As the Chinese home textiles market continues to go from strength to strength, so does Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition. Visitor numbers were up on 2012, with 11,294 trade buyers passing through the doors of the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre between March 5 and 7. This represents nearly 10% increase on last year’s visitor figures.
The 2013 fair saw 321 exhibitors take part, representing nine countries and regions; a more than 15% increase from last year. Exhibitors came from as far afield as Austria, China, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
Not surprisingly, Ms Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager for Messe Frankurt (HK) Ltd was pleased with not only the visitor and exhibitor numbers, but also the feedback from all involved. “The positive comments we received from the participants throughout the last three days show that industry players believe the spring season is a good time to enter the burgeoning Chinese domestic market,” she commented as the show wrapped up.
Exhibitors pleased with fair as their focus shifts towards Chinese domestic market
Ms Wen’s sentiment was shared by many exhibitors, who were pleased with the quality of buyers. “We found potential business partners and clients after just one day,” commented T.H. Park, Director of Myeong Seung Textile (Korea). “The quality of living in China is getting better and there are more people looking for fine home textile products. We can see business potential in this market. I believe this fair is building its reputation gradually and we will come again next time,” he added.
Pakistan-based company Gul Ahmed Textile Mills (a bedding products manufacturer) was another exhibitor looking to take advantage of the rapidly growing Chinese market at Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles. Mr Muhammad Adeel Khan, Assistant Marketing Manager, outlined his thoughts on the show. “The mainland market is attractive to us because of its size, and the rapid growth of purchasing power of the Chinese people. We are getting attention from visitors and I think the show is quite good so far.”
First-time exhibitor, Bronte (Great Britain) was vindicated in their decision to exhibit at the show, taking advantage of the exploding demand for European-made blanket products in China. “This is our first time to participate in this fair, and our booth has been very busy since day one,” said Sales Manager, Mr Edward Wilkinson. “People are very interested in our made-in-England luxury fashion products and branded furniture wool textiles. The good responses that we have received at the show are beyond our expectations.
Mr Modern Lee, Director of Guan Mo Cultural Creative Co Ltd (Hangzhou, China), was equally enthusiastic, “We exhibit at the Autumn Edition almost every year, and this is our first time to exhibit in spring,” he stated. “We want to see the overall exhibition effect and visitor quality. Today is the second day, and I feel the show is beyond our expectations.”
Lenzing (Austria) a repeat exhibitor of both shows, and Ms Echo Mok, Head of Marketing Asia, believes the spring show is becoming stronger. “As a repeat exhibitor, we can tell that Spring Edition has been attracting more visitors over the last two years,” she said. “This show is definitely on our calendar at the beginning of year for brand-building and marketing activities.”
Product quality and diversity ensure buyers achieve their objectives
This year’s increase in the number of exhibitors, as well as their countries and regions of origin, ensured visitors to Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition came away satisfied with what was on offer.
Tony Yao, General Manager of A&J Far East Ltd, based in Nanjing, China, was particularly happy with what he saw. “This is the first day of the fair and I have already found a few potential curtain textile suppliers. It is likely that we will become business partners in the coming future.” But the quantity of the suppliers was not the only thing that pleased him. “The quality of the exhibitors here is good, as well as their products,” he said.
Shi Yan, an interior designer for Shanghai Li Wei Trading Co Ltd had the same sentiment. “I found two exhibitors whose products were attractive, and their items had high resale value,” she commented.
Jerry Owens, Vice President of Product Development for CULP was especially impressed with the quality of the items on offer. “We have a manufacturing factory in China and came to this show to source fabrics for our products. We have a very positive feeling toward this show and the quality of the exhibitors is good,” he said.
Feng Cai Fabric & Curtain Store’s textile purchaser, Cheng Liang Zhao, had clear purchasing targets for fabric, curtains and accessories and was able to easily identify suppliers. “I’m interested in three exhibitors in the Yuhang and Haining pavilions,” adding that she would be back for the August show.
Speaking at the close of the fair, Ms Wen said, “We are pleased that many exhibitors continue to see the Intertextile Shanghai shows as their first-choice platform for accessing the Chinese market in Spring as well as in Fall. We look forward to welcoming many of them back to the autumn show in August.”
The Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition will be held from 27 – 29 August 2013 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The fair is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Home Textile Association (CHTA).
