Interior Lifestyle China show set for Oct. 10-13

Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, May 18, 2012

SHANGHAI — Organizers of Interior Lifestyle China projects an increase in exhibitors and visitors for the four-day fall event.

Show organizer Messe Frankfurt said the Oct. 10-13 event held at the Shanghai Exhibition Center will feature 260 exhibitors, up from 225 last year.

In addition, Spain will join four other countries with a pavilion at the event. The other confirmed pavilions are for France, Germany, Hong Kong and Italy.

The show has grown in recent years due to increasing international and domestic attendance. This year, officials said, the show expects to draw about 17,000 visitors, up from 14,508 from 47 countries last year.

Evan Sha, deputy general manager of Messe Frankfurt, said in a statement that China's position as the world's second largest economy is raising the standard of living for many Chinese citizens.

"In turn, this is ushering in new business opportunities for the interior design industry," he said.

One indicator of increasing consumption is that in 2011, Messe Frankfurt said, some 194 million Chinese consumers shopped online, spending some $120.8 billion dollars, up 67.8% from 2010. That figure is expected to increase again this year, officials said.

"Due to varied market factors, we are expecting both exhibitor and visitor numbers to increase because everyone wants to be able to keep up with the demands of the massive Chinese consumer goods market," Sha said.

The show, which covers nearly 200,000 square feet of space, is divided into three main groups including:

• Dining, a segment that features glass, porcelain, ceramic, metal ware, design plastic, cutlery, kitchen tools and machines and small electrical appliances.

• Living, which includes furniture and household accessories, mirrors, lighting accessories, photo frames and more.

• Gift, which includes arts and crafts, stationery, florals, room fragrances, candles, figurines, and other gift items.

For more information on the event or to register, visit www.messefrankfurt.com.