Tel.: +39 (0) – 2818 00 81 

Fax: +39 (0) – 2891 52 424 

www.zara.com 

Product range: Men’s and 

womenswear 

Price segment: high level 


Note: Manufacturer and 

retailer 


Womenswear 





Price segment: low 


11 Italy, 12 EU, 3 US 

Note: app. 100 employees 


Ladies, men’s, 

childrenswear 



67 in Italy 


Jeans- sportswear and young fashion 

68 

M.J.F. 

Mohave Jeans Factory 

Zona ind. Corropoli 

I - 64013 Corropoli (TE) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 8 6183 90425 

Fax: +39 (0) – 8 6183 9197 

info@mohave.it 

www.mohave.it 

Fornari Spa 

Zona Ind.le ’A’ 

I - 62012 Civitanova Marche 

(MC) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 7 3389 5511 

Fax: +39 (0) – 7 3389 5518 

fornari@fornari.com 

www.fornari.com 

JDS (James Dillon Sport 

Wear) SpA 

20/22, Via Vittine di Bologna 

I - 10024 Moucalivi (TO) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 11 6402115 

Fax: +39 (0) – 2 892 210214 

www.jdsinternational.com 

Mazzorato Moda 

Via della Croce, 18 - Castelnumio 

I - 31023 Resana 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 423 484191 

Fax: +39 (0) – 423 484184 

www.mazzorato.com 

Sport’85 srl 

V. Piave, km 68.600 

I - 04100 Latina (LT) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 773 48 6456 

Fax: +39 (0) – 773 60 624 

www.sport85.it 

Teddy SpA 

Via Coriano, 58 – Grosrimini 

BL.97 

I - 47900 Rimini (RN) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 541 301411 

Fax: +39 (0) – 541 383430 

info@teddy.it 

www.teddy.it 


Product range: Denim 




young fashion 



31 own, 39 dep. 

stores, 3’500 multi-brands 

Note: Brand ‘Fornarina’ 


Sports-, casual-, denimwear 

for ladies and men 




womenswear 




ladies’, men’s wear 


jeans and casualwear 




womenswear 


mid to upper level 


370 worldwide 

Diesel Italia 

Via dell’ Industria 7 

I - 36063 Marostica (Vi) 

Tel.: + 39 (0) – 424 4855 

Fax: + 39 (0) – 424 471 131 

www.diesel.com 

Fashion Box 

Industries SpA 

Via Marcoai, 1 

I - 31010 Asolo (TV) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 423 9251 

Fax: +39 (0) – 423 925299 

www.replay.it 

Sixty Groupe SpA 

Via Erasmo Piaggio, 35 

I - 66013 Chieti 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 871 5891 

Fax: +39 (0) – 871 562496 

misssixty@misssixty.com 

www.misssixty.com 

COIN Spa 

Via Terraglio, 17 

I - 30174 Venezia (VE) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 41 2398000 

Fax: +39 (0) – 41 982722 

www.coin.it 

www.gruppocoin.it 


l Vecchio Continente Srl 

Corso Alfieri 293 

I - 14100 Asti (AT) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 141 31336 

Fax: +39 (0) – 141 35 889 

Rinascente UPIM Spa 

15, C. Ventidue Marzo 

I - 20129 Milano (MI) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 2 5990 2457 

Fax: +39 (0) – 2 5990 23 29 

www.upim.it 










casualwear for ladies 


lower to mid level 



men’s, ladies’ and 

childrenswear 




Note: largest department 

store in Italy 

Product range: men’s, 

ladies’ and childrenswear 



Product range: men’s, 

ladies’ and childrenswear 


lower to mid level 


147 stores 

+ 230 franchise partners 

Note: 

belongs to La Rinascente


G.D.A. SpA 

Via Lenticchia, 24 

I - 22100 Como (CO) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 31 5001111 

Fax: +39 (0) – 31 5001191 

shirty@gda.it 

www.gda.it 

Grocery super- and hypermarkets 

C.I.S. COOP Italia 

Non-Alimentari r.l. 

24, p. Mercant 

I - 50019 Sesto Fiorentino 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 55 444840 

Fax: +39 (0) – 55 4481243 

www.e-coop.it 

Euromadis 

Via Christoforo Colombo, 51 

I - 20090 Trezzano sul 

Naviglion 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 2 48402900 

Fax: +39 (0) – 2 48402038 

Metro SpA 

Via di Torre Spaccata. 172, 

lotto 3 

I – 00169 Roma 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 6 454 97 100 

Fax: +39 (0) – 6 454 97 190 

info@metrocspa.it 

www.metrocspa.it 

CONAD Consorzio 

Nationale 

Dettaglianti scarl 

Via Michelino, 59 

I - 40127 Bologna 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 51 508111 

Fax: +39 (0) – 51 508414 

www.conad.it 

Gruppo Despar Italia 

Via Caldera, 21 


Tel.: +39 (0) – 2 409091 

Fax: +39 (0) – 2 40918177 

Lombardini Holding SpA 

Via Provinciale, 80 

I - 24044 Dalmine BG 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 35 432 0111 

Fax: +39 (0) – 35 4320580 


G. Armani Spa 

Via Borgonuovo 11 


Tel.: +39 (0) – 2 723181 

Fax: +39 (0) – 2 8054102 

www.giorgioarmani.com 

Product range: children’s, 

babies’ 

Belvest spa 

V. Corsica, 55 

I - 35016 Piazzola sul Brenta 

(PD) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 49 969 9111 

Fax: +39 (0) – 49 559 8759 

www.belvest.com 

Benetton Group SpA 

Villa Minelli 1 

I - 31050 Ponzano Veneto 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 422 519111 

Fax: +39 (0) – 422 969501 

info@benetton.it 

www.benetton.com 

Cadena Italia srl 

V. Leopardi, 31 

I - 22075 Lurate Caccivio (CO) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 31 391030 

Fax: +39 (0) – 31 391040 

Casucci Spa 

Vl. Abruzzi 

I - 64016 Sant’Egidio alle 

Vibrata 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 8 618 481 

Fax: +39 (0) – 8 618 41860 

www.casucci.it 

Fashion Group srl 

V. Tiburtina, 643 

I - 00159 Roma (RM) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 6 438 5972 

Fax: +39 (0) – 6 438 6671 

www.class-fashion.com 

Forall Confezioni Spa 

V. F. Filzi, 34 

I - 36050 Quinto Vicentino (VI) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 444 35 6096 

Fax: +39 (0) – 444 35 7064 

www.sartoriale.it 

www.palzileri.it 

Product: ladies’, menswear 

Manufacturer + wholesaler 

Note: 7’000 stores in 120 

countries 


Product: jeans and sportswear 

Product: Womenswear 


Product: Menswear 




70 

Immagine Di Quattrocchi 

SAS Abbigliamente 

V. Umberto I, 209 

I - 98051 Barcellona Pozzo di 

Gotto (ME) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 90 979 5867 

Fax: +39 (0) – 90 979 5867 

KOKO Srl 

V. Lombardia, 8 

I - 25025 Manerbio (BS) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 30 993 8422 

Fax: +39 (0) – 30 993 8452 

www.koko.it 

Max Mara Fashion Group Srl 

Sede Legale 

via del Carmine,10 - Torino - 

Italia 

Tel: +39 02 777.921 

Fax: +39 02 777.92801 

info@maxmarafashiongroup. 

com 

www.maxmarafashiongroup. 

com/it 

Miniconf srl 

52010 Ortignano Raggiolo 

(AR) 

T: + 39 0575 5331 

info@miniconf.it 

www.miniconf.it 

Marzotto S.p.A. 

Via Turati 16/18 


marzotto@marzotto.it 

www.marzotto.it 

Pado Tonali SpA 

Via Cesare Battisti 3 

I - 21045 Gazzada Schianno 

(VA) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 332 464233 

Fax: +39 (0) – 332 464158 

tonalispa@paolotonali.it 

www.paolotonali.it 


Product: 

children’s, womenswear 


+ retailer 

Product: womenswear 


+ retailer 

shops 

Products: 

womenswear – 

upper segment 


Cooperativa Legler Società 

Cooperativa 

Via Carducci, 5 - 24030 Presezzo 

(BG) 

Tel. +39.035.41.58.111 

Fax +39.035.41.58.126 

info@cooperativalegler.it 

www.cooperativelegler.it 

Euroconfezioni Soc.coop.r.l. 

39, v. Bellini 

I - 89055 Reggio Calabria 

(RC) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 965 371878 

Mob.: +39 0349 4049055 

Fax: +39 (0) – 965 371878 

euroconf@libero.it 

Buying of all kinds of 

clothing 

Buying centres, 

supermarkets, retail 

shops 

Buying cooperation, 

manufacturer, 

retailer 

All kinds of outerwear, 

sportswear, workwear

5. Spain. 


When Spain acceded to EU membership in 1986, its people were 

among the most enthusiastic of Europeans. The country has done 

well from its membership by investing in roads, railways and modern 

infrastructure. But now the gilt is wearing off; there are more 

eurosceptics and less interest in decisions made in Brussels or the 

men and women who are supposed to represent them in the European 

Parliament. Strasbourg is a long way from the Cortes (parliament) 

in Madrid and Spanish political parties are less interested in 

European issues than in their approval rating at home. 

Unemployment in 2009 reached 18.8%, the highest in Europe, and 

there are predictions that it could reach 20 per cent before things 

improve. 

A report from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and 

Development (OECD) has painted a bleak picture predicting 

economic contraction of 4.2% in 2009, considerably worse than 

the 3 % prediction of the Bank of Spain. 

The speed of the recession has been striking. In 2007 Spain was 

running a record public sector budget surplus of 2.2% of GDP, but 

in 2009 it will have a deficit of nearly 10%. Within the Euro-zone, 

only Ireland’s public spending deficit has risen faster. The governor 

of the Bank of Spain has warned that government debt could 

exceed 60% of GDP in 2010, up from less than 40% at the end of 

last year. 

Further evidence of the economic crisis can be seen in recent 

figures on house sales, which fell a record 47.6% in April 2009 

compared to the same month in 2008. House sales have been 

falling for 16 months, but this was the sharpest year-on-year 

decline to date. The National Confederation of Construction has 

estimated that around 600'000 homes around Spain remain unsold 

and a decline in the construction sector of 12.8% in 2009 hit the 

construction sector. 

Much of the growth in the Spanish economy was based on a 

housing bubble that has now burst. Between 2001 and 2007 Spain 

accounted for around a third of new-build properties in the European 

Union. The property crash had a huge impact on the major 

banks and the regional savings banks, which rested on mortgages 

and loans to property developers. Bad loans have quadrupled in 

2009 and there has been a rapid rise in defaults. 

The housing bubble was fed by a chain of finance based on the 

sale of bonds. This was swept away by the credit crunch. At its 

peak the Spanish current account deficit was nominally the world’s 

second highest, behind only the United States. This was in spite of 

the fact that Spain has a population of only 45 million. 



Unlike in other Western and Northern European countries, the 

textile and clothing industry is an important industrial sector in the 

Spanish economy with 215'000 direct employed persons and 4% 

contribution to the GDP. 

Spain is a major world producer of textiles and apparel and the 

country’s economy relies heavily on this sector. The Asian crisis 

and the low growth of other world markets caused a strong entrance 

of foreign textile products into European markets including 

Spain, creating fierce competition, especially after the MFA 

expired at beginning of 2005. 

Since the introduction of the Euro in 2002, Spaniards have followed 

the European trend of spending less. 

Spain ranks fourth among the EU after Italy, France and Germany 

but has a stronger textile production base than e.g. UK. 

The Consejo Intertextil Espanol reports that the total production 

in 2008 for men’s, women’s and children’s outerwear amounted to 

approx. € 10.4 billion the same amount of 2007. During the same 

time period imports have decreased by -0.7%, but projections 

show that imports will again rise by an average of 10% per year. 


Table 48: Evolution of the Spanish textile and clothing sector [€ million] 

72 


2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 CAGR 

Employees [‚000] 243.3 223.2 206.0 169.5 182.3 -7% 

Production 12’790 11’650 11’415 10’390 10’390 -5% 

Import 10’031 11’011 12’336 13’383 13’281 7% 

Export 6’627 6’659 7’356 7’814 8’005 5% 

Trade balance -3’404 -4’352 -4’980 -5’569 -5’276 12% 

Source: Consejo Intertextil Expanol, 2008 


The situation in the apparel market can be characterized as 

follows: 

The total Spanish clothing industry is highly fragmented with 3'900 

clothing manufacturers. The production is to a great extent outsourced 

to small and medium-sized workshops. Many large companies 

are looking for lower labour costs in other countries such as Portugal, 

Morocco and Tunisia. 2/3 of total Spanish clothing exports go 

to other European markets. The main clothing suppliers’ are China 

and Portugal, and the main customers are Portugal and France. 

Innovation, just-in-time supplement, continual renewal of stock with 

the most recent fashion trends and satisfying customer demands 

are immediate success formulas of the largest Spanish companies. 

Clothing sales through internet are less successful than in other 

European countries like Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands or UK. 

Only 1% of the Spanish population uses the internet for shopping 

purposes. The general aversion to computers, problems with logistics 

and lack of amusement during the purchase are reasons for 

the low rate of e-commerce-based clothing purchases. 

In general, the outerwear market can be divided into several 

segments based on type of product combined with type of activity, 

resulting in a specific clothing behaviour, like formal or classic, 

(smart) casual, leisure and active sports. 

Purchases in volume of women’s formal clothing decreased in the 

period 2006-2008, caused by fewer purchases of suits, ensembles 

and indoor jackets, while purchases of women’s casual and leisurewear 

(outdoor jackets, cotton trousers, including jeans, shorts) 

increased in the review period. 

Purchases in volume of men’s formal woven outerwear stabilized; 

casual and leisurewear dominate in men’s expenditure. 

Sales of woven outerwear for boys’ wear grew to a lesser degree 

than girls’ wear and, especially, babies’ wear. Leisure and casual 

items such as jeans and other cotton trousers, shorts and outdoor 

jackets remained rather popular. Expenditure on active sportswear 

in the children’s sector had a market share of 14% in 2008. Among 

boys, the popularity of sportswear brands stabilized. 


According to figure 5, out of 46.2 million Spaniards, the major 

population segment is between 25 and 39 years of age (approx. 

10 million – male and female). This age group is followed by 

those between the age of 40 and 44 years (approx. 3.4 million 

people). Spain’s major target group is more than 5 years younger 

compared to other Northern European countries. Therefore, the 

young fashion and sportswear segment, being the preferred dress 

style by these age groups, offers good sales opportunities for 

clothing manufacturers from abroad covering this segment. As 

in all countries analysed for this survey, children and teenagers 

have a low share in the total population. Only approx. 8 million 

Spanish citizens are younger than 20 years old. The prospects for 

the children's wear sector are not positive: in the year 2008, only 2 

million children were between 5 and 9 years old and represented 

the smallest age group of all (except those over 75 years old). The 

export manager from abroad wishing to enter or to sell more in 

the Spanish clothing market should follow and/or anticipate these 

developments and be prepared to further develop his collection 

according to the demands of the targeted age groups.

Figure 5: Age structure of Spanish population by gender, 2008 

Source: US Census Bureau, International Data Base 

9 5 - 9 9 

9 0 - 9 4 

8 5 - 9 0 

8 0 - 8 5 

75 -79 

70 -74 

6 5 - 6 9 

6 0 - 6 4 

5 5 - 59 

50 - 5 4 

4 5 - 49 

4 0 - 4 4 

3 5 - 3 9 

3 0 - 3 4 

25 -29 

20 -24 

15 -19 

10 -14 

5 - 9 

0 - 4 

male female 

2,0 1,5 1,0 0,5 0,0 0,0 0,5 1,0 1,5 2,0 

5.2.4 Retail sales by product category and gender 

The Spanish clothing market can be divided into four major product 

groups: formal, casual, leisure and active sportswear. 

Spanish women wear often feminine and stylish clothes, but are 

critical about comfort and quality. They also have higher preferences 

for national brands and make their purchasing decision 

based on comfort, quality and design. 

Spanish men aged over 40 are classic dressers and reserve the 

greatest part of their annual clothing budget for a smart suit, while 

younger men in Spain are more fashion-conscious and spent more 

on clothing in the last few years than before. Men over 40 are still 

classically dressed and often wear a suit. 

In general, the outerwear market can be divided into several 

segments based on type of product combined with type of activity, 

resulting in a specific clothing behaviour. 

Spanish people prefer casual clothing for their daily life, largely 

supported by young people. The increasing demand for jeans 

and other cotton trousers, knitted products like T-shirts, sweaters, 

jumpers, pullovers etc. and sportswear illustrates the popularity of 

casual/leisure wear. 


Table 49: Market share of outerwear by product category and 

gender, 2003 and 2007 [%] 

Women Men 

2003 2007 2003 2007 

Formal 27 25 25 22 

Casual 48 49 41 42 

Leisure 18 18 24 25 

Active sports 7 8 10 11 

Total 100 100 100 100 

Source: Euromonitor, Eurostat 




Women and label-conscious urban young people tend to be the 

major target group in the Spanish apparel sector. Consumers in 

Spain attach a great deal of importance to fashion and are beginning 

to care more and more about what they wear, giving special 

awareness to brand names. Interviews and trend research in Spain 

have proved that professional women have a general preference 

for wearing natural materials, dark colours, comfortable styles and 

classic designs. In contrast, in the North of Spain, light colours are 

trendier. Six out of ten Spanish women regard quality as the main 

aspect in their buying decision while 30% feel that design is the 

most important criterion. Surprisingly, price is the most important 

decision factor for only 10% of women, in contrast to attitudes in 

Northern EU countries and Switzerland. 

Spanish clothing consumers can be briefly characterized by the 

following statements: 

• The Spanish consumers do not have a tendency to prefer the 

same shop; instead, they look for diversity in their shopping locations. 

• Although this habit has decreased, approximately 18% of 

Spaniards still go shopping with their families/relatives (in com 

parison: European average is only 9% in this respect). - 

Spaniards buy clothing 7-8 times a year (on average), which is 

below the European average of 9-10 times a year. The exception 

are young consumers from 16 to 34; their average is more than 

10 purchases per year. 

• Spaniards pay increasing attention to brand names – especially 

young consumers and service quality. 

• The country of origin of the product purchased is for Spanish 

consumers mostly irrelevant. 

• Spanish consumers are less ecologically conscious e.g. compa 

red to the Swiss, Germans or the Scandinavians, and requests 

for ‘ecological standards’ in terms of clothing presently can only 

be observed in large cities like Madrid and Barcelona. 

The differences in consumer preferences compared to other 

Western European countries like Switzerland and Germany is the 

cut of ladies outerwear. Due to the average smaller size of Spanish 

74 


women, the pattern is slimmer in Spain (e.g. a Swiss/German size 

38 is size 40 to 42 in Spain). Also trousers with ‘extra length’ (like 

36 and 38 are rarely in demand). 


Consumer spending on clothing in Spain is below average levels 

in other European countries. Average spending on clothing in 2009 

amounts to € 492 per capita, which is clearly below Italy’s rate of € 

733. It also decreased in comparison to Spanish total consumption. 

It is obvious that expenditure on clothing depends to some extent 

on the geographical zones. Firstly, the reason for these differences 

is the social life, the income and the prestige, which play 

an important role in the North of the country. Secondly, the climate 

influences expenditure on clothing, e.g. in the colder North, the 

relatively more expensive outerwear items like coats, jackets etc. 

increase the per capita consumption in value terms. The ‘economic 

centres’ are the regions with the highest readiness to spend money 

for clothing like Cantabria, Navarra, Rioja and Ceuta/Melilla. 

According to industry sources, women’s expenditure on outerwear 

amount to approximately 50% of the total consumer expenditure 

on outerwear clothing. More details about the structure of Spanish 

outerwear consumption can be taken from table below. 

Table 50: Consumer expenditure on outerwear clothing 

2004 2006 2008 2009 

Women [€ bn] 10.0 10.6 10.9 10.1 

Men [€ bn] 5.9 6.3 6.3 5.9 

Children 

(aged 3-14) [€ bn] 

2.9 3.1 3.2 3.1 

Total [€ bn] 18.8 20.0 20.4 19.1 

Source: Analysis based on CBI 


As the Spanish clothing market is still dominated by the strong 

national clothing production, price developments also depend on 

the national industry to a large extent. 

The national consumer price index grew with a CAGR of 2.2% 

from 2006 to 2009 (national consumer price index 2006=100, 

2009=106.8) compared to the clothing (including shoes) price 

index which fell by an average of -0.1% per year from 2006 to 

2009 (clothing (and shoes) price index 2006=100, 2009=99.75).

The strong increase of clothing imports, mainly from developing 

countries into Spain has led to more competition and has limited 

the inflation for clothing items. The production costs for clothing in 

Spain have been lower (e.g. for labour, logistics, marketing) compared 

to Western European countries, the price level for apparel 

has been approximately 10% lower. 

According to the Textile and Outerwear Information Centre (CI- 

TYC) in Barcelona, the mark-up for a Spanish retailer ‘theoretically’ 

is at 100%; in practical terms, due to sales and reductions, figures 

run at only 70%. This tendency to stronger price reductions, lower 

margins and a European wide price adaptation can be stated for 

all countries of the Euro zone covered by this market survey. 


2006 2007 2008 

Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € 


Suits, jackets, outfits, trousers, shorts 

etc. (61.03) 

7’869 73’397 11’037 78’991 10’552 79’206 

Shirts (61.05) 7’525 169’910 7’456 183’269 76’923 192’434 

Sub Total 17’053 274’929 20’337 296’692 91’535 315’022 



5.3 Imports. 


The imports of outerwear clothing to Spain increased by 8.6% 

from 2007 to 2008. 

Table 51 and table 52 give a more detailed survey on the imports 

from 2006 to 2008 divided into imports of knitted outerwear and 

imports of woven outerwear. 

Looking at the 2008 total figures in table 51, the import share of 

men’s knitted outerwear clothing (knitted and woven) at 3.5% (= 

€ 0.3 million) less than the half of women import (7.7% = € 0.7 

million). The import share of knitted outerwear for both genders 

was 29.6% with € 2.7 billion. Knitted sportswear items add up to € 

0.3 billion, a 3.0 % import share. 

Knitted outerwear for women or girls has the highest growth 

rates with +59.3% from 2006 to 2008 (value) followed by knitted 

outerwear for men with an increase of +19.9% in the same period. 

It is obvious that these product segments with the highest import 

growth rates offer the best sales opportunities for manufacturers 

from abroad. The total import of knitted products into Spain increased 

in terms of value from 2006 to 2008 by 21.5%. 






16’221 238’419 23’463 347’689 211’976 442’543 



Sub Total 19’933 392’292 27’370 536’797 350’210 705’012 





etc. (61.10) 

43’336 982’295 39’882 1’070’531 148’322 1’303’971 



etc. (61.13) 

345 7’437 592 9’890 714 12’363 



(61.17) 

4’170 38’290 4’213 33’559 4’055 39’826 

Sub Total 169’607 2’332’098 179’037 2’541’378 337’087 2’698’009 



Track suits, ski suits and swimwear 

(61.12) 

12’264 159’435 17’383 165’009 81’332 168’236 



67’299 137’309 24’384 123’780 6’763 119’911 

Sub Total 79’564 296’745 41’767 288’789 88’094 288’147 


TOTAL 286’157 3’296’065 268’512 3’663’656 866’925 4’006’190 

TOTAL EXTRA EU 151’259 1’646’789 172’299 1’797’620 176’374 1’953’501 


Generally speaking, imports to Spain in almost all woven product 

categories have increased year by year since 2006. Looking at 

the total imports of woven outerwear for women or girls, imports 

from 2006 to 2008 in value terms increased more strongly than for 

men. The imports of woven men’s or boys’ outerwear increased by 

16.1% from € 1.6 billion in 2006 to € 1.8 billion in 2008, whereas 

the women's wear imports for the same product group increased 

by 17.9% from € 2.2 billion in 2006 to € 2.6 billion in 2008. 

76 


Thus, best prospects for imported apparel include business wear 

(basic colours, good quality, medium- high price) for women as 

well as high quality sportswear with a casual style and excellent 

quality materials (mainly natural fibres) with sophisticated styles 

and patterns. Casual wear, mainly denim, cotton-made products 

and knitted apparel, have also been in strong demand and sales 

prospects for these items have been rated as positive. Spanish 

youth is strongly influenced by fashion trends from casual wear in 

general (‘GAP style’) and it can be stated that imports in general 

have very good prospects in this sector.



2006 2007 2008 

Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € 


Suits, jackets, outfits, trousers, shorts, etc. 

(62.03) 

42’358 947’501 46’097 1’053’743 190’377 1’099’781 

Shirts (62.05) 14’799 355’216 17’339 416’233 206’588 397’444 

Sub Total 72’896 1’553’753 77’935 1’737’693 417’914 1’803’548 




Suits, jackets, dresses, skirts, trousers, etc 

(62.04) 

58‘111 1‘510‘981 59‘590 1‘628‘990 338‘589 1‘626‘261 


Sub Total 83’939 2’165’776 89’055 2’410’933 693’182 2’554’223 







Gloves, mittens and mitts (62.16) 791 14’985 626 14’124 1’082 28’894 

Other made-up clothing accessoires (62.17) 2’410 36’506 10’420 39’193 3’191 37’748 

Sub Total 17’085 332’457 60’575 347’540 27’256 507’675 




Sub Total 15’645 221’525 22’621 237’475 79’944 244’000 


TOTAL 189’566 4’273’511 250’186 4’733’642 1’218’295 5’109’446 

TOTAL EXTRA EU 177’022 2’504’358 193’299 2’785’254 207’648 2’958’021 




The textile and clothing industry in Spain is a labour intensive industry 

with relatively high labour costs. Outsourcing is a common 

practice among Spanish clothing firms, however mainly within 

Spain. INDITEX (Brand ZARA), for example, designs, produces 

(50% is outsourced to subcontractors) and distributes its 

own brands (vertical concept). The company policy of satisfying 

customer demand almost immediately requires that INDITEX production 

is almost entirely located in Europe, primarily in Spain to 

provide the flexibility to respond quickly and effectively to market 

trends. MANGO, Spain’s second largest textile company after 

INDITEX, designs strictly women's wear for young urban women. 

However, Mango manufactures only to 25% of its production in 

Table 53: Largest supplying countries of OPT outerwear, 2006-2008 

78 


2006 


Spain. The remainder of Mango clothing is produced in China (approximately 

50%) and Morocco (approximately 25%) but almost 

100% on finished product basis. 

The actual ‘Outward Processing Trade’ (OPT) business – usually 

operated by apparel manufacturers - in Spain plays more and 

more important role but represents only 1.7% of total outerwear 

imports. The No. 1 OPT supplier is by far Morocco with € 0.1 billion 

imports in 2008 (in 2006 only € 0.04 billion!) followed by Tunisia, 

China and Macedonia. Basically, there are two reasons for the 

extremely small OPT business: a. the strong clothing production 

base in Spain with rather competitive prices and b. no tradition in 

OPT business. 

2007 [‘000 €] Change from 

2007 

2008 [‘000 €] 

1 Morocco 38’754 148% 96’166 18% 113’660 

2 Tunisia 4’707 257% 16’782 6% 17’813 

3 China 984 27% 1’245 194% 3’655 

4 Macedonia 672 -13% 583 40% 814 

5 Bangladesh 27 -100% 0 625 

6 Serbia 10 770% 85 163% 224 

7 Turkey 6 -100% 0 200 

8 Vietnam 141 -41% 83 129% 190 

9 Moldova 0 69 74% 119 

10 Pakistan 0 0 100 

11 USA 2 -100% 0 53 

12 Hong Kong 10 5% 11 346% 49 

13 Guatemala 0 0 42 

14 Mexico 0 0 19 

15 Norway 2 -100% 0 3 

16 Bosnia-Herz. 0 70 -97% 2 

17 Thailand 32 87% 61 -97% 2 

18 Switzerland 2 -100% 0 0 

19 Romania 7’129 -100% 0 0 

20 Bulgaria 12’702 -100% 0 0 


Total 65’477 76% 115’382 19% 137’570


The five major supplying countries of clothing from extra-EU countries 

are – according to their importance – China, Morocco, Turkey, 

Bangladesh and India The two main extra-EU suppliers of fashion 

clothing, China and Morocco, represent 54.7% of the entire extra- 

EU import value 



from 2006 

2007 [‘000 €] Change 

from 2007 

2008 [‘000 €] 

1 China 1’395’357 17% 1’632’135 12% 1’825’982 

2 Morocco 766’241 15% 882’098 -3% 859’022 

3 Turkey 551’166 29% 709’031 -4% 684’114 

4 Bangladesh 360’521 -7% 335’050 17% 393’519 

5 India 261’435 -7% 244’034 24% 301’958 

6 Vietnam 84’355 14% 95’896 55% 148’249 

7 Cambodia 70’378 18% 82’788 19% 98’858 

8 Thailand 45’076 -10% 40’614 135% 95’536 

9 Pakistan 79’377 -5% 75’665 3% 77’785 

10 Tunisia 51’308 18% 60’306 5% 63’343 

11 Egypt 7’232 268% 26’582 103% 54’053 

12 Indonesia 54’382 -10% 49’098 3% 50’417 

13 Hong Kong 136’735 -21% 107’846 -57% 45’946 

14 Myanmar 32’713 1% 33’168 11% 36’712 

15 Switzerland 28’224 -5% 26’918 9% 29’217 

16 Madagascar 16’913 7% 18’053 -15% 15’323 

17 Sri Lanka 14’906 7% 15’951 -10% 14’289 

18 Peru 13’946 -5% 13’221 -7% 12’342 

19 Malaysia 26’877 -47% 14’327 -20% 11’517 

20 USA 8’120 28% 10’354 1% 10’406 


The two main EU suppliers France and Italy represent 47.9% of 

the whole EU import value. In general, approximately 46.1% of the 

import value is supplied by EU member states and the rest comes 

from developing countries. 

