Interview with Mr Chris DeMoulin

As always, the MAGIC Marketplace is the most important, full-service apparel event, from fiber to finish representing the total supply chain. In particular, the growth and evolution of Sourcing at MAGIC provides exhibitors direct access to the largest concentration of buying power in the United States and offers educational seminars presented by the world's most influential industry leaders. A sampling of topics include “TRADE POLICY AND THE BOTTOM LINE: OBAMA'S TRADE AGENDA AND FASHION!”, “The Wonderful World of Mosaics for Winter 2010/2011 / PANTONE” and “LEVI STRAUSS: Terms of Engagement and Sourcing Policy” “THE NEW ECONOMY, THE NEW CONSUMER, THE NEW RULES – ARE YOU READY?” from Marshal Cohen of NPD. There is no other market that provides resources, contacts, buying power, and industry knowledge comparable to Sourcing at MAGIC and The MAGIC Marketplace.

In the textile world, many companies are becoming totally vertical or creating partnerships within their regions offering full package service manufacturing options to meet the needs of sourcing executives and product development teams - taking them from fiber to finished fashion. Our trade show, Sourcing at MAGIC, is the only trade fair in the U.S. that provides attendees the complete range from information and education to fabric to finished products in all apparel, accessory & footwear categories. Today, trade shows must be networking, educational and business forums for both exhibitor and visitor. The MAGIC MARKETPLACE is a unique venue worldwide meeting all of these criteria.

I would say the biggest challenge is the constant ongoing change in international trade law; some examples would be in regards to social accountability, environmental sustainability, free trade agreements and import regulations. This makes the sourcing executives job challenging worldwide. Sourcing at MAGIC consistently provides an ongoing educational series, partnering with leaders in the industry world wide to provide up to the minute information on all aspects of the industry.

The recession has shown us that Sourcing executives’ travel budgets have been cut dramatically; they have less time and fewer dollars to travel to visit individual factories, attend international conferences and events. Due to this, Sourcing at MAGIC has enjoyed increased attendance because the sourcing executives and designers know they can see ‘the world’ all under one roof, while at the same time gather up to date educational information required to stay relevant. Due to a highly successful February 2009 event, the SOURCING at MAGIC event will show a 50% increase in the exhibitor base to take advantage of the increased attendance and VIP matchmaking program.

The MAGIC Marketplace covers the full spectrum of fashion including WWDMagic, Street, S.L.A.T.E, ECOllections, Kids, Premium, Menswear and Sourcing. We also have Pool and Project. Please visit www.magiconline.com for more information on each.

In regards to Sourcing at MAGIC, we offer exhibitors representing apparel and footwear manufacturing, trim, fabric, print design and service providers. Our largest representations are from China, India, Southeast Asia, Pan-Asia Africa and Pakistan and this season we are showcasing our “Made in the Americas” portion of the show that highlights manufacturers from North, South and Central America.

Sourcing at MAGIC is the largest supply chain event in North America, it is a critical supply chain component that is incredibly useful for exhibitors and attendees to have all under one roof, co-located with the MAGIC Marketplace branded events which offers unparalleled exposure to over 5,000 brands on the MAGIC show floor. SOURCING at MAGIC is the only trade show in the U.S. that provides a VIP matchmaking program for our SOURCING executives. With our Matchmaking Programs we do the work for our attendees by offering to connect branded apparel, footwear & accessory companies, importers, designers, and product development teams with a collection of 600 apparel & footwear manufacturers, fabric & trim suppliers, print design studios, and service providers from all continents, with over 40 countries participating. SOURCING at MAGIC presents the most complete global overview of apparel production capacity. This is a complimentary service that saves our attendees time and money on the show floor. Plus, we give the development divisions insight into an 18-month trend projection for the upcoming seasons.

My pleasure. Our job is to make sure that MAGIC provides a showcase for the full breadth of what is available in the marketplace. Attendees can expect to see all the new trends, amazing brands, top buyers, great seminars and fun events. MAGIC is truly one-stop shopping.