Kenyan apparel companies get insights on Sourcing at MAGIC

According to Robert Berg, " …there is a lot of interest from retailers and some branded wholesalers in the unique creative, ethnic designs and colours coming out of Africa. MAGIC therefore hopes to connect designers & companies from Africa with buyers and other attendees at the show."

The workshop was attended by local apparel companies, representatives from the RATES Centre, Export Promotion Council (EPC), the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and Export Promotion Zones (EPZ) and shed light on the caliber of attendees to the MAGIC Trade show….i.e. the kind of companies (such strong Brand as names such as Nike, Sean Jean, Levi Strauss and so on) that exhibit their products and the level of representation that potential buyers send to represent their companies.

It was highlighted that for maximum impact at MAGIC, the biggest apparel trade show in the United States, it is important that participants from the East African region work together and set up an 'East African Pavilion' in order to make it easy for potential buyers to find them.

The ECA Hub, EPC and EPZ will work together to sponsor a number of companies from the region to attend the trade show. In addition, the ECA Hub will hire a consultant to work with the companies from the region prior to attending the show, and to also assist them in Las Vegas, for the duration of the trade show. Pre- Show technical assistance will deal with matters pertinent to pricing, quality, design, colour, and market trends.

Sourcing at MAGIC takes place twice a year, February and August, in Las Vegas, Nevada over four days, offering companies business building opportunities and creating relationships that will expand opportunities and enhance a company's future in the U.S.