Extra-EU 27 4’151’147 10% 4’582’874 7% 4’911’522 

Intra-EU 27 3’418’428 12% 3’814’424 10% 4’204’113 

Total 7’569’575 11% 8’397’298 9% 9’115’635 


Table 55: Largest intra EU supplying countries of outerwear, 2006- 

2008 

80 


2006 


2007 [‘000 €] Change from 

2007 

2008 [‘000 €] 

1 France 639’311 18% 757’482 50% 1’134’652 

2 Italy 806’863 13% 914’602 -4% 878’723 

3 Portugal 600’697 13% 681’595 -4% 654’037 

4 Germany 416’821 12% 466’345 5% 489’272 

5 Belgium 344’117 17% 401’852 1% 406’711 

6 Netherlands 136’536 33% 181’371 13% 204’598 

7 UK 112’909 14% 128’388 39% 178’857 

8 Denmark 116’167 7% 124’850 -11% 111’452 

9 Bulgaria 99’598 -50% 49’421 0% 49’659 

10 Romania 49’272 -57% 21’104 14% 24’078 


Intra-EU 27 3’418’428 12% 3’814’424 10% 4’204’113 

Extra-EU 27 4’151’147 10% 4’582’874 7% 4’911’522 

Total 7’569’575 11% 8’397’298 9% 9’115’635 



The fierce competition on the Spanish market, partly due to more 

imports from abroad, has led to structural reforms at the retail 

level. The expansion of clothing multiples resulted in a decrease 

in the number of independent specialized shops. In 2008, total 

clothing retail trade showed rising turnover with an average annual 

change of +2.3%. 

Each year, independent retailers are steadily losing market shares 

to other more dynamic retail channels; this trend has even accelerated 

in the last few years. 

In Spain there are five large groups that control one third of the total 

retail market for men’s, women’s and children's wear: El Corte 

Inglés, Inditex, Carrefour, Cortefiel and Mango. 

In 2008 there were 40'000 clothing retailers in Spain down from 

70'612 in the nineties. Each year, small independent multi-brand 

stores steadily lose market share to other more dynamic retail 

channels, like specialised clothing chains, and this trend will continue 

because of limited capabilities to respond quickly to changing 

trends. At the lower end of the retail market, the market share of 

street markets declined in favour of shopping centres (including 

hypermarkets and multiples). 

The further strategy of the clothing industry, partially running their 

own retail outlets, includes the increase of productivity in order to 

lower labour costs, and a higher dislocation of the production to 

countries with low production costs. These cost-saving strategies 

have been completed by a very sophisticated supply-chain management 

to provide the franchise shops with new fashion items 

on a weekly or monthly basis. 

The Inditex Group has achieved a worldwide leading standard with 

almost perfect logistics and very short lead-times for new ranges/ 

designs of less than 6 weeks. It can be expected that the Spanish 

clothing retailers will offer greater segmentation in the product 

lines offered and specialize more in market niches, mainly within 

the low and upper price ranges.


As mentioned before, the Spanish clothing retail structure can be 

characterized by a strong concentration on only a few companies. 

Further, a significant part of the turnover is made by distribution 

chains such as C&A, or international franchise companies like 

Benetton, Pimkie or Promod. 

Department store sales (in Spain El Corte Inglés) also represent a 

large share of the total clothing market. The El Corte Inglés group 

includes the franchise chains Sintesis, Cedosce, Tintoretto and 

Amitié. 

The most successful Spanish clothing retailer, INDITEX in La 

Coruna, is the world third largest clothing company after GAP and 

H&M, with a total turn-over of € 10.41 billion (2008) representing 

an CAGR of 20.6% over the last 10 years (1998 turn-over € 1.6 

billion). The founders and owners had opened the first Zara store 

with the idea of producing fashion clothing at an affordable price. 

Over the past decade, Inditex has registered 7 new brands and 

runs 3'556 shops in 37 countries. Inditex group today consists 

of eight major chains: Zara (Turn-over share: 65.6% - products: 

men’s, women’s and children's wear), Zara Home (Turn-over share: 

2.1% - products: home textiles), Pull & Bear (Turn-over share: 

6.9% - products: menswear), Massimo Dutti (Turn-over share: 

6.9% - products: men’s and women's wear), Bershka (Turn-over 

share: 9.9%), Oysho (Turn-over share: 2.3%), Stradivarius (Turnover 

share: 6.1% - products: women’s and girls’ wear) and Uterqüe 

(Turn-over share: n.a. – products: women’s and girls’ accessories 

and shoes). 

INDITEX provides the flexibility and quick response to market 

trends, while other Spanish clothing firms are based on designer 

or seasonal collections. Designers are in constant touch with store 

managers to find out which items are most in demand. The plant, 

in turn, ships the goods to the stores twice a week, thus eliminating 

the need for warehouses and keeping inventories low. 

European firms such as Gucci are successful in the women's 

wear market. Dutch/German C&A targets a bigger share in the 

market. Other successful European chains in Spain are the Italian 

Benetton, Max Mara chains and the French Pimkie. The Swedish 

Hennes & Mauritz chain has operated in the Spanish market since 

2000 and plans an aggressive expansion, opening numerous 

outlets in major Spanish cities. The American GAP competes 

successfully with Zara and Mango, offering young fashion at low 

prices. 

The Barcelona-based Armand BASI, originally a knitwear company, 

is also an important supplier of men’s and women's wear, as 

well as the Galicia based CARAMELO chain. Two leading Spanish 

specialists in women’s jeans and trousers are ANINOTO and 

JOCAVI, which are popular among women of all ages. 

Table 56 gives a survey on the major clothing companies, most 

of them having an own production as well as own retail outlets 

among which MANGO, ZARA and CORTEFIEL have the most 

advanced marketing concept and are successfully operating all 

over Europe and partially worldwide. In the table below it becomes 

obvious to what extent Inditex dominates the Spanish clothing 

market with 1'896 own shopping outlet stores in Spain (53% of 

worldwide shopping outlet stores). Another big player is the ‘El 

Grupo CORTEFIEL SA’ in Madrid with 970 shops in 9 European 

countries and 375 franchises in 37 non European countries. 

The distribution of outerwear in the Spanish clothing market is 

based on extensive franchising systems that are highly developed 

compared to other European markets. Some of the most important 

franchises are ADOLFO DOMINGUEZ (men’s designer clothing 

– 559 outlets worldwide), MASSIMO DUTTI (ladies’ and men’s outerwear 

– 250 outlets – franchisee Inditex Group) or TINTORETTO 

(high segment ladies’ outerwear – 45 outlets – franchisee Induyco 

Group). 


Table 56: Major specialised clothing chains in Spain, 2008-2009 

82 

Clothing retail chain Parent company Website Number of outlets 

Zara* Inditex www.zara.com 514 (1’188) 

Pull and Bear* Inditex www.pullbear.com 287 (495) 

Massimo Dutti* Inditex www.massimodutti.com 250 (398) 

Bershka* Inditex www.bershka.com 262 (503) 

Stradivarius* Inditex www.e-stradivarius.com 265 (412) 

Oysho* Inditex www.oysho.com 176 (322) 

C&A C&A www.c-y-a.es 114 (1’149) 

H&M Hennes&Mauritz www.hm.com/ 114(1’988) 

Adolfo Dominguez* Adolfo Dominguez www.adolfodominguez.es ‘(599) 

Mango* Mango Holding www.company.mango.com 265 (1’223) 

Promod Promod www.promod.eu 49 (783) 

Amitié* Induyco www.amitie.induyco.es 78 

Titorento* Induyco www.tintoretto.es 45 

Síntesis* Induyco www.sintesis.induyco.es 11 (21) 

Síntesis XXL* Induyco www.sintesis.induyco.es 11 (21) 

Springfield* Grupo Cortefiel www.grupocortefiel.com 287 (1’223) 

Cortefiel* Grupo Cortefiel www.grupocortefiel.com 250 (1’223) 

Women’s Secret* Grupo Cortefiel www.grupocortefiel.com 229 (1’223) 

Pedro del Hierro* Grupo Cortefiel www.grupocortefiel.com 19 (1’223) 

Prenatal Prenatal www.prenatal.es 105 (339) 

Pimkie Association Mulliez www.pimkie.fr 270 (655) 

Décathlon Association Mulliez www.decathlon.com ‘(457) 

Intersport Intersport Group www.intersport.com ‘(4’885) 

Sport2000 Groupe Sport 2000 www.sport2000.fr ‘(2’446) 

Source: Gherzi analysis – Note: *Companies with own production in Spain or clothe collaboration; Number in brackets corresponds to worldwide outlets. 




The last survey on the structure of the Spanish clothing distribution 

channels dated from 2009 indicates that 157'600 persons 

were employed in 62'817 shops. The size of the shops in Spain is 

comparatively small with 2.5 employees per unit (source: Distribución 

Actualidad based on data from DBK). Table 57, based on 

CBI, indicates the share of the clothing distribution channels in 

2008. The market is still dominated by the independent specialized 

retailers (35%) but the share of clothing multiples (28%) has grown 

in recent years and can be rated, together with the hyper- and supermarkets 

(11%), as the greatest potential target customer group 

for manufacturers from developing countries. 


2004 2006 2008 









Other 8 7 7 

Total 

Source: CBI 

100 100 100 


Key characteristics: These specialized clothing shops are still the 

main retail outlets for garments in Spain (Jeans-shops, Boutiques, 

sportswear-shops), although the market share of these shops has 

been slightly decreasing. They still play an important role mostly in 

the North of Spain, although even here the importance for this distribution 

channel is shrinking. Each year small independent multibrand 

stores steadily lose market share to other more dynamic 

retail channels (like large department store El Corte Ingles, C&A 

and other forms of retail). This trend has accelerated in the past 

few years, mainly because of their limited capabilities to respond 

quickly enough to changing market trends and the limited choice of 

products in the shops. 

Market-share: 35% in 2008, Trend: Decreasing 


Key characteristics: Clothing multiples mainly or exclusively have 

only one brand label in their assortment for fashionable products 

with short rotation times (like Mango). As a result of aggressive 

expansion plans, these specialist chains account for a large percentage 

of total retail clothing sales in Spain. Many of these chains 

operate on either a franchise basis or a mix of both company-run 

stores and franchises. These often single brand retail channels, 

along with hypermarkets, have gained the greatest market share 

at the expense of the multi-brand independent shops. Like France 

and the UK, Spain possesses favourable regulations for franchise 

companies. 


5.4.3.1.3 Department / variety stores 

Key characteristics: Department stores combine a wide range of 

branded goods and private labels. The prevalent Spanish department 

store is El Corte Inglés, the store presents more than 

30 brands of men’s, women’s and children's wear. Many of these 

brands originate from the Induyco Group (which is the owner of El 

Corte Inglés). However, a large portion of the assortment consists 

of well-known Spanish or foreign brands. According to our market 

observations, entry to the Spanish market through El Corte Inglés 

for companies with substantial sales volume has been indispensable 

up to now. Despite strict terms of admission (restrictive terms 

of payment, certain levels of turnover etc.) set up by the leading 

department store, many brand manufacturers try to sell their 

garments to El Corte Inglés. Due to strict brand orientation, the 

department store offers easier access for well known brands and 

companies with a good image. Companies from developing countries 

have the best access chances to El Corte Inglés by offering 

their assortment to the ‘private label buying managers’ who source 

their products mainly from overseas suppliers. 



Mail-order has traditionally not been particularly popular in Spain, 

with direct selling being the more effective and better-developed 

method in the Spanish market. Shopping has always been seen as 

a leisure activity in Spain, where shops stay open late. 


The major German and French players are present in Spain, but 

their progress has been slow. Spanish leading mail-order companies 

selling clothing besides general goods are Venca (part of Otto 

Versand) and La Redoute Catalogue. 

Market share: 1% in 2008, Trend: Constant 


Key characteristics: The main activities of grocery super- and 

hypermarkets lie originally in the selling of groceries. Both distribution 

channels are gaining importance in Spain. The price level 

of clothing sold by super- and hypermarkets ranges in the lower to 

middle level. The important suppliers are large supermarkets like 

ALCAMPO, ALIMENT, MERCADONA, GIGANTE and CARRE- 

FOUR. For the children's clothing sector this distribution channel 

plays a particularly important role. 


5.4.3.1.6 Sport shops 

Sport stores in Spain only offer a limited range of clothing products 

specialised to fit to numerous sporting disciplines. 


5.4.3.1.7 Other (street markets, etc.) 

According to desk-research and interviews conducted in Spain, 

open street markets and to a lesser extent consumer fairs and 

factory outlets are the major distribution channels for clothing 

summarised under ‘Other forms of retail’. The market share of this 

retail channels is slightly decreasing. 




As stated above, the clothing production sector plays a dominant 

role in the Spanish industry. There is a growing trend among 

manufacturers to create their own chain of distribution. Franchise 

has become a very common system for brand name distribution of 

fashion products. 

A new way of distributing garments for clothing manufacturers 

originates from the USA: Sales through Factory Outlet Centers 

(FOCs). Garments are sold directly from the factory to the 

consumer. This distribution way concerns ‘leftovers’: goods from 

84 


overproduction, phased-out products and returns. ZARA has an 

independent shop in Madrid. There are many FOCs in Spain, located 

outside of big cities. There is FOC ‘La Roca Company Stores’ 

near Barcelona, which offers brand apparel at reduced price in 40 

shops (Cacharel, Dockers, Levi’s, Timberland). Two other FOCs 

are situated near Madrid (‘Las Rozas Village’ in Las Rozas and 

another one in Getafe). According to Factory-Outlet Center.biz 

there are 9 registered large FOC’s in Spain in 2009. 


As the share of independent smaller retailers in Spain (at 35%) 

is high, there is a relatively broad basis for potential member 

companies for buying associations. Nevertheless, the major buying 

association Spain is IFA ESPANOLA in Madrid. The members are 

more supermarkets and cash-and-carry markets than retailers. 

The low importance of buying associations in Spain can be mainly 

explained by the fact that the owner of a single boutique or a small 

number of shops buys over 80% of his product range from local 

manufacturers and/or from sales agents representing foreign 

brands. Therefore, the buying associations are of less importance 

for foreign manufacturers wishing to export to Spain. 


Sales agents play a major role in the Spanish clothing market. This 

refers mainly to Spanish and European clothing brands which are 

distributed via a network of sales agents all over the country. Only 

those clothing manufacturers from abroad wishing to enter the 

Spanish market with an own product range are advised to appoint 

a sales agent to sell their collection to the major retailers. These 

sales agents should be located near or in the major ‘clothing areas’ 

of Spain like Madrid, Seville, Barcelona and La Coruña to build 

up and maintain contact to the ‘key players’ in Spain. 

5.4.3.2.4 Importers/wholesalers 

Given the strong increase of clothing imports into Spain since the 

end of the nineties, the necessity for the assignment of importers/ 

wholesalers has increased. Some Spanish wholesalers/importers 

have come to supply the chains and the brands with ‘price 

attractive and fashionable’ collections that they often develop with 

manufacturers from overseas countries. However, interviews in 

Spain have shown that the large clothing companies like Mango, 

Inditex or Indyuco often have their own import departments and 

sourcing and control systems worldwide. Therefore, the clothing 

supplier from abroad should approach retailers and manufacturers 

in Spain directly.

5.5 Spanish fashion trade fairs. 

The important Spanish fashion fairs take place in two big cities: 

Barcelona and Madrid. 

The significant fashion fair in Madrid is SIMM – International Fashion 

Week. It is organized twice a year, in February and August/ 

September in Parque Ferial Juan Carlos I by IFEMA (Feria de 

Madrid). The fair focuses on men’s and women's wear, but also 

fur clothing and leather garments. The fair includes the following 

events: INMODA/ANIMODA, IMAGENMODA, INTERMODA, LA 

GALERIA, PASARELA DE CIBELES, CIEN POR CIEN, ESPA- 

Table 58: Spanish fashion trade fairs 2010 

CIO CIBELES, ESPACIO HOMBRE and BOUTIQUE EUROPA. 

The ongoing growth SIMM has enjoyed has made this event the 

second most important fashion trade fair in Europe in terms of 

net exhibition area, based on a solid and constant drive to ensure 

quality. Furthermore, the fair will feature strong participation on the 

part of international companies and buyers from other countries, 

for which SIMM represents an important business centre. 

For children's wear the ‘FIMI’ in Valencia is the most important 

event. The fair takes place twice per year and shows baby to teenager 

wear as well as accessories and maternity wear. 


FIMI 18. - 20.06.2010 Valencia 

Salon Intenational de Moda de Madrid (SIMM) 04. - 06.02.2010 Madrid 

Source: CBI 


5.6 List of major buyers in Spain. 


86 

C & A Modas S.L. 

Avda. de la Indústria, 17 

Pol. Ind. de Alcobendas 

28108 Alcobendas (Madrid) 

Tel.: +34-91-663 0000 

Fax: +34-91-663 3532 

press@C-and-A.com 

www.c-and-a.com or 

www.c-y-a.es 

infoiberica@retail-sc.com 

Celso Garcia SA 

Calle Serrano 52 

E - 28001 Madrid 

Tel.: +34-91-431 6760 

Fax: +34-91-431 67 70 

www.cortefiel.es 

Comerc. Espanola LA ARA- 

NA SA 

Polígono Industrial El Pla - 

Edificio Arana 

E - 08800 Barcelona 

Tel.: +34-93-668 9061 

Fax: +34-93-668 5962 

Cortefiel SA 

Avenida Mon Forte De Lemos 

s/n 


Tel.: +34-91-730 2912 

Fax: +34-91-730 2437 

www.cortefiel.es 

Damart SA 

Calle Gomis 32 


Tel.: +34-93-212 2412 

Fax: +34-93-211 5815 

www.damart.fr 



men’s and childrenswear 








Note: Belongs 1/3 to 

Cortefiel 

Product range: Ladies’ 

and menswear 


mid level 



and menswear + young 

fashion 


Number of outlets: > 300 


and menswear, underwear 


Lower level 


shops + mail order 

Euronido Textil SA 

Ctra. Andalucia, km 6.400 


Tel.: +34-91-217 3345 

Fax: +34-91-365 0848 

www.euronido.es 

Inditex SA (‘Zara’) 

Poligono Ind. Sabon 79B 

E - 15142 Arteixo, La Coruna 

Tel.: +34-981-185400 

Fax: +34-981-185454 

www.inditex.com 

Mango – Punto FA S.L. 

Calle Mercaders 9 11 

E - 08184 Palau de Plegamans 

– 

Barcelona 

Tel.: +34-93-860 2222 

Fax: +34-93-8602 201 

www.mango.es 

Prénatal SA 

Botanica 29-31 

E-08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat 

(Barcelona) 

Tel.: +34-93-2606000 

Fax: +34-93-2606018 

www.prenatal.es 

Reguero SA 

Roble 3 


Tel.: +34-91-4252 880 

Fax: +34-91- 571 57 35 

Superconfex SA 

Sierra de Guadarrama 84 

Polígono Industrial San 

Fernando 

de Henares 


Tel.: +34-91-656 4012 

Fax: +34-91-677 2935 

www.superconfex.be 


and menswear 


Lower level 

(value for money) 




Price segment: Mid to 

upper level 

Number of outlets: > 500 

- partially 

own production 

Product range: Womenswear, 

young fashion 



Over 60 + 175 

franchising partners 

Product range: Childrenswear, 

Maternity wear 




Product range: Menswear 





and menswear 

Price segment: Lower 

level 


Note: Daughter company 

of Dutch 

‘Superconfex’

Jeans-, sportswear and young fashion 

Dacosa SA 

Claudio Coello 57 


Tel.: +34-91-431 6041 

Fax: +34-91-577 4904 

dacosaspeedway@hotmail.com 

www.dacosaspeedway.com 


Alcampo SA 

Edificio de Oficina Madrid 2 

Santiago del Compostela sur 

s/n 


Tel.: +34-91-730 6666 

Fax: +34-91-730 7299 

www.alcampo.es 

El Corte Ingles SA 

Hermosilla 112 


Tel.: +34-91-309 7221 

Fax: +34-91-327 1327 

www.elcorteingles.es 

Galerias Primero SA 

Paseo Echegaray y caballero 76 

E - 50003 Zaragoza 

Tel.: +34-976-769900 

Fax: +34-976-769901 

www.galeriasprimero.es 

www.grupoelarbol.com 

Jose Luis Gay GA 

Calle Alfonso I n 17 

E - 50003 Zaragoza 

Tel.: +34-976-397150 

Fax: +34-976-396647 

Simago SA 

Josefa Valcarcel, 40 duplicado 


Tel.: +34-91-301 80 00 

Fax: +34-91-301 80 23 

Product range: Sportswear 


Mid to higher level 


Note: belongs to Cortefiel 

group 





Number of outlets: 43 + 13 

gas stations 

Product range: Men’s 

ladies and childrenswear 


upper level (depending on 

distribution channel) 


dept. stores + supermarkets 

+ franchising partners 





Product range: Ladies’ and 

menswear 


level 





level 

Number of outlets: approximately 

15 

Note: belongs to the Spanish 

Continente Group 


Venta Catalogo SA 

Calle de los Olivares 1 - 

Vilanova i la Geltrú 


Tel.: +34-93-814 0909 

Fax: +34-93-893 0818 

www.venca.es 


Casual wear for men 

and women 



Caramelo SA 

Avda. Gambrinus 103 

E - 15008 La Coruna 

Tel.: +34-981-146 002 

Fax: +34-981-270103 

www.caramelo.com 

Centro Textil Massana 

C. Josep Calvet, 80 - Apto. 

1052 

E - 08302 Mataró (Barcelona) 

Tel.: +34-937-415 545 

Fax: +34-937-415 553 

www.massana.es 

Difusión Dignos S.L. / 

Dikton’s 

C/Tanger 66 


Tel.: +34-93-486 45 45 

Fax: +34-93-486 45 46 

sales@diktons.com 

www.diktons.com 

Import Arrasate S.A. 

Pol. Kataid, pab 19 

E - 205000 Arrasate 

(Guipuzcoca) 

Tel.: +34-943-712-034 

Fax: +34-943-771-301 

www.astore.es 


menswear 


Mid to higher level 



retailer 

Product range: Knitwear 

and outerwear 


Product range: Knitwear 



Product range: Sport and 

rainwear 



88 

Induyco Grupo de Moda 

Tomas Breton, 62 


Tel.: +34-91-4680 300 

Fax: +34-91-46 78 723 

www.induyco.es 

Sirita SL 

Calle Poligono 6 

E - 46960 Aldaya (Valencia) 

Tel.: +34-96-151 2377 

Fax: +34-96-151 2361 

www.andres-garcia.com 

Takezo + Co. SA 

Trafalgr 70 

E - Barcelona (Ciutat Vella) 

Tel.: +34-93-268 4322 

Fax: +34-93-268 2293 

Unicen SL 

San Pedro de Leixa 303 

E - 15405 Ferrol, La Coruna 

Tel.: +34-981-315611 

Fax: +34-981-326252 

www.unicen.com 


Product range: Ladies, 


Price segment: Mid to high 

level 

Note: 50% production 

absorbed by 

Corte Inglés 

Product range: Casual 

wear for men 

Note: Manufacturer 


menswear 



Note: Manufacturer and 

wholesaler 


IFA Española SA 

Sepulveda, 4 

Poligono Industrial Alcobendas 

E - 28108 Alcobendas (Madrid) 

Tel.: +34-91-651 0460 

Fax: +34-91-661 5880 

www.grupoifa.com 

Una – Vivo AS 

Condado de Trevino 19 


Tel.: +34-91-766 1222 

Note: 

62 related wholesalers 

Note: 

160 related companies

6. Switzerland. 


The Swiss import policy for clothing from EU and to a large extent 

also from non-EU countries is very liberal. Thus, the economy is 

internationally highly integrated, applying an open trade regime for 

industrial products. Tariffs on manufactured products are generally 

low, and in principle there are no quantitative restrictions, 

anti-dumping, countervailing or safeguard actions. However, in a 

number of sectors, the market entry has long suffered from ‘private’ 

or ‘informal’ barriers that can be attributed to a legacy of weak 

anti-cartel legislation, specific and protective technical regulations, 

certain investment restrictions, etc. 

Against the backdrop that Switzerland has no mineral resources, 

the country is forced to import, process and resell them as 

products. The ‘service sector’ is the most significant part of the 

economy, employing more the 50% of the population. This sector 

specifically includes banking, insurance and tourism. Industry 

and trade are the second sectors in significance (about 40% of 

the population are employed there) and include the machine and 

metal industry, the watch industry as well as the textile and clothing 

industry. 

Economic relations with the EU have further intensified and foreign 

trade with this ‘country block’ has a share of 70% of all Swiss 

trade activities. Exports of merchandise are concentrated on a few 

sectors, particularly machinery, instruments, watches, chemicals 

and medical products and to a lesser extent textiles and clothing. 

Exports of commercial services are also important with about one 

quarter originating in the financial sector. 

As mentioned, the European countries play an important role in 

Swiss trade relations. Germany is the most important trading partner 

for Switzerland: In 2008, 34.6% (€ 44.3 billion) of all imports 

came from Germany and 20.3% of all exports (€ 28.5 billion) were 

delivered into Germany. Both are also important investment partners 

to each other. Switzerland is the sixth largest foreign investor 

in Germany. 

GDP and Industrial Production have grown from 2007 to 2008 by 

1.7% and 4.7% respectively. Table 59 shows all of the important 

Key Indicators of the Swiss Economy over the last years. 

The CHF develops more closely in line with the Euro than with the 

USD. In the past few years, the ratio of the CHF to the Euro has 

slowly but continuously grown stronger. One CHF is at present 

0.68 € (22.02.2010). 

Table 59: Key indicators of the Swiss economy, 2007-2009 

2007 2008 2009 

Real GDP growth [%] 6.2 4 -2 

Industrial production growth [%] 6.5 2.1 -6.7 

Average unemployment rate [%] 2.8 2.7 3.5 

Average consumer price index [%] 

Exchange rates 

2.6 3.3 -3.9 

CHF in € (average) 0.61 0.63 0.66 

CHF in US$ (average) 0.83 0.93 0.93 

Source: IMF, FSO Statistical Yearbook 2009, Oanda 



Switzerland has a small but very competitive apparel market. In 

2008, the total local clothing industry had a turn over of about 

CHF 2.01 billion. Switzerland has very high labour and production 

costs, and therefore the industry has the tendency to concentrate 

on high-end and/or niche products. Switzerland’s apparel industry 

is experiencing a resizing process, based on the following key 

factors: 

• Worldwide over capacities 

• Growing competition from low wage economies 

• Strict displacement competition 

• Lack of market dynamics in textile production 

• Market split between expensive labels and cheap mass clothing 

• Consumer price sensitivity 

• Demographic developments 

Clothing imports amounted to CHF 6.28 billion in 2008 (see table 

60), a 0.6% growth over the previous year. At the same time, 

clothing exports accounted for CHF 2.14 billion. Due to the fact 

that Switzerland is a relatively small country, the Swiss clothing 

industry depends strongly on exports. Local production accounts 

for CHF 2.01 billion. Thus, imports are three times stronger than 

local production. 


