Bridal buyer

34 WWW.BRIDALBUYER.COM

I

nterestingly, this time round when we started to

investigate how the big manufacturers were coping

with China’s reported lack of manufacturing

effi ciencies, many did not want to get into a

discussion despite saying - just a handful of seasons

ago - that they were looking at the possibility of

moving their production into other

countries, which were keen to expand

their international business. We’re not

sure of the reason why a curtain has

been drawn over the topic – it could be,

simply, that nothing has changed and

old allegiances have remained in place,

or that replacement options have not

come to fruition. Suppliers recognise

that quality production and adherence

to delivery dates are crucial ingredients

in a successful relationship with

retailers, so maybe they are keeping

any problems to themselves and fi re-

fi ghting where necessary to ensure that

noone is let down. A good reason, without question, for

them to expect loyalty from their stockists.

Steve Lang, chief executive of Mon Cheri, however, has

long been open in his views and keen to exchange ideas

and opinion within the industry. Believing fi rmly that

collective thinking and shared objectives lend power to

any debate, Steve spearheaded the US initiative to bring

down websites selling copy dresses via the internet. His

views on China today offer an insight into the industry’s

immediate future.

“Historically, the majority of factories in China,

particularly those specialising in clothing, have been

situated on the coast, and pulled in their workforce not

only from the local areas, but from the farms inside of

China,” he explained. “The biggest problem right now, and

one that was brewing for years, is scarcity of labour.

THE LABOUR SHORTAGE

“Although a quarter of the world’s population lives in

China, the country is getting richer and people who once

were reliant on factory work are no longer interested

because, for the fi rst time, they have other options. With

a growth rate of eight percent a year, the country

is developing rapidly and the government is

investing the torrent of cash coming into its

coffers in tremendous infrastructure projects

and in high-tech industries. This is creating

China

UPDATE

demand in other areas for labourers and also offering the

workforce a new opportunity to better themselves.

“Frankly, the young people don’t want to work in

factories. And the government does not want the country

to be regarded as a source of labour – they do not see that

as the foundation for success long-term. It understands

that an educated population looks to

higher-paid jobs and a stronger economy.

In years gone by, cheap labour was the

hallmark of success for China but that is

not in the equation now when growth and

recognition as a quality producer and an

innovator is a priority.

“As China becomes increasingly wealthy

it will face the same diffi culties that the

western world has incurred as it has moved

“...quality

production and

adherence to

delivery dates

are crucial...”

Steve Lang

OPINION PIECE

034-036.BB.163.Sourcing China.indd 34 11/06/2014 12:01