DHL Talks Business of Fashion at World MasterCard Fashion Week as the Official Logistics Partner

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 23, 2012) - DHL, the global market leader in logistics, is set to shine a spotlight on the competitive and global nature of the Canadian fashion industry by kicking off a Fashion Industry Panel on Tuesday, October 22 at 2 p.m. in "The Studio" at World MasterCard Fashion Week Toronto. As the official logistics partner for the World MasterCard Fashion Week, DHL hopes to spur an insightful conversation with the local fashion community on the knowledge and resources critically needed by emerging and established designers to improve business and drive long-term success in the Canadian fashion business.

Fashion is internationally recognized as a difficult industry to break into and succeed in. Canadian market designers and fashion retailers face the additional challenges of selling to a small domestic market already saturated by large international brands. The DHL panel discussion will explore the experiences of up-and-coming Canadian designers Christopher Bates and Triarchy and Jarrad Clark, Director of Global Production for IMG Fashion to understand the lessons they learned in their own businesses, and see how these experiences can be used by others in the industry to thrive in a competitive market place.

"There is a wealth of experience in the Canadian fashion industry on topics like international sourcing and supply chains, growing domestically, and finding customers outside of our borders. We are excited about this opportunity to tap into some of the industry's brightest minds, and to share DHL's decades of fashion industry experience with Canadian retailers and designers."

DHL has developed specific logistics solutions to meet the demanding needs of the fashion sector. As specialists in domestic and international shipping and logistics, DHL masters the fashion supply chain - from procurement of material to sample production, quality control, warehousing and processing of garments to direct delivery to shops. DHL's customers include both large retail groups with complex distribution requirements as well as small, independent fashion boutiques requiring a one-off service.

As a global company operating in 220 countries worldwide, DHL can deliver optimized supply chains, reduced lead times and easy access to new markets for up-and-comers and established fashion icons. DHL's fashion industry solutions include distribution centre management, international supply chain management, analysis and design, e-commerce management a Global Fashion Network.

"Becoming an internationally known brand doesn't happen by accident, and it isn't all about the artistic vision and designs," says Jarrad Clark, Director of Global Production at IMG Fashion. "Knowing how to seek out growth opportunities, how to find key business allies and handle the business aspect of a fashion label or retailer are integral considerations for any successful brand."

DHL - The Logistics company for the world

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and "The Logistics company for the world". DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 275,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of 53 billion euros in 2011.