The following research report contains market research, analysis, statistics and business intelligence relating to research on Apparel Industry in Belgium.

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ABSTRACT
1. Belgium and Luxembourg

This report provides a general overview and outlook of the Belgian market for women's and men's apparel, jeans and sportswear, a small, but interesting market which borders both Northern and Southern Europe. The Luxembourg market strongly resembles the Belgian one.

This report will discuss topics, such as distribution, consumers and specific particularities of the market, which are important for U.S. exporters. The report also provides a background for the competition and import markets. A number of points are based on interviews with people who have the field experience necessary to provide a concise and accurate description of the market.
2. Market overview

A. The markets in general

- Belgium

As of January 2000, Belgium had 10,240,000 inhabitants, roughly equally divided between men and women. The population pyramid has the shape of a wide Christmas tree with a truncated top, which indicates a graying population, as is the case for the rest of Northern Europe. Belgium is a welfare state with an advanced system of social security, and is characterized by a very high standard of living.

The total market for clothing was $3 billion in 1998. Belgium is known for being a test market bordering Northern and Southern Europe, which has important cultural implications in the clothing and textile areas in general. The Northern half of Belgium, Flanders, and its center, Antwerp, is known for a high concentration of young trend-setting designers who shape the market for fashion-forward clothing.

Belgium is also characterized by high consumer purchasing power. The GDP par capita is $ 22,416.

- Luxembourg

Luxembourg has 400,000 inhabitants, 200,000 of which are women. The population pyramid is comparable to the Belgian one, which implies an equally graying population. More specifically: 66.8% active population, 18.9% children between 0 and 14 years of age and 14.3% senior citizens. Concerning demographic structure, Luxembourg has one particularity: 36.6% of inhabitants are of foreign origin. This is largely due to the many international organizations and companies which have a registered office in the country.

B. Wholesale trade

There are many active wholesalers according to a survey conducted by the trade journal Mode Flash.

For women's apparel there are 259 active wholesalers and manufacturers, 59 men's apparel wholesalers and 54 for children's and youth apparel. In addition, several brand-agencies are expanding their activities to different branches, especially in the case of distributors of jeans and sportswear.

The majority of collections that are sold in Luxembourg are purchased in Belgium, because the currency is identical. Some collections are bought in France or Germany. The market in Luxembourg is too small for it to develop its own profitable distribution channels. The distinction between agents and importers is important as their methods of importing goods, as well as their commissions, are very different. There are also foreign companies who start their own regional divisions.
- Importers

An importer buys his collection directly from the manufacturer, and therefore takes a margin on the purchase price. This is higher than the agent's commission because the importer is taking full financial risk. Importers not only work with pre-collections, but they are also often active in the cash & carry sector.

- Agents

Most Belgian wholesalers are agents. They are responsible for the commercial development of a brand in Belgium and/or Luxembourg, so they sell and receive a commission. The manufacturer usually does invoices and deliveries. Agents are also in charge of re-orders and stock programs and pass them on to the manufacturer, making them the middlemen between manufacturers and retailers.

- Local branches

There are manufacturers who establish their own local sales offices in Belgium, hence eliminating all intermediary links. Agents and importers are excluded from the sales process. This type of local presence is usually a sales office with or without logistic centre.

C. Retail

Retailers in Belgium and Luxembourg are traditionally owners of small shops. However, the formerly important small, self-employed retailer is gradually loosing ground, and chain stores are taking up more and more of the market share.

- Retail trade

Belgium

Retail (including chains of retail shops) makes up 62 % of the market. An additional 7 % is composed of market vendors and factory sales. The chain retailer by definition manages more than 5 sales outlets. The remaining 31% is composed of mass distribution, Internet and mail order. In 1998, there were 6,913 clothing retailers in Belgium. This figure however does not include the number of sales outlets, it only includes the number of businesses, of which 2,940 carry a broad range of clothing (women's, men's and children's clothing). 317 businesses are specialized in men's outerwear, 1,310 in woman's outerwear and 469 in baby and children's wear. This figure also includes shops that specialize in clothing accessories (28), and market and door to door trade in clothing (114).
Since 1998, there has been a slight decline in the number of companies in the retail businesses. The number of shops specialized in jeans was around 100.