Table 60: Size of the Swiss clothing industry, 2007-2008 

[CHF billion] 

2007 2008 % change 

Imports 6.24 6.28 0.6 

Local production 2.06 2.01 -2.2 

Exports 2.19 2.14 -2.6 

External trade balance -4.18 -4.27 2.2 

Source: TVS 


The Swiss clothing retail market has undergone a severe concentration 

process with a trend towards factory outlets, (brand) chain 

stores and ‘brand sales points’ within larger department stores 

(‘shop-in-shop’). The increased use of e-commerce in the fashion 

world has imposed a challenge to the ‘normal’ retailers. Trends are 

towards multi-channelling (parallel selling via internet and shops), 

pre- and after sales support and mass customized offers. Foreign 

Figure 6: Age structure of Swiss population by gender, 2008 

90 

Real, Index 1970 = 100 


115 

105 

95 

85 

75 

65 

55 

10 0 + 

9 5 - 9 9 

9 0 - 9 4 

8 5 - 9 0 

8 0 - 8 5 

75 -79 

70 -74 

6 5 - 6 9 

6 0 - 6 4 

5 5 - 59 

50 - 5 4 

4 5 - 49 

4 0 - 4 4 

3 5 - 3 9 

3 0 - 3 4 

25 -29 

20 -24 

15 -19 

10 -14 

5 - 9 

0 - 4 

companies have gained more and more influence, for instance 

C&A Switzerland, H&M, Zara and others (see ‘Leading Retailers’ 

and ‘Distribution Channels’). 


The Swiss society is an ageing society. There are now many more 

elderly people than 50 years ago. The number of citizens over 64 

has more than doubled since 1950, while that of those over 80 

has even quadrupled. The major age group are those at an age 

between 40-44. In contrast, the number of ‘under twenties’ has 

increased at a lower pace and has actually declined since the 

early seventies. This ageing process is the result of a longer life 

expectancy and fewer births. According to birth scenarios drawn 

by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, this trend will continue over 

the next few decades. The population pyramid shown in Figure 6 

points out in greater detail the recent (year 2008) proportion of the 

Swiss male and female population divided into age groups (based 

Total 

on a total Swiss population of 7.6 million). 

male female 

1970 

1972 

1974 

1976 

1978 

1980 

1982 

1984 

1986 

1988 

1990 

1992 

1994 

1996 

1998 


2000 2002 

2004 

2006 

2008 

0.35 0.30 0.25 0.20 0.15 0.10 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 


Clothing

6.2.4 Retail sales by categories 

The clothing sales increased by an average of 1.6% from 2000 

to 2008. The total sales index grew in the same period by an average 

of 1.8%. Clothing sales fell by 3.0% from 2007 to 2008. Data 

about the specific sales for outerwear are not available, however, 

Figure 7 gives a good indication on the total sales tendencies and 

clothing from 1970 to 2008. 

Figure 7: Sales volume index for total sales and clothing sales, 

1970 - 2008 

Source: BFS 


Figure 8: Production and import costs for textile and clothing, 

2002 – 2009 (Index 2003 = 100) 

Source: BFS 

The sales volume of outerwear has grown from CHF 1.00 billion in 

2000 to CHF 1.34 billion in 2008, an increase of 34%. The sales 

volume of underwear has declined by 20.5% in the same period. 

The total turnover increased by 21.8% from 2000 to 2008. Table 61 

indicates the sales developments of the major product segments 

outerwear, underwear and accessories. Sales have dropped from 

2007 to 2008 by -2.2%. 

92 

Price Index 

110 

108 

106 

104 

102 

100 

98 

96 

94 

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 


Local prduction cost 

Import cost

Table 61: Size of the Swiss clothing market, 2000-2008 

[CHF billion] 

2000 2006 2007 2008 % change 07-08 

Outerwear 1.00 1.31 1.37 1.34 -2.00 

Underwear 0.44 0.00 0.36 0.35 -2.90 

Accessories 0.21 0.31 0.33 0.32 -2.30 

Total 1.65 1.62 2.06 2.01 -2.20 

Source: TVS – Note: All data based on estimation 

According to desk research carried out in Switzerland, the following 

product groups have the best sales prospects in Switzerland: 

• Young and trendy Sportswear/Casual wear 

• Jeans wear (either branded or on a value for money basis)- 

Strict displacement competition 

• Well-known street wear brands in the mid price range 

• Fashionable products at an ‘acceptable’ price level mainly 

offered by chains 

• High-end designer brands 

• Environmentally friendly apparel 

The demand for leisure and casual wear has increased continuously 

over the last few years, especially for the sportswear and 

‘smart casual’ segment. Additionally, high-end designer lines can 

also be quite successful in Switzerland with its high standard of 

living. An ongoing trend is a demand for natural fabrics. Also ‘functional 

clothing’ e.g. with ‘breath-active fabric’ is selling well. 



Swiss consumers can be defined as ‘hybrid consumers’, as in 

other countries. Market analysis has shown that generally speaking 

the consumers are very well informed about the latest trends 

in fashion and can be considered to be both sophisticated and 

brand conscious. This is the case especially for people with higher 

income and a higher standard of living. It is no surprise that wellknown 

clothing brands are popular among Swiss consumers, as 

they are considered status symbols. On the other hand, there are 

many ‘cheap’ chain stores with a ‘value-for money- concept’ on the 

market which reflects the ‘economic sense’ of the Swiss consumer. 

Swiss women today can generally be described as fashion oriented 

without following all fashion trends immediately. They are 

usually sure of their taste and prefer basic and ‘practical’ garments 

which can be easily mixed and matched. Swiss women occasionally 

engage in impulse buying, but generally prefer to invest in 

high quality basics. Working women prefer simple and elegant 

garments of high quality and comfort. The formal office outfit for 

working women usually consists of an outfit or suit with matching 

blouse or shirt. Matching accessories like shawls, belts, handbags 

etc. have gained much more importance in the last 2-3 years and 

help to ‘freshen-up’ an existing outfit. 

Modern Swiss men have changed their attitude to fashion considerably 

over the past few years. According to retail trade sources, 

the male customers have ‘grown up’ and know what they are looking 

for: fashionable and comfortable clothing of good quality. The 

level of sophistication in men’s attitude is increasing. Well-known 

brand names are very popular, especially among label-conscious 

young consumers. 

Younger people, in particular, are willing and able to pay high 

prices for well-known labels. Casual clothing without a known 

label in the mid price bracket is also in demand. In general, buyers 

aged 25-50 are the most relevant consumer group for apparel, 

representing the target group which spends a high proportion of 

disposable income on apparel and shoes. Quality, functionality, 

price and design, in that order, are the most important factors for 

this target group in taking a buying decision. 

6.2.5.2 Consumer expenditures 

The Swiss population has one of the highest per capita incomes 

in the world. Total expenditure per household grew by an average 

of 1.9% from 2005 to 2009, while during the same period expenditure 

for clothing and shoes only grew by a yearly average of 

1.5%. 


The following table shows the developments of the Swiss 

household expenditure from 2005 to 2009. 

Table 62: Swiss average household expenditures, 2005-2009 [CHF] 

2005 2006 2007 2008* 2009* CAGR 05-08 

Total 36’049 36’841 37’816 38’282 38’911 1.90% 

Clothing and shoes 1’434 1’450 1’512 1’512 1’523 1.50% 

% of total 3.98% 3.94% 4.00% 3.95% 3.91% n.a. 

Source: BFS – Note: *Data based on estimation 


For the last few years, the Swiss clothing market has permitted no 

significant price increases. Based on stable procurement costs but 

increased costs for personnel, rent, energy etc., the margins in all 

sectors have the tendency to become smaller. In this respect, the 

profit situation has become much worse for companies that are 

concentrated on the national market only. Therefore, many manufacturers 

are forced to concentrate on high-quality products, niche 

marketing, new fashion and exclusive lines or on export markets. 

The Swiss price index increased continuously but very slowly from 

2005 to 2008 at an average rate of 1.2%. In fact, there has been 

practically no inflation in recent years. Prices for clothing and shoes 

have decreased since 2005 by an average rate of 2.0%. More 

details can be taken from the table below. 

Table 63: Swiss national consumer price index, 2005-2008 

94 


2005 2006 2007 2008 CAGR 05-08 

Clothing and shoes 92.3 94.1 94.3 98.1 2.00% 

Housing and energy 98.7 101.4 103.6 108.6 3.20% 

Food, beverages, tobaco 101.3 101.2 101.8 104.9 1.10% 

Total national consumer price index 100.0 100.5 101.2 103.7 1.20% 

Source: BFS – Note: Index 2005 = 100

6.3 Imports. 


Switzerland has an extremely liberal import regime for textiles 

(no import limitations, and some of the lowest import duties in the 

world). 

Clothing imports have increased from CHF 4.8 billion in 1990 to 

CHF 6.3 billion in 2008, this corresponds to a compound annual 

growth rate of 1.5%. More details can be taken from the table 

below, which shows the clothing import developments into Switzerland 

from 1990 to 2008. 

Table 64: Swiss clothing imports, 1990-2008 [CHF billion] 

1990 2000 2007 2008 CAGR 

90-08 

Outerwear 4.0 4.4 4.9 4.9 1.10% 

Underwear 0.5 0.7 0.8 0.8 2.60% 

Accessories 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.5 2.90% 

Total 4.8 5.4 6.2 6.3 1.50% 

Source: EZV 


The outsourcing of local production process to low wage countries 

is continuing. Thus, the outward processing trade (OPT) of clothing 

manufacturers in Switzerland has increased too in the last few 

years and contributed to the growth of the Swiss clothing industry. 

There are no detailed statistics available for the last few years, 

as the import data are no longer specified for OPT and non-OPT 

clothing imports. A more detailed analysis is therefore not possible. 

6.3.3 Largest suppliers 

Table 65 summarises the major countries supplying outerwear to 

Switzerland. The neighbouring countries Germany and Italy remain 

the most important clothing suppliers for Switzerland. Almost 

55% of the clothing imported originates from these two EU countries. 

Professional and advanced marketing by the foreign brands, 

quick and easy communication and overnight truck deliveries are 

important reasons for this dominant position. 

Most of the well known European brands are at least partially produced 

or finished in low labour cost countries, whether in Eastern 

Europe, North Africa or elsewhere. 

The EU remains the by far most important trading partner in 

clothing for Switzerland. EFTA countries no longer have any importance 

as suppliers. The supply from developing countries increases 

and has gained competitiveness regarding design, fashion 

and qualitative aspects. 

Table 65: Largest supplying countries of clothing, 2000-2008 [CHF 

million] 

Position Country 2000 2007 2008 CAGR 2000-08 

1 Germany 1’662.9 1’944.3 1’949.6 2.01% 

2 Italy 968.2 1’547.7 1’489.0 5.53% 

3 China 627.6 625.7 653.4 0.50% 

4 France 486.0 496.5 533.4 1.17% 

5 Turkey 147.7 156.3 150.8 0.26% 

6 Austria 152.4 146.4 148.1 -0.36% 

7 India 113.1 145.4 142.3 2.91% 

8 Spain 98.6 124.5 137.7 4.26% 

9 Netherlands 76.1 128.5 133.3 7.26% 

10 Bangladesh 153.0 106.5 114.1 -3.60% 

Total 10 countries 4’485.6 5’421.8 5’451.7 2.47% 

Total worldwide 5’396.3 6’241.5 6’280.5 1.91% 

Source: EZV 




The liberalization of regulations governing clearance sales in the 

retail trade since 1997 has enabled Swiss retailers to initiate sales 

all year round, and not just during fixed periods. While smaller 

retailers in particular fear that the department stores and other big 

clothing stores will continue to put additional pressure on prices 

and margins by starting the summer and winter sales earlier each 

year, other trade sources mentioned the positive effect the liberalization 

has on shops forced to liquidate their goods in order to 

renovate or move the store. 

The sales volume in the clothing market has shrunk to its lowest 

level in the year 2000 and recovered from then on. This recovery is 

also due to the cessation of the import/export quotas on January 

1st, 2005 which had specially protected the European markets 

from cheap imports from China for years. 

Those groups who are most investing in clothes at present will 

also have the strongest population growth within the coming years, 

basically the age group from 35 to 65 years. People of the age 

Figure 9: Sales volume index for total sales and clothing sales, 1970 -2008 

Source: BFS 

96 


group between 45 and 54 have been strong consumers already 

in the past, and this specific age group will influence the market 

positively. 

In general, the situation of the Swiss clothing retail market remains 

difficult, mainly due to more and more competition from foreign 

chains (Mango, Zara, H&M, C&A Switzerland) but also Swiss 

retailers growing stronger like Tally Weijl or Vögele. The specialised 

smaller and independent retailers are under pressure and 

often can only exist by ‘mixing different labels’ to be attractive for a 

specific target group. There is a continuing trend to verticalization 

at Swiss retail level, meaning to manage and control the whole 

sourcing and distribution process from design of the collection 

and production down to the distribution of the product range in 

self-owned retail outlets. This sales concept means a strict supply 

chain management and is increasingly used also by department 

stores and chains like Globus building up their own ‘retail brands’. 

The sales volume of the Swiss clothing industry in 2008 reached 

about CHF 2.01 billion with a share of 67% for the outerwear 

clothing. Local clothing production decreased by 2.2% from 2007 

to 2008. Exports also decreased from CHF 2.19 billion in 2007 to 

CHF 2.14 billion in 2008 (-2.6%).


The following clothing retailers are the important stores and shops 

in the Swiss market. Price competition is fierce and deemed dangerous 

by experts as customers are getting used to special offers. 

The biggest market players are H&M, Vögele, C&A Switzerland, 

Zara, the PKZ Group and department stores such as COOP, Globus, 

Migros and Manor. 

The Swedish HENNES & MAURITZ is currently the market leader. 

Established in Switzerland in the year 1978, H&M now operates 

73 stores throughout the country. It had a turnover of CHF 846 

million in 2009. H&M does not produce itself but has a network of 

more than 700 suppliers. 60% of production is placed in Asia. A 

key factor in success seems to be the strategy of cost leadership 

backed by the globally operating Swedish headquarters. 

CHARLES VÖGELE MODE AG is a Swiss-based fashion chain 

operating in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Belgium, The Netherlands, 

Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Slovenia. In 2009, 

Vögele had 7'639 employees and 855 sales branches. Group 

turnover was CHF 1'689 million € in 2008/09. Vögele’s primary 

market strategy traditionally has been low price and still is, though 

effort has been made to ensure high quality as well. Two new 

corporate sectors have been created; “sourcing” and “new channel 

development”. This new sectors will strengthen Vögele's market 

position. 

CHARLES VÖGELE GROUP does not have production centres 

of its own. All clothes are obtained from external suppliers. Most 

purchase orders (about 95%) are placed directly with manufacturers 

all over the world and produced with Vögele own-labels. By 

the vertical organization, the costs are optimized and high quality 

standards can be maintained. Vögele runs a clear compliance 

strategy, expecting sustainability and responsibility of its suppliers, 

e.g. by following certain minimum social standards, environmental 

rules and product safety standards. The range consists of women's 

wear (59%), men's wear (31%) and children's wear (10%). 

The GLOBUS GROUP with its flagship store in Zurich employs 

2'630 employees and achieves a total sales volume of about CHF 

815 million yearly on a net selling space of 55'800 sq. m. With 

a square metre sales volume of over CHF 14'600 per year it is 

one of the most productive department stores of the world. The 

GLOBUS GROUP belongs to the MIGROS AG. The Migros Group, 

which is still operated as a cooperative, is the Swiss market leader 

in retailing but not in the clothing market. Migros has over 15% of 

Globus' shares. 

Migros puts high efforts in sustainability, fair trade and social responsibility 

of the company towards its own workers, its suppliers 

and society in general (‘Clean Clothes Campaign’). In 2008 the 

group's total turnover was CHF 25.75 billion (+13.5%). Migros has 

its own sourcing network for clothing all over the world, but also 

buys from European based producers and wholesalers. 

As of 2009 C&A has 96 stores in Switzerland. The market strategy 

aims at being a clothing house for the whole family with good 

prices and quality. It sells all kind of mid-priced clothing and aims 

to extend market share. However, C&A does not buy separately 

through their branch in Switzerland, but from Düsseldorf/Germany 

and the C&A purchasing centre EBSCO in Brussels. 

The PKZ GROUP with 495 employees in total owns several 

clothing chains. PKZ with 58 stores concentrates on men's wear 

with quality clothing of different labels. Burger is a men's wear 

shop. Feldpausch focuses on women's wear, Bluedog is a young 

fashion casual wear chain. In 2008, PKZ sold goods to more than 

1.1 million customers. 

The COOP GROUP runs quite varied store formats ranging from 

food to non-food and services. Coop offers a unique mix from 

branded articles to own brands and special brands (like Coop 

‘Naturaplan’). Numerous products of the Coop are from production 

plants of their own or from suppliers with whom they work very 

closely. The sales volume in the retail business reached CHF 19.3 

billion in 2008 which corresponds to a 17.2% of the Swiss market 

share. Over 53'000 employees work for the Coop Group. 

MANOR is the largest department store chain in Switzerland. It 

belongs in large part to the Lausanne based family Maus. Other 

divisions of the Manor Group are 'Fly' (furniture and home accessories), 

'Athleticum' (sports) and 'Jumbo' (Do-it-yourself articles). 

The Manor Group is one of the three largest Swiss retailers. The 

business employs about 11'000 people altogether. About 2'000 

persons are working in the textile division, which represents about 

one third of the whole Manor business. 




The distribution channels are grouped according to their basic 

structure into different kinds of retail businesses. More details 

about the development of the market share of the retail outlets can 

be taken from following table. The data indicates that the textile 

specialist stores play a dominant role among the clothing distributors 

in Switzerland. These specialists had a constant market share 

of 55% over the last years. They include chain stores and the 

independent retailers / boutiques and other specialised clothing 

retailers (including fur and leather wear outlets). 

The following Swiss retailers can be assigned to the specific distribution 

channels: 

• Clothing chains with own labels: Charles Vögele, WE-mode, Benetton, 

Hennes + Mauritz, C & A, Kookai, Esprit, Tally Weijl, Yendi, 

Chicorée, Pimkie, Orsay, Blackout, Zebra, Schaad Mode, Levi‘s 

Store, Mango, Zara 

• Clothing retailers with a ‘brand concept’: PKZ/BlueDog/Burger/ 

Feldpausch, Schild, Beldona, Fein-Kaller, Bongenie-Grieder, 

Herren Globus, Spengler 

• Department stores: Globus, Manor, Coop, Jelmoli, Loeb, Migros 

and other department stores 

• Home shopping companies: Cornelia, Heine-Versand, Goldener 

Schnitt, Charles Veillon, Ackermann, Spengler, Jelmoli, Vögele, 

Damart Versand, Vedia, Bader. Walz and others 

• Hyper- and Supermarkets: Migros, Coop, Denner, Aldi Schweiz, 

Lidl Schweiz, Spar, Volg 

• Other Distributors (sport shops, sport specialist stores, various 

distributors) hold a market share of 9%. 

Low-price shops are not very popular in Switzerland as the consumers 

look for more than just low prices. For mid-price apparel, 

department stores and mail order companies are still appropriate 

and well accepted distribution channels. 

98 



2001 2004 2009 

Specialists 

Non-specialists 

55 55 55 




Other 9 11 9 

Total 100 100 100 

Source: TVS 

6.4.3.1.1 Specialists 

(including textile specialised retailers and clothing chains) 

These specialized clothing shops are still the main type of retail 

outlet for garments in Switzerland, namely chain stores, boutiques 

and other specialised clothing retailers. The market share of these 

shops has remained stable over the past years at around 55%. 

The major distribution channel among the textile specialist retailers 

in Switzerland are the clothing stores with several outlets. 

Apart from the national clothing multiples Vögele, Schild, and 

PKZ, there are many foreign retailers present in the Swiss clothing 

market. 

Several foreign chains that are active in Switzerland must be mentioned, 

such as the Swedish HENNES & MAURITZ GROUP, the 

Spanish retailer ZARA, the German ESPRIT, the Italian fashion 

company MAX MARA (aiming at international female shoppers) 

and the Danish VERO MODA as well as the Spanish MANGO. 

MANGO is a Spanish franchise company owning 13 shops in 

Switzerland, 1'220 all over the world including online-retailing 

(Mango MNG Group). 

ZARA is one of eight fashion brands retailers belonging to the 

Inditex group which lays stress on high vertical integration as a 

strategic factor in competition. Zara first opened in 1975 in Spain 

and is now present in over 40 countries with 1'188 stores. All of 

them have been designed to create a special atmosphere that will 

allow the client to feel the pleasure of buying fashion. The designers 

create new fashion that hits the market twice a week. 

The turnover was € 9.4 billion (2007) and € 10.4 billion (2008). 

Zara's share within the Inditex Group is 65.6%. In Switzerland, 

Zara has had 10 stores since 2002.

Another new clothing retailer is VERO MODA with 38 shops. Vero 

Moda Switzerland belongs to ‘Bestseller Wholesale’. Bestseller is 

a family-owned clothing company founded in Denmark in 1975. 

Today Bestseller comprises 10 brands including Vero Moda. 

The Swiss chain TALLY WEIJL is another international ‘textile success 

story’. The market target is ‘the woman who likes to be sexy’. 

TALLY WEIJL operates 74 shops in Switzerland. With a turnover 

of 500 mn CHF in 2008 and more than 500 shops in 30 countries, 

TALLY WEIJL has become an important player. 

Market share: 55%, Trend: Stable at 55% 

6.4.3.1.2 Department/variety stores 

Department stores play the second most important role among the 

distribution channels, with a market share of 12% in 2009. Their 

market share has declined since 2001 (15%). 

One of the major department stores in Switzerland is GLOBUS 

AG, a department store with branches in all major Swiss cities, 

which sells fashion for men, women and children in the mid and 

upper price range, as well as fashion accessories, general consumer 

products and food. 

Another major Swiss player is the MANOR AG, a department 

store with branches in the whole of Switzerland, operating clothing 

departments for men, women and children in the lower to mid price 

category, including fashion accessories and general consumer 

products. 

The LOEB HOLDING (a traditional family company in Bern) is a 

department store with five outlets. Loeb owns several clothing and 

non-clothing companies and has a total turnover of CHF 111.4 

million (2008/09). The five Loeb department stores only represent 

one part of the Loeb Holding. 

JELMOLI AG is a department store with significant apparel sales 

for men, women and children featuring international brands 

concentrated on the mid to upper price range. With its ‘two-line 

business strategy’ - retail business and retail real estate business - 

Jelmoli has managed to change the original department store into 

a successful, growing and profitable specialities retail business 

unit. Due to use of synergies at retail level, high profitability has 

been achieved. 

Market share: 12%, Trend: Declining 

99 



The mail-order business is the fourth most important retail channel 

for clothing in Switzerland. The market share of mail-order houses 

in Switzerland remained stable at 11% over the last years. 

Market share: 11%, Trend: Stable 


Hyper- and supermarkets are the second most important retail 

channel for clothing after the specialists. The market share in 2009 

was 13%. 

MIGROS and COOP with their stores are the largest retailers in 

Switzerland, with activities in super- and hypermarkets. 

Denner is the leading Swiss food discounter. Denner has a consistent 

discount policy: Lowest prices combined with highest quality 

with a limited number of articles. 

Aldi steped in the Swiss market in 2005 and achieved in 2009 an 

estimated turnover of 900 mn CHF with 100 markets. Aldi is known 

mainly as food retailer but offers on a weeky changing base a wide 

range of garments at a very low price. 

Market share: 13%, Trend: Increasing 

6.4.3.1.5 Others 

This category primarily includes sport shops, sport specialist 

stores, street markets and ex factory sales (directly from the 

fashion manufacturer through ‘factory outlet centres’). Another 

form of distribution is ‘consumer fairs’. For the manufacturer from 

abroad, this target group is very difficult to approach as they normally 

do not import on their own. They buy mainly from importers/ 

wholesalers according to their own specifications. 

Market share: 9%, Trend: Stable 



The clothing manufacturers in Switzerland face a difficult market 

situation. The total turnover of the Swiss clothing industry amounted 

to CHF 2.0 billion in 2008. 

Swiss clothing manufacturers know the needs of the Swiss customer, 

but their domestic production costs are too high to compete

with imports in the lower or mid price range. Thus, most clothing 

manufacturers look for production possibilities abroad. 


One major Swiss central buying association is the ‘Mode Schweiz’ 

(formerly ‘ez Fashion Center’). It has more than 60 members, 

mainly independent retailers. The buying association operates on 

the basis of long-term partnerships, often with very close links to 

local clothing producers. 

The members of the buying-association ‘Inter-Sport’ originate from 

the active sportswear and sports articles sector, the organisation 

is closely linked to the German based Inter-Sport in Heidelberg. 

Some of the Swiss clothing retailers are even members in the 

larger German buying associations such as Katag in Bielefeld. 


Sales agents for the Swiss market are normally located in the 

country where the clothing is imported from, e.g. in the major 

Asian cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, New Delhi or 

Istanbul. 

The overwhelming part of the buying process is handled by the 

importing retailer directly. Clothing manufacturers from abroad 

must contact these ‘sourcing offices’ in their respective country or 

contact the buyer at the retailer’s or manufacturer’s headquarter 

directly in Switzerland. 


Analysis has revealed that the large majority of Swiss importers 

are distributors for foreign European brands selling into Switzerland. 

Often, such importers have their own shop or boutique with highpriced 

clothing and fear low quality imports. Only a few show some 

interest in imports from outside Europe. The situation remains 

unchanged, that most of the small retailers/importers are not in the 

position to order sufficient quantities, thus orders e.g. from Asia 

or South America will not be worthwhile for them. Even middlesized 

retailers are sometimes reluctant to do so, but regret at the 

same time not having the possibility to source from developing and 

emerging countries. Thus, with the general increase of clothing 

imports into Switzerland, the importance of Swiss wholesalers and 

importers has increased and the ‘need’ for imported goods also for 

smaller retailers due to the price pressure in the market has generally 

increased. The situation is unchanged, that a considerable 

share of clothing imports into Switzerland is handled by German 

importers, as they buy in overseas markets anyway to a very large 

extent and can offer the service to neighbouring Swiss retailers as 

well. 

6.5 Swiss fashion trade fairs. 

Reliable trade sources have repeatedly mentioned that the participation 

in European fashion trade fairs by manufacturers from 

emerging or developing countries, frequently visited by Swiss 

buyers, are the best and most efficient way to establish initial 

contacts with Swiss wholesalers and distributors. 

The most important Swiss trade event for men’s, women’s and 

children’s wear at the ‘TMC Fashion Centre’ in Zürich (TMC), it has 

a clear national character. Participation in these so called ‘selling 

days’ (to the retailers) are restricted to agents running a showroom 

in the TMC. The ‘Textile & Mode Center’ (TMC) was set up as a 

wholesale centre for textiles and clothing in August 1978. 

Swiss buyers, whether they are in charge of department stores, 

specialized retailers, importers, Home shopping companies tend 

to visit trade fairs mostly for information purposes, but also to find 

new contacts. 

Clothing fairs in other European countries are quite popular 

among Swiss retailers. 

Table 67: Swiss fashion trade fairs 2010 


TMC men 08. - 11.02.2010 Zurich 

TMC dessous 15. - 18.02.2010 Zurich 

TMC women 15. - 18.02.2010 Zurich 

TMC kids 22. - 25.02.2010 Zurich 

TMC sport 22. - 04.03.2010 Zurich 

TMC sport 

Source: Auma, TMC 

22. - 04.03.2010 Zurich 


6.6 List of major buyers 

in Switzerland. 

Clothing multiples 

Bernie‘s AG 

Postfach 3925 

CH - 8021 Zürich 

Tel.: +41 43 244 75 75 

Fax: +41 43 244 75 76 

www.bernies.ch 

Blue Dog 

(company: PKZ Feldpausch) 

Bahnhofstrasse 46 


Tel.: +41 44 736 33 33 

Fax: +41 44 736 33 00 

www.bluedog.ch 

Bon Genie 

Brunschwig & Cie SA 

34, rue du Marché 

CH - 1204 Genève 

Tel.: +41 22 818 11 11 

Fax: +41 22 818 11 99 

www.bongenie-grieder.ch 

Charles Vögele AG 

Gwattstrasse 15 

CH - 8808 Pfäffikon 

Tel.: +41 55 416 71 11 

Fax: +41 55 410 37 43 

www.voegele.ch 

Fein-Kaller & Co. AG 

Bachmattstr. 53 


Tel.: +41 44 434 83 83 

Fax: +41 44 434 83 43 

www.fein-kaller.ch 

101 l Outerwear 2010 


high fashion & casual 




Product range: Jeans, 

sports- and casual wear 

Price segment: mid and 



Note: brand and fashion 

oriented – exclusive 

retailer 




mid to high price level 

Number of outlets: Bonnard 

u. Cie 3 

shops, Bon Genie 7, 

Grieder 7, 10 boutiques 

under Bon Genie 


all kind of clothing 




Product range: menswear 

and womenswear 




Herren Globus Zentrale 

Industriestraße 171 

CH - 8957 Spreitenbach 

Tel.: +41 58 455 30 30 

Fax: +41 58 455 31 88 

www.herrenglobus.ch 

Jeans & Co. AG 

Haldenstr. 1 

CH - 6340 Baar 

Tel.: +41 41 768 60 50 

Fax: +41 41 768 60 59 

www.jeans-co.ch 

Modehaus MODEVA AG 

Muttenzerstr. 109 

CH - 4133 Pratteln 

Tel.: +41 61 821 91 91 

Fax: +41 61 821 92 20 

www.modeva.ch 

Pasito-Fricker AG 

Pfadackerstr. 7 

CH - 8957 Spreitenbach 

Tel.: +41 56 418 17 77 

www.pasito.ch 

PKZ Burger-Kehl & Co. 

