HKTDC Watch & Clock Fair Attracts More Than 19,000 Buyers
September 8, 2014
The 33rd HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, the world’s largest timepiece event, ended Sept. 7, with more than 19,000 buyers, up 2 percent, compared with the previous year.
Buyers from a number of key and emerging markets recorded significant growth, including the United Kingdom (23 percent), France (14 percent), Germany (7 percent), the Chinese mainland (8 percent), India (37 percent), Korea (30 pecent) and Thailand (28 percent).
The fair, staged at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries Ltd.
“The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair is the largest show of its kind in the world, and we are attracting buyers from around the world year after year,” said HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau.
He added, “Developing original designs and promoting brands are still the way to go, and Hong Kong’s excellent watch and clock products are well placed to capture the opportunities. The highly acclaimed Salon de TE returned after its debut last year and once again showcased a fine selection of exquisite watches that attracted buyer attention.”
During the fair, the HKTDC organized close to 80 buying missions with some 3,800 buyers from around the world.
The HKTDC commissioned an independent research agency to conduct an on-site survey during the first three days of the fair. The agency surveyed 405 exhibitors and 705 buyers, gathering their views on such issues as market prospects, product trends, e-tailing and sourcing patterns.
The majority of buyers and exhibitors interviewed were optimistic about the overall sales for the coming year, mainly because retail prices continue to rise. With the Hong Kong watch and clock industry thriving, some 40 percent of buyers and about 40 percent of exhibitors interviewed, plan to procure or sell products via the Hong Kong platform.
A large number of buyers also considered the Chinese mainland a major source of supplies in the year ahead, with 70 percent of buyers interviewed planning to source watch and clock products from the Chinese mainland.
Traditional markets such as North America and Western Europe, as well as emerging markets such as the Chinese mainland and the Middle East are expected to be the main growth markets in the coming year.
In terms of product and market trends, both buyers and exhibitors said they expect quartz and smart watches to lead the market, while fashion watches, smart watches and leisure style watches will have the highest market potential.
Wearable Tech, a zone dedicated to smart watches, made its debut at this year’s fair and was a hit among buyers, according to show management.
Partner Voices
Here at Mandalay Bay, venues are inviting and innovative. As one of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center has recently undergone an exciting upgrade. This renowned venue now offers everything your business needs, with a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, as well as an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're searching for a venue that is both inviting and innovative, Mandalay Bay is the place to be.
Mandalay Bay is committed to investing in a new wave of enhancements, not only in the convention space but also throughout the entire resort. With new restaurant openings and remodels, spectacular entertainment, and updated rooms, Mandalay Bay promises to deliver new and exciting experiences to its guests until 2024.
To create a truly effective conference venue, Mandalay Bay has carefully considered what businesses require. The right technology, capacity, and inspiration are essential to take ideas to the next level. The refreshed Mandalay Bay Convention Center has been designed with your business in mind. Every room is equipped with newly-upgraded technology, enhancing our ability to support bandwidth demand and overall data capabilities. Additionally, the addition of 10 new digital walls provides bigger and more dynamic ways to display customized content messages.
Mandalay Bay offers world-class conference space and service. The venue options range from ballrooms to ample pre-function spaces, catering to teams of any size while accommodating multiple large groups simultaneously. Our certified planners work collaboratively with you to understand your specific event requirements, anticipating your business needs and offering the best-fit solutions.
In addition to providing exceptional conference facilities, Mandalay Bay is also dedicated to sustainability. We strive to give our guests an unforgettable experience while minimizing our impact on the environment. As part of our sustainable energy efforts, you'll find refillable water stations throughout the property, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles and reducing unnecessary plastic usage.
Mandalay Bay is proud to offer an upgraded and enhanced experience for businesses seeking a venue that combines innovation, convenience, and sustainability. Whether you're hosting a conference, meeting, or other business event, Mandalay Bay's refreshed convention space, world-class service, and commitment to sustainability make it the ideal choice. Come and discover the new wave of experiences awaiting you at Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip. Wherever your organization is going, getting there starts with being here.
Add new comment