The expansion of the retail sector has evolved considerably during the last years. Urban shopping districts have been taken over by chain stores, forcing small retailers take their business to peripheral areas. The new evolution involves new shopping areas specialized in expensive labels. In medium-sized towns, the percentage of retailers is much higher than it is in smaller municipalities. However, the more expensive collections and the popular brand names are also represented in small towns.
As for the business distribution in the three districts of Belgium (see below): 62.3 % of all businesses are situated in Flanders, 24.8 % in Wallonia and 13.8 % in the Region of Brussels-Capital.

Considering that apparel retailing comprised 20,506 outlets in 1993, the decline in the number of retail outlets is evident. This is reflected in a decline in the number of points of sale, but also in the expansion in size of a number of companies.

Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, statistical information does not exist. Roughly speaking, there are about 300 clothing stores. As for the geographical dispersion of the stores, the large shopping centers are concentrated in large cities, such as Luxembourg City and Echternach. There are smaller shopping centers in the smaller cities and villages, and there are about 30 mass distribution stores scattered throughout the country.
- Mass distribution: Belgium and Luxembourg

The share of apparel retailing in the mass distribution sector is rising. An increasing number of shopping districts are dominated by this retail sector. The apparel share of the total retail business rose to 27 % in 1998. Since then, it has also risen, although according to market sources, clothing and textile mass distribution have been dealt hard blows. The summer sales figures for the year 2000 are said to have decreased substantially. The reasons for this are probably due to a combination of weather conditions and a lower level of consumer buying in general.

There are several kinds of mass distribution. First of all, there are the department stores that, besides their food-section, sell clothes. A good example of this is the Belgian GB department store group. The merchandise sold is usually price aggressive. The collections are usually bought; department stores do not manufacture their own lines. A second type is the chain store that sells its own brands which are purchased on a private label basis. C&A is a good example of this type of mass distribution. A third type commercializes its own brands and has its own production. The textbook examples are H&M and Zara. The fourth kind purchases branded products, and initially, this was the policy of the Belgian department store Inno. They have however switched to a new system: they rent out square meters to their various suppliers who establish their own shop-in-shop concept with their own staff. Inno has a wide offering in non-foods, from accessories to stationery to perfume.

- Mail order and Internet

Mail order companies have a market share of only 4 %. The average Belgian is not a catalogue-buyer. Although the number of Internet users is growing daily and Internet is becoming increasingly popular, buying clothes on the net is not yet common practice. This is in all likelihood due to the following two reasons. First, Belgian and the Luxembourg consumers are very demanding. They want to feel, see and try on the outfit. The second reason is a lack of confidence in using credit cards on the net. The consumer lost all faith in the safety on the net after a controversial case which received headlines in the media.
D. Particularities of the Belgian market

The Belgian market has a number of specific characteristics, and these are often the same in Luxembourg.

- Buying seasons

Belgium makes use of very specific timing similar to the German market, even though there are some differences between them. The purchasing season starts much sooner than in France, especially in the summer.
The winter season starts in the beginning of December with pre-collections which are set for delivery in August. The ordering of the main collections starts at the end of January with delivery date at the end of August until the beginning of October. These delivery dates are very important as there is very strict legislation regarding the end-of-season sales period. In the summer the pre-collections are ordered in mid- June and the main collections at the end of July. Deliveries generally run from February to March / April. Often, updated collections come later in the season.

Short-term collections sold throughout the whole year are becoming increasingly important. Short-term collections are divided into 10 or more parts which are sold to the retailers on a regular basis with a delivery time of about 3 moths. Therefore, retailers can invest less in stock, and new items can consequently be delivered to the shops.

- The end-of-season sales

Belgian legislation regarding the sales period is very strict; sales are only permitted during specified periods. The winter sales take place between the 3rd and the 31st of January, and the summer sales take place during the month of June, from the 1st to the 30th.

