Great expectations: Spanish fashion industry gets out of quarantine

ASEPRI is the National Association for Children’s Fashion and Childcare that represents over 150 Spanish companies (over 300 brands) that, on their own initiative, have come to the forefront in the fight against the pandemic. Lores Segura Castello and Marga Peralta, Director and Chief Financial Officer of ASEPRI, told how Spanish fashion industry companies return to work after quarantine.

What is the situation of companies that produce and sell goods for children after quarantine in Spain?

The Spanish government imposed strict quarantine throughout the country. From March 16 to May 3, residents of the country could leave home only in order to buy food, medicine, in case of emergency or in order to go to work in a company whose activities are not allowed to stop. Only factories and stores that supply essential goods, such as food and medicine, functioned. The rest of the industry and trade enterprises were forced to close - remote work for them was the only possible solution.

Most companies had to resort to a method of dismissal, which allows you to part with employees for a specific period of time, in connection with the Covid-19 pandemic . As companies resume operations, they can gradually return laid-off workers. During quarantine, many enterprises received tax holidays and special loans offered by the government.

Did children's goods enterprises produce personal protective equipment?

Spanish manufacturers of children's fashion and child care products immediately began to produce masks, protective visors, water-alcohol gel, gloves, and thermometers. Their products comply with current European sanitary standards both in relation to raw materials and in production processes. The main buyers were Spanish children's goods stores. Some children's manufacturers, which also produce medical supplies, provide personal protective equipment to hospitals and government agencies. ASEPRI, to help its partners, has created an online platform that connects the manufacturers of these products with customers.

Did you have problems with the supply and how did you manage to solve them?

Yes, in March there was a problem finding raw materials in Spain, and due to an emergency, the Spanish government made purchases in China. Currently, Spanish companies are more prepared and have the materials necessary for production in Spain. Today they no longer have problems with the delivery of products and goods.

How does Spain’s children industry get out of quarantine?

Between May 4 and the end of June, quarantine restrictions are planned to be gradually lifted in the country, while the prevalence and disease of Covid-19 is taken into account in each region of Spain - based on this, a decision is made to allow people to move more freely, open factories and shops . Since May 4, almost all factories and children's goods stores with an area of less than 400 m² have been operating – the latter should have been working by appointment. In mid-May, this type of outlets was able to receive visitors, limiting their number to 30% of normal traffic. At the end of May, shopping centers and shops with an area of more than 400 m² began to open – the number of visitors is stilllimited. Between May 4 and the end of June, it is also recommended that you work remotely, but this is not a requirement.

What sanitary-epidemiological safety measures are taken today in children's stores?

ASEPRI, with the approval of the health authorities, has developed a guide for children's goods stores to prevent the spread of Covid-19 . Basic sanitary requirements for workers and buyers: a sign at the entrance to the store should indicate the maximum capacity of the sales area, which must be observed by employees, there should be at least two meters between people in the room, everyone should wear a protective mask and gloves, use water and alcohol gel. The fitting room must be cleaned and disinfected after each use. And in the premises of the store you need to do wet cleaning and disinfection twice a day.

Particular attention is paid to textile clothing that has returned after fitting - it should be quarantined for 48 hours. After that, it can be tried on again, but not sold.

And what are the sanitary requirements for factories?

Manufacturers must also clean and disinfect the rooms at least twice a day using bleach. Employees should wear masks, wash their clothes daily with water at a temperature of 60 -90 ° C , regularly wash their hands with water or water-alcohol gel, and observe a social distance of two meters. If an employee comes in contact with a person infected with Covid-19 , he must remain in quarantine at home for 14 days.

What categories of children's products are in demand today? How is the assortment changing?

Children continue to grow. So the main product of children's fashion enterprises - clothes, shoes, etc. - is still in demand. In the categories of additional goods and the high-price segment, a significant decrease in sales is observed.

Many manufacturers of children's fashion and childcare products add hygiene products to their product portfolio and offer discounts.

What do Spanish baby fashion companies see after the pandemic?

In general, companies expect in the second half of the year a significant decline in sales and profits by about 30%. Current uncertainty and a decline in revenues will affect, among other things, a decrease in participation in industry exhibitions.

Many understand that it is time to carry out internal restructuring, strengthen development in the national market and launch or expand an online sales channel . And despite the difficult situation that is observed today, we still have great hopes for the restoration of the industry of children's fashion and goods for children in Spain.

Source: profashion.ru