The Woolmark Company Strengthens its Partner Relations

Brings together manufacturers, retailers and designers under one roof
Ludhiana, February 10, 2016: Taking a step forward to connect its partners across manufacturing, merchandising and the fashion industry, The Woolmark Company – the global authority on wool– held a retail seminar in the two prominent cities of Punjab – Ludhiana (10th February) and Amritsar (11th February). The events were attended by Woolmark licensees including Shingora, S.M. Textiles/Ambassador Shawls, and Apollo Shawls. The seminar’s panel consisted of senior leadership from top retailers in India including Arvind Brands, Future Brands, Tommy Hilfiger and Shoppers Stop. The seminar was followed by a fashion show by leading fashion designer Nachiket Barve, who displayed an exclusive collection of stylish Australian Merino wool shawls and stoles.
The Woolmark Company and its retail associates acknowledged and celebrated the contribution of the licensees in driving sales growth of shawls and stoles across India. They discussed various benefits and the infinite potential of wool as well as the changing landscape of retailing with the rise of e-commerce in the country.
Commenting on the retail seminar, the official spokesperson from Shingora said, “We have been associated with The Woolmark Company since 1990and this is a great initiative by them to connect us with the top retailers and fashion designers in India. We are delighted to be a part of this event today which provides us with a deep insight into the evolved retail scenario in India. We always saw shawls and stoles as a utilitarian garment, but we understood that they can also be used as a fashion accessory through our collaboration with Nachiket Barve.”
Spurred by the tremendous success and the growing adoption of lightweight, trans-seasonal Merino wool garments across different categories in India, The Woolmark Company is working with various local SMEs in Punjab to drive further penetration.
“At The Woolmark Company, we are constantly engaging with manufacturers, retailers and designers through innovative initiatives to drive awareness, build affinity and create excitement in the Indian wool market,” explained The Woolmark Company Country Manager, India, Arti Gudal. “This seminar gives our licensee partners direct access to leaders in both the retail and fashion industry. Today, with India witnessing a boom in Indian retail space, it is crucial for us to focus on such initiatives.”
Nachiket Barve added, "Fashioning Statement pieces out of the beautiful Wool shawls and stoles sourced from the licensees has been a wonderful experience. The Woolmark Company has provided a progressive platform to amalgamate forward thinking innovative design with a treasure trove of quality Merino Fabrics from the key stakeholders in the industry. I am excited about this perfect opportunity to showcase indigenous local textiles and skills with a global design sensibility!”
The evening concluded a special live performance by DJ Beat2.