It is strictly forbidden to sell merchandise at a reduced price during a period preceding the sales, starting on the 15th November during the winter and on the 15th of May during the summer. However, it is highly probable that these dates will be altered. Talks between the government and representatives of various pressure groups will in all likelihood alter the dates for the sales of the summer season, although decisive guidelines have not yet been formulated. The reason for the expected change is that the selling seasons are too short for the shopkeepers to sell their normal stock levels.
A new vehicle designed to get around the strict laws concerning sales and promotions is the "by invitation only" store. Customers learn about this type of outlet store by mail invitation, and may also receive discount incentives by mail. These organizations purchase end-of-series merchandise from the overstock of seasonal collections, bankruptcies, and liquidations of large retailers. Some of these stores, such as Cameleon, may also develop and sell their own labels with the purchased merchandise.
- Body shapes

Belgium is situated on the border between Northern and Southern Europe. In the past, the country was often under foreign dominion. Austrians, Spanish, French, Dutch, and Germans have occupied the country. The result is that, by body type, the Belgian population is composed several types. This should naturally be taken into consideration when selling apparel on the Belgian market. In general, the apparel demand in Belgium is more similar to the demand in North America than to the demand in Italy.

There are two general body types: Scandinavian and Southern-European. The Scandinavian type is taller and strong with narrow hips, and women generally have a smaller bosom. The Southern-European type, however, is smaller and slimmer, and the women tend to have rounder hips and a larger bosom. Obviously, there are types in between and often these are the people who have a harder time finding clothes to fit them. This phenomenon explains why Belgium imports from both Northern and Southern countries.

- Geography and culture

There are three regions in Belgium: Flanders, with its 6,000,000 inhabitants, Wallonia has 3,000,000 inhabitants and the Region of Brussels-Capital has 1,000,000. Between these regions, there are important cultural and economic differences that have repercussions on the textile industry.

Flanders is particularly active in the industry and the tertiary sector with a minority in farming. This region is the wealthiest of the three. Wages, on average, are 13% higher than in Wallonia and 15% higher than in the Region of Brussels-Capital. Also, Flanders has the highest number of inhabitants and the lowest unemployment figure. This is therefore the most important market. Furthermore, a flourishing fashion culture exists in Antwerp, "The Fashion Capital of Belgium", which is home to internationally famous names such as Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester and Walter Van Beirendonck. Flanders is, generally speaking, more fashion conscious than the other parts of the country.
Brussels is an altogether different story: it is an international center for politics and business, and includes the capital and its peripheral communities. It includes many corporate headquarters and many Belgian and European institutions and therefore has a very international character. One might wrongly conclude that the per capita income in Brussels is higher, but in reality there is a substantial amount of poverty in the bilingual capital. The contrast between a high income and a low income is much greater than in the rest of the country. When it comes to clothing, Brussels is generally more conservative, even though there is also a fashion culture in Brussels, but on a much smaller scale than in Antwerp.

Wallonia's economy is largely agrarian. With regards to industry and the tertiary sector, this part of the country has lagged behind during the past decades. Wallonia's economy has been improving over the past 5 years, but a real fashion culture is non-existent. People in Wallonia tend to dress very conservatively despite the many initiatives that are being made to turn the tide in the field of styling.

- Climate

There is an inextricable connection between climate and sales return on collections. That is why it is important for the collections to be tuned to the weather conditions. Belgium and Luxembourg have a similar climate. Weather in both countries is moderate. There are no extremes in temperature or other climatic conditions. Winters in both countries are generally mild and humid. Now and then it can freeze or snow, but these spells never last long. In the southern part of Belgium and Luxembourg these spells are more frequent, as these areas are located on higher ground. Usually temperatures fluctuate above freezing point in the winter.
In the summer, temperatures are obviously much higher. Sunny periods are succeeded by periods of rain. The climate is comparable to that of The Netherlands, the North of France and the SouthEast of the United Kingdom. One must take the climatic unpredictability into consideration as it can have negative consequences on sales figures. A good example is the 2000 - 2001 winter collection. Temperatures were remarkably mild until mid December. The result was that heavy coats remained on clothing racks. At the end of December 2000, temperatures dived bellow freezing point. Shop owners hoped that January sales would make up for the loss.
3. Market trends

A. Changing distribution patterns

Distribution in Belgium is, as it is in most parts of Europe, undergoing changes. Belgium is traditionally a country of retailers. Although retailers are far from disappearing, there has been a decline in numbers. Clothing chains such as H&M are swallowing up the market share of smaller retailers. This evolution has been going on for ten years.

