November 13, 2013 — The Hosiery Association has issued a letter announcing it will close its doors at the end of the year. The letter is reproduced below:
It is with mixed emotions that we share with you that The Hosiery Association's (THA) Board of Directors has voted to dissolve this 108 year-old organization effective December 31, 2013. Economic volatility and increased globalization of the hosiery industry has caused consolidation within the membership. Additionally, the membership demographics have changed. 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.
All of these factors have caused a steep decline in THA's membership over the last several years resulting in a drop in revenue that has left the Association unable to sustain itself. While the decision was a hard one to make, we believe it is the right one given the circumstances. Change is not always easy, but it does often provide new opportunities.
Many of you know that THA 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 our talks with them, 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. The MSC has long been a champion for the hosiery industry and a valuable partner to THA. The MSC played a vital role in developing the sizing form programs and we are pleased that it will continue this service which is invaluable to the hosiery industry worldwide.