As the fragile peace continues to hold in Lebanon, Israeli and Lebanese apparel, retail and textile companies have been assessing the damage, adding up their losses and trying to get back on their feet.
Lebanese retailers said it will take months before both retailing and tourism recover and that they’re working out plans with their suppliers. They say their open-to-buys for the next few seasons will be significantly lower.
Israeli manufacturers noted that although their businesses were disrupted, production schedules have returned to normal, although some have had to use more costly shipping methods. Stores in Israel that were shuttered have since reopened.
Despite the ceasefire declaration on Aug. 14, organizers of the Beirut Fashion 2006 trade fair have postponed the 11th annual event, which had been scheduled to take place Sept. 12 to 15. A spokeswoman said new dates have yet to be decided. The fair, showcasing women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, accessories and textiles, is promoted to trade buyers from Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states.
“The war in Lebanon affected not only the apparel industry, but the entire economic sector in Lebanon,” said the spokeswoman. “But now after the ceasefire … every industry is trying not only to become fully operational in the business sense, but also equipped to move ahead with the rebuilding of the country and its economy.”
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