Gift Focus - Mar/Apr 2020 (Issue 118)

16 The ‘World’s’ report The Frankfurt consumer goods fairs Christmasworld, Paperworld, and Creativeworld welcomed 3,051 exhibitors from 74 countries presenting new products for decoration, festive décor, paper, office supplies and stationery, as well as hobby, crafts and artists’ requisites to both national and international trade. The three leading international trade fairs attracted around 84,000 visitors from 163 countries to the Frankfurt exhibition grounds, with numerous innovations, unusual product presentations, and a future- oriented complementary programme. “In addition to the industry-specific future topics, it’s the high degree of internationality and the outstanding visitor quality that make the trade fair trio an indispensable platform for industry and trade. Our trade fairs bring the global players in the industry together in one place – this personal contact is the key to success for the entire consumer goods industry in the digital age,” says Detlef Braun, managing director of Messe Frankfurt. At Christmasworld, 1,091 exhibitors from 50 countries (216 from Germany and 875 from abroad) made a convincing impression on the international retail trade with their new products and presentations for seasonal and festive decorations. A total of 43,945 visitors from 128 countries (15,276 from Germany and 28,669 from abroad) came to place their orders for the latest trends and gain inspiration to create new designs at their points of sale. “As the leading trade fair, Christmasworld is a reliable partner and driving force for the international decoration and festive articles sector,” says Julia Uherek, group show director, consumer goods at Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH. Exhibitors are delighted with well-filled order books, as the over-the-counter trade sold well over the recent Christmas season and has now stocked up on new products. Eckart Wurm, President of G. Wurm GmbH + Co KG, put it in a nutshell, “Christmasworld 2020 was the best fair in 50 years. This is where you find the best buyers, both national and international. Our export business in particular has boomed.” The consumer goods fairs will again take place next year around the last Saturday in January: Christmasworld: 29 th January – 2 nd February, 2021; Paperworld and Creativeworld: 30 th January – 2 nd February, 2021 Jewellery & Watch announces rebrand for Autumn Fair, 2020 Trade show Jewellery & Watch is celebrating a successful 2020 edition, bolstered by its move to Hall 1 of the NEC, Birmingham and its close ties to Spring Fair. Jewellery & Watch will rebrand in 2020 to become Jewellery & Watch and Fashion (JWF), debuting in Hall 9 at Autumn Fair from 6 th - 9 th September, 2020 at the NEC, Birmingham, followed by Hall 1 of Spring Fair from 7 th -11 th February, 2021. Autumn Fair welcomes more than 20,000 professionals annually, with around 83 per cent of buyers in attendance actively seeking new suppliers in the strategically important pre-Christmas sales period. Exhibiting brands and businesses at Spring Fair reported positive footfall and order numbers, as well as a wealth of new opportunities to be explored post-show. Alison Hargreaves, director of long-standing Jewellery & Watch exhibitor, Midhaven, says: “Midhaven had an excellent Spring Fair, the best in four years in fact, signing up lots of new accounts and selling to more diverse businesses. Silver jewellery sales were very encouraging, especially our silver animals and Opalique collections. The move to Hall 1 was positive and encouraged an upbeat atmosphere – a welcome change from recent years.” Another returning customer, Valerie Blount of Val B’s Wax Jewellery, adds: “The new venue was great. As well as being much closer to the station, there was a positive air of renewal amongst everyone. Some of my visitors said they hadn’t been to the show for years and so came to take a look at the changes. I received lots of orders and some useful leads and am now really looking forward to taking part in Jewellery, Watch & Fashion at Autumn Fair.” Visit jewelleryandwatchbirmingham.com LOOKING AHEAD Manchester Furniture Show When: 19 th -21 st July, 2020 Where: Manchester Central, Manchester Website: manchesterfurnitureshow.com Home & Gift Buyers Festival When: 19 th -22 nd July, 2020 Where: Kings Road, Harrogate Website: homeandgift.co.uk Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair When: 25 th -28 th July, 2020 Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Website: event.hktdc.com Formex When: 18 th -21 st August, 2020 Where: Stockholmsmassan, Sweden Website: formex.se NY NOW When: 8 th -12 th August, 2020 Where: Javits Centre, New York Website: nynow.com For further in-depth show previews and reports, turn to: p.51 BCTF preview p.63 London Stationery Show p.75 The Farm Shop & Deli Show p.83 Glee at Spring Fair