Bahnhofstrasse 46 


Tel.: +41 44 736 33 33 

Fax: +41 44 736 33 00 

www.pkz.ch 

Schaad Mode 

Tannewäg 1 

CH – 8197 Rafz 

www.schaadmode.ch 

Schild AG 

Zentralverwaltung 

CH - 6002 Luzern 

Tel.: +41 41 429 55 55 

Fax: +41 41 429 57 57 

www.schild.ch 

Product range: Department 

store for men 


mid-priced items 



casual wear 


mid price level 



womenswear 




Product range: womenswear, 

menswear, shoes 




Product range: all kind of 

clothing incl. jeans wear 




Product range: Women’s 

outerwear for best age 




Product range: clothing for 

men and women 



Number of outlets: 41

Clothing multiples 

TALLY WEIJL Trading AG 

Service and Support Center 

Viaduktstrasse 42 

CH-4051 Basel 

Tel: +41 (0)61 568 60 00 

Fax: +41 (0)61 568 62 00 

contact@tally-weijl.com 

www.tally-weijl.com 

Wartmann AG 

Marktgasse 45 / Postfach 

CH - 3001 Bern 

Tel.: +41 31 320 18 18 

Fax: +41 31 312 16 55 

www.mode-wartmann.ch 

Table 18: Department stores 

Globus AG Headquarter 

Eichstrasse 27 


Tel.: +41 44 455 21 11 

Fax: +41 44 463 35 02 

www.globus.ch 

Jelmoli AG 

Seidengasse 1 


Tel.: +41 44 220 44 11 

Fax: +41 44 220 40 00 

www.jelmoli.ch 

LOEB AG 

Bälliz 39 

CH - 3600 Thun 

Tel.: +41 33 227 51 51 

Fax: +41 33 227 51 52 

www.loeb.ch 


womenswear 




74 (500 worldwide) 


womenswear 




(stores, shops, boutiques 

also as a part in other 

businesses) 



Price segment: low and 


Number of stores: 12 


clothing and textile 



Number of outlets: 1 large 

outlet in Zürich - also 

includes mail order 

catalogue 


all kind of products 




Manor AG 

Rebgasse 34 

CH - 4058 Basel 

Tel.: +41 61 686 11 11 

Fax: +41 61 681 11 92 

www.manor.ch 

Schaufelberger AG 

Bälliz 26 

CH - 3600 Thun 

Tel.: +41 33 225 37 37 

Fax: +41 33 225 37 38 

www.schaufelberger-thun.ch 

Table 19: Mail order companies 

Ackermann Versandhaus AG 

Fürstenlandstrasse 35 

CH - 9001 St. Gallen 

Tel.: +41 848 85 85 11 

Fax: +41 848 85 85 12 

kundendienst@ackermann.ch 

www.ackermann.ch 

BON´A PARTE MODE AG 



Tel.: +41 848 44 08 81 

Fax: +41 848 44 08 85 

www.bonaparte.ch 

Happy Size-Company 

Versand-handels AG 

Postfach 


Tel.: +41 848 55 66 83 

Fax: +41 848 55 66 84 

www.happy-size.ch 

Heine 

Stephanie Lerch 

Postfach 8088 Zürich 

Tel.: +41 0848 80 00 60 

www.heine.ch 

service@heine.ch 



and textile 




stores 

Product range: men’s and 

womenswear, textiles 


Product range: professional 

wear, ladies’, men’s, 

childrenswear 



Note: no outlets, only mail 

order 


Men’s and womenswear, 

boys’ and girls’ 

Product Range: 

men’s and womenswear 

Companies: Happy Size 

and Men 


ladies’, men’s, childrenswear 


mid and high 


Table 19: Mail order companies 

Jelmoli Versand AG 

Postfach 


Tel.: +41 848 840 300 

Fax: +41 848 840 305 

www.jelmoli.ch 

La Redoute CH SA 

Rue de la Gare 13 

CH - 1820 Montreux 1 VD 

Tel.: +41 21 966 50 00 

Fax: +41 21 966 50 01 

menswear24.ch 

Momasi SA 

Avenue de la Gare 42 

CH - 2800 Delémont 

Tel.: +41 79 828 75 77 

www.menswear24.ch 

Mona Versand GmbH & Co. 

Wehrstr. 12 

CH - 9202 Gossau 

Tel.: +41 71 314 83 00 

Fax: +41 71 314 83 09 

www.mona.ch 

Rotex Versand 

Industrie Wet 4042 

CH - 4614 Hägendorf 

Tel.: +41 62 216 43 43 

Fax: +41 62 216 43 45 

www.rotex.ch 

Spengler Versand AG 



Tel.: +41 71 274 61 61 

Fax: +41 71 274 61 62 

www.spengler.ch 

Tchibo (Schweiz) AG 

Industriestrasse 19 

CH- 8304 Wallisellen 

Tel: +41 (0)43/233 45 00 

Fax: +41 (0)43/233 45 90 

kundenservice@tchibo.ch 

www.tchibo.ch 


Product range: all kinds of 



mid and high 




mid and high 





professional wear, leisure 

wear 







Forecast for 2010: 100 

shop-in-shops with COOP 

Veillon SA 

Route de Buyère 2 

CH - 1017 Lausanne 

Tel.: +41 21 706 92 17 

Fax: +41 21 706 98 14 

www.veillon.ch 

Vögele AG 

Gwattstrasse 15 

CH - 8808 Pfäffikon 

Tel.: +41 55 416 71 11 

Fax: +41 55 410 37 43 

www.voegele.ch 

Wullehus-Mode Versandhaus 

AG 

Emmentalstr. 4 

CH - 3510 Konolfingen 

Tel.: +41 31 791 01 47 

Fax: +41 31 791 10 19 

www.wullehus.ch 


Aldi Suisse Ag 

Zentraleinkauf 

Verwaltungsgebäude Z 

Postfach 150 

CH-8423 Embrach-Embraport 

www.aldi-suisse.ch 

COOP Schweiz 

Thiersteiner Allee 12 


Tel.: +41-61 336 66 66 

Fax: +41-61 336 60 40 

www.coop.ch 

Denner AG Zentrale 

Grubenstrasse 10 


Tel.: +41 44 455 11 11 

www.denner.ch 





Price segment: low price 

level 



for age group 40+ as 

target group 




shops + mail order 


high fashion & casual 





all kind of products 

Price segment: low and 



department 

stores, more than 1’700 

shops 

Number of outlets in CH: 

430 stores and 300 indivivual 

retail traders


Jumbo Markt AG 


CH - 8305 Dietlikon 

Tel.: +41 44 805 54 54 

Fax: +41 44 805 54 50 

www.jumbo.ch 

Lidl Schweiz DL GmbH, 

Neckarsulm 

Zweigniederlassung Weinfelden 

Dunantstrasse 14 

CH - 8570 Weinfelden 

www.lidl.ch 

Migros-Genossenschaft- 

Bund 

Limmatstrasse 152 


Tel.: +41 44 277 21 11 

Fax: +41 44 277 25 25 

www.migros.ch 

Swiss clothing manufacturers 

Algo S.A. 

Badenerstrasse 274 


Tel.: +41 44 240 41 66 

Fax: +41 44 240 41 67 

www.algosa.ch 

(high priced womenswear) 

Akris Hauptsitz 

Felsenstrasse 40 

CH-9001 St.Gallen 

Schweiz 

Telefon +41 71 22 777 22 

Fax +41 71 22 777 00 

www.akris.ch 

akris@akris.ch 

(very high priced womenswear) 



Price segment: very low 

price level 





range with own brands 

Number of fashion outlets: 

30 

Forecast until end of 

2010: another 30 




range with own brands 

Number of fashion outlets: 

134 

10 Migros Co-operative 

societies 

Ajotex SA 

Route de Coeuve 37-41 

CH - 2900 Porrentruy 

Tel.: +41 32 465 89 89 

Fax: +41 32 465 89 85 

www.jic.ch/ajotex 

(men / women / child wear) 

alba Albin Breitenmoser 

AG 

Zielstrasse 38 

CH - 9050 Appenzell 

Tel.: +41 71 788 91 11 

Fax: +41 71 787 46 58 

info@alba-creation.ch 

www.alba-gruppe.ch 

(Professional clothes) 

Alumo Textil AG 

Zielstrasse 38 

CH - 9050 Appenzell 

Tel.: +41 71 788 91 55 

Fax: +41 71 788 91 54 

www.alumo.ch 

(produces shirts) 

Angéloz Michel SA 

Route de l’Industrie 3 

CH - 1680 Romont 

Tel.: +41 26 651 92 80 

Fax: +41 26 651 92 89 

www.michelangeloz.ch 

info@michelangeloz.ch 

(mid-priced menswear and 

womenswear) 

Blumer F. & Cie. AG 

Industrie Mühle 19 

CH - 8762 Schwanden GL 

Tel.: +41 55 644 11 17 

Fax: +41 55 644 39 49 

info@f-blumer.ch 

www.f-blumer.ch 

(men’s, women’s, childrenswear) 

Brülisauer SA 

Via motta 45 

CH - 6850 Mendrisio 

Tel.: +41 91 640 64 40 

Fax: +41 91 640 64 44 

www.bruli.com 

info@bruli.com 

(menswear) 

Calida AG Bodywear 

Industrie Münigen, 

CH - 6210 Sursee 

Tel.: +41 41 925 45 25 

Fax: +41 41 925 42 84 

www.calida.com 

info@calida.com 

(men’s, women’s and 

children’s 

under- and nightwear) 

a ma chère AG 

Dufourstrasse 167 

8008 Zürich 

Tel.: +41 43 456 30 01 

Fax. +41 43 456 30 09 

info@a-ma-chere.ch 

www.a-ma-chere.ch 

Beca Ferretti SA 

Via della Posta-Zona 2 

CP 257 

CH - 6934 Bioggio 

Tel.: +41 91 605 57 76 

Fax: +49 91 604 67 87 

info@becaferretti.ch 

www.becaferretti.ch 

(menswear, professional 

clothes) 

Boller, Winkler AG 

(no street name) 

CH - 8488 Turbenthal 

Tel.: +41 52 396 22 22 

Fax: +41 52 396 22 00 

www.bonjour.ch 

(clothing and other textiles) 

Braunschweig P. & R. AG 

Badener Strasse 120 


Tel.: +41 44 241 97 30 

Fax: +41 44 242 94 28 

(mid- and high-priced coats 

and 

jackets for women) 

Camiro sagl 

Strada Cantonale 

CH - 6863 Besazio 

Tel.: +49 91 646 61 18 

Fax: +49 91 646 69 95 

camiro@starsofti.com 

(menswear) 



Cavalco Confezioni SA 

Via Industria 7 

CH - 6826 Riva San Vitale 

Tel.: +41 91 648 22 63 

Fax: +41 91 648 23 64 

www.cavalco.ch 

(menswear) 

Consitex SA (belongs to Ermenegildo 

ZEGNA-Groupe) 

Via Laveggio 16, 

Casella postale 155 

CH- 6850 Mendrisio 

Tel.: +41 091 640 76 00 

Fax: +41 091 640 76 19 

direzione_consitex@zegnaermenegildo.it 

www.zegna.com 

(high priced menswear) 

Dürsteler J. & Co. AG 

Zürcherstrasse 47 

CH - 8620 Wetzikon 

Tel.: +41 44 933 60 70 

Fax: +41 44 933 60 71 

www.faerben.ch 

info@faerben.ch 

(men’s, women’s and childrenswear) 

Feldinger Gabriel AG 

Lettenweg 40 

CH - 4123 Allschwil 

Tel.: +41 61 481 05 05 

Fax: +41 61 481 05 39 

(mid-priced items womenswear) 

Ganzoni & Cie AG 

Gröblistrasse 8 


Tel.: +41 71 279 33 66 

Fax: +41 71 274 29 89 

www.sigvaris.com 

info@sigvaris.com 



Conceprio SA 

Corzoneso Piano 

CH - 6715 Dongio 

Tel.: +41 91 871 12 43 

Fax: +41 91 871 25 31 

Conceprio.sa@bluewin.ch 

(men’s and womenswear) 

Dresdensia SA 

Via Fola 13 

CH - 6963 Pregassona 

Tel.: +41 91 971 60 63 

Fax: +41 91 971 11 52 

(men’s and childrenswear) 

Fabric Frontline Zurich AG 

Ankerstrasse 118 


Tel.: +41 44 241 64 55 

Fax: +41 44 242 20 02 

www.fabricfrontline.ch 

info@fabricfrontline.ch 

(men’s and womenswear) 

Filtex AG 

Teufenerstrasse 1 


Tel.: +41 71 221 13 13 

Fax: +41 71 221 13 14 

www.filtex.ch 

info@filtex.ch 

(women’s and childrenswear) 

Gessner AG 

Florhofstrasse 13 

CH - 8820 Wädenswil 

Tel.: +41 44 789 86 00 

Fax: +41 44 789 86 01 

www.gessner.ch 

info@gessner.ch 

(womenswear) 

Hagmann Hosenmode AG 


CH - 4657 Dulliken 

Tel.: +41 62 285 55 55 

Fax: +41 62 285 55 69 

www.hagman.ch 

info@hagman.ch 

(menswear, especially 

trousers) 

Herz Heinrich AG Julietta 

Via Campagna 21 

CH - 6987 Caslano 

Tel.: +41 91 606 73 43 

Fax: +41 91 606 21 60 

www.heinrichherz.ch 

(womenswear) 

Hugo Boss Industries 

Via Passeggiata 7 

CH - 6883 Novazzano 

Tel.: +41 91 696 17 17 

Fax: +41 91 696 17 78 

www.hugoboss.com 

info@hugoboss.com 

(menswear) 

Kauf AG – The Swiss Shirt 

Maker 

Rosenbüelstrasse 50 

CH - 9642 Ebnat-Kappel 

Tel.: +41 71 992 60 60 

Fax: +41 71 992 60 65 

www.kauf.ch 

info@kauf.ch 

(shirts for department stores 

and mail-order comp.) 

leywa GmbH 

Fabrikstrasse 

CH - 8756 Mitlödi 

Tel.: +41 55 644 46 46 

Fax: +41 55 644 46 47 

www.leywa.ch 


Hanro Ag 

BenzburGeg 18 

CH - 4410 Liestal 18 

Tel.: +41 61 926 88 22 

Fax: +41 61 926 88 27 

www.hanro.ch 

info@hanro.ch 

(men’s and women’s under- 

and nightwear) 

Hofmann + Co AG Krawattenfabrik 

Im Eisernen Zeit 51 


Tel.: +41 44 362 37 54 

Fax: +41 44 362 37 19 

www.hofmannties.ch 

(men’s accessories and ties) 

ISA Sallmann AG 

Weinfelderstrasse 15 

CH - 8580 Amriswil 

Tel.: +41 71 414 24 44 

Fax: +41 71 414 24 55 

www.isabodywear.ch 


Lehsa Strickwarenfabrik 

Eichenweg 16 

CH - 4900 Langenthal 

Tel.: +41 62 922 50 44 

Fax: +41 62 923 08 38 

www.lehsa.ch 

(men’s and women’s knitwear) 

Madie’s Fashion S.A. 

Via Gaggiolo 5 

CH - 6855 Stabio 

Tel.: +41 91 647 11 53 

Fax: +41 91 647 32 53 

(womenswear)


Mammut Sports Group AG 

Headoffice Switzerland 

Pf, Birren 5 

CH-5703 Seon 

Tel. +41 (0) 62 769 81 81 

Fax. +41 (0) 62 769 83 11 

www.mammutsportsgroup. 

com 

www.mammut.ch 

www.toko.ch 

(sportswear, outdoor jackets) 

Mitloedi Textildruck AG 

Fabrikstrasse 

CH - 8756 Mitlödi 

Tel.: +41 55 647 88 33 

Fax: +41 55 647 88 13 

www.mitloedi.com 

mail@mitloedi.com 

(womenswear) 

Strellson AG 

Sonnenwiesenstrasse 21 

CH - 8280 Kreuzlingen 

Tel.: +41 71 686 33 33 

Fax: +41 71 688 64 94 

www.strellson.com 

(high priced men’s and 

womenswear) 

TOPA Konfektions AG 

Birkenstrasse 109 

CH - 9443 Widnau 

Tel.: +41 71 720 03 05 

Fax: +41 71 720 03 07 

www.topa-ag.com 

(men’s, women’s and childrenswear, 

OPT) 

Vollmoeller Textil AG / 

Jockey International 

Bahnstrasse 21 

CH - 8610 Uster 

Tel.: +41 44 905 22 22 

Fax: +41 44 940 53 33 

www.jockey.ch 

(men’s and women’s wear) 

Metzler Switzerland & Co. 

AG 

Hauptstrasse 33 

CH - 9436 Balgach 

Tel.: +41 71 722 21 43 

Fax: +41 71 722 72 29 

www.metzlerhemdem.ch 

(shirts and blouses, T-shirts 

& sweatshirts for indep.) 

Noga Mode S.A. 

Via Orti 1 

CH - 6928 Manno 

Tel.: +41 91 605 48 88 

Fax: +41 91 605 48 88 

www.nogamode.com 

(men’s and women’s wear) 

SwissTex Logistics AG 

Funkenstrasse 10 

CH - 4800 Zofingen 

Tel.: +41 62 745 33 33 

Fax: +41 62 745 33 00 

www.swisstex.net 

(menswear and womenswear) 

Traxler AG 

Unterdorf 7 

CH - 8363 Bichelsee 

Tel.: +41 71 971 19 43 

Fax: +41 71 971 31 29 

www.traxler.ch 

(knitwear, shirts/blouses, 

ecological 

clothing men/women) 

Zewi und Bébé-Jou AG 

Knonauerstr. 58 

CH - 6330 Cham 

Tel.: +41 41 784 10 00 

Fax: +41 41 784 10 01 

www.zewiundbebe-jou.ch 

info@zewiundbebe-jou.ch 

(mid- / high-priced coats 

and jakkets for children) 

Zimmerli Textil AG 

Feldstrasse 25 

CH - 4663 Aarburg 

Tel.: +41 62 791 41 41 

Fax: +41 62 791 38 72 

www.zimmerli.biz 

(high priced underwear) 


ez Fashion Center 

TMC 3 

Talackerstrasse 13 


Tel.: +41 44 874 90 10 

Fax: +41 44 874 90 19 

www.ezfashion.ch 

Pandinavia Import Export 

Spitalackerstrasse 63 

CH - 3000 Bern 25 

Tel.: +41 31 331 40 32 

Fax: +41 31 333 06 93 

www.pandinavia.ch 

info@pandinavia.ch 

(Importer/Distributor of men’s 

apparel) 

Importers / wholesalers 

WE Switzerland AG 

Im Langacker 16 

CH - 5405 Baden-Dättwil 

Tel.: +41 56 483 03 83 

Fax: +41 56 483 03 70 

www.we-fashion.com 

(Importer/Distributor of men‘s 

apparel, Dutch owned company) 

Intersport International 

Holding AG 

Obere Zollgasse 7 

CH - 3072 Ostermundigen 

Tel.: +41 31 930 71 11 

Fax: +41 31 930 71 21 

www.intersport.ch 

info@intersport.ch 

(jeans and active sportswear 

in mid price level) 


7. United Kingdom. 


The UK entered a recession in Q2 of 2008, according to the UK 

Office of National Statistics (ONS). The revised ONS figures of 

November 2009 showed that the UK had suffered six consecutive 

quarters of negative growth. As of the end of November 2009, the 

economy had shrunk by 5.8%, making the 2008-2009 recession 

the longest since records began. In December 2009, the Office 

of National Statistics revised figures for the third quarter of 2009 

showed that the economy shrank by 0.2%, compared to a 0.6% 

fall the previous quarter. 

Britain is lagging behind other major economies including Germany, 

France, Japan, and the US which all returned to growth in 

the second quarter of 2009. Commentators suggest that the UK is 

suffering a longer recession than other large European countries, 

as a result of government policy dating back to the policies of the 

Thatcher government of 1979, in which UK governments have moved 

away from supporting manufacturing and focused on the financial 

sector. The OECD predicts that the UK will grow 1.6% in 2010. 


The unemployment rate recorded by the Labour Force Survey fell 

in the fourth quarter of 2009, the first of the big 3 economies in the 

EU to do so. On January 26, 2010, it was confirmed that the U.K. 

had left its recession, the last major economy in the world to do so. 



The UK remained the second biggest clothing market in the EU 

behind Germany. UK consumers, along with Austrian citizens, 

belong to the biggest spenders per capita on clothing in the EU. 

While the import increased, the export market decreased in 2008, 

the local production stagnated. However, it seems very likely that 

the local production and employment will fall in the coming years 

and imports will continue to rise. 

The British clothing market has a volume of approximately € 

51 billion in 2009. Compared to 2008 the market shrunk by -2.8%. 

Table 68: Consumption of clothing in the United Kingdom , 

2004 – 2009 [€ billion] 

2004 2006 2008 2009* CAGR 04-09 

Knitted outerwear 19.83 20.81 21.58 20.98 1.1% 

Woven outerwear 22.75 24.31 25.13 24.37 1.4% 

Total outerwear 42.58 45.12 46.71 45.35 1.3% 

Clothing others 5.64 5.5 5.79 5.68 0.1% 

Total clothing 48.22 50.62 52.5 51.03 1.1% 

Source: Eurostat and Euromonitor – Note: *forecast 


A large proportion of British consumers has become more price 

sensitive under the slogan: ‘Look good – pay less’. This attitude 

towards clothing consumption explains to a large extent the 

overwhelming success of the so called British ‘Value Retailers’. 

However, some consumers are also willing to buy higher priced 

and exclusive clothing. 

Most consumers with high income are normally in the age group 

between 50 and 60 and manufacturers offering highest quality 

garments meet a strong and ever growing market segment in the 

UK.

Good quality is also of increasing relevance to the younger consumers. 

This is underlined by the fact that clothing brands are of the 

same importance to the young as to elderly consumers, although 

the younger consumers often can not afford the branded items. 

Whenever their financial situation allows (often due to the wealth 

of their parents) the young like to buy brands (e.g. for jeans) and 

are eager to show their fashion awareness. 


The UK has a population of 61.0 million inhabitants with slight 

increases in population projected for the next 10 years. The age 

structure indicates the most suitable consumer groups to address 

for the respective product segment. 

Figure 10: Age structure of British population by gender, 2008 


10 0 + 

9 5 - 9 9 

9 0 - 9 4 

8 5 - 9 0 

8 0 - 8 5 

75 -79 

70 -74 

6 5 - 6 9 

6 0 - 6 4 

5 5 - 59 

50 - 5 4 

4 5 - 49 

4 0 - 4 4 

3 5 - 3 9 

3 0 - 3 4 

25 -29 

20 -24 

15 -19 

10 -14 

5 - 9 

0 - 4 


Market developments in terms of shifts in the age groups can be 

predicted. These demographic forecasts may give hints on how to 

address the age group concerning design and marketing. Also, the 

kinds of clothing requested may change in the future regarding general 

demand, quality, suitability, comfort standards, basic designs 

and colours. 

The age groups between 35 and 39 have the highest shares in the 

British population today. But the older age groups of 45 to 49 also 

play a significant role. In future, the younger consumer segment 

will decrease more and more. 

Manufacturers from abroad should not neglect the increasing ‘age 

group’ of over 39 up to 59 years of age. More details about the 

shares and developments of the age groups concerned can be 

taken from the following figure. 

male female 

2,5 2,0 1,5 1,0 0,5 0,0 0,0 0,5 1,0 1,5 2,0 2,5 


The British market for outerwear shows that the turnover for 

women's wear is almost double level compared to men's wear. 

As indicated in the table below the retail sales of outerwear 

clothing in the UK amounted to a total of approximately € 51 

billion in 2009 with a CAGR of 1.3% from 2004 to 2009. The total 

clothing retail sales have risen with a CAGR of 1.1% from € 48 

billion in 2004 to € 51 billion in 2009. 


Table 69: Turnover of outerwear clothing by gender, 2004 and 2008 


2004 2006 2008 2009* CAGR 04-09 

Women‘s outerwear 22.61 24.14 24.89 24.19 1.4% 

Men’s outerwear 13.33 13.93 14.51 14.06 1.1% 

Children’s outerwear 6.64 7.05 7.31 7.10 1.3% 

Total outerwear 42.58 45.12 46.71 45.35 1.3% 

Total others 5.64 5.50 5.79 5.68 0.1% 

Total clothing 48.22 50.62 52.50 51.03 1.1% 

Source: Analysis based on Eurostat and Euromonitor – Note: *forecast 



British women are fashion-conscious and stylish. This leads to an 

interest in and desire for new and innovative styles of clothing. The 

influence of media, especially magazines, TV and Internet, make 

consumers more conscious of the latest fashion trends and prices, 

so they are better informed to make a choice than before. 

Recent years have seen a trend towards purchasing casual wear 

for the office and leisurewear for home, and away from buying 

formal wear. 

The children’s clothing market is strongly shaped by adult fashion, 

with some styles being miniaturised versions of adult ranges. Meanwhile 

youth styles and fashions are opening up a new children’s 

niche, with its own characteristics and inspirations. Influences on 

children’s fashion from the sports world and the entertainment 

sector will continue, even from an increasingly young age. 

Although formal wear is more and more substituted by casual 

wear, as in other European countries, the UK is still the country 

with the highest market share of formal wear. As the table below 

shows, the share of formal clothing is at a comparatively high level 

of 39% for women and 38% for men. In this context, it should also 

be mentioned that in the segment of children‘s clothing, formal 

wear is also strong because of the use of school uniforms in Great 

Britain. 

Casual wear and basic leisurewear in particular have - compared 

to other European countries - lesser but increasing importance 

among British consumers. 

Table 70: Share of outerwear by gender and type, 2004 and 2008 

Women Men Children 

2004 2008 2004 2008 2004 2008 

Formal 40% 39% 39% 38% 19% 18% 

Casual 37% 38% 33% 34% 69% 70% 

Leisure 17% 18% 21% 21% -* -* 

Active sports 6% 5% 7% 7% 12% 12% 

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 

Source: Analysis based on Eurostat and Euromonitor – Note: *Included in casual wear


The UK remained the second biggest clothing market in the EU 

behind Germany. UK consumers, along with Austrian citizens, 

belong to the biggest spenders per capita on clothing in the EU. 

The next table illustrates household expenditure by the age of the 

household reference person. The figures indicate that for men, 

expenditure on clothing rises with age, but seems to be quite constant 

especially for men between 30 and 64, and only falls again at 

a higher age. Expenditure for women‘s outerwear is not only higher 

in all age categories than for men, but also shows a different life 

Less than 

30 

30 – 49 50 – 64 65 – 74 75 

or over 

All households Expenditure share 

Women‘s outerwear 7.10 8.80 9.80 4.80 3.30 7.60 52.4% 

Men’s outerwear 6.20 5.60 5.10 2.60 1.10 4.50 31.0% 

Girls’ outerwear 0.50 1.80 0.60 0.40 0.10 1.00 6.9% 

Boys’ outerwear 0.40 1.50 0.40 0.20 0.10 0.80 5.6% 

Infants’ outerwear 1.10 1.00 0.40 0.30 0.10 0.60 4.1% 

Source: ONS 

Clothing and shoes 

per household 

cycle pattern. Between the age of 30 and 49, average weekly 

expenditure is £8.80, between 50 and 64, women’s expenditure 

shows nearly the same level at £9.80 weekly. Assuming that the 

age of the reference person of the household stands for the age of 

the female consumer, it means that 50 to 64 year old women is the 

age category with the highest expenditure on clothing. The reason 

for this could be sales of luxury items for wealthy clientèle in shops 

like Burberry‘s, Barbour and Pringle. 

