Made in France Builds on Momentum with Double-Digit Rise in Attendance: +15.9%

There was an upbeat atmosphere among the 2575 visitors and the 100 exhibitors at Made in France on 9 & 10 April, building on momentum from last year with another double-digit rise in attendance: +15.9%.

The show’s fantastic new venue – the Carreau du Temple – revitalised exhibitors and attendees alike. Its new location in the design heartland reinforces the show’s role as a B2B platform, an ideas forum, and face-to-face meeting place.

The show was a great hit with buyers thanks to its emphasis on a broader high-end apparel manufacturing offer, new technology and logistics solutions, and the traditional craftsmanship for which the French fashion industry is renowned. Matching manufacturing know-how with the real needs of the designers and the luxury industry is the new focus of Made in France Première vision.

The show attracted 2575 visitors, 95% of them French, with an almost equal split over the two days: 1232 on the Wednesday (+15%) and 1222 on the Thursday (+22%). The popularity of “Made in France” products among consumers is encouraging brands to form strong partnerships with French manufacturers for all or part of their branded collections, and to make this a selling point. It is a sign of quality and shows an increased sensitivity to market forces: Made in France sells.

In a new development, in addition to the usual luxury labels, a number of mid-range brands were also looking to develop Made in France projects. Exhibitors commented that the emerging brands and designers they met at this year’s show were better prepared and much more specific in their orders than at previous events.

High-end and luxury buyers were also represented, and exhibitors were happy to report that they met all their current and prospective clients. Another small but surprising international turnout (5%) proved that French manufacturing is still considered globally as an effective means of achieving elegance and quality.

The Made in France exhibitors all came away satisfied and buoyant, having had either a good or a very good show. Many expressed an “urgent need for client prospecting”. All business appointments were kept and new contacts were made, especially with brands that do not usually attend the show or for new projects based on unique and innovative concepts.

The sheer volume and pace of business meetings confirmed the need for face-to-face contact with buyers and for new kinds of partnerships to improve efficiency and speed up the manufacturing process. Some exhibitors also took orders for specialist products or orders related to the home and automotive sectors. These “non seasonal” production lines are spread out over the course of the year and enable manufacturers to work closer to full capacity.

This dialogue is essential for cutting manufacturing costs, which, although it was not discussed so much at the show, remains a key factor in the decision-making process.