ATSC 2019 to introduce expanded product variety, ‘wholesale supplier’ exhibits, and industry-shifting B2B eCommerce solutions, among range of new show offerings

Toronto and Montreal, April 16, 2019 — With pre-registration numbers already exceeding forecasts, Apparel Textile Sourcing Canada (ATSC) — which takes place August 19-21 in Toronto and August 23 in Montreal — is on track for another series of record-breaking shows in 2019, show organizers have announced.

“ATSC is coming back to Canada in a big way for the fourth year, a testament to its market need and success as a must-attend event for Canadian and Northeast U.S. industry representatives to connect with hundreds of factories from around the world under one roof,” said Jason Prescott, CEO of JP Communications, ATSC producer and publisher of North America’s leading of B2B trade platforms TopTenWholesale.com and Manufacturer.com.

“The show has become one of Canada’s most significant B2B events, consistently delivering year-over-year growth, thanks to its unique merger of Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter merchandise into a single once-per-year trade show,” he added. “Nowhere else in Canada will you find ambassadors, trade commissioners, export councils and private sector representatives from more than 20 countries coming together with thousands of apparel and textile industry representatives, from C-Level executives to SMEs and start-ups.”

According to Jeff Streader, CEO of GoGlobal Retail, “ATSC sets a new standard for the production of a sourcing event, not only for Canada, but for the apparel industry at large. Toronto has now anchored itself amongst cities like Hong Kong and Paris as an earmark destination for manufacturers from around the world to meet with brands and retailers at their front door. Connecting with factories is the foundation of the event, however, it’s the education, thought leadership, keynote speakers and panelists that set the show above the rest.”

Steve Tipman, Executive Director of TFO Canada shared: “As a non-profit organization that improves lives through the creation of sustainable trade partnerships between exporters from developing countries and Canadian and foreign buyers, TFO Canada has enjoyed a strong relationship with ATSC since it began in 2016. The show has proven to be an excellent venue, providing a unique platform for many small and medium-sized enterprises to make important connections with Canadian buyers.”

New to ATSC 2019 will be a range of first-time offerings, from expanded product variety and a new ‘wholesale supplier’ section, to the latest in fashion technology, eco-friendly textiles and sustainable supply chains. The leading roster of speakers headlining the three-day event includes: Bob Kirke, Executive Director of the Canadian Apparel Federation; Julie Hughes, President of the U.S. Fashion Industry Association; Diego Diaz; Trade Commissioner representing Guatemala; Avedis Seferian, President and CEO of WRAP; and Tony Sciarrotta, Executive Director of the Reverse Logistics Association; among many others.

Sustainability in Supply Chains, Thoughts on Future from Bob Kirke, Executive Director of the Canadian Apparel Federation

“The current emphasis on environmental and social concerns by consumers, especially by the younger generation, demonstrates that people are more mindful than ever before about how and where their clothing is made,” explained Bob Kirke of the Canadian Apparel Federation, a strong ATSC supporter since the show’s inception. “Forward-thinking companies will need to keep consumer preferences top of mind throughout the production process and be aware of the practical solutions they can implement to address sustainability concerns.”

With a global shift in consumer preferences and social consciousness, Kirke and other ATSC speakers will provide important updates on sustainability, in addition to repairing fragmented supply chains and trade, importing and exporting issues. On opening day, the subjects of Communication, Growth Potential, Free Trade Zones and Compliance, among others, will be discussed in a panel on the topic of Sustainability in Your Supplier Evaluation and Decision-Making Matrix.

“The topic of sustainability is quite broad, however, by using well-defined criteria when evaluating a supplier, our sourcing team can carefully analyze before awarding a contract,” said Pamela Bokser, Director of Softgoods Imports, who will participate in the opening day panel. “Although rigorous, these factors are a must. When a vendor is nominated, the goal is a long-term sustainable relationship, not a one-off production run.”

Next Frontier: Import and Export through eCommerce, B2B and B2C

Import and export is all-encompassing — whether orders are the size of an ocean container or a few cases — and businesses today need to have multiple options for how to transact and move merchandise to their buyers. As show attendees will learn, the next frontier for Canadian apparel businesses is export through eCommerce — now more relevant for B2B buying and selling than ever — and Canadian companies need to adapt. This year’s seminar series will provide valuable resource options to move bulk merchandise in and out of the Canadian market by leveraging cross-border eCommerce platforms and other omni-channel solutions.

Large and Small MOQs welcome at ATSC, Expanded India Pavilion

Returning to ATSC on a significantly larger scale, the Indian Pavilion will give attendees the ability to source wool products, basic knitwear with several finishing techniques, suiting and other woven items, leather accessories, and other specialized items from selected manufacturers. This year, India’s representation will also expand to include home textiles and silk products brought in through The Indian Silk Export Promotion Council, among others to be announced.

“India remains a leading investment and sourcing destination for investors and buyers from across the globe,” said Chandrika Behl, organizer of Indian exhibitors at ATSC. “The country’s textile industry is amongst the oldest in the world, dating back several centuries. In 2017-2018, India’s textile exports stood at US$39.2 billion, and are poised to grow significantly in the years to come.”

Indian exporters will showcase their emerging position in the textile and apparel world market and cater to the rise of microbrands that are becoming the norm in North America. While India has traditionally been known for accommodating larger purchase orders, many factories have now adapted to facilitate the needs of smaller brands and enterprise level buyers, who produce goods for six to eight seasons per year.

Multi-Level Supply Chain Sourcing Event, Factories and Open-stock Wholesale

The three core factors in buying decisions to nominate a vendor are centred around quality, price, and speed-to-market. Out of these, speed-to-market from suppliers to the brand or retailer — and consumer — appears to take more priority each year for many businesses throughout the supply chain. In 2018, ATSC introduced AVENUE at ATS, where attendees were able to meet brand exhibitors with merchandise that could be ordered and fulfilled immediately. With thousands of retailers attending the event, demand for a wider assortment of buying options grows with each show cycle. As a result, this year, ATSC is opening its doors for brands and wholesalers to exhibit, in order to cater to the immediate product needs of many retailers.

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About Apparel Textile Sourcing

Apparel Textile Sourcing is the apparel industry's link to the entire global supply chain. Resources, experts and manufacturers come from more than 25 countries and cover the worlds of fashion, apparel, textiles and sourcing. New sources, products and ideas come alive with education, fashion shows and trade opportunities. The ATS brand produces a range of shows, as follows:

ATS Miami — May 28-30, 2019

ATS Canada (Toronto) — August 19-21, 2019

ATS Canada (Montreal) — August 23, 2019

ATS Germany (Berlin) — September 11-13, 2019

Pre-show/post-show matchmaking

While ATS trade shows take place over a number of days, trade happens 365 days a year. ATS maintains a 24/7 Buyer Relations team year-round to help buyers find manufacturers through Manufacturer.com and 1000s of wholesale brands on TopTenWholesale.com. Together both platforms enable visitors to connect with the proper exhibitors long before and after trade show dates alongside hundreds of thousands of other suppliers. Attendees can source online at their leisure or speak with a matchmaking agent free of charge any time.

About JP Communications

JP Communications runs the most expansive network of business-to-business sourcing platforms in the U.S. Anchored by TopTenWholesale.com and Manufacturer.com, millions of international members use the brands to locate wholesalers and manufacturers. JP Communications CEO Jason Prescott is the author of two best-selling books, Wholesale 101 and Retail 101, published by McGraw Hill.