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New York, NY - Apparel Singapore, the Singapore government-supported and newly launched brand for the Singapore-managed apparel industry, is seeking to strengthen their long-term trusted partnership with retailers in the United States.

As global competition in apparel sourcing intensifies, U.S. retailers currently facing the backlash of the economic downturn from the global credit crisis are increasingly reassessing their sourcing strategy for alternative supply chain and apparel partners. Apparel Singapore companies offer the reach and experience to help U.S. retailers stay globally competitive and improve bottom lines amidst ongoing struggles in the apparel manufacturing industry.

Apparel Singapore companies already have a proven 40-year track record of working with 80 percent of Top 10 U.S. fashion goods & diversified retailers. Collectively, Apparel Singapore companies partner with key global retailers such as Abercrombie and Fitch, Adidas, Esprit, Gap Inc, Gymboree, JC Penney, Liz Claiborne, Macy's, Nike, Target and Walt Disney.

Newly launched in July 2008, Apparel Singapore is the first collective brand identity for Singapore-managed apparel companies. It seeks to raise the profile of Singapore apparel companies in today's highly competitive global market, and ultimately grow Singapore's share of the world apparel manufacturing business.

Apparel Singapore extensive global footprint spans 20 locations around the world and connects international retailers to Singapore's trusted apparel companies. It delivers excellence in global apparel supply chain and customer relationship management. It is further backed by Singapore's international reputation for strong corporate governance, Intellectual Property Protection, economic competitiveness and stability.

Apparel Singapore is managed by the Textile and Fashion Federation Singapore (TaFf), and supported by International Enterprise (IE) Singapore and SPRING Singapore. IE Singapore is a government agency supporting the overseas growth of Singapore-based companies. SPRING Singapore is a government agency responsible for growing innovative companies and fostering a competitive SME sector.

Using its global footprint in 20 locations around the world, Apparel Singapore will have the flexibility to re-allocate production to different countries to ensure orders will be met. Apparel Singapore's nine member companies, also known as Brand Ambassadors, own and manage multiple offshore production locations around the world.

Elaine Pang, General Manager, Macy's Merchandising Group International, LLC (Singapore Branch) said, "At Macy's, we are glad to be able to rely on our Singapore partners throughout the sourcing process, from design concept to product development and distribution. What buyers also look for are customized services and uncompromised quality. The manufacturers we work with have manufacturing bases with good geographical spread, which truly reduces our worries of getting fast support and minimizing our trade barrier risks."

Teah Karr-Beasley, Project Manager, Adidas said, "We've been working with Bodynits for many years. We have a very strong relationship built on trust. Our Singapore partners are good communicators, timely, sophisticated and understand our needs well." Bodynits is one of the nine Brand Ambassadors of Apparel Singapore.

Chris Koh, Secretary General, Textile and Fashion Federation Singapore (TaFf) said the launch of Apparel Singapore will cast the spotlight on Singapore's cutting edge advantage in apparel manufacturing. He said, "The best kept secret is that Apparel Singapore companies have grown over the past 40 years to become the most trusted and well-established. Our apparel companies are producing clothes for several of the largest and most reputable global brand names around the world."

On sourcing challenges in the industry, he said, "Apparel Singapore member brands are all approved manufacturers of global retailers. We are bound not only by client agreements and international regulations, but also business integrity to uphold best business practices and consistent reliability to protect our customers' intellectual property rights."

Singapore's apparel industry continues to grow significantly with rising export volumes, through offshore facilities owned by Singapore-managed companies. The industry contributes significantly to the Singapore economy and generated about US$4.5B (S$6B) in manufacturing output in 2007, a 78 percent increase from US$2.5B (S$3.2B) in 2003.

SOURCE: Apparel Singapore