Chen Lishu’s expression turned serious upon hearing his words. “Director Li, please tell me.”
“Cotton production has increased year after year for the past two years, and fabric is no longer as tight as before. To be frank, the factory currently has a large backlog of Dacron, and even without fabric coupons or with discounted prices, our cooperative units cannot absorb it all.”
Chen Lishu nodded.
She wasn’t particularly surprised by this situation.
With the reform and opening up, fabric supply began to exceed demand, leading many textile factories to experience significant product backlogs. By December of the following year, the fabric coupon system, which had been in place for thirty years, would be completely abolished.
Furthermore, as fabric varieties increased, Dacron was no longer as popular as before. Instead, due to its poor sweat absorption, lack of breathability, and numerous other drawbacks, Dacron, once fashionable, would eventually be disdained by people.
Chen Lishu looked at Li Zhengxing, not rushing to respond. Her current production volume was limited, and even if she helped, it would be like a drop in the bucket, unable to solve major problems and merely a temporary fix.
Clearly, Li Zhengxing knew this, so his visit this time was not to ask Chen Lishu to help procure fabric.
“This situation isn’t recent, but over the past six months or more, the fabric backlog in our warehouses has grown. Our funds are tied up in this. The factory has held many meetings, but no effective solution has been found.”
Having collaborated for so many years, he had witnessed Chen Lishu’s growth step by step. Especially with the recent donation of supplies, which had been reported by both television and newspapers, Li Zhengxing looked at her with newfound respect.
Chen Lishu pondered for a moment before speaking, “Director Li, what do you think about organizing a sales exhibition?”
Li Zhengxing blinked in surprise. “A sales exhibition?”
Chen Lishu nodded. “Yes, a sales exhibition, similar to the Yangcheng Trade Fair. Based on the current situation, your factory’s fabric sales issue is likely not unique. To my knowledge, the garment factory also has backlogs. We could hold a specialized garment exhibition, and if it’s successful, we could do it annually.”
She still had twenty thousand short-sleeved shirts on hand. If the exhibition were truly successful, she could seize this opportunity to sell them all.
Upon hearing her words, Li Zhengxing’s eyes lit up, and he said with a hint of excitement, “That’s a great idea! I think it’s highly feasible. To attract more customers, we could contact several other factories and have a big joint promotion.”
Li Zhengxing then thought of something and asked, “I haven’t been to the Yangcheng Trade Fair, but I heard they have entrance tickets. Should we prepare those too?”
Since Chen Lishu had provided him with such insightful suggestions, he was completely impressed by her.
Although she was just an individual business owner, Li Zhengxing believed that Chen Lishu’s business would undoubtedly grow and thrive.
Chen Lishu replied, “Our goal this time is to clear out inventory. The threshold shouldn’t be set too high; the lower, the better. Whether for wholesale or retail, the objective is the same: to sell the goods. It doesn’t matter who buys them.”
Li Zhengxing nodded, finding her reasoning very sound. Regardless of who bought them, his aim was simply to sell the backlog of fabric.
Organizing a sales exhibition wasn’t something that could be done immediately; it required extensive preparation.
First, site selection was crucial, and registration with the Administration for Industry and Commerce was necessary. Second, there were various factories to consider, and Chen Lishu felt confident in this aspect. Third, promotional work had to be thorough.
Given that communication was not yet advanced, relying solely on word-of-mouth wouldn't be enough to reach more people. Newspapers were the most effective means of promotion.
After a brief discussion of the details, the two parted ways to begin their respective tasks.
Li Zhengxing first returned to the factory to report to the factory director and party secretary, then began contacting several factories he knew.
Chen Lishu, on the other hand, visited the State Cotton Mill. Secretary Feng was quite interested when he heard Chen Lishu’s intention to organize a sales exhibition.
If nothing else, the State Cotton Mill’s warehouse still had a considerable backlog of cotton-padded clothes and thermal underwear produced in the past two years.
“However, the styles of the factory’s backlog are already outdated. Will anyone buy them?”
Chen Lishu smiled. “The exhibition we are organizing this time is aimed at helping various factories clear their inventory. As long as the prices are set reasonably, people will definitely be willing to buy.”
Feng Wenyou nodded. “Then count our factory in. Thank you for thinking of me with this good opportunity. I won’t say much with thanks; if there’s anything you need help with, just ask.”
After leaving the State Cotton Mill, Chen Lishu went to the Wool Textile Factory.
In the past two years, wool blankets and knitted garments had been popular export goods, and sales were never a concern.
However, the Wool Textile Factory’s warehouse also had a backlog of items such as handkerchiefs and towels.
Upon learning that Chen Lishu intended to organize a sales exhibition, Han Shenglin readily agreed without hesitation.
“Has the exhibition venue been selected yet?”
Chen Lishu replied, “We’ve tentatively chosen the commercial street. There’s a small square there, which is not only spacious but also has high foot traffic.”
Han Shenglin nodded. “I’ll handle the liaison with the Administration for Industry and Commerce. We’ll likely need people to maintain order at the beginning, right? I can help arrange that.”
Chen Lishu stated, “I plan to finalize the participating factories in the next couple of days, and then we’ll all sit down together to discuss the specific details.”
Han Shenglin acknowledged, “You’ve considered everything very thoroughly.”
While Chen Lishu was busily preparing for the sales exhibition, Gu Xingdong was also engrossed in the bid preparation work for the urban west old residential area renovation project.
He had just returned to the company from outside that day and was about to discuss something with Gu Xingye when he found him absent.
“Uncle Qin, where is Xingye?”
Qin Daye looked up from his handwritten ledger as Gu Xingdong asked, an old-fashioned reading glasses perched on his nose. He replied, “When he left this morning, he said he was going to treat someone to a meal, but he didn’t mention specifically who.”
Gu Xingdong glanced at the time, frowned, and said, “If he comes back, have him come to my office.”
After speaking with Qin Daye, Gu Xingdong turned and returned to his own office.
As for Gu Xingye, he had also been busy in the past two days preparing for the successful bid for the urban west old town renovation project.
Through the introduction of Foreman Li from the Provincial Construction Engineering Company, he had successfully contacted a boss surnamed Du, who was reportedly a relative of Du Runhai, the director of the Construction Bureau, and had considerable influence with him.
The architectural company’s review and project bidding process all required Du Runhai’s approval. For the sake of the company, Gu Xingye took the initiative to invite the person out for a meal.
“If I had known you would book a place like this, I wouldn’t have come. It’s simply a waste of time. You have no idea how many people are waiting to make appointments with me.” Boss Du scanned the environment of the private room with a look of disdain.
Gu Xingye’s expression showed a hint of embarrassment. Although the place he booked was not as good as the Swan Hotel or the Huaxia Hotel, it was still considered quite upscale in the city. However, when seeking favors, it was not appropriate to say too much. So, he smiled and said, “This place has two signature dishes that are quite famous.”
Foreman Li also chimed in with a smile, “Let’s not all stand; let’s sit down first.”