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The presence of a strong delegation From Portugal at the Sourcing at Magic, Magic Las Vegas, and Project, which ended on August 10th, in the city of Nevada, reinforced the recognition of Portugal as a partner that meets all the textile sustainability criteria – which is essential for penetration in the American market.
In a first analysis of the results of the trip that took them across the Atlantic, the companies present highlighted the auspicious business environment and the agendas full of new contacts.
The Marita Moreno brand showed its sustainable vein through cork sandals, apple skin trainers, and its best-selling ‘Shell bag’. In addition to the stand, a selection of seven products was on display at Ad Infinitum, a space created by the fair’s organization dedicated to celebrating sustainability. “Being at the exhibition brought us greater visibility and people flocking to our stand; we were the only Portuguese brand present there”, highlights sales director Pedro Marinho. “The American market has 300 million people – an interesting market – we left with good contacts, but there is still a whole follow-up to do”, he says, noting that he also found buyers from Central America (Puerto Rico and Mexico).
The newcomer Fepratex also won the visitor’s attention with its bet on circular knits and sustainability: “We brought organic knits, new dyeing techniques such as water marble and hiahiq (which uses half the water compared to the normal dyeing process). Our finishes and the touch of the pieces also impressed customers”, says Davy Fernandes, account manager at Fepratex.
“In terms of results, the fair was great, we continued to receive our regular customers, we had customers who came to refer friends. It’s always good when we have customers who bring competitors to open an account with us, in addition to placing their orders right away here at the fair”, says Luís Machado, responsible for the commercial area at Aspeto Homme.
With a regular and well-established presence in the American market, Aspeto Homme brought to the next season a wide range of products for immediate delivery. A sustainable drop inspired by well-being and dynamism through collaboration with an American influencer: “We took advantage of the fair to close a deal with a US influencer who has 3.6 million followers. He was at the event with a video team, shared it on social media, and created a different moment at the fair”, says Luís Machado.
Despite the layout of the fair, organized by sectors of activity (from clothing to footwear), cooperation was present. “There was a greater Portuguese representation at the fair, which is great. We felt very close to the other Portuguese companies, there was conviviality and companionship, and I felt that we are all working towards the same thing: to make ‘Made in Portugal’ stronger”, points out Luís Machado.
The participation of Portuguese SMEs is the result of yet another initiative by Selectiva Moda and ATP – Associação Têxtil e Vestuário de Portugal, within the scope of the From Portugal project, which aims to promote the internationalization of Portuguese companies in the Fashion field. From Portugal is co-financed by Portugal 2020, within the scope of Compete 2020, through the European Regional Development Fund.