Table 71: Weekly household expenditure by age of household 

reference person, 2008 [£] 

The next table clearly shows that total expenditure per household 

has increased with a CAGR of 2.8% over the last years. Expenditure 

on clothing and shoes only increased with a CAGR of 0.9% 

over the same period, thus decreasing the share of clothing and 

shoes expenditure per household. 

Table 72: Average yearly expenditure per household, 

2008 [£, 2.4 persons per household] 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009* CAGR 

04-09 

2’010 2’045 2’068 2’098 2’099 2’101 0.9% 

% of total 5.6% 5.6% 5.4% 5.3% 5.2% 5.1% 

Total 35’601 36’838 37’985 39’538 40’598 40’819 2.8% 

Source: Analysis based on ONS – Note: *estimation 



Clothing prices have been declining since the mid 90’s. The fierce 

competition on the UK clothing market has brought down prices 

year after year. In most outerwear sectors consumers buy more 

items, but the growth of the clothing market in value is lower due to 

price deflation. 


The following table clearly shows the drop of prices in the clothing 

and shoe segment. The CAGR for clothing and shoes is -5.6% 

from 2004 to 2009, while Housing, water and fuels and all other 

Table 73: Price indices for clothing and shoes, 2004-2009 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 CAGR 04-09 

Clothing and shoes 105.6 100.0 95.8 92.1 86.0 79.2 -5.6% 

Housing, water and fuels 94.1 100.0 109.2 114.7 124.5 129.9 6.7% 

All items 98.0 100.0 102.3 104.7 108.5 110.8 2.5% 

Source: ONS 

7.3 Imports. 

The UK is the second largest EU importer in terms of value. As 

a logical consequence, the ‘Overseas Trade Statistics’ show that 

imports for women's and men’s clothing continuously increased 

over the last few years. Although the import level of women's wear 

is higher than for men's wear, imports of men’s clothing seem to 

have grown stronger. 

Looking at the total figures in table 74 and table 75, the import 

share of women‘s clothing in total imports is higher than that for 

men mainly due to a generally higher consumption of women‘s 

clothing. Overall outerwear clothing imports (knitted and woven) 

have shrunk by -7.7% from 2006 to 2008. Extra EU imports shrunk 

by -0.4% in the same time period, thus increasing its share from 

69.8% in 2006 to 75.4% in 2008. This is also the main reason for 

the constant depreciation in clothing price over the last years. 

Table 74 illustrates the import developments of knitted outerwear 

from 2006 to 2008. Total import for knitted men's clothing outerwear 

decreased by -18.4% from 2006 to 2008. Extra EU imports 

also decreased by a double digit percentage (-12%). Category 

61.05 (shirts) had the largest loss with almost -22%. 

The imports of knitted outerwear for women or girls have also 

decreased from 2006 to 2008 by -1.8%. Extra EU imports increased 

by more than 14% in the same time period, thus increasing its 

import share from 65.9% in 2006 to 76.7% in 2008. 

The total import of knitted products decreased in terms of value 

from 2006 to 2008 by approx. -6%. The share of knitted outerwear 

imported from countries outside the EU is constantly increasing 

and almost reached 80% in 2008.



2006 2007 2008 

Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € 



Suits, jackets, outfits, trousers, shorts etc. 

(61.03) 

15’893 238’259 15’952 214’657 16’564 197’543 

Shirts (61.05) 27’722 382’111 25’713 350’661 23’395 299’668 

Sub Total 47’570 684’338 45’935 625’039 44’553 558’154 



40’950 491’269 41’041 473’946 40’594 432’165 




35’681 579’449 43’510 687’999 38’180 582’970 


Sub Total 56’487 936’890 73’507 1’049’816 63’148 919’915 



40’388 617’320 51’110 766’340 52’079 705’281 



etc. (61.10) 

115’833 2’039’585 147’660 2’047’889 135’994 2’146’773 


Garments rubberised, impregnated, etc. 

(61.13) 

1’248 20’260 1’114 19’013 1’457 23’237 



(61.17) 

5’670 77’116 4’745 67’368 5’032 69’795 

Sub Total 302’450 4’630’324 334’961 4’620’503 314’648 4’400’691 



256’103 3’504’593 266’336 3’609’066 274’144 3’538’025 

Track suits, ski suits and swimwear (61.12) 7’074 176’175 8’333 184’808 7’378 150’937 

Special garments for professional sporting 

or other purposes (61.14) 

10’859 113’593 13’480 144’034 10’169 127’842 

Sub Total 17’933 289’768 21’813 328’842 17’547 278’779 


TOTAL 424’440 6’541’320 476’215 6’624’199 439’897 6’157’539 

TOTAL EXTRA EU 349’322 4’826’071 375’720 5’104’329 382’147 4’895’930 



Table 75 shows the imports of woven outerwear into the UK. From 

2006 to 2008, total imports of women's woven outerwear decreased 

in value terms at a greater rate than the imports of men's 

outerwear. Imports of woven menswear decreased from € 2.7 

billion in 2006 to € 2.5 billion in 2008 and. 

The import volume of woven men's wear rose from 156 million 

tons in 2006 to 162 million tons in 2008. Import prices for woven 

menswear decreased significantly. 

Table 75: Imports of woven outerwear by gender and product 


2006 2007 2008 

Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € 



(62.01) 

21’710 359’502 20’881 369’911 20’341 351’689 

Suits, jackets, outfits, trousers, shorts, 

etc. (62.03) 

98’357 1’663’038 104’415 1’679’011 105’214 1’535’886 

Shirts (62.05) 36’581 652’979 37’456 649’441 36’527 590’494 

Sub Total 156’649 2’675’519 162’752 2’698’363 162’081 2’478’069 



130’266 1’728’995 141’878 1’786’288 143’674 1’749’527 


(62.02) 

29’599 460’550 30’345 516’310 28’759 497’718 


etc. (62.04) 

157’177 3’054’677 169’674 3’075’113 147’044 2’586’331 


Sub Total 221’766 4’288’231 240’649 4’468’409 207’580 3’790’043 



169’804 2’888’038 188’676 2’942’877 174’976 2’746’886 




Ties, bow ties and cravats (62.15) 2’231 56’683 2’738 57’317 2’867 50’887 



(62.17) 

4’175 54’041 4’938 48’859 4’198 49’004 

Sub Total 42’660 655’501 46’132 643’550 47’840 657’081 



Woven women's wear imports decreased from 2006 to 2008 by 

almost -12% and amounted to € 3.8 billion in 2008. Only the category 

62.02 (Coats, anoraks, etc.) increased by 8% in the same 

time period. 

Total imports of woven outerwear decreased by -9.3% from 2006 

to 2008. Extra EU imports decreased with a slower pace of only 

-2.1% in the same time period, thus increasing its market-share 

from 67% in 2006 to 72% in 2008.

2006 2007 2008 

Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € Tons 1’000 € 



Sub Total 23’192 324’627 21’999 277’683 23’839 280’202 


TOTAL 444’266 7’943’877 471’532 8’088’005 441’341 7’205’395 

TOTAL EXTRA EU 353’420 5’289’699 387’527 5’379’229 378’964 5’178’650 



The United Kingdom does not have any kind of OPT activities 

according to Eurostat. 


According to Textil Forum, UK clothing production rose for the first 

time in many years in 2007. It grew by 3% during 2007 and stood 

at some € 5.4 billion. In 2008 employment in the clothing sector 

remained static at some 77’000. This was the first time that employment 

has not fallen, while in 2007 some 8’000 jobs were lost 

across the sector. 

However, it seems very likely that production and employment will 

fall in the coming years and imports will continue to rise. Several 

manufacturers of outerwear for men and/or women specialised 

themselves in corporate clothing, while other manufacturers shifted 

from manufacturing private labels to own branded business. 



2006 

Table 76 gives a good survey on the performance of the 20 leading 

extra-EU clothing suppliers to the UK. The share of clothing 

imports from non-EU countries was 75.4% in 2008. In 2008, € 

13.4 billion of outerwear was imported to the UK: € 10.1 billion 

outerwear from extra-EU and € 3.3 billion from other EU member 

states. While the imports from extra-EU decreased by -0.4% from 

2006 to 2008, the imports from EU countries declined significantly 

by almost 25%. 

The three main import countries are China (€ 4.2 billion), Turkey (€ 

1.2 billion), Bangladesh (€ 0.9 billion). 

Looking at the country shares in total import, China maintains the 

major part with 31.6% of total imports. Turkey also plays a significant 

role with € 1.2 billion and a share of 9.2%. These two countries 

alone represent more than a third of total clothing imports. 

2007 [‘000 €] Change from 

2007 

2008 [‘000 €] 

1 China 3’104’783 12% 3’491’706 21% 4’233’931 

2 Turkey 1’565’951 11% 1’733’457 -29% 1’232’455 

3 Bangladesh 934’737 -3% 910’784 -1% 898’775 

4 India 780’417 15% 896’957 -6% 840’286 

5 Sri Lanka 453’725 1% 458’826 5% 479’894 

6 Morocco 339’259 1% 344’258 -19% 280’435 

7 Hong Kong 716’548 -26% 532’757 -57% 231’168 

8 Vietnam 185’558 8% 200’830 11% 222’950 

9 Indonesia 316’589 -13% 274’873 -20% 221’071 

10 Pakistan 213’369 3% 219’739 -3% 212’762 

11 Mauritius 190’687 2% 195’140 -13% 169’267 

12 Egypt 131’667 5% 138’350 1% 139’087 


Intra-EU imports have declined by -22% from 2006 to 2008. Only 

Spain had inverse trend and increased its exports to the UK by 

18.3% from 2006 to 2008. Italy, Germany and France are the three 

main intra-EU exporting countries to the UK. 


2006 


2007 [‘000 €] Change from 

2007 

2008 [‘000 €] 

13 Thailand 132’405 -9% 120’539 2% 123’265 

14 Cambodia 121’053 0% 121’022 -2% 119’092 

15 USA 97’737 4% 101’545 -9% 92’643 

16 Tunisia 65’920 0% 66’035 2% 67’132 

17 Malaysia 56’163 -4% 53’829 -10% 48’438 

18 United Arab Emirates 66’271 -8% 60’791 -22% 47’625 

19 Lao 42’311 -25% 31’567 25% 39’485 

20 Philippines 61’171 -29% 43’560 -35% 28’346 


Extra-EU 27 10’115’771 4% 10’483’559 -4% 10’074’580 

Intra-EU 27 4’369’427 -3% 4’228’645 -22% 3’288’354 

Total 14’485’198 2% 14’712’204 -9% 13’362’934 



2006 

2007 [‘000 €] Change from 

2007 

2008 [‘000 €] 

1 Italy 738’108 7% 791’131 -13% 686’370 

2 Germany 508’640 -2% 500’066 -12% 438’308 

3 France 572’712 -9% 520’384 -20% 416’824 

4 Belgium 473’308 -19% 382’264 -12% 337’874 

5 Romania 567’390 24% 704’426 -57% 302’231 

6 Netherlands 276’771 -6% 260’715 3% 268’890 

7 Spain 186’792 11% 206’940 7% 220’953 

8 Portugal 296’902 -12% 260’454 -25% 194’574 

9 Ireland 125’169 -8% 114’760 -15% 97’092 

10 Denmark 72’452 8% 77’990 -9% 71’084 

Intra-EU 27 4’369’427 -3% 4’228’645 -22% 3’288’354 

Extra-EU 27 10’115’771 4% 10’483’559 -4% 10’074’580 

Total 14’485’198 2% 14’712’204 -9% 13’362’934 

Source: Eurostat 2009



Following M&S survey, the clothing market faced a difficult year. In 

this highly competitive sector several factors are driving shopping 

trends on the High Street. 

Older customers, who are more cautious about spending, are 

increasingly buying on a ‘needs’ basis or replacing staples with 

investment pieces. They are looking for clothing that lasts beyond 

the current season, which can be dressed up or down and accessorised. 

Additionally, the economic climate has forced customers to 

consider carefully before buying, prompting retailers to introduce 

promotions and discounts to entice them in, especially during 

Christmas. This resulted in customers widening their store choice 

so they could cherry pick the best offers, and use deals to ‘trade 

up’ to better quality items for less money. 

Under-35 customers are more unpredictable in their approach to 

spending. While spending initially slowed at the start of 2008/09, 

they quickly returned to the impulse shopping that characterised 

their spending before the credit crunch. They tend to buy for the 

moment and gravitate to cheap fashion items – cutting back spending 

in other parts of their lives so they can afford to shop. 

The retailing structure for clothing in the UK is one most concentrated 

in the world. Clothing chains, value and discount retailers and 

variety stores are the main retail channels for outerwear clothing 

in the UK. The three largest players are Marks & Spencer (M&S), 

the Next Group and the Arcadia Group. The number and variety 

of retail channels which offer outerwear clothing has increased in 

recent years. 

The UK accounted for around 34'500 clothing outlets in 2008, of 

which the number of independent clothing retailers can be estimated 

at almost 10'000, operating through 13'000 outlets. Some 

independent sport shops in the UK have joined a buying group, 

of which the most important are Intersport (162 stores) and Sport 

2000 (183). 

The Arcadia Group, operates through over 2'800 clothing multiple 

stores in the UK (and 600 abroad), like Dorothy Perkins, Evans, 

Top Shop, Wallis, Miss Selfridge, Burton and Top Man. All chains 

include home service activities. 

Under the name Aurora Fashions, new name for Mosaic Fashions, 

four fashion brands (Karen Millan, Coast, Warehouse and Oasis) 

will continue its activities through 1'377 stores in 45 countries, as 

reported in March 2009. 

Major foreign players are Hennes & Mauritz (146 stores), Gap 

(136 stores), Zara (63 stores), Mango (20 stores) and Dunnes 

Stores (29 stores). 

The UK clothing retail sector makes a distinction between discount 

retailers, which sell branded clothing at below recommended prices, 

and value retailers, which sell own label clothes at low prices. 

Both types of retailers are likely to put even further downward 

pressure on pricing. The value players have performed strongly 

and this is expected to continue as the downturn takes hold. 

Primark is the largest of these players followed by TK Maxx (part 

of the USA based TJX Companies). Primark has plans for further 

expansion, has stores already trading in Spain and plans afoot for 

further expansion into The Netherlands, Portugal and Germany. 

TK Maxx Europe is also active in Ireland and Germany. 

The most important variety chain is Marks & Spencer (M&S) 

with 490 stores nationwide and selling clothing besides food and 

home ware. In addition, M&S has 166 stores worldwide, including 

franchise businesses, operating in 36 countries. M&S is the UK’s 

leading household and furnishing retailer, and an important retailer 

of foods, clothing and footwear. Another variety chain is Bhs 

(180 stores), active in adults’ wear, and even more important, in 

children’s wear also through the formula Tammy. The 818 Woolworth 

variety stores went into administration in November 2008 

and were closed in four stages throughout December 2008 and 

January 2009. 

The leading department store is Debenham (153 stores in the UK 

and Ireland, besides 48 franchised outlets in 17 countries abroad). 

Debenham is the UK’s third largest clothing retailer and the 

leading department store in selling clothing. Another department 

store is John Lewis Partnership (27 stores). 

Along with this development, the competition among the clothing 

suppliers from non-EU countries has also increased and demands 

with regard to service, reliability and keeping of high quality standards 

have to be fulfilled by companies that wish to remain on the 

supplier’s lists. 

A further strong development in the British retail trade - apart from 


price orientation - is the emphasis on more service and attractive 

shop interiors. Consumers are not only prepared to invest in the 

product, but also accept higher prices for the distracting experience 

of shopping. Buying of clothing becomes a special and joyful 

‘event’ achieved through a variety of entertaining and extensive 

store environments. 

Clothing retail chain 

General 

Parent company Website Number of outlets 

Next Next PLC www.next.co.uk 502 (660) 

Monsoon Monsoon www.monsoon.co.uk 410 (849) 

New Look 

Women 

New Look www.newlook.co.uk 613 (885) 

Dorothy Perkins Arcadia Group www.dorothyperkins.co.uk 600 

Evans Arcadia Group www.evans.ltd.uk 330 

Wallis Arcadia Group www.walis-fashion.com 300 (425) 

Miss Selfridge Arcadia Group www.misssefridge.co.uk 141 (187) 

Topshop Arcadia Group www.topshop.co.uk 320 

Alexon Alexon Group www.alexon.co.uk 77 

Bay Trading 

Men 

Alexon Group www.alexon.co.uk 167 

Topman Arcadia Group www.topman.co.uk 178 

Burton 

Children & maternity 

Arcadia Group www.burton.co.uk 400 

Mothercare 

Outdoor / sports 

Mothercare www.mothercare.com 225 (553) 

JJB Sports JJB Sports www.jjb.co.uk 344 

Blacks Leisure Black Leisure Group www.blackleisure.co.uk 374 

JD Sports 

Value retailers 

John David Group www.jdsports.co.uk 402 

Matalan (family clothing etc.) www.matalan.co.uk 200 

Peacock (clothing, footwear etc.) www.peacocks.co.uk 460 (506) 

Primark (clothing, footwear etc.) www.primark.co.uk 181 

M6Co (former name Mackays; women’s and children’s wear) www.mackaystores.co.uk 297 

QS (general clothing) www.qsgroup.co.uk 170 

Bonmarché (women’s wear) 

Discount chains 

www.bonmarche.co.uk 371 

TK Maxx (fashion and giftware) www.tkmaxx.com 214 (231) 

The Officers Club (men’s wear) www.theofficersclub.co.uk 174 

Source: CBI - Note: Numbers in brackets including outlets abroad 



The following table gives a good survey of leading clothing shops/ 

chains in the UK. Besides the clothing chains of the powerful ARCADIA 

Group, (sales volume £ 1.9 billion in 2008) there are other clothing 

multiples like NEXT with 502 outlets and a sales volume of €3.3 billion. 

Table 78: Major specialised clothing chains based in the UK, 2008



The following table gives an overview on the main clothing retail 

channels in the UK and the share of each channel. 


2004 2006 2008 



Clothing multiples* 34 36 37 






Other 8 7 6 

Total 100 100 100 

Source: CBI and BTE – Note: *including discounters and value retailers 

7.4.3.1.1 Independent specialised retailers 

The market share of independent clothing retailers has been 

dropping slowly over the past three years (2004-2008). 12% of 

the clothing is sold through independent shops, which is rather 

low compared with the much higher percentages in France and 

Germany. 

The shrinking process of the smaller independent retailers has 

come to a standstill and the market has stabilized at a low level. 

More than 90% of independent retailers do not buy/import from 

overseas clothing suppliers but source abroad through their buying 

associations. 

Market share: 12% in 2008, Trend: decreasing 


The structure of clothing retailing in the UK is one of the most 

concentrated in the world. The largest player in the market is the 

Arcadia Group, which operates with more than 2'500 clothing multiple 

stores and includes, as well as home service activities, the 

women’s chains Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Top Shop, Miss Selfridge, 

Wallis, Outfit the men's wear chains Burton and Top Man. The 

Arcadia Group buys separately for each of its companies and each 

product group and there are buyers responsible for each product 

segment. 

The Top Shop chain, offers the latest young fashion and have 

enlarged their services including ‘style consulting’, a VIP Service 

sending a selection of clothing items home and a special department 

for pregnant women with extra large changing rooms. Those 

luxury shops that have traditional brands such as BURBERRY‘ S, 

BARBOUR and PRINGLE play an important role for consumers 

over 45 who have the appropriate income to buy quality collections. 

Burberry has been successful in re-launching its traditional 

labels and combines higher quality with higher prices. Burberry‘s 

consumer-oriented and elaborate marketing led to a sales increase. 

Similar developments can be detected for the retailers Daks, 

Aquascutum, and Mulberry, who combined classic brands with 

current market trends. 

As in other European countries, the mid-market global fashion 

brands of the foreign companies H&M, ZARA and MANGO are 

strengthening their hold on the UK market. In the UK clothing retail 

sector a distinction is made between discount retailers, which sell 

branded clothing at below recommended prices and value retailers, 

which sell own label clothes at low prices. 

The market share of these retailers, in particular value retailers, 

increased strongly in the period under review and included outerwear. 

The secret of their success is the ability to provide the latest 

fashion trends to their customers. 

Market share: 37 % in 2008, Trend: increasing 

7.4.3.1.3 Department stores 

Among the clothing retailers, the department store MARKS & 

SPENCER (M&S) in particular suffered from fiercer competition 

and profits that turned into losses at the end of the nineties. However, 

with a total sales of around £ 0.9 billion in 2008, the restructuring 

efforts were successful. M&S has now reopened stores 

outside the UK but still concentrates on premium locations. 

The DEBENHAMS department stores had a sales turnover of £ 

2.3 billion in 2009. Other major department stores are: JOHN LE- 

WIS, HOUSE OF FRASER, ALLDERS and SELFRIDGES in the 

market, but MARKS & SPENCER still keeps the no. 1 position. 

Market share: 16 % in 2008, Trend: Stable 



Over 40 companies are active in the home shopping sector (operations 

via direct-mail, catalogues, television and Internet) like: 

Grattan and Freemans; both companies are part of the German 

mail-order giant Otto Versand; Empire Stores is owned by the 

French PRP; Littlewoods. Most of the UK retail organisations 

operate also via Internet, mail-order and home shopping, of which 

Next Directory - is the most successful. 



Supermarkets tend to offer convenience and competitive prices. 

And because almost everyone needs to go grocery shopping, 

supermarkets have a large base of customers who regularly 

visit their stores. This has even resulted in some supermarkets 

attempting to lead and create fashion trends in clothing. According 

to Verdict, growth in sales of clothing at supermarkets will be 

driven by two factors. 

• Supermarkets will start to sell a greater range of higher priced 

clothing. This will help them attract a wider spread of consumers 

and allow them to take more business from specialist players 

• Supermarkets will achieve growth in sales of clothing via online 

shopping. Many grocers are already active in Internet sales and 

have a comprehensive delivery network in place. 

The two major retailers in the supermarket sector are ASDA (328 

stores selling clothing in the UK and part of American Wal-Mart; 

and Tesco (585 superstores but not all stores are selling clothing). 

They increasingly follow the trend of offering non-food products as 

do, for instance, the leading French hypermarkets. ASDA’s assortment 

includes its successful George clothing range, which is also 

sold by Wal-Mart. Another grocer chain is Sainsbury’s (selling its 

TU clothing collection in 300 of the in total more than 800 stores). 

The German discounters Lidl (450 stores) and Aldi (360) and, 

Makro Cash & Carry (33 stores) are also active in the UK. 





In addition to retailers and wholesalers that import clothing to 

the UK, in some cases UK manufacturers partly outsource their 

production activities to manufacturers abroad. Due to the strong 

increase of production costs in the UK, clothing manufacturers 

(mainly brands) have started outsourcing to Eastern Europe and 

Northern Africa. Many products (e.g. most of the knitted outerwear) 

are bought from Asia and Turkey. 

British clothing ‘manufacturers’ have turned in being more 

management and marketing units than producers. They mainly 

concentrate on the design and fashion as well as on marketing 

and sales. 

The brands sell their products to selected distribution channels 

that correspond with their marketing strategy. In any case, practically 

all British clothing brands source products abroad in one 

way or another and offer various sales opportunities for clothing 

manufacturers from abroad. 


Co-ordinated buying through central buying associations is a way 

for smaller UK retailers to gain more purchasing power. Since the 

clothing market in the UK is highly concentrated, with only a few 

big players who mainly buy directly from clothing manufacturers 

and there is little market share for small independent shops, the 

importance of central buying associations in the UK is still low. 

In Great Britain, importers/wholesalers have often taken over the 

‘buying function’ for smaller retailers, as the latter do not have the 

know-how and the means to import goods on their own. 


There are different methods of indirect distribution from abroad 

to the various clothing retailers in the UK. One option is that local 

‘agents’ identify the clothing suppliers abroad, but the UK retailer 

is still the one who negotiates with their in-house buying team and 

organises all the logistics including shipping etc. Most often British 

retailers use several forms of indirect contacts.

Roughly speaking, half of these agents or wholesalers are located 

in the UK and half are located outside the UK. Agents are used by 

retailers to identify appropriate suppliers, to outsource the complete 

handling and control including communication with the supplier, 

the safeguarding of quality standards (especially for women's 

wear), the complete logistics including the import procedures, the 

production abroad according to ecological and social standards 

(code of conduct) etc. 

A further option for the clothing manufacturer from abroad is 

selling through regional agents in the UK. The condition is whether 

the manufacturer has a clear marketing strategy with a market 

oriented collection for the British market. The basis is a detailed 

‘Business Plan’. The manufacturer from abroad should consider 

that the area of ‘Greater London’ is highly competitive and it might 

be more advantageous to start the market entry in areas like Manchester, 

the North West or even Ireland. 


For most suppliers to the UK market, indirect selling is the first way 

to go. UK wholesalers are infrequently mentioned, rarely visible, 

and searching for them on the Internet proves to be very difficult. 

Market research has shown that clothing wholesalers do not play 

an important role in the UK. Some British retailers do buy with 

the help of intermediary companies, and these wholesalers might 

even be outside the UK. 

The principles and possibilities of indirect selling to the UK might 

be illustrated as follows: If the manufacturer’s clothing is sold for 

instance at the shops of Marks & Spencer in the UK, the import 

may be done through a company somewhere in Europe and not 

necessarily in the UK. This can be confusing for clothing manufacturers 

from abroad when trying to get in contact with a buyer who 

only buys ‘within Europe’. 

Nevertheless, selling clothing to the UK also means working, in 

general, with manufacturers in Europe that export to the British 

market. Selling to wholesalers can be more profitable, because 

desperately trying to sell directly to the retailers may not work and 

might result in no orders at all, as many British retailers ‘source’ 

through those wholesale and import units. 

The main function of wholesalers cannot be described merely as 

‘buying and selling and gaining a high margin’. The wholesalers 

also know most of the details about the retailer’s needs. Other 

tasks and functions of the wholesaler within the sourcing process 

include the know-how about the standards of the designs and as 

well as knowledge of the technical aspects of the products to be 

produced. 

The British wholesaler normally also advises the manufacturer to 

put the appropriate label on the product, as the concept of own 

‘Retail Brands’ has become of crucial importance to the retailers 

in the UK offering them more independence from the clothing 

manufacturers and running an own brand concept with better 

margins. The British wholesaler normally is fully involved in these 

processes to guarantee the ‘right product at the right time in the 

right place’. 


7.5 UK fashion trade fairs. 

The UK has achieved a better image for clothing design in the last 

few years and is competing with France and Italy. With London as 

a major fashion centre in Europe, the United Kingdom has gained 

more importance as a ‘Fashion Country’. 

In addition, a great deal of support from the British government 

has been an encouraging factor. ‘London Design’ is said to have 

a very modern or even avant-garde style and influences the 

European fashion scene to a certain extent. As a consequence 

of the appreciation of British clothing and design, trade fairs have 

increased in recent years. According to market experts, London 

offers the major clothing fairs in UK. Still today, it is highly recommended 

to check exact dates and venues of the smaller British 

fairs beforehand, as the ‘fair scene’ keeps on changing its names 

and locations. 

The main trade fair for clothing in the UK is the London Fashion 

Week. Two more fairs take place parallel to the London Fashion 

Week: Pure and Margin London. All these fairs take place twice a 

year (February and August). 

Table 80: UK fashion trade fairs 2010 


London Fashion Week 19. - 24.02.2010 London 

London Fashion Week August London 

Pure 01. - 03.08.2010 London 

Premier Kids 07. - 11.02.2010 Birmingham 

Moda UK 08. - 10.08.2010 Birmingham 

Margin London 01. - 02.08.2010 London 

Clothes Show Life 03. - 08.12.2010 Birmingham 

Printwear & Promotion Live 28. - 02.03.2010 Birmingham 

The London Design Festival 18. - 26.09.2010 London 

Source: Auma 


An exception is the Premier Kids in Birmingham, which has found 

its niche in the children's wear segment. 

In any case, brief research about the importance and the concept 

of the fair to be attended is essential. The following table gives 

a brief overview on the major British clothing fairs with names, 

venues and dates.

7.6 List of major buyers in UK. 

Clothing chain stores: 

Arcadia Group Ltd. 

Colegrave House 

70 Berners Street 

GB - London W1T 3NL 

Tel.: +44 – 0844 243 0000 

www.arcadiagroup.co.uk 

customer.service@arcadiagroup.co.uk 

TOP MAN 




Tel.: +44 – 207 – 636 8040 

European Customers: 

+44 844 984 0264 

customer.service@topman.com 

www.topman.co.uk 

TOP SHOP 




Tel.: +44 – 207 – 636 8040 

Fax: +44 – 207 – 927 2434 

www.topshop.co.uk 

customer.service@ 

TOPSHOP.COM 

Wallis Fashion Group Ltd. 




