October APLF figures

A significant increase in buyer attendance was recorded at the Asia Pacific Leather Fair (APLF) 2003 October Show which concluded on October 8, 2003. There were 10,613 visitors (figures examined by PricewaterhouseCoopers) from 80 countries and regions, with 30% more overseas visitors than last year. Topping the list of visiting countries and regions (excluding Hong Kong) were mainland China, followed by Japan, Taiwan, Korea, the United States, Australia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore and Italy. Buyers were able to source from the best choice of handbags, travel goods, footwear, leather garments and fashion accessories presented by 574 exhibiting companies from 31 countries and regions. There were twelve group pavilions formed by Argentina, mainland China, France, Hong Kong, Spain, Taiwan and Vietnam with some countries and regions represented by more than one pavilion. Buyers were pleased with the opportunities that APLF gave them. Ms Marion Godart, wholesaler of handbags and fashion accessories from France, found the right suppliers at APLF, sourcing handbags for her customers in Japan and Europe. Tsutomu Heda, representative of Mages Co Ltd, an importer and exporter of handbags and belts from Japan, placed substantial orders on site. He found APLF a very useful show. Ms Ruth Kirby-Smith, partner, Caboodle Bags from the UK, said that she was able to keep up to date with the latest trends and made new contacts at APLF. Inder Bedi of Via Vegan from Canada, commented that it was the variety of items that impressed him most at the fair. He was looking for handbags and small leather goods. He thought the new name Fashion Access is a very good and trendy name. Exhibitors were pleased with the response as well. The Argentine Chamber of Commerce for Leather and Related Industries organised a group pavilion for the second time at the APLF October Show. All exhibitors reported visits by important customers from Hong Kong, mainland China, Japan, France, USA, Israel, Canada, Korea, South Africa and Australia as well as other countries and all reported good prospects for long term future relationships. They said that their buyers were equally impressed by the standard of design and quality of exhibits at the show. Mr Hussain of Borjan, footwear manufacturers from Pakistan, had good responses from Australia, Taiwan and Hong Kong for the first time participation. One of his buyers, Roberto Coppo of Maral said: 'I like these men's moccasins which are exactly what I am looking for.' In 2004, Fashion Access - handbags, travel ware, footwear, leather garments and fashion accessories will be held from March 29-31, together with Materials, Manufacturing and Technology from March 29 to April 1, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This arrangement allows buyers to visit two fairs in a single trip, maximising the value of their time and expense. Finished goods exhibitors can preview the trends in materials and place orders during the fairs while raw materials exhibitors anticipate meeting more buyers with three days of the two events overlapping. The new fair name Fashion Access not only covers a wider range of exhibits around the lifestyle concept including handbags, travel ware, footwear, leather garments and fashion accessories, but will also bring new buyers with different profiles. [http://www.aplf.com]