Seminars a chance to share winning ways
The Hong Kong Houseware Fair is now in full swing, with a packed programme scheduled for the remaining two days.
A highlight is the seminar series, which continues today with a discussion on the marketing and sourcing strategies of major houseware department stores on the mainland.
The emergence of the mainland's increasingly affluent middle class has been accompanied by rising standards of living - creating huge market potential for houseware products in China.
To tap into this burgeoning market, inside knowledge on the strategies of mainland houseware stores can provide a vital edge.
Two experts on the topic will address the seminar on their import strategies and mainland consumers' preferences.
They are Saegusa Tomihiro, vice-general manager of the Shuangnan division of Chengdu Ito-Yokado (speaking in Japanese), and Fei Guoqiang, general manager of Shenzhen Sundan (Chain-Store) Stock (speaking in Putonghua).
Simultaneous interpretation in English, Putonghua and Japanese will be arranged.
Another highlight of the programme is the Hall of Elegance, a special zone dedicated to buyers looking for branded and designer products.
Reflecting worldwide consumer demand for a better quality lifestyle, the hall features 18 companies from Hong Kong, Spain, Australia, Taiwan and Turkey offering delicate and high-end houseware items.
Fair organiser the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) initiated the Hall of Elegance to target international buyers looking for premium products.
'We have put a lot of effort into promoting this concept as we want to show the world that Hong Kong has many products of very good design and quality,' said Anne Chick, senior exhibitions manager.
Another not-to-be-missed display is in Atrium 1, a central focus of the fairground. Based on the theme 'Hong Kong: A Place for All Seasons', this area brings together different lifestyle products from various exhibitors to give a trend display.
To enhance business opportunities for overseas buyers attending the Hong Kong Houseware Fair, the TDC also has a business-matching service to help companies find prospective partners. Past feedback shows this service to be an excellent tool.
After pre-registering online, buyers can specify their objectives to receive a list of relevant exhibitors. They can then arrange to meet short-listed exhibitors by using the appointment-booking service.
Business matching and appointment-booking services are offered to all visitors at TDC trade fairs.
To get started, just log on to the fair website two months before the fair opens.
To make doing business even easier, the TDC has organised a range of on-site services for buyers and exhibitors.
These include the Dragon Lounge for VIP buyers, free e-mail service counters, exhibitor locator systems, free shuttle buses, a mobile phone battery-charging service, a wireless LAN service and a tourist service counter to make dinner reservations, book tickets or organise visas.
