Asia’s premier fair for the home textiles industry concluded last week, with over 43,000 trade buyers visiting the Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2015, which was held for the first time at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, spread across 170,520 sq. mtrs.
While the exhibitors and visitors were satisfied with hall layout and arrangements, infrastructure facility to the venue was a bit of a concern, since it is developed outside the city. However, the 1,402 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions compared to 1,334 in 2014 was a high point of the fair’s 21-year history.
“We’re delighted that our first edition in this new venue was such a success,” said Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) as the fair closed on August 28, 2015, adding, “But going beyond the record figures, there were a number of other aspects that were just as pleasing such as the increase in internationality of participants, and the number of first-time overseas exhibitors who were seeking opportunities in the Asian market. We also had a number of new product zones, as well as returning ones, which proved extremely popular, while our new InterDesign programme attracted huge crowds to the trend area, Trend Concept Show and seminars.”
Exhibitors optimistic about China’s prospects
The fair took place against a backdrop of economic uncertainty in China, but this did not appear to dampen the enthusiasm of both new and returning overseas exhibitors that target the Chinese mid-range and high-end markets, with many reporting that they do not expect to be adversely affected. “We don’t anticipate any impact on our sales from the economic situation in China,” said José Grilo, Executive Manager of Grilo Kitchenware, who was exhibiting for the first time under the Associacao Textiles Home From Portugal banner. “People here still have money to spend, and we’re in the premium range, not the mass market, which hasn’t been affected. Buyers here appreciate European brands too,” he added.
In recent years, the fair has placed a big emphasis on providing opportunities for exhibitors that match market demand through relevant product zones, with the new Whole-Home Style and digital printing areas joining the existing Exquisite Europe, Intertextile Design Boutique, editors and carpet & rug zones this year.
Buyers also appreciated the zones, as well as the internationality of the fair. “It’s very beneficial for us to visit the fair as it gathers suppliers from around the world. The International Hall is our favourite as having the different product zones and country pavilions makes it easier for us to locate our targeted suppliers and products,” David Costantini, Director, Profile Fabrics, Australia said.
New InterDesign trend programme - a hit with visitors
The fair’s fringe programme also responds to the demands of the local market, with the new InterDesign programme a response to the increased need for design and trend information from the growing middle and upper classes in China. In addition to the Trend Area, which was designed by the NellyRodiTM Agency, a new Trend Concept Show matched China’s top interior designers with eight leading brands including LaCanTouch, Brilliant & Refined, Designers Guild, Uniwal, Jean Paul Gaultier, Pt, Dedar and JAB Anstoetz to bring the trends in the Trend Area to life.
The next Autumn Edition will take place from August 24 to 26, 2016, while the Spring Edition returns next year from March 16 to 18, 2016.
