Dec 2, 2008

Interior Lifestyle China attracts over 8,000 visitors on four days

(FRANKFURT, Germany) — The second edition of Interior Lifestyle China, attracted over 8,000 visitors at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre, from 35 countries and regions. The top ten visiting domestic regions from China included Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Beijing, Shandong, Liaoning, Fujian, Hebei, Tianjin.

The four-day event ran from Nov. 19-22 and featured some of the finest interior and lifestyle products from around the world. Exhibitors commended the fair organisers, Messe Frankfurt Shanghai Ltd and UAEC for providing a cost-effective means of meeting with Chinese buyers in this dynamic and fast evolving market.

“The concept of the fair is clearly defined and we are happy to be here. So far, we’ve made many retail contacts from Shanghai and will now use this opportunity during Interior Lifestyle China to visit their stores to see if they fit with the Sambonet image,” said Export Area Manager, Ms. Caterina Bernabina for Italian brand Sambonet.

Offering visitors with a preview of the latest products, design and information in the world of luxury household and consumer goods items, the fair reinforced the value of such an event in China. With a comprehensive range of international brand names in the tableware, kitchen & bathroom and decorative accessories industry, attendees were able to purchase products from big brand names including Alessi, Emile Henri, Home Concepts, Jimix, Leonardo, Miracle Dynasty, Sambonet, among many more brands.

Hong Kong brand, Metier Atelier Co Ltd were pleased to exhibit among a high range of international interior lifestyle brand names. Marketing Programmer, Miss Fan Zhang, commented on the quality of products showcased this year. “The quality of exhibitors have exceeded our expectations and the designs are good. The showcases show originality and individuality that suits the theme of the exhibition very much.”

In addition to keeping up-to-date with the latest designs, buyers had the opportunity to witness newly launched products at Interior Lifestyle China 2008. Mr. Han Reiser, Export Manager for German brand Silit, used the four-day event to introduce a series of colourful cookware.

“As we are fairly new to the Chinese market, we’ve decided to offer something different. We took a chance to introduce our new hi-tech ceramic, silagan cookware, which has received lots of positive feedback. The local market is attracted to the bright colours,” stated Mr. Reiser.

He further noted the importance of the event in China. “This is a valuable and cost effective means for us to build our brand perception in the local market. We have been very pleased with the high level of contacts that we have made as most of them have been important buyers.””

Debut Home Style Awards hailed a success
One of the highlights of Interior Lifestyle China 2008 was the debut Home Style Awards. Judged by a panel of leading department store managers from the entire country, the awards were aimed to honour innovation and product marketability among emerging designer labels to the China trade and experienced exhibitors. The awards ceremony, taking place on the evening of 19 November 2008 at Moller Villa, offered an unparalleled opportunity for global brand names to network with Chinese industry heavyweights and the chance to win one of the region’s first awards recognised in the interior design products industry.

“It is very important to be distinguished in China, especially as newcomers to this market,” explained Ms. Odilia Costa, representative for Portuguese bed linen company, Home Concept.

“The media exposure for the Home Style Awards has been tremendous. In fact, we’ve received enquiries from several buyers who were part of the judging panel for the awards. This has certainly been a great compliment to us,” said Ms. Costa.

For a detailed list of all winners at the inaugural Home Style Awards and to learn how to take part in next year’s awards please visit www.il-china.com

Fair organisers praised for focusing on emerging Chinese designers
There was a noticeable trend of fashionable yet functional products on display at Interior Lifestyle China 2008 and an overwhelming praise for this year’s focus on local talent.

In particular, the Process Warm Showcase recieved wide acclaim from visitor and exhibitors alike. The event supported by the interior magazine , gathered a host of up-an-coming designers to showcase and celebrate emerging Chinese talent.

Head designer for the MOOMA design agency, Mr. Jason Ye praised the quality of the visitors attending this year’s event.

“We have exhibited at four different shows this year, and so far we’ve found Interior Lifestyle to be the best one. There is a good vibe of professional visitors, including designers as well as trade professionals.”

Mr. Ye further commented on China’s evolving design industry trends. “Originality plus good business potential are winning traits in the household products industry. As a designer, we need to constantly be aware of our consumers needs and until recently, Chinese manufacturers were not aware of this concept. Fortunately, Chinese consumers are now demanding unique design and functionality of products. This bodes well for professional designers in the region.”

Visitor Mr. Kam Ming Li, Manager for Hong Kong based Megasii Ltd agreed with Mr. Ye’s sentiments. “I came to this fair to meet potential designers to cooperate with my company and to find new products. The exhibits are very design-oriented and stylish. I am so impressed with the fair that I will consider exhibiting in the next edition,” said Mr. Li.

The On Design Shanghai gallery as presented at Frankfurt’s Ambiente also received praise for featuring a range of well-known designers from around the world. Among the top designers were Ineke Hans from the Netherlands, Sebastian Bergne from the UK and Jason Miller from the US.

Messe Frankfurt
Messe Frankfurt is Germany’s largest trade fair organiser, with 436 million euros in sales in 2008 (figure as of November 2008) and more than 1,400 employees worldwide. The Messe Frankfurt Group has a global network of 29 subsidiaries, five branch offices and 48 international Sales Partners, giving it a presence for its customers in more than 150 countries.

Events “made by Messe Frankfurt” take place at more than 30 locations around the globe. In 2008, Messe Frankfurt organised more than 100 trade fairs, of which more than half took place outside Germany. Messe Frankfurt’s exhibition grounds, featuring 322,000 square metres of exhibition space, are currently home to nine exhibition halls and an adjacent Congress Center. The company is publicly owned, with the City of Frankfurt holding 60 percent and the State of Hesse 40 percent.