The number of clothing production orders in Georgia has declined. Maya Simonze, head of the «Imeri» garment factory, says that the main reason for this trend is a decrease in export markets and a shift of customers towards countries with lower prices.
The head of the garment factory notes that foreign partners have relocated production to India, Asia, and Africa, where wages are considerably lower. In her words, the average salary for a tailor in these countries is approximately 100 dollars, whereas in Georgia, the average monthly salary for a tailor is 300 dollars.
"The number of orders has decreased drastically compared to previous years, although it would be difficult for me to give an exact figure by what percentage," Maia Simonidze stresses.
The representative of «Imeri» closely evaluates the current situation emphasizing that the clothing business will likely fade over time. "As conditions improve in Georgia, wages will increase, leading this sector to gradually decline. «The only solution is to go to market alone, with your fabric, model and processing, although the cost of sewing in Georgia is growing, and our market in this regard is not interesting. We are working, but I can’t say how long it will last. To tell you more, last year we had a well-known European brand, but it went out of the market that naturally led to a decline in the volume of work and now we have small orders. I drew a brief picture of what could happen over time. On the one hand, this is not good for us, but on the other hand, it is an indicator that the country is moving forward - salaries are rising», - the head of the factory says.
Maya Simonidze also tells about the export markets and notes that previously the garment factory supplied products to Germany, Italy and Turkey, but now it cooperates only with Turkey.
Director of «Imeri» adds that a store opening on the local market is not planned due to high competition.
We used to export to Germany, Italy and Turkey. Now we only work in Turkey. We were going to open a store, but we changed our mind because there are so many products on the local market that even famous designers find it difficult to compete. In general, our market is very narrow.
In Georgia, the launch of such a number of models is not at all attractive. Companies that, for example, sew the same model from 20,000 to 200,000 units, always work well», says Maya Simondze.
As for the shortage of manpower, according to the representative of «Imeri», the problem of the shortage of manpower is directly related to the level of remuneration.
«If we announce a salary of 1000-1100 GEL, we will have staff, everything depends on finances», - the head of the clothing factory «Imeri» says.
Imeri sewing factory has a history of 90 years, the enterprise has been working for foreign clients for the last 25 years. A very small part of the products is sold in the local market, in Kutaisi.
