India will need 5 million people in design and merchandising

Rahat Bano interviews Premal Udani, Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC).

What key qualities, abilities and skills do employers look for in a good merchandiser/apparel manager?

The industry needs business managers, product professionals and technologists with key areas like in-depth and broad-based knowledge relating to clothing and textile design, innovation and technology. These professionals/students need abilities like firm grounding in commercial concepts, management principles, thorough product knowledge, progressive skill applications, business communications, relevant work exposure and a hands-on attitude.

What’s the starting, average salary of an apparel manager?

The starting salary ranges between Rs 15,000 to 20,000 per month. These professionals work as assistant merchandising managers or junior merchandisers who are able to understand and work within established systems according to the buyer’s requirements.

They should be able to implement procedures and management information systems for merchandise planning, sourcing and order execution and replenishment.

How is the apparel industry in India doing? 

In 2008-09, India exported apparel worth $10.9 billion. Due to falling retail sales in western markets, we have seen negative growth of 10.15 per cent during April to January 2009-10 as compared to the corresponding period of the previous financial year. We hope the recovery will start in the next financial year beginning next month.

As Bangladesh has overtaken India in apparel exports, what does the future hold for India’s apparel exporters? What does this situation demand (in terms of skills, competencies etc) from apparel managers?

The future is certainly bright. India has an integrated supply chain with presence of units involved in fibres, spinning, weaving, knitting, processing and garmenting. The industry is fast adopting lean manufacturing practices, improving quality of products to beat bruising competition in markets worldwide and cutting short lead times for faster supplies. Also, the proposed Indo-EU free trade agreement will go a long way to increase our exports to the European markets.

The AEPC is also working towards initiatives to improve productivity and provide guidance to factories in matters of compliance. These efforts will ensure that Indian garment exports reach a target of $15 billion by 2012 and $20 billion by 2020.

Why would you advise young students to consider working in the garments industry? 

The economic downturn is a temporary setback. In the long term, the textile and the apparel sectors have a tremendous future in our country. There is a retail revolution taking place and the domestic markets are doing very well. Overall, it is expected that there will be a need for at least five million people in the design/and merchandising areas.

Author: HT Horizons

Date: 25th March, 2010

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