Tel.: +44 – 207 – 636 8040 

customer.service@wallis.co.uk 

www.wallis-fashion.com 

WEW Group PLC 

296 Springfield Road 

GB - Glasgow G40 3HZ 

Tel.: +44 – 141 – 5567111 

Fax: +44 – 141 – 5567262 



Price segment: Mid-level 

Number of outlets: 2500 + 

420 international franchise 

stores+ mail order business 

Note: Arcadia Group is 

privately owned by Taveta 

Investments Ltd, the investment 

vehicle owned by Sir 

Philip Green and his family 



Lower to mid-level 


167 + mail order service 

Note: belongs to ARCA- 

DIA Group 

Product range: Womenswear 

(young fashion) 



288 + mail order service 


DIA Group 


Womenswear 




mail order service 


DIA Group 





Bhs International 

Euston House 

132 Hampstead Road 

GB - London NW1 2PS 

Tel.: +44 – 207 – 2623288 

international@bhs.co.uk 

www.bhs.co.uk 

Bon Marché Ltd. 

Jubilee Way 

Grange Moor 

GB - Wakefield WF4 4SJ 

Tel.: +44(0)1924 700100 

Fax: +44(0)1924 700249 

info@bonmarche.co.uk 

www.bonmarche.co.uk 

Greenwoods Ltd. 

Greenwood House 

Albion Road, Greengates 

GB - Bradford BD10 9TQ 

Tel.: +44 – 127 – 4659650 

Fax: +44 – 127 – 4659692 

info@gwmw.com 

www.gwmw.com 

H&M Hennes Ltd. 

2nd Floor, Holden House 

57 Rathbone Place 

GB - London W1T 1HE 

Tel.: +44 – 020 – 7323 2211 

www.hm.com 

Matalan Retail Ltd. 

Gillibrands Road 

Skelmersdale 

GB - WN8 9TB, West Lancashire 

Tel.: +44 – 169 – 5552400 

www.matalan.co.uk 




Number of outlets: over 

100 in the UK 


Womenswear 


Lower level 


(370 at the 

end 2005) 

Note: belongs to Peacock 

Group 



Upper level 






(expanding) 







MANGO (head office in Spain) 

Mercaders 9-11 

P.I. Riera de Caldes 

Apartado de Correos 280 

E - 08184 Palau-solità i 

Plegamans (Barcelona) 

Tel.: +34 – 93 860 24 24 

Fax:+34 – 93 860 22 07 

www.mango.es 

QS Familywear PLC 

Harbour House 

121 Gardener Road, Portslade 

GB - Brighton BN1 IQS 

Tel.: +44 – 1273 – 874444 

Fax: +44 – 1273 – 874433 

qsplc@co.uk 

www.qsgroup.co.uk 

River Island Clothing Co. 

Ltd. 

Chelsea House, West Gate 

GB - London W5 1DR 

Tel.: +44 – 208 – 9914500 

Fax: +44 – 208 – 9914500 

www.riverisland.com 

Zara 

48, Warwick Street 

GB - London, W1B 5 FE 

Tel.: +44 20 7851 43 00 

Fax: +44 20 7851 43 01 

www.zara.com 

Department stores: 

Debenhams Retail Plc. 

1 Welbeck Street 

GB - London W1G GAA 

Tel.: +44 – 207 – 408 4444 

Fax: +44 – 207 – 408 3366 

www.debenhams.com 





Lower level (value for 

money) 





Lower level (value for 

money) 



menswear 

Price segment: Mid to 

upper level 






(Remark: Buying via 

Spain) 



childrenswear 



House of Fraser PLC 

1 Howick Place 

GB - London SW1P 1BH 

Tel.: +44 – 207 – 963 2000 

Fax: +44 – 207 – 821 5348 

www.houseoffraser.co.uk 

John Lewis Partnership Ltd. 

John Lewis Department 

Stores 

171 Victoria Street 

GB - London SW1E 5NN 

Tel.: +44 – 207 – 828 1000� 

Fax: +44 – 207 – 592 6333 

www.johnlewis.co.uk 

www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk 

Liberty PLC 

Regent Street 

GB - London W1B 5AH 

Tel.: +44 – 207 – 734 1234 

Fax: +44 – 020 – 7573 9898 

www.liberty.co.uk 

Marks + Spencer Group PLC 

Waterside House 

35 North Wharf Road 

GB - London W21 NW 

Tel.: +44 – 020 7935 4422 

www.marksandspencer.com 

retailcustomer.services@ 

marksandspencer.com 

Next plc. 

Company secretary: Mr A J R 

McKinlay 

Desford Road 

GB - Enderby Leicester LE19 

4AT 

Tel.: +44 – 0 - 844 844 88 88 

Fax: +44 – 116 – 284 8998 

www.next.co.uk 

Woolworths PLC 

1st Floor, Skyways House, 

Speke Road, GB - Speke, 

Liverpool L70 1AB 

Tel.: +44 – 207 – 262 1222 

Fax: +44 – 207 – 706 5416 

www.woolworths.co.uk 



Price segment: Upper 

level (brand orientation) 


(under 16 names) 


Sports and Leisurewear 




stores + 169 supermarkets 






166 catalogue shops 



childrenswear 



stores + over 

130 franchising partners 



childrenswear 



stores + 43 franchising 

partners + home shopping 


Childrenswear 



Number of outlets: 806

Manufacturers/Importer and Wholesalers/Importers: 

J. Brownleader Ltd. 

49c Oxford Road 

GB - London W5 3SR 

Tel: +44 – 207 – 354 2468 

Fax: +44 – 207 – 354 2593 

Liam David Ltd. 

Coburg House 35 Sefton 

Street 

GB - Liverpool L8 5SL, 

Merseyside 

Tel.: +44 – 151 – 706 – 0060 

Fax: +44 – 151 – 706 – 

0661 

www.ldl.uk.com 

Westbridge International 

Group Ltd. 

Westbridge House 

Holland Street, Hyson 

Green 

GB - Nottingham NG7 5DS 

Tel.: +44 – 115 – 978 2254 

Fax: +44 – 115 942 0547 

www.wbig.co.uk 

County Coats 

61-75 Alie Street 

GB - London E1 8EL 

Tel.: +44 – 207 – 709 9682 

Fax: +44 – 207 – 702 2870 

Propeller UK Ltd. 

A.M.C. House 

1a Lower Park 

GB - London W3 6XA 

Tel.: +44 – 208 – 896 8700 

Mail Order Companies: 

Redcats (Brands) Ltd. 

(formerly Empire Stores Ltd.) 

18, Canal Road 

GB - Bradford B99 4XB – W. 

Yorkshire 

Tel.: +44 – 1274 – 72 9544 

Fax: +44 – 1274 – 76 3816 

www.empirestores.co.uk 

Freemans PLC 

Amberley Street 

GB – Sheffield S9 2 FS 

www.freemans.com 

Great Universal Stores PLC 

(GUS) 

Universal House 

251-256 Tottenham Court 

Road 

GB - London W1A 1BZ 

Tel.: +44 71 636 4080 

Fax: +44 71 631 3641 

info@gusplc.com 

www.gusplc.com 

Grattan PLC 

P.O. B ox 3856 

GB – Sheffield S96 5WD 

www.grattan.co.uk 

JD Williams + Co. Ltd. 

Griffin House 

40 Lever Street 

GB - Manchester M60 6ES 

Tel.: +44 – 870 – 160 61 00 

www.jdwilliams.co.uk 



childrenswear 

Price level: Lower level 



childrenswear 

Price level: Lower to midlevel 

(value for money) 



childrenswear 

Price level: 

from Lower to upper 

level 

Note: 12 different mailorder 

lines 



childrenswear 

Price level: 




childrenswear 

Price level: 

Mid to lower level 

Note: No. 1 in UK with 20 

catalogue brands 

Note: part of N. Brown 

Group PLC 


Jeans and Young Fashion Chain: 

Alexon A Division of Alexon 

Int. Ltd. 

Pitfield 

Kiln Farm 

GB – Milton Keynes MK 11 

3LW 

help@alexon.co.uk 

www.alexon.co.uk 

Blacks Leisure Group PLC 

440-450 Cob Drive 

Swan Valley 

GB – Northampton NN4 9BB 

Tel.: +44 (0) 1604 597 000 

Fax +44 (0) 1604 597 171 

www.blacks.co.uk 

Cromwells Madhouse plc. 

Fulton Road, Unit 3, Palace of 

Industry 

GB - Wembley HA9 OTL – 

Middlesex 

Tel.: +44 – 181 – 903 5888 

Fax: +44 – 181 – 903 0303 

www.madhouse.co.uk 

Gilesports plc 

Fortran Road, St. Mellons 

GB - Cardiff CF3 OLT 

Tel.: +44 – 1222 – 77 44 00 

Fax: +44 – 1222 – 77 44 01 

www.gilesports.com 

Paco Life in Colour 

Unit K3/Waterside Shopping 

Centre 

High Street 

Lincoln, LN2 1AP 

Tel.: +44 01 522 568637 

www.dancingdress.co.uk 



Sportswear (outdoor) 



Note: belongs to Blacks 

Leisure Group plc. 


Sportswear (outdoor) 


Number of outlets: 125. 


men’s jeans wear 




Price segment: Upper 

level (mainlybrands) 



Sportswear 



JJB Sports PLC (formerly 

Sports Division) 

Martland Park, Challenge Way 

GB - Wigan WN5 0LD, Lancashire 

Tel.: +44 – 194 – 2 2101 20 

Fax: +44 – 194 – 2 210 124 

www.jjbsports.com 

French Connection Group 

plc 

Head Office 

3 Hancock Road 

Bromley-by-Bow 

GB - London, E3 3DA 

Tel.: +44 – 20 7036 7000 

Fax: +44 – 20 7036 7001 

www.frenchconnection.com 

Buying Associations: 

Co-operative Wholesale 

(CWS) Ltd. 

New Century House – 

P.O.B. 53 

GB - Manchester M60 4ES 

Tel.: +44 – 161 – 834 1212 

Fax: +44 – 161 – 834 4507 

www.Co-op.co.uk 


Sportswear 



Product range: Stylish 

sports and casual wear 




Note: Largest British retailer 

for sportswear 

INTERSPORT UK 

Shirley Solihull 

GB - B90 4LF West Midlands 

Tel.: +44 - 121 - 683 1449 

Fax: +44 - 121 - 683 1467 

www.intersport.co.uk 

contact@intersport.co.uk

8. Doing business in Switzerland and the EU. 

8.1 Market access. 

8.1.1 Quality and standards in Switzerland and the EU 

The application of the European Norms (EN) in the 27 EU and the 

4 EFTA countries (including Switzerland) is the basis of a liberal 

intra-European trade and is valid in all 31 countries (more details: 

www.cenorm.be). 

However, there are no general EU or Swiss standards for 

garments. The rule is that importers in EU countries as well as 

in Switzerland generally fulfil the minimum quality requirements 

regarding material and making. The technical committee of the European 

Apparel and Textile Confederation (Euratex) has published 

an example of recommendations for manufacturers of knitted and 

woven clothing. Within these recommendations the Euratex, where 

Switzerland and many of the EU 27 countries hold a membership 

makes a difference between: 

• Recommendations concerning the characteristics of product 

which could be detected by an experienced person without aid 

of instruments in general use. A fault is located if the irregularity 

is evident in the fabrics as it was delivered or in the final product 

• Recommendations concerning the characteristics of fabrics, 

which could be only recovered with the help of appropriate 

equipment. Description of each characteristic includes definition, 

testing method, minimum quality standards and (if necessary) 

possible allowable tolerances compared with measurements of 

the sample. 

Testing methods for clothing are usually based on the ISO 

standards (www.iso.ch) or they can also suit the requirements of 

European norms (EN) or national standards of the EU member 

states (such as DIN, SIS, BS). ISO is made up of its members. 

A member body of ISO is the national body ‘most representative 

of standardization in its country’. Only one such body for each 

country is accepted for membership of ISO. Member bodies are 

entitled to participate and exercise full voting rights on any technical 

committee and policy committee of ISO. The member body of 

ISO in Switzerland is Swiss Association for Standardization (SNV) 

(more details can be taken from www.snv.ch). ISO norms are also 

applied in Switzerland. The major standards for quality and grading 

standards in the EU and Switzerland are the following: 

• for care labelling - ISO 3758 

• for dimensional stability – DIN 53894 (steaming), DIN 54311 

(fusing), ISO 3759/5077/6330 (washing/tumbling), ISO 3175 (dry 

cleaning) 

• for physical properties – ISO 5081 (tensile strength strip), ISO 

5082 (tensile strength grab), ISO 9290 (tear strength), BS 3320 

(seam slippage), EN 22313 (abrasion resistance), ISO 9876 

(crease tendency/recovery), BS 5811 (pilling tendency), SIS 

650047 (fibre penetration), EN 24920 (spray test) etc. 

• for colour-fastness to washing, light, water and other external 

influences - ISO 105 

Although the EU attempts to activate free trade based on the 

harmonization of product requirements, each EU member state 

and Switzerland has its own national market for apparel with its respective 

requirements concerning quality, type of clothing, colour, 

fabric, size etc. 

Swiss norms are progressively disappearing due to the appearance 

of international norms. Following requirements inherent to 

globalisation, Swiss industry has changed over to international 

standards over the last twenty years. In order to counteract possible 

discrimination against the Swiss clothing industry because 

of the country’s non-membership in the EU, Switzerland has 

accepted various EU-norms and references within the framework 

of national legislation. 

8.1.2 Packaging, size marking and labelling 

Packaging 

Care must be given to the packaging of products if one intends 

to export to EU countries and Switzerland. Packaging must be 

travel-steady, it must protect the product against environmental 

influences, theft, rough handling etc. 

As well as these basic demands, some importers may have specific 

demands concerning packaging, such as printing information 

about the order on the boxes (order number, quantity, product 

number, product description etc.). Some materials like PVC are 

less popular or even forbidden in some countries because of environmental 

issues, and exporters should discuss this matter with 

potential clients and include the cost of the special price in their 

wholesale price, if required. 


The EU has issued a directive on packaging and packaging waste 

(94/62/EC) that is applicable, to a large extent, to Switzerland as 

well. Among other measures, the Directive sets maximum levels of 

concentrations of heavy metals in packaging and describes requirements 

specific to manufacturing and composition of packaging. 

The Directive needs to be transposed to the national legislation of 

the member states. 

The dispose of waste is increasingly difficult and expensive in 

Europe. In principle, the importer is held responsible for disposal 

of the packaging waste for all goods from outside the EU. It is 

therefore crucial, when planning exports to the EU, to take the packaging 

of your products (both sales packaging and transport packaging) 

into consideration. To fulfil the requirements of the target 

market, clear communication with the importer about packaging is 

highly recommended. 

Table 81: Size table for women's outerwear 

Character sizes XXS XS S M L XL XXL XXXL 

Figure size 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 

Chest width 78-81 82-85 86-89 90-93 94-97 98-102 103-107 108-113 

Waist size 62-65 66-69 70-73 74-77 78-81 82-85 86-89 90-94 

Hip girth 89-91 92-95 96-98 99-101 102-104 105-108 109-112 113-116 

Table 82: Size table for men's outerwear except trousers and jeans 


Figure size 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 

Chest width 86-89 90-93 94-97 98-101 102-105 106-109 110-113 114-117 

Waist size 74-77 78-81 82-85 86-89 90-94 95-99 100-104 105-109 

Hip girth 89-92 93-96 97-100 101-104 105-108 109-112 113-116 117-120 

Table 83: Size table for men's trousers [cm] 


Figure sizes 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 

Waistband width 77 81 85 89 93 97 103 109 

Side length 77 79 81 83 85 86 87 87 


Most of the previous systems, such as the German packaging 

waste programme the ‘Green Dot’ - where trade and industry 

in Germany and other EU countries were obliged to take back 

packaging materials - have lost importance over the last years, 

mainly because of misuse of the green dot which appeared almost 

on every imported packaging without an obligation to take back 

the packaging. 

New legislation about wood packaging has recently been introduced. 

More detailed information about packaging techniques and 

the use of packaging materials can be found on the website of ITC 

(http://www.intracen.org). 

Size 

The following body measurements are used: body length, chest 

size and hip size. These three basic measurements determine the 

fitting of the garments. The following sizes are similar in Germany, 

the Netherlands and Austria.

The EN 13402 is a voluntary European Standard aimed at making 

the buying of clothes simpler for the customer throughout Europe. 

At the moment, a woman with a bust of about 88cm, a waist of 

about 72cm and hips of about 96cm, takes a dress size: 

• 12 in the UK 

• C38in Norway, Sweden and Finland 

• 40 in Belgium and France 

• 38 in Germany and the Netherlands 

• 44 in Italy 

• 44/46 in Portugal and Spain. 

• (10 in the USA) 

EN 13402 suggests a new measurement system which would remove 

this confusion. It takes different dimensions such as height, 

bust, and waist, and displays these measurements in 4cm and 

8cm intervals. 

For example, a woman with a waist of 71cm, hips of 96cm and 

a height of 172cm, would look for a skirt displaying the following 

measurements on the label: waist 70-74cm, hips 94-98 cm, height 

170-174cm. The standard also suggests a language-neutral 

pictogram, on which these dimensions can be indicated, to enable 

easier purchasing abroad. 

Jeans sizes 

Jeans are sold internationally in inch sizes. They are read as 

follows: The first number refers to the girth of the waist and the 

second to the inside leg seam (inseam). Both are expressed in 

inches. 

Germany has a specific system for the men’s sizes, which are 

subdivided into three groups: 

• Standard sizes: 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 

• Large sizes (shorter than standard sizes and wider at the hip): 

24 25 26 

• Slim sizes (longer than standard sizes and narrower): 84 86 88 

90 94 98 102 106 

Table 84: Size marking for babies' and children's wear 

Years Groups 

0-2 Babies 

2-6 Toddlers 

6-12 Middle group / school 

12-14 Pre-teens 

14-16 Teenagers 


Infants’ Wear (body sizes) 

For the purposes of sizing all children are best grouped into 

infants (younger than seven years), boys and girls. The Swedish 

‘Centilong’ system based on height values is used in some European 

countries. There is one standard for all these sizes. 

Table 85: Body sizes infants [cm] 

Body sizes infants 

Height 50 56 62 68 74 80 86 92 98 104 

Chest 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 55 56 

Waist 40 42 44 46 48 49 50 51 52 53 

Hips 41 43 45 47 49 51 53 55 57 59 

Arm length 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32.3 34.6 36.9 

Inside leg length 16 19 22 25 28 31 34 37 40.6 44.2 

Table 86: Boys' wear [cm] 


Boys' wear 

Height 110 116 122 128 134 140 146 152 158 164 170 176 182 188 194 

Chetst 58 59 60 62 64 67 70 73 77 81 85 88 91 94 97 

Waist 54 55 56 57 59 61 63 65 68 71 74 77 80 83 86 

Hips 59 61 63 65 68 71 74 77 81 85 89 93 95 98 101 

Arm length 39.1 41.4 43.7 46 48.3 50.6 52.5 55.3 57.5 60 62.5 65 67 69 71 

Inside leg length 47.5 51 54.5 58 61.5 65 68 71 74 77 80 83 86 89 92 

Neck 

circumference 

28 28.5 29.5 30.5 31.5 32.5 33.5 34.5 35.5 36.5 37.5 38 38.5 39 39.5 

Table 87: Girls' wear [cm] 

Girls' wear 

Height 110 116 122 128 134 140 146 152 158 164 170 176 182 188 

Chest 58 59 60 62 64 67 71 75 79 83 86 89 92 95 

Waist 54 55 56 57 59 61 63 65 67 69 71 73 75 77 

Hips 61 63 65 67 70 73 77 81 85 89 93 96 99 102 

Arm length 39.1 41.4 43.7 46 48.3 50.6 52.8 55 57.3 59.5 61.5 63.5 65.5 67.5 

Inside leg 

length 

47.5 51 55 59 63 67 70 72.5 75 77.5 80 82.5 85 87.5 

Neck 

circumference 

28 28.5 29 29.5 30 30.7 31.5 32.2 33.3 33.7 34.5 35.5 36.5 37.5 

Shirts and Blouses 

In EU and Switzerland, sizes for men’s shirts are based on neck 

circumference in cm or inches and vary respectively from 37-48 

cm and from 15-19 in, and can be extended with other measurements, 

of which arm length is the most important. The sizes 

XS-XXL are also used for leisure or sport shirts, also in combination 

with the usual shirt size. For women’s and children’s wear, the 

standard outerwear sizes are used.

Labelling 

The International Association for Textile Care Labelling (GINETEX 

France - Groupement International d’Etiquetage pour l’Entretien 

des Textiles, www.ginetex.org), which represents the textile 

producing and retailing industries in 16 European countries (EU 

countries as well as Switzerland and Tunisia as non-EU countries 

included), has devised an internationally applicable care labelling 

system for textiles based on symbols of pictogram. Only those care 

labels issued by the GINETEX may be used by the retailers/manufacturers 

in the GINETEX member countries. 

The care identification symbols are protected under trademark law. 

The marks are owned by the aforementioned GINETEX Group. 

The care identification is also covered by international standards 

(ISO 3758 / EN 23 758). 

In Switzerland, the row of symbols may not be reproduced, issued 

or used without a special agreement with SARTEX (Swiss Association 

for Textile Marking – www.sartex.ch). The contracting companies 

undertake to make correct use of these symbols at all times 

within the meaning of the relevant guidelines. 

These guidelines apply to all textiles and textile products sold in 

Switzerland and require a declaration as to the kind and content 

of the raw materials used. Pursuant to the agreement with the 

user, legal action will be taken in the event of any breach of this 

undertaking. The textile labelling regulations set by the individual 

member states of the European Union (EU Standards) comply 

with the Swiss guidelines and requirements. The right to use these 

trademarks has been given to the national member bodies of 

GINETEX. SARTEX is independent in regard to its structure and 

operating methods, but should adhere in all respects to the use 

of internationally agreed symbols (above) as well as to technical 

regulations and decisions taken at the GINETEX level. Commercial 

companies (wholesalers, importers etc.) are required to include the 

undertaking to ensure correct care identification and appropriate 

labelling in compliance with the Swiss guidelines in their orders for 

deliveries. 

There are two kinds of requirements in the EU and Switzerland: 

Mandatory requirements contain requirements like size, fibre 

content and care-labelling/washing instructions. With regard to fibre 

content: the indication 100% or pure can be used within a margin 

of 2 percent of the weight of the final product. Other fibres with a 

weight of less than 10 percent of the weight of the final products 

can be mentioned; in that case, all other fibres must be mentioned. 

An international care-labelling program is in use in many countries, 

also outside the EU. The program uses five basic symbols, 

which relate to the properties of colour-fastness, dimensional 

stability, effect of retained chlorine (bleach), maximum safe ironing 

temperatures and certain other properties. 

Voluntary requirements, such as origin marking, brand or product 

name and other consumer information. 

The care label 

• should be durably fixed to the textile article, 

• should be legible during the whole lifetime of the article. 

In particular it should withstand the washing and dry cleaning 

process it recommends, 

• should be clearly positioned where it is easily noted and without 

interference from a seam, 

• should not show through the article and spoil its appearance. 

Other forms of information may be combined on the same label 

but clearly separated from each other. Garments consisting of 

easily separable parts should be labelled on each of the parts. 

There should only be one single care label on an article even if the 

different components have to carry further information (for example 

fibre content). The object of labelling is to inform the consumer 

and the commercial textile care industries when buying, using or 

cleaning the articles. Therefore labels should be easily detectable. 

The label should be affixed permanently and positioned always at 

the same places depending on the type of the article. Because of 

differences in materials, production, demands of fashion etc. these 

requests can only partially be fulfilled and by way of exception an 

alternative place of positioning is given. To achieve a maximum of 

conformity, recommended positions are laid down. 


Table 88: The washing labelling symbols (according to ISO 3758) 


Symbols Maximum washing temperature Care process 

95°C mechanical action normal 

rinsing normal 

spinning normal 

95°C mechanical action reduced 

rinsing at gradually decreasing temperature 

spinning reduced 

60°C mechanical action normal 



60°C mechanical action reduced 



40°C 

40°C 

40°C 

30°C 

mechanical action normal 



mechanical action reduced 



mechanical action highly reduced 


spinning highly reduced 

mechanical action normal 


spinning normal

Symbols Maximum washing temperature Care process 

30°C 

30°C 

40°C hand wash only 

- Do not wash 

mechanical action reduced 



mechanical action highly reduced 


spinning highly reduced 


Table 89: Ironing labelling symbols (according to ISO 3758) 

Symbols Care Process 


Iron at maximum soleplate 

temperature of 200° C 





(steam iron may be risky) 

Do not iron 

Dry cleaning 

Letters (A, P and F) in the circle refer to the solvents which may be 

used by dry cleaners. Underlining the circle indicates that a specific 

process should be used (mild process with strict limitations on 

the addition of water and/or mechanical action and/or temperature 

during cleaning and/or drying). In this case, self-service cleaning is 

not allowed. 

Table 90: Dry cleaning labelling symbols (according to ISO 3758) 

Symbols Care Process 

Dry-cleaning in all solvents normally used 

for dry-cleaning except trichloroethylene with 

normal cleaning procedures. 

Self-service cleaning is possible 

The bar placed under the circle indicates 

strict limitations on the addition of water and/ 

or mechanical action and/or temperature 

during cleaning and/or drying. 

Self-service cleaning is not allowed 

Only petroleum solvents may be used with 

normal cleaning procedures 

The bar placed under the circle indicates 

strict limitations on the addition of water and/ 

or mechanical action and/or temperature 

during cleaning and/or drying. 

Self-service cleaning is not allowe 

Do not dry-clean - no stain removal with 

solvents 

Table 91: Dry cleaning labelling symbols (according to ISO 3758) 

continued 

Symbols Care process 

No wet-cleaning possible 

Wet-cleaning possible 

Gentle wet-cleaning possible 

Very gentle wet-cleaning possible

Tumble drying 

The tumble drying symbol (a circle in a square) must be completed 

by one or two dots for two different temperature levels. 

Table 92: Tumble drying labelling symbols (according to ISO 3758) 

Symbols Care process 

Bleaching 

No restrictions concerning the temperature 

of tumble drying after a washing process 

Tumble drying possible at lower 

temperature setting (60° C maximum) after 

a washing process 

Do not tumble dry 

Table 93: Bleaching labelling symbols (according to ISO 3758) 

The empty triangle means that all 

bleaching processes are allowed 

The triangle with the two lines means that 

only oxygen based bleach and no chloride 

based bleach is allowed 

The crossed black triangle means that 

bleaching is not possible 

(normal washing powder allowed) 

Below is some useful general information how to use the care 

labels and what to write on them: 

Care Labelling – General Recommendations for Exporters 

Washing 

All garments worn close to the skin should preferably be washable 

at 60º C., normal mechanical agitation. All other garments should 

be washable at 40º C., normal mechanical agitation. The bar under 

the wash tub should only be used in the case of delicate fabrics. 

The bar indicates that the mechanical agitation should be reduced. 

The broken bar should only be used in the case of machine was- 

hable wool and machine washable silk. The broken bar indicates 

that the mechanical agitation should be much reduced. The handwash 

symbol should only be used for articles which cannot be 

washed in the washing machine. 

Bleaching 

Normally the symbol is crossed out. Ironing three dots for cotton 

and linen; two dots for acetate, metallised fibres, polyamide, 

polyester, tri-acetate, viscose, wool, angora and silk; one dot for 

acrylic, modacrylic, elastane. The symbol should be crossed out 

for chlorofibres and polypropylene. 

Dry cleaning 

Only use the symbol P. The bar under the symbol only to be used 

for delicate fabrics, especially those made from angora.# 

Tumble drying 

Two dots for all cotton and linen articles, one dot for all other compositions. 

Care should be taken that articles are finished properly 

to prevent excessive shrinkage. This should be tested. 

Note: the ‘weakest’ fibre determines the selection of the symbols in 

blended materials. 

Ecolabels 

In the late nineties and at the beginning of the millennium, various 

competing ecolabels were popular all over Europe. In the beginning, 

they were mainly used for under- and baby wear. Many 

labels have now disappeared and the approach to the whole ‘ecological’ 

issue about textiles and clothing is broader and considers 

the whole supply-chain from the crop over the production process 

up to the delivery into the shop. Social and environmental aspects 

play an important role (cf. chapter on ‘Trade Related Environmental 

and Social Issues’). 

Currently, the German/Swiss Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is widely 

accepted in the EU countries and Switzerland as well. 

Öko-Tex 100 

A recent statistical evaluation of the certificates issued throughout 

the world highlighted the importance of the Oeko-Tex Standard 

100 as the world’s leading test label of its type at this time. Today, 

this label is the most widely used, and among European consumers 

best-known, ecolabel in relation to textiles and clothing. 

