By+Zhao+Zihan

Asias premier fair for the home textiles industry concluded with new records set for exhibitor， visitor and exhibition space figures. Over 43，000 trade buyers （2014： 43，189） attended Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles– Autumn Edition 2015， which was held for the first time at the National Exhibition and Convention Center（Shanghai） across 170，520 sqm. （2014： 150，400）. The 1，402 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions （2014： 1，334） that took part was also a new high point in the fairs 21-year history.

“Were delighted that our first edition in this new venue was such a success，” explained Ms. Wendy Wen， Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt （HK） Ltd. as the fair closed on 28 August. “But going beyond the record figures， there were a number of other aspects that were just as pleasing such as the increase in internationality of participants， and the number of first-time overseas exhibitors who were seeking out opportunities in the Asian market. We also had a number of new product zones， as well as returning ones， which proved extremely popular， while our new InterDesign programme attracted huge crowds to the Trend Area， Trend Concept Show and seminars.”

Exhibitors remain optimistic about China market despite economic situation

The fair took place against a backdrop of economic uncertainty in China， but this did not appear to dampen the enthusiasm of both new and returning overseas exhibitors that target the Chinese mid-range and high-end markets， with many reporting that they do not expect to be adversely affected. “We dont anticipate any impact on our sales from the economic situation in China，” explained Mr. José Grilo， Executive Manager of Grilo Kitchenware who was exhibiting for the first time under the Associacao Textiles Home from Portugal banner. “People here still have money to spend， and were in the premium range， not the mass market， which hasnt been affected. Buyers here appreciate European brands too.”

In recent years， the fair has placed a big emphasis on providing opportunities for exhibitors that match market demand through relevant product zones， with the new Whole-Home Style and digital printing areas joining the existing Exquisite Europe， Intertextile Design Boutique， editors and carpet & rug zones this year. Returning Chinese company Lezai Dongfang Culture was one such exhibitor， with Mr. Jake Ji， General Manager， outlining： “Being in the Whole-Home Style zone has been a big advantage as it attracts our target buyers to our booth. After only one and a half days， we have received so many enquiries from Chinas top designers， buying offices and agents， and many have placed orders.”

Buyers also appreciated the zones， as well as the internationality of the fair. “Its very beneficial for us to visit the fair as it gathers suppliers from around the world. The International Hall is our favorite as having the different product zones and country pavilions makes it easier for us to locate our targeted suppliers and products，”Mr. David Costantini， Director， Profile Fabrics， Australia said.

New InterDesign trend programme a big hit with visitors

As well as the product zones the fairs fringe programme also responds to the demands of the local market， with the new InterDesign programme a response to the increased need for design and trend information from the growing middle and upper classes in China. In addition to the Trend Area， which was designed by the NellyRodiTM Agency， a new Trend Concept Show matched Chinas top interior designers with eight leading brands including LaCanTouch， Brilliant & Refined， Designers Guild， Uniwal， Jean Paul Gaultier， Pt， Dedar and JAB Anstoetz to bring the trends in the Trend Area to life.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition is organized by Messe Frankfurt （HK） Ltd.； the SubCouncil of Textile Industry， CCPIT； and the China Home Textile Association.

The next Autumn Edition will take place from 24 – 26 August 2016， while the Spring Edition returns next year as well from 16 – 18 March 2016. Both fairs will be held at the same venue.