A feeling of optimism prevailed as Première Vision Pluriel closed its doors this past 14 February. By bringing together 58,000 textile industry professionals (+ 5.8% over February 2012) and 1,742 international exhibitors, its shows demonstrated once again their strength and vitality.
Such positive results were not a foregone conclusion. In addition to harsh winter weather conditions and an unfavorable international calendar, general apprehension caused by the difficult and uncertain global economic context might have held back more than a few!
Yet in spite of the volatile atmosphere, thanks to an offer fully in keeping with the expectations of this innovative and creative industry, the six Première Vision Pluriel shows can pride themselves on an overall rise in figures. The growth is both reassuring and a harbinger of optimism for an international market that remains fragile and uneven. The ZOOM «boom»
The 3 key messages of the 10th ZOOM by fatex - 12 to 14 February at Paris Nord Villepinte - were a more up market offer, sourcing diversification and a trend towards products manufactured in Europe.
An outstanding session
The 10th ZOOM was an out-and-out success, with 7,362 visitors – 18% up on February 2012 and 15% up on September 2012. Some exhibitors, especially the Portuguese and Romanians, described it as an “outstanding” session, confirming a return to local (Europe-based) manufacturing in the middle and high-end and even luxury markets for the most design-led collections, with high-street fashion and accessories brands actively seeking new manufacturing sources
Visitors predominantly international
With 42% French visitors and 58% international (of which 82% European), Zoom continues to attract new customers, and exhibitors were delighted to see the return of visitors from the USA and Japan. The local subcontracting and co-contracting exhibition for fashion and accessories manufacturing remains predominantly international and is now an essential B2B event with 32% of visitors coming regularly.
The top 5 countries in visitor numbers were, as usual, the UK, followed by Germany, which moved up from 3rd to 2nd place, then Italy, Spain and Belgium. Visitors were delighted to see more high-end exhibitors and the broader offer which the organisers had pushed for. Eastern Europe, France, Italy, Portugal and Mauritius are the regions benefiting most from the current trend for sourcing closer to home, which defies all the forecasts.
Customers appear to be seeking new alternatives within easy reach, so as to have better control over manufacturing quality. They also want manufacturers who can demonstrate traditional know-how and craftsmanship. The situation in North Africa is more variable. Political unrest in Tunisia has prompted customers seeking stability to switch to other sources, although there are signs that long-standing relationships are being maintained, even though customers are being cautious.
Morocco has strengthened its relations with existing customers and shown itself to be a versatile local sourcing proposition.
ZOOM by fatex visitor interests
• 56% of visitors are from womenswear.
• 34% menswear.
• 10% childrenswear.
• 47% come to find new suppliers.
• 24% come to meet their usual suppliers.
• 17% come to take samples or select suppliers.
