Charlotte - The Hosiery Association is to close at the end of the year after 108 years of service to the industry.
Confirming the closure, THA said economic volatility and the increased globalization of the hosiery industry had caused consolidation within the membership. This, coupled with the changes in membership demographics meant that the organsiation?s future was no longer viable.
?Some companies have diversified the types of products they sell (both hosiery/non-hosiery). Most companies have fewer employees and time for active involvement in association activities has become more challenging. The requested needs and services within the current membership have become decentralized,? Rich Stober, Chairman, THA and Sally Kay, President, THA said.
The THA acknowledged that all of these factors had caused a steep decline in membership over the last several years resulting in a drop in revenue that has left the Association unable to sustain itself.
On a brighter note, the THA confirmed that it has been in talks with The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) regarding opportunities for AAFA to serve THA's membership in the future. As a result of talks with them, the AAFA is forming a Legwear Committee and has invited all current THA member companies to become AAFA members.
The ownership and management of THA's sock/sheer sizing forms will be transferred to The Hosiery Technology Center (HTC), now known as the Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) effective December 1, 2013.