OGDEN -- Mayor Matthew Godfrey is optimistic his recent whirlwind visit to China will bring quality products to Ogden that can be sold in retail outlet stores proposed along the east side of Washington Boulevard.
At least one Chinese exporter, whom Godfrey did not identify, has expressed strong interest in shipping goods, such as toys, jewelry and gift items, to the city, said the mayor, who described the trip that ran from Jan. 13-17 as successful.
"We developed relationships with dozens of people," he said. "It was very valuable."
The trip was arranged by Walter Yeh, a Chinese trade broker who also served as Godfrey's interpreter. Godfrey's visit to China cost about $2,000 and was funded by the city's Community and Economic Development Department.
Godfrey attended the China Sourcing Fair at the massive Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The event featured several thousand vendors, who sold virtually everything: electronics, watches, children's furniture, toys, outdoor play equipment, jewelry and clothing accessories.
Godfrey also toured several multilevel factories in Shanghai and nearby Hangzhou that produce various items, such as textiles, clothing and jewelry.
"China is a major (retail) player in the world," said Godfrey, explaining why he decided to go there. "There are a lot of factories in a small area."
City Councilman Doug Stephens said Godfrey's visit to China is beneficial.
"It not only helps get other companies interested in Ogden, it expands our horizon a little bit," he said. "It broadens our scope. It gives us a leg up on some of the other communities. It puts us in the international arena, and I think that's very productive."
Godfrey said that in most of the factories he visited, different products were manufactured on each floor by just a few employees.
"There was a small number of workers turning out an enormous amount of product," he said.
Some goods from the factories would fit in well with an outlet operation proposed for portions of three vacant buildings at 2314, 2318 and 2326 Washington Blvd. being rehabilitated by the city, Godfrey said.
"We are interested in doing a factory outlet that has unique products at great prices," he said, adding that those items would be much higher quality than those commonly sold at discount stores.
The city is leasing the buildings at no cost to the municipality. Stimulus funds totaling $310,000 are being used to complete improvements to the first floors of the buildings and to add parking to the rear of the structures.
The city plans to sublease the rehabilitated portions of the buildings for the outlet operation.
The three buildings were chosen for rehabilitation because they are across the street from The Junction, a retail, residential and entertainment complex.
In addition, the buildings are of adequate size and have on-site parking to help stimulate other retail development along the east side of Washington Boulevard, Tom Christopulos, the city's business development manager, has said.
Godfrey said he next plans to visit Mexico to look for products there that could be sold in the outlet stores. No date has been set for that trip.
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