It was developed in 1993 by the ‘International Association for 

Research and Testing in the field of Textile Ecology’ and changed 


in 1997. Companies in the EU, Switzerland and throughout the 

world have applied for more than 82'000 certificates (2009 data). 

The headquarters of Oeko-Tex International is located in Zürich/ 

Switzerland (www.oeko-tex.com). 

Obtaining the Oeko-Tex label involves testing for harmful substances 

according to the criteria which are laid down for each 

product class. Harmful substances may have negative effect on 

the human health. Importers from outside the EU have become 

aware of the significance of this label. The number of the importers 

who ask for Oeko-Tex is growing continuously. 

The standard specifies four article classes: 

• Articles for babies 

• Articles in direct contact with skin 

• Articles without direct skin contact 

• Decoration material 

The standard consists of the following fundamental 

guidelines: 

• Requirements apply to the end product only 

• Exclusion of certain dyes which can cause cancer or allergic 

reactions 

• No flame retardant or biochemical treatment allowed 

• Limitation of harmful substances in the end product (pesticides, 

formaldehyde, heavy metals) 

• Differentiated limitations according to textile types and target 

groups 

The Oeko-Tex 100 Standard comprehensively addresses the 

Human Ecology component of textile products. It evaluates and 

screens for any harmful substances present within processed textiles 

intended to come into contact with consumers. The advantage 

for clothing exporters of applying for Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is 

that this system is built up in a modular way and enables reliable 


and comprehensive assessment within a realistic time frame. This 

is advantageous when considering the nature of the clothing and 

textile industry with its fashion-conscious, dynamic pace. 

The Oeko-Tex scheme is available to manufacturers world-wide. 

Although it is far more cost effective to test at each stage of the 

production process, it is still possible to certify the finished product 

itself at any time. Another advantage of the system is, that if a product 

is checked and certified at a particular stage of the production 

process chain, it can then be used in the next stage without having 

to be re-tested. 

The designation is restricted to one year, after which the product 

will need to undergo new testing. The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 as 

well as the Oeko-Tex 100 plus label have achieved a worldwide 

acceptance with an increased number of registered companies 

also in Asia and South America. 

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 plus 

The first edition of the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 was issued in 1995. 

It outlined the requirements for environmentally friendly production. 

Manufacturing sites fulfilling a strict set of criteria, addressing 

areas such as banned chemicals and harmful manufacturing 

processes were licensed to carry the label ‘Umweltfreundliche 

Betriebsstätte’ (lit. Environmentally Friendly Manufacturing Site) 

which they could use as proof of an environmental management 

system. First organizations were subsequently audited in a pilot 

project. 

The ‘Oeko-Tex Standard 100 plus’ label was awarded for the first 

time in 1999. This related to a finished product which fulfilled the 

requirements of the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and was also produced 

only on sites carrying the Oeko-Tex Standard 1000 licence. 

Generally speaking, it can be recommended that clothing exporters 

from developing and emerging countries should concentrate 

on this OekoTex 100 label. The Oeko-Tex label can be used to 

distinguish a textile product from competitors. 

8.1.3 Trade related environmental and social issues 

Apart from legal requirements, nowadays producers are being 

confronted more and more with additional requirements. EU and 

Swiss buyers want more information from producers, for example 

about the social conditions at their production sites or environmentally 

sound production. Many companies are now, before signing

any contract with their suppliers checking the fulfilment of the social 

standards at the production site. The BSCI programme (more 

details under www.bsci-eu.org) is one organisation that takes a 

closer look on the social standards of producers. Although the 

requirements in this field are not a part of official legislation and 

have no legal basis, it is recommended to take them into account 

in order to be competitive. 

If a manufacturer wants to indicate to external parties that he is 

manufacturing in an environmentally sound way, he can comply 

with standards which have been developed for this purpose. The 

major standards and current market requirements are described in 

this chapter. 

Environmental requirements 

Environmental aspects play an important role for outerwear 

manufacturers interested in exporting to the European market 

given that environmental aspects are a major issue in the EU and 

Switzerland. Besides governmental actions (legislative, regulations), 

a strong consumer movement is not to be underestimated, 

especially in the Northern and Western parts of the EU (Scandinavia, 

Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom) and in Switzerland. 

These aspects are not just a trend - these are lasting issues, 

which, together with other determinants such as price and quality, 

have a strongest impact on the positioning of a supplier in the 

European market. 

The capacity of a company to use the environmental approach towards 

its products such as eco-labels (for products, see also ecolabels), 

environmental management standards (for the whole organisation) 

and production processes are ‘green’ marketing tools, 

which have been created by governments and private parties. 

Being a part of the business chain, companies in developing 

countries may also become responsible for negative side effects 

of their business and their impact on society, the environment and 

their employees. 

Environmental management system 

An ‘Environmental Management System’ (EMS) is important for 

environmental protection and pollution prevention in the production 

phases. It is a management tool which enables an overview of 

the environmental impact of the company and the possible way it 

could be diminished. At the moment there are two general voluntary 

standards with which manufacturers can comply: ISO 14001 

and EMAS, both of them based on the popular ISO 9000 series of 

quality management standards. 

The EU’s Ecological Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) has 

been operating since 1995. It applies to companies with production 

facilities within the EU and therefore is not relevant for exporters 

from developing countries. However, ISO 14001 is favoured by 

exporters to the EU and Switzerland as well. 

The ISO 14001 Environmental management system was published 

in November 1996. It has a similar impact to the ISO 9000 

Quality Management Systems series. The objective of ISO 14001 

standard is to provide companies with the necessary elements of 

an environmental management system, which can be integrated 

into business policies to achieve environmental and economic 

goals, such as compliance with legislation and demands set by the 

company as well as continuous improvement of the environmental 

performance of the company. ISO 14001 specifies only general 

requirements for an environmental management system, but it 

contains no environmental performance criteria. 

Product related requirements 

The main characteristics of the production process are the vast 

quantities of water required and the variety of chemicals used in 

the processing stages, which cause much waste. Typical environmental 

problems associated with the production of textiles are 

water pollution because of discharge of untreated effluent. Liquid 

wastes arising from washing contain a substantial organic and 

suspended pollution load, such as fibres and grease. Effluents are 

generally hot, alkaline, strong smelling and coloured by chemicals 

used in dyeing processes. Some of the chemicals discharged are 

toxic and can lower the dissolved oxygen of receiving waters, threaten 

aquatic life and damage general water quality downstream. 

There are many ways to reduce the amount of water used and 

emitted. Concerning dyes and pigments, there are many alternatives 

available which are less polluting. Other technologies make it 

possible to use less dye and reduce or eliminate spillage of dyes. 

Quality related requirements 

A quality related requirement is the so called Quality management 

standards which refer to the management of a company. This is 

in contrast to most of the other standards, labels and markings 

described, all of which relate to product or production processes. 

Quality management standards are not compulsory for market 

entry into the EU; however, they can definitely contribute to 

the company’s image in the market. The most important quality 

management system is ISO 9000, inspired by the concept of Total 

Quality Management. TQM is a philosophy based on customer sa- 


tisfaction and continuous performance improvement. ISO established 

a policy committee, DEVCO, specifically to address the needs 

of developing countries. See http://www.iso.org 

Azo dyes and other harmful substances 

Azo dyes are among the leading colouring agents in the textile 

industry, especially in developing countries. Approximately 70% of 

all dyes used in the textile industry are azo dyes. There are about 

2'000 different azo dyes, of which approximately 200-300 may fall 

under a ban. Dyes in the category of direct, azoic/naphtol, disperse, 

acid or basic dyes may split off carcinogenic amines. 

Many azo dyes above the concentration of 30 ppm are prohibited 

in the EU and also in Switzerland. The ban on azo dyes is applicable 

to all products that are in contact with skin for long periods 

of time. The manufacturer must also take into consideration the 

fact that the products, once they have entered the EU, can be ‘reexported’ 

or transferred easily to Switzerland and other European 

countries. Therefore, it is highly recommendable to follow the Azo 

regulations. 

The best way to avoid problems with banned azo dyes is to use 

only dyes which are absolutely safe. Use dyestuff supplied by 

reputable manufacturers, who give the Colour Index numbers, the 

generic names and material data sheets. Ask for azo-safe certificates, 

choose reputable certified laboratories and discuss this 

matter with your customer. 

Other substances used in the textile and clothing industry that are 

banned (or allowed to a limited extent) in some EU countries and 

Switzerland are: pentachlorophenol (PCP), cadmium, formaldehyde 

and nickel. Polychlorobipheniles (PCB) and terphenyles 

(PCT) have a total prohibition, as do asbestos and certain flame 

retardants. 

Flame retardants 

Flame retardants are used in textiles to reduce their flammability. 

Tri- (2, 3, -dibromopropyl)-phosphate (TRIS) and tris-(aziridinyl)phosphineoxide 

(TEPA) are both carcinogenic and mutagenic, 

which means that these substances may alter genetic material. 

Polybromobiphenyles (PBB) are highly persistent, carcinogenic 

and reprotoxic. Moreover they also have effects on the immune 

system and the nerve system. 


Since 1 June 2009, the prohibition of the use of three flame 

retardants is laid down in Annex XVII to the EU Regulation (EC) 

1907/2006 on the registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals 

(REACH), which is directly applicable in all member states. 

Until this date, this matter was regulated by means of Directive 

76/769/EEC on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances 

and preparations and its amendments, which is repealed 

by the REACH Regulation. 

The EU legislation prohibits the use of: 

• Tri-(2, 3, -dibromopropyl)-phosphate (TRIS) (CAS No1 126-72-7) 

• Tris-(aziridinyl)-phosphineoxide (TEPA) (CAS No 5455-55-1) 

• Polybromobiphenyles (PBB) (CAS No 59536-65-1) 

in textile articles intended to come into contact with skin, like 

garments, underwear and linen. They are also prohibited in Switzerland. 

Nickel in clothing accessories 

Nickel is a metal that is sometimes used in alloys used for ornaments 

(such as armlets, bracelets and earrings) and in clothing 

accessories (such as zippers and buttons). The occurrence of increasing 

number of cases of people with nickel allergy symptoms 

has forced the EU to set limits for the nickel content in products 

coming in contact with the skin. 

Since 1 June 2009, the restriction on the nickel1 content in certain 

products is laid down in Annex XVII to the new EU Regulation 

(EC) 1907/2006 on the registration, evaluation and authorisation 

of chemicals (REACH), which is directly applicable in all member 

states. Until this date, this matter was regulated by means of 

Directive 76/769/EEC on the marketing and use of certain dangerous 

substances and preparations and its amendments, which 

will be repealed by REACH. The legislation lays down certain 

requirements for specific applications which are presented in the 

next table. 

Perfluorooctane sulfonates (PFOS) 

Perfluoroocatane sulfonates (PFOS) are commercially available 

in the form of salts, derivatives and polymers. PFOS-related 

substances are used for providing grease, oil and water resistance 

to materials such as textiles, carpets, upholstery, leather, apparel,

paper and packaging and in general coating. The substances 

used in these areas are largely PFOS-polymers for fabrics and 

PFOS-substances for paper treatment and coatings. Other smaller 

volume uses are in chromium plating, photography, photolithography, 

fire fighting foams and in hydraulic fluids for aviation. 

Recent studies have shown that the PFOS are persistent, bioaccumulative 

and toxic for mammals. PFOS have the potential to 

spread over large distances and produce adverse effects on the 

environment. They therefore fulfil the criteria for being considered 

as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). In order to protect the 

environment from these substances, legislation has been laid 

down that sets strict limits for the use and marketing of PFOS and 

products containing PFOS. 

Table 94: Maximal content of PFOS permitted 

Application Max. content permitted 

As a substance or 

< 0.005% by mass 

constituent of preparations 

As semi-finished products < 0.1% by mass 

or articles, or parts thereof 

In textiles or other coated

ciples or Codes of Conduct. These reflect the company’s position 

towards business ethics, labour conditions, environment. They 

should point out the contribution of the company to these issues. 

The company also has to introduce mechanisms which measure 

the true effectiveness of the Code of Conduct. 

Social Accountability (SA 8000) 

SA 8000 is an international standard for social accountability and 

was founded in 1997. Its purpose is to ensure ethical sourcing 

of goods and services. It is a voluntary standard, which sets 

basic standards for child labour, forced labour, health and safety, 

freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, 

discrimination, disciplinary practices, wage levels, working hours 

and compensation. The requirements in the standard are based 

on recommendations of the International Labour Organization 

(ILO) and on agreements and conventions of the United Nations 

(Human Rights, Rights of the Child). 

SA 8000 supports the demands of consumers for worldwide social 

standards and is internationally recognized. SA 8000 accreditation 

is valid for three years with surveillance and observation audits 

every six months. Those that meet the requirements have the right 

to display the SA 8000 certification mark. 

Clean Clothes Campaign 

The European wide ‘Clean Clothes Campaign’ based in Amsterdam, 

which is based on the SA 8000 regulations, is also politically 

very strong in Switzerland. This organization publishes regular 

newsletters regarding ‘social behaviour’ when dealing with the 

supplier countries of leading Swiss clothing retailers and manufacturers 

(please compare www.cleanclothes.ch and www.evb.ch). 

Sources of Information 

For detailed information about environmental aspects relevant to 

trade at EU level, please refer to the websites of SIPPO and CBI 

(www.sippo.ch and www.cbi.nl, especially the CBI Access Guide. 

Other sources of information are the WTO web site (http://www. 

wto.org), the European Commission (http://europa.eu). 

8.1.4 Present trade regulations 

European Union 

All EU countries apply common Customs tariffs to imports from 

outside the Union. If there is no special trade agreement in force, 

the general import tariff applies. 


Most of the developing countries have been granted special trade 

preferences; these countries usually benefit from zero duties 

through preferential treatment under the Renewed Generalised 

System of Preferences (RGSP) or under the 4th Lomé Convention 

for the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. 

RGSP (Renewed Generalised System of Preferences) 

This agreement allows products originating in the countries 

concerned to be imported at preferential tariffs or, for the least 

developed countries even duty-free. A ‘Certificate of Origin Form 

A’ has to be filled in by the exporter and issued by the competent 

authorities. Tariff contingents and ceilings do not exist any more. 

As stated in Resolution 21 (ii) taken at the UNCTAD II Conference 

in New Delhi in 1968; 

"… the objectives of the generalized, non-reciprocal, non-discriminatory 

system of preferences in favour of the developing countries, 

including special measures in favour of the least advanced among 

the developing countries, should be: 

(a) to increase their export earnings; 

(b) to promote their industrialization; and 

(c) to accelerate their rates of economic growth." 

Under GSP schemes of preference-giving counties, selected 

products originating in developing countries are granted reduced 

or zero tariff rates over the MFN rates. The least developed countries 

(LDCs) receive special and preferential treatment for a wider 

coverage of products and deeper tariff cuts. 

The idea of granting developing countries preferential tariff rates in 

the markets of industrialized countries was originally presented by 

Raul Prebisch, the first Secretary-General of UNCTAD, at the first 

UNCTAD conference in 1964. The GSP was adopted at UNCTAD 

II in New Delhi in 1968. 

In 1971, the GATT Contracting Parties approved a waiver to Article 

I of the General Agreement for 10 years in order to authorize the 

GSP scheme. Later, the Contracting Parties decided to adopt the 

1979 Enabling Clause, Decision of the Contracting Parties of 28 

November 1979 (26S/203) entitled "Differential and more favourable 

treatment, reciprocity and fuller participation of developing

countries", creating a permanent waiver to the most-favoured-nation 

clause to allow preference-giving countries to grant preferential 

tariff treatment under their respective GSP schemes. 

There are currently 13 national GSP schemes notified to the UNC- 

TAD secretariat. The following countries grant GSP preferences: 

Australia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, Estonia, the European 

Union, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, 

Switzerland, Turkey and the United States of America. 

Lomé Convention (for ACP countries) 

The partnership agreement between the European Union (EU) 

member states and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) 

states marks five generations of agreements between ACP-EC 

sovereign states. It is the world’s largest financial and political 

framework for North-South cooperation. 

Its main characteristics are: 

the partnership principle, the contractual nature of the relationship, 

and the combination of aid, trade and political aspects, together 

with its long-term perspective (5 years for Lomé I, II, and III, and 

ten for Lomé IV). Products originating in the ACP countries can be 

imported without duties and quotas, when a ‘Movement Certificate 

EUR.1’ is filled in by the exporter and issued by the competent 

authorities, such as the local Chamber of Commerce. Tariff contingents 

and tariff ceilings no longer exist. 

Preferential duty regimes under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) 

The EU also has many free trade agreements with partners in the 

region (the central European countries, the Mediterranean countries) 

and beyond (Mexico, Chile). FTAs now increasingly involve 

provisions affecting non-tariff measures and regulatory issues 

such as provisions on trade facilitation and rule-making in areas 

such as investment, intellectual property, government procurement, 

technical standards and SPS issues. 

The following Free Trade Agreement is also valid for Switzerland: 

• Canada 

• Chile 

• Croatia 

• Egypt 

• Israel 

• Jordan 

• South Korea 

• Lebanon 

• Macedonia 

• Mexico 

• Morocco 

• Palestinian National Authority 

• Singapore 

• Southern African Customs Union 

(Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland, South Africa) 

• Tunisia 

• Turkey 

Signed agreement 2008, not yet ratified 

• Colombia 

Signed agreement 2009, not yet ratified 

• Gulf Co-operation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, 

Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates) 

Finalised negotiations 2008 

• Peru 

Currently negotiating agreements 

• Algeria 

• Hong Kong 

• India 

• Thailand 

Declarations on Cooperation 

• Albania 

• Mercosur (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay) 

• Mongolia 

• Serbia 

• Ukraine 

Non-tariff barriers 

Examples of non-tariff barriers are anti-dumping measures, 

sanitary sanctions, quota restrictions, environmental clauses and 

intellectual property rights. The most important form of non-tariff 

barriers regarding clothing is quota restrictions. 


Many clothing items are already quota-free, but WTO rules allow 

importer countries to impose anti-dumping duties if there is evidence 

that markets are being disrupted by selling below costs. 

Anti-dumping measures 

Anti-dumping implies that, under WTO regulations, exporters are 

expected to sell their products at fair market value, at a price above 

cost and without imposing higher domestic prices for the same 

product that would in effect subsidize their lower export prices. In 

the event of predatory pricing by a particular company or country, 

the importing country is allowed to impose a duty surcharge on the 

imported product, to bring the final price up to fair market value. 

Anti-fraud investigations and actions 

Besides anti-dumping measures, the EU is stepping up anti-fraud 

investigations and actions against fraud designed to: 

• circumvent trade policy measures, such as anti-dumping 

measures; 

• benefit illegally from preferential treatment such as that 

under GSP; 

• cheat consumers (claiming EU origin for products produced 

elsewhere); 

• combat counterfeiting and piracy (copying exclusive designs 

and models without permission of the owner). 

Financial instruments in the EU 

The awarding of tariff preferences or the levying of ‘environmental 

taxes’ on products is one of the major instruments of the 

EU (besides legislation) to promote environmentally sound 

products. Such preferential systems are the common subsidy 

and schemes, Green GSP, which works on the assumption 

that extra preferences can be awarded on top of the preferences 

for producers who show their commitment to the environment 

and who search for cleaner production techniques to reduce the 

environmental damage from their production processes and final 

products. The EU principle ‘the polluter pays’ becomes obvious 

as responsibilities for pollution prevention and clean-up are 

increasingly placed in the hand of the polluter. European importers 

faced with this will want to share such extra costs with their 

developing country partners. 


Switzerland 

General Foreign Trade Conditions - World Trade Organization 

(WTO) and Free Trade Agreements 

On July 1st, 1995 Switzerland joined the WTO (formerly GATT) 

and since then has applied the ‘most favoured clause’ regarding 

trade to all WTO member countries. This also applies to dealings 

with regions and countries where Switzerland has signed bilateral 

or multilateral agreements on trade. Furthermore, by joining 

the WTO, Switzerland had to change most of the non-tariff trade 

barriers to customs duties. Moreover, Switzerland is a member of 

the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). The dismantling of 

tariffs by the EFTA, in parallel to the European Economic Community 

(EEC), has eliminated to a large degree the customs duties 

between the European Union (EU), the EFTA countries and Switzerland, 

at least as regards industrial products (including clothing). 

Within the EFTA framework, Switzerland is part of the Schengen 

Area. Further, ‘pan- European cumulation’ has been in effect since 

July 1st 1997. Switzerland has entered bilateral trade agreements 

with numerous other countries to prevent double taxation and to 

protect and promote mutual investment. 

The Swiss generalised system of preferences 

General principles 

The preferential treatment given to exports of developing countries 

is designed to help increase and diversify their export. The 

Swiss Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) was introduced 

on March 1st, 1972 in compliance with Switzerland’s intention to 

implement Resolution 21 (II) adopted by the United Nations Conference 

on Trade And Development (UNCTAD) in 1968. 

Beneficiaries of preferences 

In principle, all developing countries and economies in transition 

are eligible for preferences under the Swiss scheme, with the 

exception of countries or territories that have reached a high 

level of development. The exclusion is based on objective criteria. 

GSP benefits will not be granted to countries which are members 

of OECD or have a free trade agreement with Switzerland. 

Also excluded are countries which the Development Assistance 

Committee (DAC) of the OECD has classified as a most advanced 

developing country or territory under Part II of its list of development 

aid recipients. Scope of preferences

Switzerland grants preferential reductions amounting to 50% of the 

normal rate on textiles and clothing. The least developed countries 

benefit from exemption for clothing and textiles. Complete 

up-to-date information on custom tariffs may be obtained from the 

Federal Customs Administration OZD. 

Rules of Origin 

The Swiss Scheme includes rules of origin which the goods must 

comply with in order to qualify for GSP treatment. To satisfy the 

rules of origin, the goods have to be either wholly produced in 

the beneficiary country or they must have undergone working or 

processing in a beneficiary country to specific processing criteria 

laid down in the regulations. 

The prerequisites for the origin of import textiles and clothing applied 

in the Swiss Generalised System of Preferences have been 

harmonised with EU and Norway. The rules related to the origin of 

manufactured goods were adapted to conform with the Pan- European 

cumulation system of October 1st, 1998. Therefore, textiles 

and clothing containing raw materials from EU countries and 

Norway may also be granted preference. 

Custom tariff 

Customs duties 

Although Switzerland has been a member of the Schengen Area 

since the end of 2008, it is not part of the European Customs Union. 

As a result, customs controls remain in place. The most important 

document for customs clearance is the customs declaration, 

which must be accompanied by the exporter’s invoice (indicating 

the weight) and confirmation of origin. A certificate of origin is 

required if one wishes to benefit from preferential duty rates or if 

the goods are to be re-exported. 

Unlike most other countries, Switzerland uses a system of 

customs clearance based on weight. This specific customs duty 

is therefore levied on products from non-EU/EFTA countries on 

the basis of weight. As a result, Swiss customs duties are usually 

lower than those of other countries. This favours the importation of 

high-quality technical components, which weigh very little but are 

extremely valuable. 

VAT (7.6%) is much lower than in neighbouring countries (Germany: 

19%, France: 19.6%, Austria: 20%, Italy: 20%). 

8.1.5 Implications after the elimination of the textile quotas 

The main challenges facing the European Union and Swiss 

textiles and clothing sector today are globalisation, modernisation 

and a murderous competition. Market access and fair trade have 

a higher priority for the textiles and clothing sector than 5 years 

back. Opening new markets, negotiations of bilateral agreements 

are aimed at ensuring that industry has time to adjust to full liberalisation. 

The EU and Swiss apparel imports showed a constant increase 

in recent years. In their outsourcing strategies, EU and Swiss 

manufacturers prefer Eastern European countries even over some 

Asian countries with even lower wage rates (such as Vietnam or 

China) due to their geographical proximity and their higher quality 

standards. Thus, EU and Swiss companies remain able to respond 

quickly to changing market demands. 


9. Appendix. 

9.1 Associations of trade agents, wholesalers organisations and retail 

organisations in the countries analysed. 

9.1.1 Europe 

AEDT 

European Association of 

National Organisations of 

Textile Retailers 

9.1.2 France 

Federation Nationale des 

Entreprises A Commerces 

Multiples 

Federation of multiples and 

department stores 

Federation Nationale des 

Grands Magasins et des 

Magasins Populaires 

National federation of department 

stores 


9-13/4th, 

Avenue des Nerviens 

B - 1040 Bruxelles 

Tel.: +32 – 2 – 230 5296 

Fax: +32 – 2 – 230 2569 

www.aedt.org 

info@aedt.org 

46, Bd Magenta 

F - 75010 Paris 

Tel.: +33 – 1 – 4202 1769 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 4206 5209 

(no website) 

11, rue Saint-Florentin 

F - 75008 Paris 

Tel.: +33 – 1 – 42 60 02 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 42 60 15 09 

(no website) 

9.1.3 Germany 

Aussenhandelsvereinigung 

des Deutschen 

Einzelhandels Ev (Ave) 

Foreign Trade Association of 

German Retailers 

Bundesverband Des 

Deutschen Gross- Und 

Aussenhandels E.V. (BGA) 

Federal Association of 

German 

Wholesalers and Exporters 

Bundesverband des Deutschen 

Textileinzelhandels 

E. V. (BTE) 

Association of German 

Textile Retailers 

Bundesverband des Deutschen 

Versandhandels eV 

Association Of German Mail 

Ordercompanies 

Centralvereinigung 

Deutscher Wirtschaftsverbände 

Für Handelsvermittlung 

und Vertrieb 

(CDH) 

National Association of 

Trade Agents 

Mauritiussteinweg 1 

D - 50676 Köln 

Tel.: +49 – 221 – 921834 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 221 – 921834 – 6 

www.ave-koeln.de 

info@ave-koeln.de 

Am Weidendamm 1 A 

D - 10117 Berlin 

Tel.: +49 – 305 – 900 995 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 305 – 900 995 – 19 

www.bga.de 

info@bga.de 

An Lyskirchen 14 

D - 50676 Köln 

Tel.: +49 – 221 – 921 509 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 221 – 921 509 – 10 

www.bte.de 

info@bte.de 

Johann-Klotz-Str. 12 

D - 60528 Frankfurt/M. 

Tel.: +49 – 69 – 678 656 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 69 – 678 656 – 29 

www.versandhandel.org 

info@versandhandel.org 

Am Weidenbaum 1 A 


Tel.: +49 – 30 – 726 25600 

Fax: +49 – 30 – 726 25699 

www.cdh.de 

centralvereinigung@cdh.de

9.1.4 Italy 9.1.5 Spain 

Camera Nazionale Della 

Moda Italiana 

National Fashion Organisation 

Federazione Nazionale 

Associazioni Agenti e 

Rappresentanti di 

Commercio 

National Organisation of 

Trade Agents 

and Representatives 

Federazione Nazionale 

Dettaglianti Tessili e 

Abbigliamento 

National Organisation of Textile 

and Clothing Retailers 

Federazione Moda Italia 

Italian Fashion Organisation 

Sistema Moda Italia (SMI) 

Association of Italian Textile 

and Clothing Industry 

V. Morone Gerolamo 6 

I - 20121 Milano (MI) 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 2 777 1081 

Fax: 

+39 (0) – 2 777 10850 62 

www.cameramoda.it 

cameramoda@cameramoda.it 

Corso Venezia, 51 


Tel.: +39 (0) – 2 – 764 5191 

Fax: +39 (0) – 2 – 7600 8493 

www.fnaarc.it 

info@fnaarc.it 

Via Palestro, 24 


Tel.: +39 (0) – 2 – 7601 

5212 

Fax: 

+39 (0) – 2 – 7600 3779 

(no website) 

Via Durini, 14 

I - 20122 – Milano 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 2-7601 5212 

Fax: +39 (0) – 2-7600 3779 

www.federazionemodaitalia.it 

info@federazionemodaitalia.it 

Viale Sarca, 223 


Tel.: +39 (0) – 2 641191 

Fax: +39 (0) – 2 66103667 

www.sistemamodaitalia.it 

info@sistemamodaitalia.it 

Asociacion de Comercio 

Textil - Acotex 

Association of Textile Trade 

Companies in the Region of 

Madrid 

Asociacion Espanola de 

Importadores y Distribuidores 

de Moda (Animoda) 

Association of Fashion Importers 

and Wholesalers 

Consejo Intertextil Espanol 

(CIE) 

Spanish International Textile 

Association 

Gremi de Comerc Textil i 

Sastreria 

Trade Association for Textile 

and Clothing 

Secretaria General de 

Comercio Exterior 

General Secretary of Foreign 

Trade 

C. Alberto Aguilera 66 

1-DCHA 


Tel.: +34-91-549 2397 

Fax: +34-91-549 9256 

www.acotex.org 

Lagasca 27-2 A 


Tel.: +34-91-4352 805 

Fax: +34-91-5761-735 

www.animoda.org 

Gran Via 670 


Tel.: +34-93-318 9200 

Fax: +34-93-302 6235 

www.aitpa.es 

aitpa@aitpa.es 

Diputaci 290 pral. 


