Export to Belgium
The fashion industry for exporting to Belgium
The men's clothing industry has an income of $4.3 billion; $7.8 billion for women's clothing (Source: Développement Economique Quebec). Generally, Belgian fashion has a classic style varying depending on the region: the Flemish spend more and attribute more importance to brands. Walloons are more oriented towards France. In both cases, consumers are particularly concerned with price and quality.
Distribution is carried out by specialist retailers (Zara, Mango, H&M etc.) who represent approximately 60% of the industry. Department stores and variety stores account for the second biggest market share (Inno and Hema). Small independent shops are increasingly losing ground.
For those who wish to export in Belgium, here is some practical advice: take into account the average height of Belgians (men: 1.76, women: 1.64). Do not offer clothing that is too warm, the climate is temperate with little extreme temperatures.
A few addresses in the Belgian blogosphere: Modellepop.blogspot.com, Melistar.hautefort.com, Myfashionblog.be, Antwerpfashionobserver.blogspot.com etc.
Useful information on the Fashion Market in Belgium
Precautionary measures for B to B credits for those exporting to Belgium
For all debtors who are required to submit annual reports to the Banque National de Belgique, the creditor can check that you have met this formality by consulting the Banque Nationale de Belgique website ( www.bnb.be ) for free.
It should also be noted that the Banque Nationale is also under the obligation to report, upon payment, if a person or company has been subject of a protest. A backlog of social security arrears are also important indicators (consultation by bailiffs of the social security Central Databank). For those exporting to Belgium and who wish to obtain a debitor guarantee against any risk of non-payment, we would like to point out the deposit, the assignment of wages agreement, the retention of title clause and the unpaid vendor's lien. For those exporting to Belgium who would like further details, our debt recovery department is ready to provide useful advice.
Useful information on debt recovery in Belgium: Download an extract of Atradius Collections 2011