In addition, the structure of retailing itself has been undergoing drastic changes. One change is the increasing trend of shops specializing in one particular brand. This is true of the chain of Hugo Boss shops in the Benelux. The manufacturer joined forces with a Dutch company, and these new boutiques offer a complete Boss life-style. These stores are managed from one central office. Another example is McGregor, a successful Dutch casual wear company that has opened a number of shops at strategic locations. Its other outlets are franchised, a system that is becoming increasingly popular.
Also, there is a rise in the number of small chains of multi-brand-stores. An example of this is Metro, a jeans and sportswear chain store. Metro has created stores in the most important shopping districts in Flanders. As more and more retailers take on several shops, and boutique owners are leaving the field. The reason for this is not only that the retailers decide to quit, and a number of prosperous businesses are being taken over by other companies.
B. Dress codes and social environment

Dress codes have changed dramatically during the last few years. The casual look is becoming increasingly popular. In corporate life, for instance, typical formal dress is slowly being replaced by a more casual style. A good example and indicator of this trend are bank counter clerks who now wear open shirts and slacks/jeans. Not long ago, there were strict dress codes in offices. Currently, even though employees are required to dress smartly, some degree of casualness is permitted. This does not, however, apply to all walks of life. In some sectors, such as the insurance business, the dress code still prescribes formal attire.
We must also differentiate between hierarchical levels and between indoor and outdoor work. Higher-level executives, for instance, will generally wear a suit, even though they will not refrain from dressing more casually when spending a day at the office without formal meetings.

Still, this depends on the sector. Basically it all amounts to clothing being adapted to a situation, much like we do in our spare time. It can be said that this evolution fits within the general wellness-trend that has been more and more prevalent in the last few years.

This has great influence on the market. Firstly there is enormous growth of the casual market and secondly, the more classical, formal market is diminishing. Thirdly, there is now a new market for classical-casual wear, a market that tenders to the needs of business people who wish to wear casual attire to the office. The advantage is that, although casual, the clothing is sufficiently presentable to be worn to business meetings.

There is also a fourth shift within the market. More and more people are choosing to work at home. At present, this group represents a small percentage of the professional population, but it is growing. Consequently, there is an increase in the home wear segment. An example is comfortable clothing similar to pajamas but also considered suitable for entertaining.

The"Casual Friday" as known in the US is a great a success in Belgian corporate circles.

C. The atomized market

An important trend that has recently arisen in the market for young people is atomization, meaning the youth segment is subdivided into sub-segments each with its own dress code, social code, musical preference and so on. The problem is that these currents are very susceptible to certain trends within these sub-segments, which makes it extremely difficult to reach these target groups. Purchasing agents of successful businesses have become full-blown trendwatchers in order to adapt their collections to the ever changing styles and trends, in which accessories play an important role. Trends among young people sometimes evolve towards adult fashion.
D. The frightened retailer

The "frightened retailer" may be the best way to describe the current market situation. Many Belgian retailers conduct, as we say, a very prudent purchasing policy. By this we mean that they tend to opt for "sure" clothing. They are afraid to invest in new trends. A wrong choice in purchasing policy can be fatal. Therefore, renewal entails an enormous risk for the retailer.
Nevertheless, the consumer begs for innovation and the manufacturer offers renewal. Generally speaking, the Belgian retailer is over-prudent. Still, there are a number of trendsetters willing to take the risk. These are usually successful businesses that end up setting the trends for the rest of the market.

E. Trends for women

An interesting and radical change is taking place in most of the European market. Women in their forties are now following much younger fashions, consequently, the market for mature (middle-aged) fashion is shrinking. This caused a problem however, as sizes were not appropriate for the older age bracket. The European industry consequently reacted to this phenomenon and many traditional manufacturers made stylistic alterations and adapted the sizes accordingly.

Initially, retailers were somewhat hesitant to follow the trend, but now the demand is completely adapted to the new market situation. In real terms, this means that the look has become more casual. Hence, chino's and sport coats have appeared on the market. "Trendy" and "fashionable" aspects have become increasingly important. Many collections are being characterized by the use of high-tech fabrics, which formerly were only used in sportswear and collections designed for youngsters.

