NPD Group's Marshal Cohen to Discuss New World of Apparel Marketing at SGS-Sponsored MAGIC Presentation Feb. 16

FAIRFIELD, N.J., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- SGS Consumer Testing Services announced today that it is sponsoring a presentation on the new realities of apparel marketing by Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst with The NPD Group, at the MAGIC show that opens February 16 in Las Vegas. Cohen's session, "Welcome to the New World," will address changes in fashion and retailing that are being driven by a new consumer.

Cohen, a former fashion industry insider and well-known authority on consumer behavior as well as the retail sector, will share insights gleaned from years of studying consumer buying habits as well as research for his newest book, Buy Me! 18 New Ways to Get Customers to Choose Your Product and Ignore the Rest. He will lay out an action plan for abandoning old ideas and creating new strategies to drive consumer purchases and business growth in today's volatile marketplace.

The session at 3:30 pm on Tuesday, February 16, will address the concerns of the entire apparel industry ecosystem, including retailers, private labelers, brand manufacturers and supply chain executives. It will take place at MAGIC Marketplace at the Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall Room N254. Space is limited.

"Marshal's thought-provoking, compelling and innovative message can help everyone in the apparel industry meet the challenges of this changing retail market," said Katherine Stein, SGS International Business Development Manager. "He shared his thoughts with MAGIC attendees last year, and the response was so enthusiastic that we invited him back to continue to spread his invaluable message and his recipe for success in today's apparel market."

At The NPD Group, the leading global provider of consumer and retail market research information for a wide range of industries, Cohen provides expert insight for the apparel, footwear and accessory markets. http://www.npd.com/lps/Beyond_Data_Full/His background includes work with Bloomingdale's, Williwear and Adrienne Vittadini.

SGS offers a full range of testing, inspection, quality assurance and global compliance services for apparel companies, including care labeling, eco-testing, factory quality assessment, code of conduct assessment, final random and in-line inspection, and regulatory advisory services. The company's softlines clients include some of the best-known brands in the industry, including Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors and Macy's Merchandising Group.

About SGS Consumer Testing Services

SGS Consumer Testing Services, a division of the SGS Group, is the world's leading verification, testing and certification company. The company's comprehensive testing, product inspection, process assessment and technical services cover the entire supply chain from product development to retailing for electrical products, wireless products, soft line products, hard line products and food products. SGS' global network and expertise provide a single consolidated source that can help manufacturers, suppliers and retailers reduce risk, improve efficiency and product quality, and ensure compliance to both national and international standards. Parent company SGS Group has more than 56,000 employees and over 1,000 offices and laboratories in 143 countries. For more information about SGS Consumer Testing Services, visit www.us.sgs.com/cts  

SOURCE SGS Consumer Testing Services