Tel.: +34-933-017980 

Fax: +34-933-018720 

www.gremicomerctextil.es 

agtc@bcn.servicom.es 

Paeso de la Castellana 162 


www.mcx.es 

Buzon.Oficial@secgcomex. 

sscc.mcx.es 


9.1.6 Switzerland 

Swiss Fashion Stores 

Association of Fashion 

retailers 

c/o KPMG Fides - Hofgut 

Swiss Retail Federation 

Federation of retailers 

VSF – Verband 

Schweizerischer 

Filialunternehmen 

Federation of Swiss Chain 

Stores - 

c/o 

Advokaturbüro Utzinger 

VSIG – Vereinigung des 

Schweizer Import- und 

Grosshandels 

Association of Swiss 

Importers and 

Wholesalers 

VSV – Verband des 

Schweizerischen 

Versandhandels 

Federation of Swiss Mail 

Order Companies 


CH - 3073 Gümlingen 

Tel.: +41-31-384 77 04 

Fax: +41-31-384 76 96 

www.swiss-fashion-stores.ch 

office@swiss-fashion-stores.ch 

Marktgasse 50 

CH - 3000 Bern 7 

Tel.: +41-31-312 40 40 

Fax: +41-31-312 40 41 

www.swiss-retail.ch 

info@swiss-retail.ch 

Frohburgstr. 98 


Tel.: +41-44-363 14 00 

Fax: +41-44-363 15 25 

www.vsf-schweiz.ch 

vsf@ku-law.ch 

Güterstr. 78 


Tel.: +41-61-228 90 30 

Fax: +41-61-228 90 39 

www.vsig.ch 

info@vsig.ch 

General Wille-Strasse 144 

8706 Meilen 

Tel.: +41-58 - 310 07 17 

Fax: +41-58-310 07 18 

www.vsv-versandhandel.ch 

info@vsv-versandhandel.ch 

9.1.7 United Kingdom 

British Agents Register 5A Chelttenham Mount 

Harrogate, 

North Yorkshire 

GB - HG1 1DW 

Tel.: +44-1423-560608/9 

Fax: +44-1423-561204 

www.agentsregister.com 

info@agentsregister.com 

British Fashion Council Somerset House, South Wing 

Strand, London, WC2R 1LA 

Tel.: +44 - 20-7759 1999 

www.britishfashioncouncil.com 

info@britishfashioncouncil.com 

British Menswear Guild 5 Portland Place 

GB - London, W1B 1PW 

Tel.: +44-20-7580 8783 

Fax: +44-20-7436 8833 

www.british-menswear-guild. 

co.uk 

director@british-mens-wearguild. 

co.uk 

British shops and store 

Association Ltd. (Bssa) 

Middleton House 

2 Main Road – 

Middleton Cheney 

GB - Banbury – Oxon OX17 2TN 

Tel.: +44-1295-712277 

Fax: +44-1295-711665 

www.british-shops.co.uk 

info@bssa.co.uk

9.2 Industry federations in 

Switzerland and EU-countries. 

9.2.1 France 

Union Francaise 

des Industries de 

l’habillement (UFIH) 

French Clothing Manufacturers 

Association 

Union Des Industries 

Textiles (UIT) 

Textile Industry Association 

9.2.2 Germany 

GermanFashion Modeverband 

Deutschland e.V 

German Fashion Federation 

Gesamtverband der 

deutschen Textil- und 

Modeindustrie e.V. 

German Textile and Fashion 

Industry 

9.2.3 Italy 

Federtessile 

Textile Industry Federation 

8, rue de Montesquieu 

F - 75001 Paris 

Tel: + 33 - 1 44 55 66 60 

Fax: +33 - 1 44 55 66 66 

www.lamodefrancaise.org 

secretariatufih@lamodefrancaise.org 

37/39, rue de Neuilly 

F - 92110 Clichy 

Tel.: +33 – 1 – 4756 3100 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 4730 2528 

www.textile.fr 

admin@textile.fr 

An Lyskirchen 14 

D - 50676 Köln 

Tel.: +49 – 221 – 7744 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 221 – 7744 – 137 

www.germanfashion.net 

info@germanfashion.net 

Reinhardtstr. 12 -14 

10117 Berlin 

Tel: +49 - 30 726220-0 

Fax +49 - 30 726220-44 

www.textile-online.de 

info@textil-mode.de 

Viale Sarca 223 


Tel.: +39 (0) – 2-6610 3440 

Fax: 39 (0) – 2-6610 3455 

9.2.4 Spain 

AITPA 

National Association of 

Textile Industry 

Asociación Española de 

Constructores de Maquinaria 

Textil y de Confeccion 

Association of Spanish Knitwear 

and Ready-to-Wear 

Manufacturers 


Schweizerischer Gewerbeverband 

Swiss Trade Association 

Swissfashion – Gesamtverband 

Der SchweizerischenBekleidungsindustrie 

Swiss Clothing Manufacturers 

Association 

Gran Via 670 


Tel.: +34-93-318 9200 

Fax: +34-93-302 6235 

www.aitpa.es 

aitpa@aitpa.es 

Riera Sant Miquel 3 


Tel.: +34-934-150 422 

Fax: +34-934-160 980 

www.amec.es/amtex 

amtex@amec.es 

Schwarztorstrasse 26 

Postfach 

CH-3001 Bern 

Tel: +41 31 380 14 14 

Fax: +41 31 380 14 15 

www.sgv-usam.ch 

info@sgv.usam.ch 

Beethovenstrasse 20 


Tel.: +41-44-289 79 79 

Fax: +41-44-289 79 80 

www.swisstextiles.ch 

zuerich@swisstextiles.ch 



British Apparel & Textile 

Confederation 

The British Chambers Of 

Commerce 

Confederation Of British 

Wool Textiles 


5, Portland Place 

GB - London W1N 3AA 

Tel: +44-171-636 7788 

Fax: +44-171-636 7515 

www.apparel-textiles.co.uk 

65 Petty France 

St James Park 

GB - London SW1H 9E4 

Tel.: +44-20-7654 5800 

Fax : +44-20-7654 5819 

www.britishchambers.org.uk 

info@britishchambers.org.uk 

Textile House 

Red Doles Lane 

Huddersfield HD2 1YF 

Tel.: +44-1484 346500 

Fax: +44-1484 346501 

www.cbwt.co.uk 

info@cbwt.co.uk

9.3 Major European trade fairs. 

9.3.1 France 

Fatex - Paris 

organised by: 

Profatex Sa 

Interselection – Paris 

organized by: 

Intersélection – Groupe 

Eurovet 

Première Vision – Paris 

(Textile Fabrics Fair) 

organised by: 

Première Vision 

Kid’s Fashion 

– Mode Enfantine 

Kids Fahion Fairs in Paris 

and Brussels 

organized by Kid’s Fashion 

Mode 

Enfantine SA/NV 

Salon du Pret à Porter 

Paris 

French association of Prêt 

à Porter 

WHO’S NEXT URBAN 

SHOW SA. 

37/39, rue de Neuilly – BP 

121 

F - 92582 Clichy Cedex 

Tel.: +33 – 1 – 4730 5494 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 4730 9450 

www.fatex.fr 

info@fatex.fr 

Rue de Neuilly 

F - 92113 Clichy Cedex 

Tel +33 – 1 – 4756 3232 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 4756 3299 

www.interselection.net 

interselection@la-federation.com 

Le Britannia – Batiment A20 

Bld. Eugène Deruelle 

F - 69432 Lyon Cedex 3 

Tel.: +33 – 4 – 7260 6500 

Fax: +33 – 4 – 7260 6509 

www.premierevision.fr 

info@premierevision.fr 

999 chée d’Alsemberg 

B - 1180 Brussels 

Tel.: +32 – 2 – 376 5747 

Fax: +32 – 2 – 332 0880 

www.kidsfashionfairs.com 

visitorskids@bff.be 

5, rue Caumartin 

F - 75009 Paris 

Tel.: +33 – 1 – 4494 7000 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 4494 

7002/7004 

www.pretparis.com 

info@pretparis.com 

23, rue du Mail 

F - 75002 Paris 

Tel.: +33 – 140 13 74 74 

Fax: +33 – 140 13 74 84 

www.whosnext.com 

info@whosnext.com 

9.3.2 Germany 

CPD 

Woman/Man incl. Global 

Fashion 

organised by: IGEDO 

Internationale Modemesse 

Kronen GmbH & Co.KG 

ISPO – Munich 

(Active Sportswear) 

organised by: 

Messe München GmbH 

Kind + Jugend – Cologne 

Bread And Butter 

Trade fair for selected brands 

in Berlin and Barcelona 

Bread & Butter GmbH Headquarter: 

Stockumer Kirchstr. 61 


Tel.: +49 – 211 – 4396 – 01 

Fax: +49 – 211 – 4396 – 345 

www.igedo.com 

info@igedo.com 

Messegelände 


Tel.: +49 – 89 – 949 – 11388 

Fax: +49 – 89 – 949 – 11389 

www.ispo.com 

ispo@messe-muenchen.de 

Messeplatz 1 

D - 50679 Köln 

Tel.: +49 – 221 – 821 – 0 

Fax: +49 – 221 – 821 – 2574 

www.koelnmesse.de 

info@koelnmesse.de 

Münzstrasse 13 


Service Hotline 

(Accreditation + Tickets): 

+49 – 30 – 2000 – 370 

Tel.: +49 – 30 – 400 – 44 – 0 

(Headquarter) 

Fax: +49 – 30 – 400 – 44 – 101 

www.breadandbutter.com 

info@breadandbutter.com 


9.3.3 Italy 

Ideacomo – Cernobbio 

organised by: 

Ente Fieristico Ideacomo 

Modaprima – Milano 

organized by: 

EFIMA – Ente Fiere Italiane 

aglieria e Abbigliamento 

Pitti Bimbo – Florence 

organised by: 

Pitti Immagine srl 

Pitti Uomo – Florence 

organised by: 

Pitti Immagine srl 

9.3.4 Spain 

FIMI – Valencia 

organised by: 

Feria Valencia 

SIMM (Int. Fashion Week) 

– Madrid 

organised by: 

Parque Ferial Juan Carlos I 


Via Regina, 40 

I - 22012 Cernobbio 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 31 – 513312 

Fax: +39 (0) – 31 – 340022 

www.ideacomo.com 

ideacomo@ideacomo.com 

Viala Sarca 223 


Tel.: +39 (0) – 2 – 661 631 

Fax: +39 (0) – 2 – 6610 1638 

www.modaprima.it 

info@modaprima.it 

Via Faenza 111 

I - 50123 Florence 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 55 – 36931 

Fax: +39 (0) – 55 – 3693200 

www.pittimmagine.com 

bimbo@bittimmagine.com 

Via Faenza 111 

I - 50123 Florence 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 55 – 36931 

Fax: +39 (0) – 55 – 3693200 

www.pittimmagine.com 

uomo@bittimmagine.com 

Avenida de las Ferias 

E - 46035 Valencia 

Tel.: +34-963-861100 

Fax: +34-963-635111 

www.feriavalencia.com 

feriavalencia@feriavalencia. 

com 

Apdo. De Correros 67.067 


Tel.: +34-91-7225000 

Fax: +34-91-7225799 

www.simm.ifema.es 

simm@ifema.es 


MODA UK – Birmingham 

organised by: 

ITE Moda Ltd. 

UK Pure Womenswear 

London 

(all kinds of women’s wear 

and fashion accessories) 

organised by: Emap Retail 

Premier Kids Birmingham 

organised by: 

Emap Retail 

Tel.: +44-1484-846069 

Fax: +44-1484-846232 

www.moda-uk.co.uk 

info@moda-uk.co.uk 

33-39 Bowling Green Lane 

GB - London, EC1R 0DA 

Tel.: +44-20-7812-3700 

Fax: +44-20-7812-3710 

www.purewomenswear.co.uk 

info@emap.com 

33-39 Bowling Green Lane 

GB - London, EC1R 0DA 

Tel.: +44-20-7812-3700 

Fax: +44-20-7812-3710 

www.purewomenswear.co.uk 

info@emap.com 

Remark: Comprehensive information about all European and 

international fairs can be collected from the internet site: www. 

auma.de

9.4 European trade magazines. 

9.4.1 France 

Name of Magazine Publication schedule Circulation Contents 

Journal Du Textile 

Edition Hennessen SA 

61, rue de Malte 


Tel.: +33 – 1 – 4357 2189 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 4700 0835 

www.journaldutextile.com 

contact@journaldutextile.com 

9.4.2 Germany 

Weekly 18’101 Textile and 

clothing retail 


Klar-Text 

Das Klar’sche Textilarchiv 

GmbH 

Thann 28 

D - 83098 Brannenburg 

Tel.: +49 – 8034 – 8686 

Fax: +49 – 8034 – 8001 

www.klartext.de 

info@klartext.de 

SAZ Sportartikel Zeitung 

SAZ Verlag GmbH 

Postfach 260246 


Tel.: +49 – 89 – 2121 1090 

Fax: +49 – 89 – 2121 1077 

www.saz.de 

saz@saz.de 

Sportswear 

International 

Deutscher Fachverlag GmbH 

Mainzer Landstr. 251 

D – 60326 Frankfurt/Main 

Tel.: +49 – 69 – 7595 - 2662 

Fax: +49 – 69 – 7595 - 2660 

www.dfv.de – info@dfv.de 

Weekly on Mondays 2’500 

Special edition 

once per year – 

6’700 

Textile and 

specialized retail 

and industry – 

Retail and 

Clothing 

Addresses 

2 times/month 10’000 Trade, sports 

articles 

6 times/year 28’700 Trade, jeans and 

sportswear 


9.4.2 Germany 


TM Fashion Trend 

Magazine 

Branche & Business 

Fachverlag GmbH & Co.KG 

Königsallee 70 


Tel.: +49 – 211 – 8 3030 

Fax: +49 – 211 – 324862 

www.tm-fashion-portal.de 

info@textilmitteilungen.de 

TW Textilwirtschaft 

Deutscher Textilverlag GmbH 

Mainzer Landstr. 251 

D - 60326 Frankfurt 

Tel.: +49 – 69 – 7595 01 

Fax: +49 – 69 – 7595 1399 

www.Twnetwork.de 

info@TWnetwork.de 

9.4.3 Italy 



clothing trade 


clothing trade 

and industry 


Fashion 

Edizioni Ecomarket Spa 

Corso Venezia 26 


Tel.: +39 (0) – 2 – 7600 7371 

Fax: +39 (0) – 2 – 78 3012 

www.fashionmagazine.it 

redazione@fashionmagazine.it 

Modasport Vacanze 

Acalifa Srl 

Palazzina S. Rocco 

Via S. Rocco 17 


Tel.: +39 (0) – 2 – 5831 5800 

Fax: +39 (0) – 2 – 5831 6313 

www.infodataitaly.com 

esabbat@tin.it 

Donna Collezioni – 

Uomo Collezioni – Bambini 

Collezioni 

Zanfi.editori@mo.nettuno.it 

Weekly 18,000 Textile sector, 

sports fashion 

Every 3 

months 

46,000 Sport and 

Cacation Sports 

International 

4-6 times/year App. 50,000 Sports fashion, 

retail, industry, 

consumer

9.4.4 Spain 


Textil Expres 

Aramo Editorial 

Muntaner 50, Atico 3a 


Tel.: +34-93-453 7938 

Fax: +34-93-323 7926 

aramo@docupress.es 

La Moda 

Ediciones Tecnicas Doria SA 

Paseo de Gracia, 44-2 


Tel.: +34-93-467 1212 

Fax: +34-93-488 3012 

www.miramedios.com 

info@data-red.com 


4 times/year 5’500 Industry, retail 

Monthly 10’000 Textile industry 


Mittex - SVT Zürich 

Schweizerische Vereinigung 

von Textilfachleuten SVT 

c/o Gertsch Consulting 

Postfach 1107 

CH-4800 Zofingen 

Tel.: +41 – 62 – 751 26 39 

Fax: +41 – 62 – 751 26 37 

www.mittex.ch 

svt@mittex.ch 

Schweizer Sport Und 

Mode 

MS Dienstleistungen AG 

Örgelackerstrasse 4 

CH-8707 Uetikon am See 

Tel.: +41 – 44 – 920 79 40 

Fax: +41 – 44 – 920 79 41 

www.sportbiz.ch 

info@sportbiz.ch 

6 times/year 3’000 Professional 

magazine for 

the textile and 

knitting industry 

Once a month 3’100 Sports and 

leisure wear 

industry 




Textil-Revue 

Fürstenlandstr. 122 


Tel.: +41 – 71 – 272 77 77 

Fax: +41 – 71 – 272 74 49 

www.textil-revue.ch 

redaction@textil-revue.ch 



Once a month 7’500 Textile and 

clothing industry 


CWB Childrens Wear Buyer 

Magazine 

National Children’s Wear 

Association 

5 Portland Place 

GB-London W 1B 1 PW 

Tel.: +44 – 20 – 7631 5445 

Fax: +44 – 20 – 7631 – 3443 

www.ncwa.co.uk 

enquiries@ncwa.co.uk 

Drapers 

DR The fashion Business 

EMAP Business Publishing 

Angel House 

338-346 Goswell Rd. 

GB - London EC1V 7QP 

Tel.: +44 – 20 – 7520 1500 

Fax: +44 – 20 – 7520 1501 

www.drapersonline.com 

FW 

EMAP Fashion 

Angel House 



Tel.: +44 – 20 – 7520 1500 

Fax: +44 – 20 – 7520 1501 

www.emap.co.uk 

information@emap.com 

4 times/year 4’500 Childrens’ wear, 

retail 

Weekly 20’000 No. 1 of textile 

publications 

in GB 

Weekly 10’000 Retail, industry



Menswear 

EMAP Fashion 

Angel House 



Tel.: +44 – 20 – 7520 1500 

Fax: +44 – 20 – 7520 1501 

www.emap.co.uk 

clairer@fashion.emap.co.uk 

2 times/month 11’000 Retail 


9.5 Trade promotion organisations 

in Europe. 

CBI – Centrum Tot Bevordering 

Van De Import Uit 

Ontwikkelingslanden 

Centre for the Promotion 

of Imports from Developing 

Countries 

DIPO 

Danish Import Promotion 

Office Boersen 

GTZ - Gesellschaft für 

technische Zusammenarbeit 

German Organisation for 

Technical Cooperation 

International Trade Cenre 

Unctad/Wto (ITC) 

NORAD 

Norwegian Agency for 

Development 

Cooperation 

SIDA 

Swedish International 

Development 

Cooperation Agency 


WTC-Beurs Building, 

Beursplein 37 

P.O.Box 30009 

NL - 3001 DA Rotterdam 

Tel.: +31 – 10 – 2013 434 

Fax: +31 – 10 – 4114 081 

www.cbi.nl, cbi@cbi.nl 

Børsen, Slotsholmsgade, 

DK - 1217 Copenhagen K 

Tel.: +45 3374 6000 

Fax: +45 3374 6080 

www.dipo.eu 

dipp@danskerhverv.com 

Dag-Hammerskjöld-Weg 

1-5 

D - 65726 Eschborn 

Tel: +49 – 6196 – 79 0 

Fax: +49 – 6196 – 79 1115 

www.gtz.de 

info@gtz.de 

Palais des Nations 

CH - 1211 Geneva 10 

Tel : +41 – 22 – 730 0111 

Fax : +41 – 22 – 733 4439 

www.intracen.org 

itcreg@intracen.org 

Ruselokkveien 26 

Postbox 8034 

N - 0030 Oslo 

Tel.: +47 – 22 – 24 20 30 

Fax: +47 – 22 – 24 20 31 

www.norad.no 

firmapost@norad.no 

Sweavagen 20 

Postbox 3144 

S - 10525 Stockholm 

Tel.: +46 – 8 – 698 5000 

Fax: +46 – 8 – 208864 

www.sida.se 

info@sida.se 

9.6 Important addresses for 

environmental and social issues. 

CBI – Centrum Tot 

Bevordering Van De 

Import Uit Ontwikkelingslanden 

Centre for the Promotion 

of Imports from Developing 

Countries 

Commission 

Of The European 

Communities 

Forschungsinstitut 

Hohenstein 

(measurement tables 

and ecological issues) 

Institut Fresenius 

Gruppe 

(product testing) 

WTC-Beurs Building, Beursplein 

37 

P.O.Box 30009 

NL - 3001 DA Rotterdam 

Tel.: +31 – 10 – 2013 434 

Fax: +31 – 10 – 4114 081 

www.cbi.nl, cbi@cbi.nl 

www.cbi-accessguide 

(internet guide to European wide 

ecological questions) 

Rue de la Loi 200 

B - 1049 Brussels 

Tel.: +32 – 2 – 2990344 

Fax: +32 – 2 – 2990313 

www.europa.eu 

Schloß Hohenstein 

D - 74357 Bönningheim 

Tel.: +49 – 7143 – 2710 

Fax: +49 – 7143 – 27151 

www.hohenstein.de 

info@hohenstein.de 

Im Maisel 14 

D - 65232 Taunusstein-Neuhof 

Tel.: +49 – 6128 – 7440 

www.fresenius.com 

info@fresenius.com

9.6.1 Contact points for the Oeko-ex 100 hallmark 

Deutsche Zertifizierungsstelle 

Öko-Tex 

IFTH Lyon 

Institut Français du Textile et 

de l’Habillement 

Centro Tessile Cotoniero E 

Abbigliamento S.p.A. 

AITEX Instituto Tecnológico 

Textil 

Schloß Hohenstein 

D - 74357 Bönningheim 

Tel.: +49 – 7143 – 2710 

Fax: +49 – 7143 – 27151 

www.oeko-tex.com 

info@oeko-tex.com 

Avenue Guy de Collongue 

69134 Ecully Cédex 

France 

Tel.: +33 472 86 1600 

Fax: +33 478 43 3966 

www.ifth.org 

Piazza Sant’ Anna 2 

21052 Busto Arsizio VA 

Italy 

Tel.: +39 0331 696711 

Fax: +39 0331 680056 

www.centrocot.it 

Plaza Emilio Sala 1 

03801 Alcoy 

Spain 

Tel.: +34 96 554 22 00 

Fax: +34 96 554 34 94 

www.aitex.es 

Shirley Technologies Ltd Unit 12, Westpoint Enterprise 

Park 

Clarence Avenue 

Trafford Park 

M17 1QS Manchester 

Tel.: +44 161 869 1610 

Fax: +44 161 872 64692 

www.shirleytech.co.uk 

Testex 

Swiss Institute for Textile 

Testing – International 

Secretary of the Oeko-Tex 

Association 

Gotthardstr. 61 


Tel.: +41 – 1 – 206 42 42 

Fax: +41 – 1 – 206 42 30 

www.oeko-tex.com 

info@oeko-tex.com 

9.7 Sources of information. 

9.7.1. Europe 

AEDT 

(European Association of 

National Organisations of 

Retailers) 

EUROSTAT 

(Statistical office of the 

European Union) 

EURATEX 

(European Apparel and 

Textile Organisation) 

9.7.2 France 

Centre Textile de Conjoncture 

et d’Observation 

Economique (CTCOE) 

Centre for the Observation 

of Economic Development 

9.7.3 Germany 

Bfai – Bundesagentur für 

Aussenwirtschaft 

(foreign trade information 

Germany and EU) 

Bundesamt für Wirtschaft 

(BAW) 

(German Economic Office) 

9-13/4th Avenue des Nerviens 


Tel.: +32 – 2 – 230 5296 

Fax: +32 – 2 – 230 2569 

www.aedt.org 

info@aedt.org 

Bâtiment Joseph Bech 

5, rue Alphonse Weicker 

L - 2721 Luxembourg 

europa.eu.int/comm/eurostat 

24, rue Montoyer 


Tel.: +32 – 2 – 285 4892 

Fax: +32 – 2 – 230 6054 

www.euratex.org 

info@euratex.org 

37-39, rue de Neuilly BP 

249 

F - 92113 Clichy 

Tel.: +33 – 1 – 4756 3030 

Fax: +33 – 1 – 4756 3016 

ifm@ifm-paris.org 

Agrippastr. 87-93 

D - 50445 Cologne 

Tel.: +49 – 221 – 205 7000 

Fax: +49 – 221 – 205 7212 

www.bfai.de 

webkontakt@bfai.de 

Frankfurter Str. 29 – 31 

D - 65760 Eschborn 

Tel.: +49 – 6196 – 908-0 

Fax: +49 – 6196 – 908-800 

www.bafa.de 


9.7.3 Germany 

Statistisches Bundesamt 

(German Statistical Office) 

9.7.4 Italy 

Instituto Nazionale Di 

Statistica (ISTAT) 

(National Statistical Office) 

Market Study Clothing 

Sector Databank 

Sede Centrale 

9.7.5 Spain 

Centro de Información 

Textil y de la Confeccion 

(CITYC) 

Económico y Social de 

España 

(Economic and Social Council 

of Spain) 

(Dirección de Relaciones 

Institucionales y Publicaciones) 

Instituto Nacional de 

Estadística 

(National Statistical Office) 


Gustav Streesemann Ring 

11 

D - 65189 Wiesbaden 

Tel.: +49 – 611 – 752405 

Fax: +49 – 611 – 753330 

www.destatis.de 

info@destatis.de 

Via Cesare Balbo, 16 

I - 00100 Roma 

Tel.: +39 (0) – 6-46 73 1 

www.istat.it 

info@istat.it 

Via dei Piatti, 11 


Tel.: +39 (0) – 2-80 95 56 

Fax: +39 (0) – 2-80 56 495 

www.databank.it 

info@databank.it 

C./Rosellon, 216-5 E 


Tel.: +34-93-4876 949 

Fax: +34-93-4872 362 

www.cityc.es 

C/Huertas 73 


Tel.: +34-91-429 0018 

Fax: +34-91-429 4257 

www.ces.es 

Paseo de la Castellana 183 


Tel.: +34-91-583 9100 

Fax: +34-91-5839158 

www.ine.es 

Secretaria General de 

Commercio Exterior 

(Secretary for External 

Commercial Affairs) 


Sartex 

(Swiss Association for Textile 

Marking) 

Swiss Association For 

Standardization (SNV) 

Testex – Schweizer Textilprüfinstitut 

(Swiss Institute for Textile 

Testing) 

TMC - Textil Und Mode 

Center Zürich 

Fashion Center 

P de la Castellana 14-16 


Tel.: +34-91-349 6100 

Fax: +34-91-431 6128 

www.icex.es 

Beethovenstr. 20 


Tel.: +41 – 44 – 289 79 49 

Fax: +41 – 44 – 289 79 38 

www.sartex.ch 

Bürglistr. 29 

CH - 8400 Winterthur 

Tel.: +41-52-224 54 54 

Fax: +41-52-224 54 74 

www.snv.ch 

info@snv.ch 

Gotthardstr. 61 


Tel.: +41 – 44- 206 42 42 

Fax: +41 – 44 – 206 42 30 

www.testex.ch 

contact@testex.ch 

Thurgauerstrasse 117 

CH - 8152 Glattbrugg 

Tel.: +41-43-211 59 20 

Fax: +41-43-211 59 29 

www.tmc.ch 

contact@tmc.ch


EIU - Economist Intelligence 

Unit 

Taylor Nelson Sofres plc. 

Market Research 

Textile Outlook 

International 

26 Red Lion Square 

London WC1R 4HQ 

United Kingdom 

Tel: + 44 - 20 7576 8181 

Fax: + 44 - 20 7576 8476 

www.eiu.com 

london@eiu.com 

222 Grays Inn Road, 

London WC1X 8HB 

www.tnsofres.com 

research@tnsofres.com 

Alderley House 

Alderley Road 

Wilmslow SK9 1AT 

United Kingdom 

Tel.: +44 – 1625 – 536136 

Fax: +44 – 1625 – 536137 

www.textilesintelligence.com 

subscriptions@textilesintelligence.com 


Osec 

Swiss Import Promotion Programme 

Stampfenbachstrasse 85 

P.O. Box 2407 

CH-8021 Zurich 

Phone +41 44 365 51 51 

Fax +41 44 365 52 02 

sippo@osec.ch 

Copyright © Osec April 2010. All rights reserved. 

Our hotline: +41 44 365 53 91 

www.sippo.ch

Outerwear. - Business Location Switzerland

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