 |
|
Interview - Mr Rod Tanks, CEO, Smart Fabrics Asia Pacific
|
| fibre2fashion: |
Talking more specifically, can we know your observation on movements in Wearable Electronics markets? What future does it hold?
|
|
Mr Rod Tanks |
Certainly, there is good future for Wearable Electronics, however, the shape of the future is still uncertain.
There are number of important and powerful companies investigating opportunities in the market sector at the moment, some are waiting to see what becomes available, while others are getting in and moving things forward.
No matter who is involved in the industry, it is certain that it is here to stay and Wearable Electronics products will become a standard part of our every-day lives.
|
| |
| fibre2fashion: |
Today’s Tech savvy market is always on ‘want’ for ‘better’ both in performance and economic context. What strategies make this possible at Smart Fabrics?
|
|
Mr Rod Tanks |
100% agreed – today’s consumers want technology to make their lives easier and also want it at reasonable prices.
We are releasing a range of Wearable Electronics consumer accessories in the coming months that will allow consumers easier control of their personal electronics.
We believe that offering high quality products that deliver tangible usage value at reasonable prices is what consumers want and our range of accessories will set out to fill that space.
|
| |
| fibre2fashion: |
What is the scope of emerging markets for the industry, geographically?
|
|
Mr Rod Tanks |
Geographical target markets in the early stages of Wearable Electronics are those that are (in no particular order) :
• technologically mature
• easy to access (ie minimal trade barriers)
• where consumers have a high level of disposable income
• that have a large installed base of consumer electronics
• that have a desire for consumer products
|
| |
| fibre2fashion: |
Presently, which challenges does the select sector struggle to overcome?
|
|
Mr Rod Tanks |
The main hurdle within the sector is its newness. The convergence of textiles and technology has created the new sector and because it is so new, established brand holders are somewhat cautious about making a ‘big’ entry into the market.
Most large apparel brands are interested in the market and some are creating pilot ranges to test demand, but a yet no one has made a ‘big’ push into the market.
|
| |
| fibre2fashion: |
For venturing into Wearable Electronics business, which all ‘musts’ are required to be counted on? How capital-intensive is the business?
|
|
Mr Rod Tanks |
The level of capital required depends on what position within the market you want to occupy as each level has it’s own associated costs & business intelligence requirements :
• design & IP (Intellectual Property) development
• manufacturing
• distribution
• integration
• accessory development
• reselling / retailing
• sales / marketing
• after sales support
All these areas have different cash needs & also require vastly difference skill-sets & relationship management.
This question is somewhat difficult to answer from an industry-wide perspective.
|
| |
| |
| |
|
|
1
2
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
| Other Interviews |
Mr Frédéric Champalbert
General Manager Fashion
Lawson
|
Head quartered in Minnesota, US, for more than a quarter of a century, Lawson has delivered ...
|
 |
Mr Bodo Bölzle
CEO
AMANN GROUP
|
Established in 1854 by founder Mr Alois Amann, for more than 150 years, AMANN Group has been ...
|
 |
Mr Om Prakash Lohia
Chairman & MD
Indo Rama Group
|
Came to being in 1989, in India, Indo Rama Group today is an over Rs 22.18 billion corporation ...
|
 |
Mr Constantine Raptis
President and CEO
Werner International
|
Headquartered in Washington DC, incorporated in 1939, Werner International is a management ...
|
 |
Mr Kumar Mirchandani
Chairman, Sub-Committee (Image Building)
Sri Lanka Apparel
|
Sri Lanka Apparel also known as Joint Apparel Association Forum, is the apex body of all Textile ...
|
 |
| More |
|
 |
|
|
|