Organizations

Retail associations merge in Germany

Mar 4, 2021 Germany

The German retail associations representing apparel (BTE), footwear (BDSE) and leather goods (BLE) have decided to merge to form the BTE Handelsverband Textil, Schuh, Lederwaren (Trade association of textile, shoes and leather goods)

The background is to "bundle the mostly identical goals and tasks of the three branches related to product range and to process them more efficiently". On the statement issued announcing the merger, it is explained that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of "having direct access to decision-makers in the federal government".

For this reason, the merged association wants to establish stronger direct contact with federal politics in the future, so that it can represent the interests of the textile and fashion industry on site, in addition to and in accordance with the HDE, the German Retail Federation, the umbrella organization grouping German retailers, to which the three associations belong and that has been carrying out lobbying activity.

Therefore, the new organization plans to open its own office in Berlin in 202: "the entire textile, shoe and leather goods trade is still too little noticed in political Berlin. This is also due to the fact that some industry giants previously believed that they could better assert their interests alone. That turned out to be a mistake. Individuality may fit as a business principle, but this has no effect on politics and takes revenge in times of crisis".

The board of the new organization will be composed of representatives from all three associations. It will also include specialist groups to represent specific interests.

Image credits: Christian Wiediger on Unsplash

Coronavirus - Covid19 Germany Fashion Footwear Leather goods Organisations Retail Shoes