“Lorens NYC” connects Armenian textile companies with international brands. As a result, the latter produce “Made in Armenia” labelled pieces. On this topic we have had an interview with the co-founder of “Lorens NYC” Aram Spendjian.
Aram, your family has been involved in textile industry for already six generations and four years ago you founded “Lorens NYC”. How did you decide to focus your business on your ancestral homeland?
“Lorens NYC” was founded in 2019 and serves as an agency or trading office. Together with my father and brother we decided with our combined professionalism and ancestral experience to create a company focused on introducing foreign apparel brands to Armenia's garment manufacturing potential. As such, we are able to establish cooperation between the factories and the brands.
As a family, we have worked in the textile industry for over six generations. My father, Ashod Spendjian, lived and worked in the Far East all throughout the 1980’s and personally saw how those countries were able to excel. Fast forward to today and we all see what those countries have been able to achieve.
We have always said and firmly believed that Armenia can also have its place within the light industry, strengthen its economy and become a serious competitor on the world stage.
Does “Lorens NYC” have its own production or does the company only work as an intermediary between the factories in Armenia and the foreign brands?
Yes, we have several brands that fall under the “Lorens NYC” umbrella and we aim to work with all of the factories throughout Armenia. Many of these factories located in Yerevan, Vanadzor and Gyumri are already producing T-shirts, socks, hats and jackets.
In fact, at this very moment we have sewn close to 600 winter jackets under our own brand name, “GMPR NYC.” The goal for this project is to distribute these jackets to our brothers and sisters from Artsakh who were unable to pack their winter belongings during the forced deportation into Armenia. We hope to increase these quantities for next year by sewing upwards of 5,000 winter jackets.
Our main objective is to provide employment in all of the Armenian factories. It doesn’t matter whether the factories produce for famous brands or ordinary brands, such as ours. There is only one goal - to support our homeland and compatriots with our experience and connections.
You have recently started producing for “MACKAGE” and as a result, their garments now contain labels that read, “Made in Armenia.” Was the order well received?
Yes, our initial order for “MACKAGE” was very successful. In fact, we are currently preparing samples for their upcoming jacket, sweater and sock collections. We are truly happy that we were able to deliver high quality production in Armenia. We will certainly continue producing for the brand.
Can you name a few more brands that you are currently working with?
Unfortunately, I am unable to disclose that information as we are currently in negotiations with several brands. All I can say is that 2024 and 2025 are gearing up to be very interesting years in terms of development and overall welfare for our homeland.
You continue making connections with foreign brands with the sole intent of attracting them to Armenia. Why are these brands interested in Armenia and how are you able to convince these known brands to invest in such a volatile country such as Armenia?
Thanks to our years of experience within the industry, we understand very well what the needs of our clients are and know what they value when looking for a new source. We are also very well aware of the potential Armenia has to offer. Due to our experience in the industry we know how to resolve the issues that may arise during the production process.
We have studied and vetted our market as well as Armenia's capabilities. We are constantly trying to find solutions by taking all options into consideration. Only then do we decide whose working style best fits our standards and the country’s capabilities.
Armenia has no sea and we’re surrounded by hostile countries, but we are an intelligent and innovative nation capable of providing a high level of quality. The homeland and the Diaspora are fully capable of collaborating to jointly find solutions to all of our existing problems. As a nation and a country, we have no other choice.
In your opinion, what is the potential for the Armenian textile industry and what developmental opportunities do you foresee?
Armenia has a bright future. With this one “MACKAGE” order alone, it has proven to open many doors.
We must take into account that there is a real shift in the industry - many brands are diversifying their sourcing base and leaving China and other Asian countries. This is a great opportunity to try and direct these brands to Armenia. Our goal is to provide orders for the factories.
The more orders we secure, the more jobs are created for our compatriots. With more jobs, our country’s economy will grow. In turn, by developing the economy, our country will strengthen. We’re confident that we are on the right track.
Our objective is to strengthen the light industry in Armenia. If every Armenian is able to help the motherland by providing their experience within each of their respective industries, our “Little Armenia” will undoubtedly have an opportunity to shine bright.
