press releaseS

NEWS RELEASE
Contact Information
Sally F. Kay,
(704) 365-0913 Ext 212
sally.kay@hosieryassociation.com

Immediate Release: The Hosiery Association (THA), the Hosiery Technology Center (HTC), and SEAMS, the National Association for the Sewn Products Industry, will team up with their respective industry member companies to exhibit the latest styles and innovation available in ready to wear, legwear, and footwear items that are made in the United States during MAGIC 2006 August 28-31 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main goal of this endeavor is to share with retailers from around the world the many opportunities they have via the US supplier base. The slogan “You Wear US Well” speaks to the fact that retailers should tap into the incredible variety of products offered by companies throughout the US.

The following sheer hosiery, sock, and seamless categories that will be featured include but are not limited to men’s, women’s, and children’s dress/casual, outdoor, sports specific, seamless apparel (intimate, active and casual), medical compression, and diabetic. Apparel categories will include, but are not limited to, ladies’ upscale dresses, skirts, jackets, career wear, men’s & women’s healthcare apparel, men’s, women’s, & children’s thermal underwear, performance underwear, union suits, placket henleys, fleece & jersey sportswear, sporting goods, knit tops, tees, tanks, fleece, shorts, and pocket tees.

Besides creating a variety of innovative, fashion forward styles, companies in the United States have leveraged fiber technology to its fullest. By integrating these cutting edge components, their products afford consumers with value added features such as superior fit, comfort, moisture management, UV protection, thermal, and antimicrobial and odor control properties along with eco-environmentally friendly organic and biodegradable options.

The geographic proximity and rapid supply chain response of US-based companies enable retailers to buy smaller quantities of colors and SKUs. The goal is to explain to retailers how the following advantages can make them more successful in their businesses: quick replacement of hot selling items, increased sales due to fewer stock outs, ability to order smaller quantities, fewer markdowns and closeouts due to having less inventory or the wrong inventory, increased retail inventory turns and increased sales per square foot. These advantages should be considered when calculating the total product cost for the retailer. Many times “sticker price” from an offshore producer can be deceiving. While the price from offshore may be less, the total cost to the retailer could be equal to or higher than that of a US supplier.

“You Wear US Well”….offering fashion forward styles and practical business solutions.

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