The impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) was felt hard across apparel, and fashion industries.
In Europe’s clothing sector, compared to the same period in 2019, production fell by 37.4 percent in the period between April-June 2020, when global coronavirus cases reached a peak.
sales of clothing products saw the most dramatic decline, with 43.5 percent of drop in sales.
Prim-ark Owner Warns of Massive Losses as UK Holiday Footfall Seen Plunging 62% Retailers in Europe are bracing for more lost sales as second wave of Covid results in lockdowns again.
With Europe and other countries in the midst of a second wave of Covid-19, manufacturers and exporters in Tirupur, the knitwear hub of the country, are a worried lot. Tirupur, which was badly hit by the coronavirus is on the revival path.
The exports from Tirupur increased by 10 per cent in September as compared to the same period last year and the recovery has revived hopes. However, after the second wave of infections hit Europe, the industrialists are skeptical.
“Things are unpredictable right now. A complete lockdown, will definitely affect our business. Things are falling back in place and it will be difficult if another lockdown is enforced,” said President of Tirupur Exporters’ Association, Raja Shanmugham.
“In the last eight months, we all have learnt a little bit on how to deal with the corona virus.
The anti-China sentiment has created an opportunity for the industry to grab more global orders and exporters should work on factors like improving quality consistency and order fulfillment on time.
France: Second national lockdown
People are allowed to leave their home only to go to work (if they cannot work from home), to buy essential goods, seek medical help or to exercise for one hour a day.
The rules will be in place until at least 1 December.
Germany: Partial lockdown in November
From 2 November, new restrictions across the country will include closures of cinemas, theatres, gyms, pools and saunas, as well as restaurants and bars, except for takeaway.
Shops and hairdressers will be able to stay open, with strict hygiene rules and limits on the number of customers. Church services and protests will also be permitted. The measures will stay in place until 30 November.
Italy: Sweeping new measures
New restrictions, which started on Monday, 26 October, will be in place for a month in Italy.
Spain: New state of emergency
On Sunday, 25 October, Spain began its nationwide curfew, after the government declared a new state of emergency People in all regions, with the exception of Canary Islands, will have to stay at home between 23:00 and 06:00.
Belgium: Curfew and closures of shops and restaurants
Current new measures include a 22:00 curfew and the closure of all shops by 20:00. People are being asked to wear masks again at all times in all locations outside home and work (if social distancing is possible).
Portugal: Local lockdown and other national restrictions
Portugal has imposed a local lockdown on three northern districts, affecting about 150,000 people and banned people across the country from all non-essential domestic travel, between 31 October 31 and 2 November.
