Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles sets new record

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.”