"Despite an economic downturn, there has been a growing demand for fashion accessories in Europe. As per a market report by the Center for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI).Europe represents an attractive destination market for exporters of fashion accessories from developing countries. Fashion accessories have performed well in the European market, even during the economic crisis."

Despite an economic downturn, there has been a growing demand for fashion accessories in Europe. As per a market report by the Center for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI).Europe represents an attractive destination market for exporters of fashion accessories from developing countries. Fashion accessories have performed well in the European market, even during the economic crisis.

Europe sees good demand for accessories

The report identified the United Kingdom and Italy as potential markets for this segment, and European countries in general are favorable markets. It defined fashion accessories as gloves mittens, mitts, neckwear, carrying products, such as bags, and other accessories, such as handkerchiefs, belts, hats and caps. With 20 percent, fashion accessories represent the second biggest segment within apparel, together with men's woven at 20 percent after women's woven at 25 percent.

The CBI market report says accessories for men are one of the most potential growing segments in the European market for fashion accessories. Although the women’s segment is still the largest, the men’s segment has good potential,. This is due to the growing attention to appearance and details of the European metropolitan man.

To successfully export fashion accessories to the European market, exporters are advised to incorporate sustainability measures and transparency at all levels of the production chain, making it part of their branding and point of differentiation.

This includes company's performance on responsible water use, energy consumption and chemicals, which will help you, score over others as a sustainable and long term player in the European market. Likewise, exporters can innovate for the European market by combining the introduction of new materials or ideally, recycled materials with innovative designs for fashion accessories.

The market report also emphasizes on e-commerce as a viable option as most European consumers will explore that channel in order to find a broader offer of fashion accessory products. It underscored the growing use of social media by European brands, as this makes it easier for developing country exporters to get familiar with their requirements, directions, preferences and style.

Social media are used by European brands to connect with their customers and increase brand awareness, but the same messages can give exporters good ideas about what is important to them," the report further said.