F. A changing market for jeans

Classical western jeans are no longer in fashion, even though they are said to be making a comeback in a different way. A few years ago, the market was dominated by brands such as Levi's. Jeans were jeans and they stood for a style of their own. At one point, mainly European brands, such as Diesel and G-Star started setting the pace with a completely new jeans concept. They started to link Jeans to styling, design and fashion. As a result, the European Jeans industry took a completely different course. Now, three main currents within the Jeans sector can be detected. First of all, there are basic jeans as we have known them for years. Secondly, there are the high-tech designer Jeans and thirdly, there are the high-fashion jeans, subject to trends and described as slightly ornamental.

These changes were introduced to save a tumbling jeans market. After all, there had already been a young non-denim generation. These efforts obviously paid off as the market is now preparing itself for a jeans comeback. However, jeans alone are not enough. One has to offer the consumer a total image with of a complete line of jeans garments and accessories.

G. The growing market for outsizes

The outsize segment is definitely worth mentioning. This has grown extensively during the last few years. The average Belgian (and European) is gaining weight, but this is not the primary reason. The emancipation of "well-rounded" people is an important factor.There is room in the market for trendier, affordable and fashionable clothing for "larger" young person. Although there are collections for this target group, they are usually unaffordable for young people with limited budgets.
4. Import market

A. Overview

Belgian clothing imports in 1999 comprised a total of $2,5 billion, of which almost half originates from Europe. This is not surprising, as there is free trade of goods and services within the European Union. Proximity plays an important part as well. In regards to clothing, there are more imports than exports.
B. Which are the most important exporting countries to Belgium?

Belgium and Luxembourg mainly import apparel from other European countries. A list of the main exporting countries in descending order:

- The Netherlands - France - Germany
- Italy
- United Kingdom
- Spain
- Portugal
- Denmark - Sweden

On a world wide scale, in descending order:

- The Netherlands - France
- Tunisia
- Germany
- Italy
- Morocco
- Turkey
- Poland
- United Kingdom
- Romania

Most imported goods are Belgian brands that are manufactured abroad, as Belgian production is delocalized for almost 80%.
5. Competition

A. Belgium: a market at saturation point?

Belgium is a supersaturated market. According to a survey conducted by Mode Flash, a trade journal, there are 783 woman's collections, 372 men's collections and 233 children's collections for the population of 10,240,000 inhabitants. But there may be many more. Rotation is characteristic of the current market situation, and besides a number of "stayers", there is a substantial number of newcomers.

B. The most important competitors

- Belgian manufacturers

The most important competitors are foreign and well established on the Belgian market. Furthermore, the trade balance clearly shows that Belgian manufacturers are very export minded. With reference to clothing, Belgian manufacturers are situated in the higher price/ quality segment, which is not surprising, as labor costs are very high.
The lower and middle price/ quality segments are chiefly imported. Belgian manufacturers produce in a higher price range. Examples of successful Belgian labels are Scapa, La Gaviotta, Hampton Bays and Xandres. Designers such as Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten and Dirk Bikkembergs are also doing very well.

- Chain stores

Chain stores are an important competitor in the lower price range stores. Everything from production to eventual sale is in their own hands. Examples for clothing are H&M and Zara. Who are able to maintain very low prices as there are no intermediary links.

6. The consumer

A. General profile

The Belgian consumer has great purchasing power in comparison with the rest of the world. In this respect, Belgium ranks among the top 5 European markets. The average disposable income per capita in 1998 was $9.551, of which 5.7 % went to clothing and footwear. Recent research shows that the total family budget has since increased by 8.2 % and that subsequently more is spent on clothing. The first trimester of 2000 however shows a decline. Still, an overall increase is expected for 2000. This indicates a changing spending policy. An inquiry into household budgets was conducted in 1998. The results indicated that annually $13.8 was spent on clothing fabrics, $277.7 on men's clothing, $491 on woman's garments and $160.7 on children's clothing, $26 on baby's clothing and $30 on accessories.
7. Sales prospects

A. Life-style concepts
For those considering launching a new line of clothing on the Belgian market, it is almost imperative to render it inherent to a complete life-style concept. During the last couple of years it has become clear that the success of certain lines of clothing was due to the fact that they were marketed as part of a complete concept. The consumer wants more than just clothing, he wants a story, a dream, an image, a means towards social identification. In view of the enormous competition on the Belgian market, this concept has to be supported by an intensive campaign. In order to avoid becoming "one of the many", it is imperative to make an all-embracing fashion statement. Examples of this are Dunhill, Diesel, Versace, etc.

