Show Review

China Sourcing Fair: a must-attend trade show for the hottest designs from China & Asia

Tens of thousands of buyers from all over the world visited the China Sourcing Fair: Underwear & Swimwear (April 12-15, 2008, Hong Kong) to source the hottest designs from China and Asia. Positive comments from buyers and suppliers have consolidated the fair's status as an effective sourcing platform in Asia's underwear & swimwear sector.

Buyers sourced more products at bigger show
The fair is the largest specialized sourcing event of its kind in Asia. The 2008 April edition recorded 25% more booths than the show last spring. It was co-located with the highly successful China Sourcing Fair: Fashion Accessories, which altogether featured over 950 booths.

With a bigger show, the April fair presented more new products to buyers. From Underwear to Swimwear, Beachwear & accessories, Sleepwear and Fabrics, lace & trimmings, buyers were spoilt for choice for the hottest designs in the industry.

Shirisa from Argentina was satisfied with their sourcing results at the China Sourcing Fair. "I've seen many things [at the fair]. I've seen very good quality design...I will keep in touch with 70%-80% of the suppliers I have met here. I think it's a great show, I highly recommend it. It's possible to see different types of products and it's very well organized," said Guy Azubel, sales manager of the company.

Shirisa plans to expand their production to China to cope with their growing sales. The trip at the fair provided them with many new production possibilities. Azubel said that as everyone in the fair could communicate in English, he found it very convenient to discuss his sourcing needs with the suppliers at the show.

Buyers met quality suppliers from China & Asia
The April fair featured hundreds of professional buyers from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Asia's other major supply markets. Many of these suppliers are the companies behind today's leading brands.

Adding the fact that many of these suppliers did not exhibit in other trade shows in the regions, the unique opportunity to meet them at the fair was said to be another reason that drew buyers to the show. Jon Richards, president of myskinz from USA was one of these buyers. He visited the fair to meet his existing underwear suppliers and he was impressed with the fair's scope and the breadth of the suppliers, in particular those from mainland China.

"China produces good quality and we came here to make sure we find the right products for our line. We're finalizing a deal and coming here is important because we can visit their factories. The show is easy to get to; it's very close to the airport. The atmosphere is positive and upbeat," Richards said.

UK-based CG Creative Design Studio also met new China suppliers at the fair. According to director Ayum Uddin, the fair enabled him to meet the CEOs of the companies, helping him to get a good deal and better understanding through face-to-face discussions. "There's a variety of products at the fair. You have an opportunity to meet the manufacturers and speak to them directly so it's convenient. And everything is under one roof, that's my main reason for being here," Uddin said.

The four-day events saw many international buyers visiting AsiaWorld-Expo to source the hottest underwear & swimwear as well as the trendiest fashion accessories from China and Asia.

Volume buyers, including Victoria's Secret, H&M Hennes & Mauritz (Far East) Ltd, Li & Fung (Trading) Ltd, Quiksilver, Tesco International Sourcing, Anteprima Ltd, Coles Myer Asia Pty Ltd, Dollar General Corp, Fossil (East) Ltd, GAP International Sourcing Ltd, LeSportsac Inc, Liz Claiborne, Marks & Spencer plc, Polo Ralph Lauren and Umbro Hong Kong Ltd, visited the fairs to expand their vendor lists.

Thumbs-up from suppliers
Suppliers were also happy with their results. The fair has provided them with a direct, face-to-face audience with thousands of buyers, giving them more useful information and knowledge of what buyers are really looking for.

Underwear supplier Zhongshan Sevis Dress Co., Ltd from China's Guangdong province was one of the suppliers who benefited from the show. "The fair allows us to be in touch with more new clients. It also gives us a chance to learn about the competition and product trends in our industry. It really helps us to improve ourselves. Everyone who comes are genuine, serious buyers in the industry. Some other trade shows only attract buyers from Middle East or Africa. But here [at this fair], we are able to find buyers from Europe and the US, which are our target markets," export manager, Laurie Mei, said.

Buyers appreciate special onsite programs
While the fair provided a new channel for buyers to establish new contacts with China suppliers, it also offered several value-added onsite programs to help buyers source more conveniently.

To many buyers, the free Conference Program was one of their "must-attend" events at the fair. This April, the fair featured an interesting topic on a new method of bra sizing, attracting a large crowd of attendees.

The speaker introduced attendees to a new bra sizing system called "Depth-Width Ratio" and the eight factors to describe the breast shape — overall build, breast volume, inner, outer and lower breast shape, height, and gradient and orientation. Attendees got more information on the measurements and helped them get a better idea on making a bra that really fit the women's body.

The unique "Ask the Experts" services expanded this April with more sessions to answer the huge demand from buyers. Buyers had a chance to meet industry experts for a free 10-minute personalized, professional advice to their import questions.

Meanwhile, the hugely-popular daily Fashion Parades continued to draw most buyers' attention. Every time it's on, buyers flocked to the stage to see some of the hottest, unique designs from selected exhibitors.

Convenient location
Held at AsiaWorld-Expo, buyers found the location convenient, easy to access and with unparalleled support service. Many pre-registered buyers from downtown Hong Kong used the free tickets provided by organizer Global Sources for a 28-minute comfortable ride to the venue. Other buyers took the free shuttle buses, which were available from many convenient locations in Hong Kong and Kowloon, to the show.

Meanwhile, many buyers came straight to the fair from the airport as soon as they arrived in Hong Kong. They enjoyed free luggage transfer service to AsiaWorld-Expo and took the 1-minute trip to the show venue via Airport Express trains.

Meet quality suppliers again this October
The next China Sourcing Fair: Underwear & Swimwear will be held October 30 - November 2, 2008 again at Hong Kong's AsiaWorld-Expo. Global Sources will continue to recruit more professional suppliers from China and Asia to provide buyers with even more product choices.

The October 2008 show is now open for registration. Learn more about the show and pre-register at www.chinasourcingfair.com!

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