Leather Industry Launches Virtual Shopping Mall in the Metaverse

Virtual Shopping Mall for Leather Sector in the Metaverse

The Aegean Leather and Leather Products Exporters Association has moved to establish a virtual shopping mall in the Metaverse where leather products will be marketed in three dimensions in the coming period.

Speaking at the General Assembly of the Aegean Leather and Leather Products Exporters Association, Chairman Erkan Zandar said: "During the pandemic period, we saw that sales could be conducted in virtual environments. We will advance the work we have started on digital platforms. Today, the Metaverse reality exists. We will work on how to set up virtual showrooms and establish a virtual shopping mall in the leather sector. We are in contact with an Izmir-based company that has carried out successful projects related to virtual showroom establishment."

22 Companies Account for 52% of Leather Sector Exports

At the General Assembly of the Aegean Leather and Leather Products Exporters Association, Management Board Chairman Erkan Zandar renewed confidence, and a "Stars of Leather Exports Awards Ceremony" was held for 22 companies that achieved 52% of EDMİB's USD 170 million in exports in 2021.

The 2021 electoral general assembly of the Aegean Leather and Leather Products Exporters Association was held in the Conference Hall of Aegean Exporters Associations. With Güven Tuzcu serving as chairman of the board and Yerdal Gürten and Kadir Tuncer serving as secretaries, the list prepared by Erkan Zandar won the election with 47 votes, with Zandar making 5 changes to his new list.

Aegean Leather and Leather Products Exporters Association Management Board Chairman Erkan Zandar, describing how they came into office four years ago through an election marathon, expressed that this time they are proceeding with unity and solidarity.

Zandar, explaining that there are four main groups in the leather and leather products sector, said: "We went through two difficult years during the pandemic period. Despite this, we managed to increase our exports. Four years ago, we had 25 companies eligible for the management board, and today we have reached 60 companies. We have broadened the base of exports. Addressing the losses we experienced in leather confectionery and tanneries over the four-year period will be our priority working areas for the next four years."

Speaking at the General Assembly, former Chairman of the Aegean Leather and Leather Products Exporters Association Jak Galiko stressed that policies need to be developed to ensure income distribution in society, and that strengthening SMEs in exports is imperative.