B. Private label

For private label there are possibilities too. As the market is evolving towards smaller chains of boutiques, several major players have their own collections made by a number of private label-manufacturers.

C. The casual boom

Formal wear is slowly disappearing, whereas the market share of casual dress is growing (in all price ranges). As previously mentioned, clothing trends have undergone enormous changes during recent years. Casual clothing therefore offers the best chance of success.

D. The adequate price positioning

Finding the adequate price positioning is important. The demanding Belgian consumer, who is generally very susceptible to brands, tends to pay less attention to quality, providing the garment is of a well-known label. Poor quality, on the other hand, is severely reprimanded.
8. Accessibility of the market

A. Financial

- The government

When importing from the United States to Belgium, there are a number of import taxes and several import permits are necessary. With reference to the import taxes, there is no uniform tax rate for textile. Import taxes depend on a number of factors such as material, location of assembly (in Belgium or in the United States), outer garments, underwear, etc. The average import tax for clothing is around 12%. The VAT (Value Added Tax) on clothing in Belgium is 21%, and in Luxembourg it is 15%.

- Margins and commissions

The average margin for Belgian retailers is 130%, which depends mostly on the possibilities a collection has to offer. For instance, a high quality collection which was bought at a low price offers more room for a high margin.
With reference to wholesale, an agent's average commission is about 10%, whereas an importer/distributor takes approximately 20%. The reason for this is obvious; an importer takes more risks and must cover the importation costs.
In Luxembourg, shop owner margins are much higher because the eventual retail price is about the same as in Belgium, and the 15% VAT (Value Added Tax) rate is lower than the 21% Belgian rate.

- Exchange rates

Exchange rates are an important problem when importing from countries that do not use the Euro, especially in comparison to those that do. For instance, trade with France and Germany, both members of the monetary union, does not bring about price fluctuations for Belgium due to exchange rates. Trade with the US however, is susceptible to fluctuations of the US Dollar against the Euro. It is even possible that a collection, initially found to have a good position on the market price-wise, loses all commercial viability as a result of, for instance, an increase of the US Dollar against the Euro.

B. Non-tariff trade barriers

- Labels

The only compulsory information the label has to indicate is the composition of the garment, which is subject to strict regulations. Maintenance instructions and size are not compulsory, although they are recommended.

There is no uniform size system in Europe. Each member state has its own table of sizes. As there is a lot of importation in Belgium, the Belgian retailer is used to different size systems. However, currently a uniform size system is being considered. A tag indicating maintenance is not compulsory, yet strongly advised as it can avoid after-sales problems. The European system of symbols differs from that of the US. Belgium works with the Ginetex-system that uses 5 symbols. In order to use these symbols, a company must be a member of this organization.
- Safety regulations

In Belgium there is no specific legislation on safety regulations for textile products. But the key is however product liability. In practice this means that pajamas made of a flammable synthetic fibers are allowed on the Belgian market, but if the garment catches fire, the manufacturer can be liable. It is therefore in the manufacturer's best interest to market products that are safe.

Also there is, within a European context, a list of forbidden materials such as a number of dyes which are considered carcinogenic.
Currently, general European guidelines are being drafted. The question is, of course, how this will evolve in the future. For detailed information, contact the Belgian Clothing Federation (see address below).
9. Contacts

A. Organizations

THE BELGIAN CLOTHING FEDERATION
Organization of Belgian clothing manufacturers
Mr. Magnus
Montoyerstraat 24
B- 1040 Brussels
Belgium
T. +32 2 238 10 11
F. +32 2 230 47 00
info@belgianfashion.be
www.belgianfashion.be

FEBELTEX
Organization of Belgian textile manufacturers
Mr. Martin Van Houtte
Montoyerstraat 24
B- 1040 Brussels
Belgium
T. +32 2 287 08 11
F. +32 2 230 65 85
info@febeltex.be
www.febeltex.be

MODE UNIE/ NAVETEX
Organization for retailers
Mr. Danny Huysmans
Spastraat 9
B- 1000 Brussels
Belgium
T. +32 2 238 06 52
F. +32 2 230 64 44
danny.huysmans@kmonet.be
www.navetex.be

