Globaltrade.net - "The Polish Apparel Market" report

An introduction to the apparel and accessories market in Poland.

"With a population of 38.2 million people, Poland is considered a large, significant and promising European market for exports and investments. In 2009, the average gross monthly salary wage was USD 1,150.The apparel market was worth USD 4,640 million in 2009. The total value of local production of apparel was USD 4.463 million, a 17% decrease over 2008. The apparel market and local production values were in fact higher when calculated in local currency. The difference resulted from a 30% growth in the USD rate exchange in 2009 over 2008. In 2009, apparel imports to Poland were valued at USD 1.192 million, a 15% decrease from 2008. The largest suppliers were Germany, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy. Exports were valued at USD 2.106 million. The top importers from Poland were Russia, Great Britain, Ukraine and Germany.
The key competitive factor for selling apparel is price, quality, functionality and brand recognition. Also important is packaging, promotion, strong local recognition as well as the reputation of a particular brand and firm. The best import and sales potential is expected for comfortable, casual wear clothing made of to clean, light and soft fabrics and organic clothing.

Market Demand
The apparel market has matured and encompasses a diverse assortment of styles and quality levels in Poland. The market is supplied by locally established manufacturers (foreign and Polish) and imports.
The apparel market is considered very campaign driven. Poles are highly receptive to marketing and advertising. The purchasing power of Polish consumers is rising steadily and the average Polish consumer can afford to and does spend more on clothing and footwear. Poles are choosing to purchase branded clothing from the middle price shelves instead of the non-branded apparel sold through small traditional shops or open-air markets. They are becoming increasingly fashion conscious, and demanding higher quality and more sophisticated products. Shopping in boutiques of internationally renowned brands and designers is a way to confirm customers’ their social status. Thanks to travel abroad, Poles are aware of international brands and more interested in following European and international trends.


Read more

Clothing and footwear markets in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia expected to exceed €15bn in 2013

According to the latest PMR report, “Clothing and footwear retail market in Central Europe 2011. Market analysis and development forecasts for 2011-2013”, the overall fashion market in the Central European (CE) region was worth €12.8bn in 2010, after a 2.5% increase in local currencies and an 8% growth in euro. We expect a further increase of almost 5% in 2011, mostly in Romania and Poland.
After a major downturn on the Central European retail markets in 2009, last year brought an improvement in the clothing and footwear (C&F) industry. However, growth did not return to all countries. The slowdown continued in Hungary and Slovakia in 2010, whereas the Czech Republic’s fashion market stagnated. Poland remains the largest fashion market in the CE region analysed. In addition, the Polish fashion industry was less severely affected by the economic crisis than those of the other countries.
Taking into account the number of stores operating in the Central European region, Orsay and Deichmann are the most numerous clothing and footwear retail chains. They are present in each of the five markets considered, with around 250 and 415 active stores respectively in mid-2011.

Read more