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| Friday, 14 January 2011, 17:30 HKT/SGT | |
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Source: HKTDC | |
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| Record 90,000 Attend Toy Fair and Three Concurrent Trade Shows |
HONG KONG, Jan 14, 2011 - (ACN Newswire) - More than 34,000 buyers, a new fair record, took in the HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, which concluded yesterday. Asia's largest and the world's second-largest show of its kind, the fair welcomed buyers mainly from the Chinese mainland, the United States, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Russia, Australia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Thailand.
The strong showing from overseas buyers indicates that market confidence is returning after the recent global economic turmoil, according to Benjamin Chau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director. "We had more buyers from the United States and Europe, while turnout from such emerging markets as India, Brazil, South Africa, Vietnam, Russia and Turkey rose by 20 to 60 per cent."
The fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), took place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and was enhanced by the sourcing opportunities of concurrent events. These included the second edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, which welcomed more than 25,000 visitors, and the 11th edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Stationery Fair, who hosted some 15,000 visitors. In addition, the ninth edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show closed 12 January, drawing more than 15,000 visitors. Mr Chow said the four fairs brought in about 2,600 exhibitors, and "displayed a rich variety of quality products, attracting more overseas buyers to Hong Kong."
Retailers from Emerging Markets
Visitors to the fairs said they noticed more small-and-medium-sized retailers placing orders directly with Hong Kong and mainland suppliers at the events. "I am satisfied with the quality of products here, and I have identified several Hong Kong and Chinese mainland suppliers at the fair," said Askhat Almenov, Director of Extoys, which runs two retail shops in Kazakhstan. He added that he is keen to expand his online shop and focus on games, sporting items such as bicycles and skates, and brain-teasing puzzles for kids.
Reliance Lifestyle Holdings Ltd opened the first Hamleys toy store in India last April. The Mumbai outlet is now India's biggest toy store. Sudhir Pai, Reliance Lifestyle's Senior Vice President and head of the Hamleys operation, says two more stores will open shortly, in Bangalore and Chennai, leading to an eventual network of 20 shops nationwide. "About 45 to 50 per cent of our products are sourced in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland," said Mr Pai. "We will be placing orders here worth around US$2 million across all toy categories."
At the toy fair for the first time, Andreas Yamin, Director of Indonesian wholesaler and baby product retailer Majufoam, said he is placing orders with mainland and Italian suppliers for diapers, strollers and high chairs.
International Brands
Nina Ikeya, Senior Buyer for Japan's Pigeon, the world's leading baby and mother-care manufacturer, said she was impressed with the wide variety of global products on show. "I've identified several new suppliers from Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and Europe for the provision of baby toys and bedding."
"It's my first visit. Results are better than expected," said Mohamed el Baradie, Chairman of Egypt's baby product importer Prima for Import & Distribution. "I've found several interesting items such as baby bicycles."
Exhibitors Expand Reach
Spain's Plasticos Zarauz SA made contacts with buyers from Mexico, Russia, Brazil, Japan and other countries. "This is our debut exhibition in Hong Kong and marks the first step for our expansion into Asia," said Director of Communication Ibon Maza, adding that "we will certainly exhibit again next year."
"On the first day of the fair, we took orders from Chinese, Indian and Taiwanese companies worth about US$200,000, and established contacts with buyers from Malaysia, India, Mexico and Russia," said John Shin, General Manager of WITH CNS Co Ltd. Mr Shin said it was the first time at the fair for the Korean exhibitor, which has major clients in Japan, the US and Europe.
Vietnam's TOSY Robotics JSC, which specialises in robotic technology and high-tech toys, is also a first-time visitor. "We've already seen potential customers not just from Asia but from South Africa, the UK and many other places, too," said the company's International Public Relations Executive Pham Huyen Trang.
Goodbaby International Holdings Ltd took part in the Baby Products Fair for the first time. "The fair provides a great platform to promote our brand and image, as well as strengthen customer relations. Through the fair, we can widen our global presence more effectively," said Zhenghuan Song, the company's Chairman and CEO.
HKTDC Webcast: Toys & Games Fair: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7bKqvm6aK4
Fair Websites
- HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show: www.hktdc.com/hklicensingshow
- HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair: www.hktdc.com/hktoyfair
- Hong Kong International Stationery Fair: www.hkstationeryfair.com
- HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair: www.hktdc.com/hkbabyfair
Contact:
HKTDC
Corporate Communication Department:
Joe Kainz
Tel: +852 2584 4216
Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org
Topic: Trade Show or Conference
Source: HKTDC
Sectors: Trade Shows
https://www.acnnewswire.com
From the Asia Corporate News Network
Copyright © 2024 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Asia Corporate News Network.
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