F21
Organization for retailers
Mr. Gafa Ruythoorn
F21
Frederik van Eedenplein 7
B- 2050 Antwerp
Belgium
+32 3 219 20 17
+32 3 219 28 70
SECRETARY OF FOREIGN TRADE
They provide detailed information on import matters
Koning Albert II laan 30 B36
B-1000 Brussels
Belgium
T. +32 2 206 35 11
F. +32 2 203 18 12
info@obcebdbh.be
www.obcebdbh.be

B. Trade journals

MODE FLASH (general)
Mr. Jan Boelens
Amerikalei 220/6c
B- 2000 Antwerp
Belgium
T. +32 3 238 03 28
F. +32 3 238 04 55
modeflash@pi.be
www.modeflash.be

TEXBEL (general)
Mrs. Chris Vermuyten
Hulstlaan 42
B- 1170 Brussels
Belgium
T. +32 2 678 16 11
F. +32 2 660 36 00

LABELS (Jeans)
Mrs. Anya Loonen
L&M Publishing Partners
Leliestraat 72
B- 2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver
Belgium
T. +32 3 448 47 30
F. +32 3 448 47 31

K-BOETIEK (Kids)
VDK Press
Mr. Patrick Vandenkendelaere
Marktplein 14
B- 8530 Harelbeke
Belgium
T. +32 56 72 35 15
F. +32 56 72 35 37
vandenkendelaere@pi.be

C. Trade Centers

FASHION CENTER IFG
Clothing only
Mr. Guy Millants
J. Van Elewijckstr. 44
B- 1853 Strombeek-Bever
Belgium
T. +32 2 267 40 59
F. +32 2 267 04 00
ifg@euronet.be
www.ifg.be

TRADE MART/FASHION GARDENS
Clothing, textile, furniture, gifts
Mr. Guy Verstrepen
Atomiumsquare 1 PB211
B- 1020 Brussels
Belgium
T. +32 2 478 49 89
T. +32 2 478 62 58
www.trademart.be

D. Major buyers

INNO NV
Mr. Leemans
Nieuwstraat 111
B- 1000 Brussels
Belgium
T. +32 2 211 21 11
F. +32 2 219 41 49
info@inno.be

C&A
Mr. Gerard Patricot (0049 211 693 0)
J.Monnetlaan
B- 1840 Vilvoorde-Cargovil
Belgium
T. +32 2 257 69 60
F. +32 2 257 69 59

SUPERCONFEX
Mr. De Vreede
Parkweg 20
NL- 6212 XN Maastricht
Netherlands
T. +31 46 435 94 35
F. +31 46 433 19 51
email@superconfex.com

E5 MODE
Hoogkamerstraat 1
B- 9100 St-Niklaas
Belgium
T. +32 3 760 39 39
F. +32 3 760 39 10

JBC MODE
Mrs. Ann Claes
Centrum Zuid 2080
B- 3530 Houthalen
Belgium
T. +32 11 60 88 06
F. +32 11 52 51 00

PREMAMAN
Mr. Escovido
Haachtsesteenweg 1475
B- 1130 Brussels
Belgium
T. +32 2 240 66 00
F. +32 2 240 66 26

WIBRA
Mrs. Van Mierden
Dordrechtweg 2
NL-7418 CH Deventer
Netherlands
T. +31 570 62 44 44
T. +31 570 62 33 04

ETAM
Purchasing Services: +33 149 48 70 70
Chaussee d'Alsemberg 204
B- 1190 Brussels
Belgium
T. +32 2 349 72 11
T. +32 2 345 27 34

WE BELGIUM
Purchasing Services: +31 302 479 479
Ertbruggestraat 136
B- 2110 Wijnegem
Belgium
T. +32 821 02 40
F. +32 830 07 20
PECOTEX
Oude Geelse Baan 76/1
B- 2431 Veerle
Belgium
T. +32 14 84 01 81
F. +32 14 84 16 48

P&C
Meir 31
B- 2000 Antwerp
Belgium
T. +32 3 231 56 66
F. +32 3 232 46 05

DAMART
Mrs. Delcourt
B- 7711 Dottenijs/ Mouscron
Belgium
T. +32 56 48 30 43
F. +32 56 48 96 26

DAXAN MOVITEX
Mr. Leurent (0033/320 01 26 20
Rue du Pere Damien 9
B- 7700 Mouscron
Belgium
T. +32 70 23 35 90
F. +32 56 86 15 15
daxon@daxon.com

3SUISSES
PB 113
B- 8500 Kortrijk
Belgium

E. Agents and importers

A list of apparel agents and importers can be found on www.modeflash.be (Dutch/French).

