Recommencing last month, the 2016 Spring Edition of Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles concluded with wide praise from both exhibitors and buyers. Taking place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the three-day fair attracted over 12,000 visitors to source from a total of 182 exhibitors. Ms Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, was delighted with the favourable feedback from the fair participants. “We believed that we would get a strong response bringing the fair back in March being the peak sourcing period for finished products in China, as well the fair taking place concurrently with four other textile shows, and the participants’ comments have proved that this was indeed the case. Many of them reported to us that they’ve found ample new business opportunities and shared their optimistic prediction for the industry’s future development,” Ms Wen commented on the last day of the fair.

Fair participants praised return of fair during peak sourcing period

To cater to the rapidly expanding market for finished products in China, the fair organisers decided to resume the spring fair during the peak sourcing period for these products – a decision that was highly praised by both exhibitors and buyers. One industry-leading company, Cottonfield, was pleased with the return of the fair as well as their exhibition result. “The spring fair returns at a very good time, and we’ve met so many of our target buyers. Our exhibition goals have been achieved already,” said the company’s Chairman Mr Tao Ma. “Also, because spring is the start of our company’s production and sales plans, we’ve now got enough time to prepare for our yearly production.” Another big-brand exhibitor National Dadong reported a rewarding experience, with Marketing Division Manager Mr Zhu Renjun saying: “March is the decision making month of the year as well as the peak sourcing season in China; therefore, more buyers tend to place orders during this period. I think not only is the visitor flow stronger, but the buyers’ quality is also higher than the past. We’ve already connected with our target buyers in the fair.”

In addition, buyers confirmed spring is the best time to source finished products. Mr Chengbai Fang, General Manager of Jilin HongMing Technology Development Co Ltd, explained: “As a sales agency, we source the products and plan our sales strategies in the beginning of the year, so March is the most suitable time to hold a trade fair for companies like us.” Swap Space (Shanghai) E-commerce Co Ltd was also sourcing bedding products in the fair. “It’s very helpful to visit the home textiles fair in the spring because we now have more time to prepare our yearly sales plan. We’ve already made enquiries with some new suppliers,” commented Mr Hao Liao, General Manager of Business Department. Not only did domestic buyers find spring the ideal season for sourcing finished products, but overseas buyers did as well. British buyer Mr Jawwad Mughal, Director of JM Textiles, said: “I’m mainly looking for bedding and towelling products, and this is actually a very good season to source for the English market because of our spring cleaning culture. Visiting the Spring Edition of Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles is totally worthwhile to me, as there are a wide range of products on offer, and I’ve made numerous connections as well as placed orders.”

Concurrent events created additional opportunities

For the first time, the Spring Edition was held concurrently with four other textile events: Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition, Yarn Expo Spring, CHIC – China International Fashion Fair and PH Value – China International Knitting Fair. This new arrangement impressed both exhibitors and buyers for broadening opportunities for the industry. Bedding exhibitor Ningbo Beyond Home Textile Co Ltd saw the benefits brought by the concurrently held events. “It’s an excellent idea to organise this fair alongside other textile events. Other fairs’ participants also visited our booth, and I think the visitor flow is stronger than before because of that. There are more opportunities for us to explore in this way,” said Deputy Director Ms Luping Wang. Towelling exhibitors shared the same experience, with Zhejiang Grace Co Ltd’s representative Mr Hongtao Hu saying: “There is a greater variety of buyers visiting our booth to seek cooperation in different areas of the industry, which I think it’s a perfect chance for us to expand our business territory.” Also from the towelling sector, Mr JT Zhao, Sales Representative of Loftex, agreed. “To hold the home textiles fair together with others is very beneficial as it has brought us more potential buyers and additional opportunities.”

Besides the exhibitors, buyers also appreciated the Spring Edition held together with other textile fairs. Mr Andy Yan, Manager of Weihai Dishang Kenny Fashion Co Ltd, elaborated: “I came here to source both home textiles and fashion garment products. Nowadays, there’s more cross-cooperation between different textile sectors within the industry, so this kind of ‘all-in-one’ industry event is generating more business opportunities.” He continued by sharing more about his rewarding sourcing trip: “I’m impressed with the exhibitor quality and their innovative products, so I’ve already made several enquiries and bought many samples. I think I’ll place orders after the fair to develop further cooperation with these exhibitors.” Mr Fang from Jilin Hong Ming agreed that a more comprehensive trade platform was formed with the home textiles fair held under one roof with the other four: “These fairs, together, offer more diversity of industry knowledge and business opportunities, which I believe will drive the businesses here to grow further.” He continued: “Some exhibitors are showcasing very attractive functional bedding products, and I plan to place orders with them.”

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2016 will take place from Wednesday, 24 to Saturday, 27 August 2016.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring & Autumn Editions are organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Home Textile Association (CHTA).

(Source: AsiaToday.com)