Another successful year for Intertextile Shanghai

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles achieved great success this year with 1,159 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions. 41,018 buyers from 107 countries and regions visited the fair held from 29 – 31 August in Shanghai, a 13% increase in exhibitor and 6% increase in visitor numbers as well as 10% up in show scale compared to last year.

“Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles is an ideal destination in Asia for international home textile brands to access the vast consumer market in China. Meanwhile, the fair also provides multiple opportunities for brands and buyers to find high quality suppliers from China and around the world,” said the show organiser, Ms Wendy Wen, Director, Trade Fairs for Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd after the event. “We have seen two positive signs at the fair, the maturing of China’s consumer market and the high quality of home textile products made in China,” Ms Wen added.

Suppliers praise mature domestic Chinese market
The increase in fair scale reflects the importance of the show and that it is seen as the prime business platform to reach the well-developed Chinese market. Enzo degli Angiuoni produces refined decorative fabrics from Italy and found this to be true. “The luxury market in China will continue to grow, especially after the implementation of the 12th Five Year Plan and this fair is a good accessing point for new customers,” said Ms Viviana Saccaro representing the company. The 12th Five Year Plan initiated by the Chinese government, aims to expand the domestic consumer market.

Prestigious Textiles from the UK launched their new ‘Prestigious China’ brand at the event that is specifically targeted for the Chinese market. “The launch has been a huge success, we have received orders for our exquisite and print lines of wall coverings, upholstery and bedding products,” exclaimed Ms Nicola Brumfitt, Marketing Director for Prestigious.

Some suppliers agreed brand building is the key to the Chinese market. A natural bedding brand from Greece, Coco-mat is one company that successfully introduced its brand to the domestic market and has set up shops across the region. “We are hoping to expand our retail points and at the show we have met some potential business partners from China,” said Mr Zady Zhang representing the company.

Springs Global US is another company who plans to introduce international brands with high fashion home textiles to China through the show. “It’s all about brand recognition when you are developing business,” explained Ms Cindy McKenzie, Vice President for the company, who exhibited for the first time this year.

Many exhibitors also noted the growing purchasing power of the Chinese market that has created rich business potential for imported home products. “I can see tremendous opportunities in China, consumers are changing their buying habits from low-end to high-end imported home items,” said Mr Osman Nuri Canik from Uludag Exporter’s Association (UTIB), the Turkey pavilion organiser.