Suitable for outdoor sports, this water-resistant jacket from Shishi Huafei is made of 100 percent nylon fabric with PU coating.

State-assisted commodity exchanges and proximity to multiple ports propel this OEM-oriented hub.

Shishi has developed into an important sportswear center in China because of its strategic location and government support, which have given rise to a comprehensive network of ancillary industries.

This county-level city of Quanzhou is situated along the southeastern coast of Fujian province. Its 1,500 suppliers therefore benefit from three ports in the towns of Shihu, Yongning and Xiangzhi.

On land, the hub is linked to its neighbors via the Xiamen-Quanzhou-Zhangzhou expressway and the Quanzhou rail station. Moreover, airports are nearby in Jinjiang and Xiamen.

Investment and technology from Taiwan filter into Shishi, strengthening its manufacturing capability. In fact, makers typically own weaving, knitting, dyeing and coating facilities apart from CAD/CAM systems for garment production.

Shishi Yuming Garments Industry & Trading Co. Ltd and Shishi Dongfang Xuri Garments & Weaving Co. Ltd, two suppliers interviewed for this report, are both examples of enterprises that knit or weave their own fabric. Shishi Huafei Garments Co. Ltd even has fabric-testing machines.

Moreover, the city’s various towns contribute to the growth of its athletic apparel industry. Lingxiu is headquarters to about 20 percent of the sportswear companies while the Yuanyangchi Fabric Market and the Jinshang Textile Park provide diverse materials. Garment accessories are readily available from Taqian and Baogai towns. These large-scale wholesale centers were developed with state backing. Plans for a sewing machine distribution facility are also being drafted.

To bolster exports further, the local administration teamed up with the private sector to establish the Shishi Clothes City. Initially opened in 2005 and completed last year, the 73-hectare site with showrooms and warehouses presents an easy way for buyers to compare products from various suppliers. It also has a gallery, hotel, and transportation and delivery areas.

Since its launch, the zone has hosted annual trade shows to drive sales, including the Straits Textile & Clothing Fair. Such events also allow participating makers to stay abreast of the latest types of fabric, production techniques and clothing trends.

At present, sportswear manufacturers in Shishi offer mostly low-end and midrange jerseys, shorts, trousers and tracksuits for various ball games. These are often marketed as team uniforms.

Cotton, polyester and nylon in knitted and mesh constructions are the main materials. The use of microfiber is also gaining in frequency.

The majority of shipments go to the EU and the US. These are volume orders of at least 1,000 pieces under OEM contracts.

The typical R&D team is composed primarily of sample and pattern makers that prepare prototypes for clients. Sampling time is usually seven days.

The hub’s main competitor is Jinjiang, another county-level city in Quanzhou. While the quality and selection of products are similar, Jinjiang’s key advantage is the ability to promote apparel bearing in-house brands for export.

Clothing lines are largely an offshoot of athletic footwear trademarks that are gaining more recognition abroad.

Shishi is actually home to popular casual wear brands in the domestic arena, including Septwolves, Fuguiniao and K-Boxing. This strength has yet to penetrate the sportswear category and its overseas markets.

Some suppliers, however, are beginning to cultivate OBM accounts to keep up with their counterparts in Jinjiang.

One such company is Shishi Huafei, which offers jackets, pants and shorts separately or in sets under the in-house Airness and Homer brands.

New designs emphasize shoulder and sleeve details, including contrasting cuffs and armholes.

Jogging sets that carry the Long Qiao brand are available from Xieying (Fujian) Garments Co. Ltd.

The company plans to increase the application of fabric with moisture-management properties.

Soccer and basketball jerseys, sweatshirts, and exercise and skiwear are also part of Xieying’s selection.
In addition, brand development is one of the main objectives of the Shishi Garment Venture Park, another commodity exchange in the city.