For the opening of Intersélection trade show, Evelyne Chaballier (IFM) analyzes the ready-to-wear market. It's the first time in 20 years that masculine ready-to-wear (+3,7% in 2007) has grown faster than feminine fashion (+0,4%), whereas the French apparel market has reached € 27 billion (+1,6%).

Masculine ready-to-wear (30% of the market) seems to grow on (+0,7% according to the first 2008 figures whereas feminine fashion could fall by 3%).

 

Men caring more and more about their appearance (growing market shares for retail chains like Jules and Celio) and the higher quality of collections for men could end up with more products made in the Euro-Mediterranean area (instead of basic items made in Asia).

Source: Les Echos May 5th 2008

Aiming at becoming a reference worldwide in the field of innovation in textile and materials, the Techtera competitiveness cluster should soon gather all relevant bodies on a same place: companies, research centres, laboratories, training centres...

€ 19,3 million should be invested in the Mistral technopark project: 12 500 m² premises, of which 1 400 m² for mixed teams.

This project should start in January 2009 with the arrival of Techtera's business incubator called Incubatech and the IFTH high-performance plaform.

Sources: Forum Eco March 2008, Aderly March 12th 2008