Buyers said prices and service were unbeatable

Business was brisk at Hong Kong’s four-day combined houseware, gifts and premium fairs, with almost 13,000 buyers attending. They came because Hong Kong is an essential stop on the global sourcing circuit, they said. 

“Buyer attendance and business were much better than we and exhibitors expected,” said fair organising committee chairman, Jeffrey Lam.

The fair, which ended yesterday, attracted more than 1,000 overseas buyers, while other international retailers sent Hong Kong-based buying agents. More than 453 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions displayed their products.

An additional houseware, gifts and premium fair has been organised for July 23 to 26 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, allowing buyers and exhibitors a second opportunity to place and receive orders.

Enthusiastic buyers snap up quality goods

Buyers were enthusiastic about the sourcing opportunities at the fair. Oda Soichi, senior sales manager of Shenzhen-based Nitori Company said his head office represents seven buyers in Japan.

"I don't think Sars is a problem. Business carries on as usual. We get some anxious queries from Japanese clients about goods produced in Sars affected countries but we tell them that the World Health Organisation has reiterated many times that these products are safe. So far, Sars has not affected our sales and is only a temporary situation," said Mr Soichi.

Kathryn Tripp, owner of South African company Bats, said that she wanted to keep up with the traditional spring buying seasons and that the number of people affected with Sars in Hong Kong was very small.

Director of New Zealand company Funkin Fun Ltd, Liesa Coates, said "This is the first time in Hong Kong for me and my partner, and we're very excited by everything that we have seen. We did a lot of research before we came and decided it was in our best interests for business to go ahead."
 
Luc Corbeel director of Belgium company Decoquip said the trip was well worth while. "We're in Hong Kong for the first time and have found more products here than in the Nuremberg and Birmingham fairs. The prices are good and we have already found several mainland manufacturers for production."

Exhibitors were satisfied

Many of the 13,000 buyers at the fair were Hong Kong-based agents for international buying houses. These quality buyers make the event a valuable selling opportunity for all exhibitors, including 52 from 13 different countries and regions

Stan Winterbach, sales manager of South African company Worldwide Expo Displays said: "We're very optimistic about business, as many European and US companies have buying offices in Hong Kong. Our products are unique, and are not mass-produced but mostly limited editions. I think the Sars problem is over-emphasised. In fact, we're so optimistic about business that we'll be back for the July fair."

Ray Porter, owner of Australian company Rayell Gifts Ltd said: "This is our first international exhibition outside of Australia and our first exporting business venture. We've been planning for this Hong Kong fair for a year so I'm not going to put it off because of Sars. I'm very positive about business as I think there's a good market for our China-produced figurines."

Steve Chan, president of Woodmax, which has a branch office in Los Angeles, said: "We've been an exhibitor for many years. Business is long-term so we've decided to come to this April show. This year we're very happy as we've managed to get double booth space, something we have not been able to do in previous years. We sell mostly to Japan, Europe and the US, in high-end department stores such as Home Depot in the US and Marks and Spencer's in the UK. I expect to do good business here."

In preparation for the Fair, TDC has been in close consultation with the Hong Kong Government over stringent onsite health protection measures that go beyond World Health Organisation guidelines.

Other initiatives designed to help exhibitors and buyers connect, include web-conferencing facilities, virtual online exhibitions and business matching services. Click here for more details of services available to overseas companies.

In addition to stepped up venue cleansing, these measures included establishing a health desk at the venue, staffed with qualified medical personnel, and making thermometers, masks and gloves available. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPU) has also provided assistance by installing a Hong Kong-developed infrared thermal detection device to check body temperature of all visitors entering the fair.

Related link:
www.hkenterprise.com - for details on trade fairs, sourcing products and business contacts