10. Specialized fairs

A. Belgium

WOMAN'S, MEN'S WEAR BRUSSELS
This is the most important Belgian specialized fair, strictly reserved for professionals. The offering is middle to high-end women's, men's, jeans and sportswear, and the fair takes place in January and in July.
Organizer: Societheque
Mrs. Joelle Vandenbemden
Chaussee d'Alsemberg 993
B-1180 Brussels
Belgium
T. +32 2 376 57 47
F. +32 2 376 73 94
info@bbf.be
www.bff.be

- Children

KID'S FASHION BRUSSELS
This professional fair has become an event of international esteem and takes place in January and in July. Belgium is, stylistically speaking, an important country in children's fashion.
Organizer: Societheque
Mrs. Joelle Vandenbemden
Chaussee d'Alsemberg 993
B-1180 Brussels
Belgium
T. +32 2 376 57 47
F. +32 2 376 73 94
info@bbf.be
www.bff.be

B. Neighboring countries

- Women

CPD
Organizer: Igedo Company
Mrs. Margit Jandali
Stockumer Kirchstrasse.61D-40474 Dusseldorf
Germany
T. +49 211 43 96 01
F. +49 211 43 96 345
igedo-company@igedo.de
www.igedo.de

PRæT Ë PORTER PARIS
Organizer: Federation Francaise du pret ˆ porter fŽminin
Mrs. Evelyne Claus
5, rue Caumartin
F- 75009 Paris
France
T. +33 1 44 94 70 00
F. +33 1 44 94 70 05
exhidept@pretparis.com
www.pretparis.com
- Men

HERREN-MODE-WOCHE
Organizer: Messe- und Ausstellungs-Ges.m.b.h. Koln
Mr. Muller
Messeplatz 1
D-50679 Koln
Germany
T. +49 221 82 10
F. +49 221 821 25 74
info@koelnmesse.de
www.koelnmesse.de
- Children

KIND & JUGEND
Organizer: Messe- und Ausstellungs-Ges.m.b.h. Koln
Mr. Max Ein
Messeplatz 1
D-50679 Koln
Germany
T. +49 221 82 10
F. +49 221 821 25 74
info@koelnmesse.de
www.koelnmesse.de

PLANETE 0>16
Organizer: Comexpo
Mrs. Chatras
55, quai Alphonse Le Gallo
F- 92107 Boulogne Cedex
France
T. +33 49 09 60 00
F. +33 49 09 60 03
info@comexpo-paris.com
www.salonplanete0-16.com

- Jeans and Sportswear

ISPO
Organizer: Messe Munchen GmBh
Messegelande
D- 81823 Munich
Germany
T. +49 89 949 113 88
F. +49 89 949 113 89
ispo@messe-muenchen.de
INTERJEANS
Organizer: Messe- und Ausstellungs-Ges.m.b.h. Koln
Mr. Muller
Messeplatz 1
D- 50679 Koln
Germany
T. +49 221 82 10
F. +49 221 821 25 74
info@koelnmesse.de
www.koelnmesse.de

WHO'S NEXT
Organizer: Who's Next
Mrs. Saltiel
23, rue du mail
F- 75002 Paris
France
T. +33 1 40 13 74 74
F. +33 1 40 13 74 84
saltiel@whosnext.com
www.whosnext.com

DISCLAIMER
Information in this report relies on sources including Government Publications, Opinions of industry experts and other public sources. Infomat can accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information or for loss or damage caused by any use thereof. All prices subject to change without notice.

$3500 USD
For the 2008 Edition

Published: 2006 August
Market: Womens
Region: Belgium
Industry: Apparel
Pages: 45
Delivery: 7-12 Business Days
SKU: infre0000351