Jan 20, 2023

Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair attracts more than 21,000

After a two-edition hiatus due to the pandemic, the Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair, together with the concurrent Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair and the Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, attracted more than 21,000 in-person and online buyers across continents.

The fair took place Jan. 9-12 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

“While much has changed since the pandemic, one thing has remained the same: The fair continues to attract a strong diversity of international visitors,” said Judy Cheung, deputy general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. “With the borders with Mainland China opening the day before the fair began, exhibitors were pleased to connect with new and old clients from near and afar.”

For many visiting buyers, it was an opportunity to kick off the trading season with the latest trends from the fair’s exhibitors and hunt for unique products that might become the next big seller in their respective countries, according to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

“I’ve exchanged contacts with around 15 exhibitors already this morning; it’s a chance to meet many suppliers in a short space of time,” said Firoz Rangwala, general manager of Al Fahidi Stationery Centre. “Variety is important to us because we are the largest stationery retailer in the Middle East and Africa with an inventory of around 4,000 stock keeping units. I’ve collected a lot of information on paper, pen, and luxury stationery at the fair.”

With an added emphasis on school supplies, this edition enabled exhibitors to take advantage of spillover business from the concurrent Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, the organization said.

“From when we arrived on day one to the moment we left the fairground we were busy with new clients the entire day, and it’s been an international mix,” said American exhibitor Scott Wen, sales manager of Mirage International Industries. “We’ve had inquiries from Korea, Japan, the Netherlands, the USA, the Philippines, France, Germany, Hong Kong, and even the Middle East and India. It’s clear that industry players are eager to get back to in-person business. Visitors are here to buy, they want to get business done quickly. Seeing and touching the products is an important part of this.”

The next edition of the Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair will take place in January 2024. The fair is held concurrently with the HKTDC’s Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair and the Hong Kong Baby Products Fair.