So back in China visiting several key suppliers and spending time visiting the Canton and Jinhan Fairs. It’s a good chance to see what products or product types seem to be popular, meet potential new suppliers and also check up on the extent of copies of our own products.
Despite walking over 15km each day, and in the process seeing many 100s of stands, it’s surprising how relatively little true innovation or new ideas can be found. Many companies occupy the exact same space and have the same product offering as the last few years. There are certain themes and trends that can be identified, although many are from yesteryear. It’s also amusing to see how many people are fast asleep throughout the show, even on their own stands!
We are already immersed in our new product development cycle for next year, with some great new product ideas bubbling under, so these shows give us an additional reference point.
For some international buyers, it must be a very challenging few days, not just in terms of the size and scope of the shows, but also the serial duplication of many products on so many stands. And as we all know, appearances at these type of shows can be deceptive.
Still, it’s all part of the jigsaw in our type of business – Gafa, Glee, Canton – Vegas anyone?