1914
In the spring of 1914, representatives from various industries gathered. These representatives included cheese, herring, coffee, and flour suppliers, just to name a few. With the looming threat of the First World War, the government primarily began to worry about food supply. There was talk of the possibility of imposing restrictions and even nationalizing certain commodity groups. This immediate concern led to the gathering of industry representatives. They realized the importance of sticking together, and thus, the Swedish Trade Agents’ Association was formed at this meeting. Negotiations commenced at the highest level with the Minister of Trade, leading to an agreement where both parties had to compromise to some extent. The good cooperation directly with the Ministry of Trade continued and proved significant, not only during the first but also during the Second World War.
Postwar Period
After the two world wars, a new period of reconstruction began in a spirit of consensus. The Swedish Trade Agents’ Association actively participated in this development work, and simultaneously, new actors and industries emerged. For example, textiles and clothing quickly became major players. A special fund for widows needing financial support was also established. The trade agents, who were predominantly men at the time, spent long periods on their trade trips and were exposed to significant risks. There was not only the risk of attack and robbery but also the risk of contracting serious illnesses. Unfortunately, there were cases where agents never returned home. At home, the wife, who was usually a housewife, took care of the children, suddenly finding herself without means. This is where the fund for widows came in handy. Today, society looks different, and the fund now awards annual scholarships for education to its members.
Late 20th Century
The Swedish Trade Agents’ Association was renamed Agent Companies and has evolved into a modern industry organization. The vision is to promote trade freedom and healthy development, as well as to foster cohesion among our members and work for the businesses and development of our members. This is done in several ways, including providing advice and expertise in various areas. Structural development is being driven forward in the members’ various industries, and important trading places were established. These are operated on behalf of the members, including the Nordic Shoe & Bag Fair, Shoe Purchasing Days in Varberg, and the Nordic Fabric Fair. Agent Companies are also active in international affairs through their umbrella organization, Internationally United Commercial Agents and Brokers, concerning influencing international legislation and promoting the interests of members in international matters.
21st Century
Preview Fabrics & Accessories, showcasing fabric collections, accessories, and production for our Swedish designers and brands, is added as a complement to the Nordic Fabric Fair in Borås. The foundation is the need to view new textile collections early in the season, even in Stockholm. This period is dominated by digitalization and the need to meet suppliers more frequently during the season. In 2009, a dynamic meeting place for the shoe, bag, and textile industries was established in Nacka strand. Stockholm Shoe House, a trading house with permanent showrooms for the shoe industry, is inaugurated. Since then, Stockholm Shoe House has grown organically and made room for more during several expansion phases.
2014
Agent Companies celebrated its 100th anniversary, celebrated at Berns Salonger in Stockholm with a large lunch for all member companies and partners. In June 2014, the planning of a fashion district in Nacka strand began at the request of both international and Swedish fashion brands.
Agent Companies changed its international name to Association of Trade Partners Sweden. The purpose is to reflect how the trade relationship has evolved into partnerships. Today, member companies are agents, distributors, and suppliers operating in several different industries. The common denominator is that they are important trading partners.
2016
Stockholm Fashion District was founded. Stockholm Fashion District is a creative, vibrant, and innovative district for the Swedish fashion industry. Located in Nacka strand, Stockholm Fashion District is a hub for both business and creativity with showrooms, fairs, purchasing days, production, and pop-up events. Stockholm Fashion District is well received and quickly becomes a natural meeting place for companies in industries such as fashion, shoes, and textiles. In conjunction with the opening of Stockholm Fashion District, Stockholm Showroom with permanent showrooms for clothing is inaugurated. Stockholm Showroom covers 10,000 square meters, allowing fashion brands from around the world to gather under one roof to showcase seasonal collections, make purchases, and build networks. Trade Partners Sweden receives prestigious awards during the year, the Nacka Profile of Nacka Municipality and Boosting the Capital of Stockholm Chamber of Commerce for its work with Stockholm Fashion District.
2018
During the year, Trade Partners Sweden’s members in southern Sweden started a new meeting place and fair for interior design, Days of Trade in Malmö. Together, they also visit Varberg and Gothenburg.
2020
The world is hit by the pandemic in early spring 2020, affecting global trade significantly, including Trade Partners’ members. Trade Partners make a significant effort to help members’ businesses through high engagement and assistance with various support applications, as well as significantly reducing membership and other fees. The association decides to hold important events and fairs for members and their customers that are feasible under the government’s restrictions. Here, Trade Partners are entirely unique in Europe, and it turns out that, together with the members, they manage to carry out everything without any spread of infection. It was very valuable for many members’ businesses and future. Trade Partners also carries out a major development project in digital sales for the benefit of and together with several members, mostly funded by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth (Tillväxtverket), with the remainder funded by Trade Partners. Several companies undergo significant digitalization, and great efforts are made to help members in the long term.
2023
The first year is entirely without pandemic restrictions, and all physical business meetings are resumed, but the significant development in digital competence is fantastic.
Trade Partners Sweden in the Future
Trade has undergone significant changes in recent years. The digitization of trading platforms and how business is conducted affect us all. We also advocate for responsible trade. For us at Trade Partners Sweden, it is therefore important that we constantly look forward and outward. Because of our visionary stance, we increase the opportunities for our members’ future to be profitable, responsible, and successful.