Chances are you’ve probably heard the following when it comes to the Canadian uniform industry:
1. It’s a fragmented industry, with no established brand, and fierce competition.
2. It’s such a small market for product – why should I be there?
3. Trade with other countries has led to an imbalance, costing Canadians jobs.
4. The country’s best sourcing options are limited to China and Bangladesh.
Those traveling to or within Canada next month for the NAUMD’s mid year conference will find an agenda that addresses these and more, as the association readies its members for a changed world and an industry that continues to transition.
While these changes will be at the forefront, so too, will information on the latest industry trends and advancements in fabric technology.
“It’s important for us to engage the membership in dialogue that concerns us all,” says conference co-Chair Phil Newman, Cobmex Apparel Ltd.
Slated for October 20-21st, the conference will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn Montreal Centre-Ville, in beautiful Montreal, a one-of-a-kind, multicultural city that blends its French accent with that of over 80 other ethnic communities and charms visitors with its European ambiance. “By choosing Montreal, the NAUMD has reached across its North American borders to establish itself as a truly international organization,” notes Newman.
A slowing economy and shifting priorities
Once considered a bastion of stability – its economy fared better than most during the recent recession, Canada is facing some daunting challenges these days, including a weakening U.S. economy and strengthening dollar that threatens exporters, an aging workforce, and an over-inflated housing market. This past Monday, the Royal Bank of Canada downgraded its growth forecast for the Canadian economy in 2011. Citing weaker performance in the United States and Europe, RBC Economics now predicts Canada’s real GDP will grow by 2.4 percent this year, down 0.8 percentage points from its target released in June.
Yet unlike its southern sister, the Canadian uniform industry is influenced less by economics than other factors. Take politics. In May, a landslide victory by Canada’s Conservatives led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper allowed the party to form a majority government, the first in seven years in the North American country. Harper’s victory, along with his party’s control of the Senate, put the Conservatives in firm control of the federal agenda for the first time since the early 1990s – and shifted the government’s priorities, creating uncertainty for smaller uniform companies and the entire industry.
Then there’s the actual size the marketplace. Canada is a country with a population equal to California. “There’s a broad variety of competition,” says conference co-Chair Margaret Ramsdale, Omega Uniform Systems. It’s also a fragmented industry, with few nationally recognized uniform manufacturer or distributor brands and no singular trade event to showcase its businesses
Still, buoyed by its growing, albeit slowly, economy, non-Canadians have recently set up shop. “Steady growth, however slow, is better than none, and presents opportunity for all of us,” notes Ramsdale.
The Conference: What to Expect
No matter on which side of the border you do business, the conference is intended to provide participants with a better understanding of current conditions in the North American uniform market.
On Thursday evening, attendees will be greeted by NAUMD incoming Chairman Steve Robinson, who will provide an overview of today’s American business climate. A dinner reception followed by entertainment will give all a chance to relax, unwind and of course, network.
Business sessions kick off on Friday, October 21st. Bob Kirke of the Canadian Apparel Association will discuss the pros and cons surrounding trade show consolidation; B. James Bottoms, chief operating officer over at Unisync Group, will highlight innovations in the image apparel marketplace, and implications for future growth. Finally, Brian Crawford, Vestegen Technical Textiles will demonstrate how advanced performance textile products and technologies can be used in a variety of applications, from medical uniforms to athletic apparel.
The conference also aims to eliminate some of the misconceptions surrounding the Canadian marketplace. Trade actually creates jobs, and Abbey Lipman a consultant for the Trade Facilitation Office of Canada, will explain the current opportunities for trade.
Sourcing patterns are shifting across North America, and Mary O’Rourke, O’Rourke Group Partners, will explain how to leverage the re-shoring trend to grow your business.
“The conference’s overall message is to look outside of your borders, whether they be geographic or market related,” says Ramsdale. “None of us succeeds by hiding from the challenge of today’s economy. We all have to take risks.”
To register, or to learn more, click here.
