Asia’s fair for the home textiles industry recently was held, with new records set for exhibitor, visitor and exhibition space figures.

More than 43,000 trade buyers (2014: 43,189) attended Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2015, which was held for the first time at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) across 170,520 square meters (2014: 150,400).

The 1,402 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions (2014: 1,334) that took part was also a new high point in the fair’s 21-year history.

“We’re delighted that our first edition in this new venue was such a success,” said Wendy Wen, senior general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

She added, “But going beyond the record figures, there were a number of other aspects that were just as pleasing such as the increase in internationality of participants, and the number of first-time overseas exhibitors who were seeking out opportunities in the Asian market. We also had a number of new product zones, as well as returning ones, which proved extremely popular, while our new InterDesign programme attracted huge crowds to the Trend Area, Trend Concept Show and seminars.”

The fair took place against a backdrop of economic uncertainty in China, but this did not appear to dampen the enthusiasm of both new and returning overseas exhibitors that target the Chinese mid-range and high-end markets, with many reporting that they do not expect to be adversely affected.

“We don’t anticipate any impact on our sales from the economic situation in China,” said José Grilo, executive manager of Grilo Kitchenware, who was exhibiting for the first time under the Associacao Textiles Home From Portugal banner.

He added, “People here still have money to spend, and we’re in the premium range, not the mass market, which hasn’t been affected. Buyers here appreciate European brands too.”

In recent years, the fair has placed a big emphasis on providing opportunities for exhibitors that match market demand through relevant product zones, with the new Whole-Home Style and digital printing areas joining the existing Exquisite Europe, Intertextile Design Boutique, editors and carpet & rug zones this year.

Returning Chinese company Lezai Dongfang Culture was one such exhibitor, with Jake Ji, general manager, saying, “Being in the Whole-Home Style zone has been a big advantage as it attracts our target buyers to our booth. After only one and a half days, we have received so many enquiries from China’s top designers, buying offices and agents, and many have placed orders.”

Buyers also appreciated the zones, as well as the internationality of the fair. “It’s very beneficial for us to visit the fair as it gathers suppliers from around the world. The International Hall is our favourite as having the different product zones and country pavilions makes it easier for us to locate our targeted suppliers and products,” Mr David Costantini, Director, Profile Fabrics, Australia said.

As well as the product zones the fair’s fringe programme also responds to the demands of the local market, with the new InterDesign programme a response to the increased need for design and trend information from the growing middle and upper classes in China. In addition to the Trend Area, which was designed by the NellyRodiTM Agency, a new Trend Concept Show matched China’s top interior designers with eight leading brands including LaCanTouch, Brilliant & Refined, Designers Guild, Uniwal, Jean Paul Gaultier, Pt, Dedar and JAB Anstoetz to bring the trends in the Trend Area to life.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Home Textile Association.

The next Autumn Edition will take place Aug. 24-26, while the Spring Edition returns next year as well March 16-18. Both fairs will be held at the same venue.