The fair will continue to adopt a hybrid format with online platforms and digital solutions complementing the physical fair, in order to support exhibitors in finding business opportunities in China’s recovering textile market.

Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd:

“As a global apparel textile flagship, the Spring Edition of Intertextile Apparel in 2021 will continue to serve as a reliable sourcing platform, both in-person and virtually, for the textile industry to connect and recover. With travel restrictions still in effect in many countries and regions, digital solutions and the hybrid format of the fair are essential to facilitate suppliers and buyers in their sourcing process. We look forward to international exhibitors joining us via the onsite or online formats, allowing them to take advantage of the opportunities offered by China’s recovering textile market.”

• The fair will take place as China’s textile market continues to show signs of quick recovery from the effects of the pandemic.

• With industrial output continuing to remain strong, Chinese consumer confidence is also starting to rebound.

• According to a McKinsey study, net optimism of consumers is now at 54 percent, the highest compared to respondents from other countries. (source)

This recovery in the economy and consumer demand was also observed by exhibitors from the 2020 Autumn Edition, who expressed how the fair provided a much-need trading platform for making up lost business.

For exhibitors who cannot travel to China, the Hybrid Showcase will be held again to display their products for onsite buyers to touch and feel, with audio visual equipment provided to help present their company. These ‘hybrid exhibitors’ will be able to stay connected with onsite and online buyers via the instant messaging and video calling functions of the Intertextile mobile app and the fair’s online business matching tool, Connect Plus, which will be accessible before, during and after the fair.

Dedicated product zones targeting different buyers

Intertextile’s country & region pavilions and dedicated product zones will be offering a comprehensive range of products to help buyers meet their specific souring needs. These include:

• Country & region pavilions / zones: from Japan, Korea and Taiwan

• Accessories Vision: a wide range of value-adding garment and fashion accessories

• All About Sustainability: products, services and solutions to satisfy consumers’ higher sustainability expectations

• Beyond Denim: advanced denim solutions and applications from stretchable jeans to business casual attire

• Digital Printing Zone: fabric printing technology catering to the demand for flexible orders and shorter delivery times

• Functional Lab: innovative fabrics providing comfort and protection for athleisure and sportswear

• Premium Wool Zone: premium wool fabrics from European mills for custom-made clothing

• SalonEurope: the place to be for the Asian market’s ever-growing appetite for European-made products

• Verve for Design: inspirational and original textile pattern designs by designers and studios from different countries

For exhibitors and visitors who are eager to learn about the latest industry trends, the fair’s fringe programme events including the Intertextile Directions Trend Forum and the Fabrics China Trend Forum, as well as seminars, panel discussions and product presentations, will offer insight into the post-pandemic textile markets in China and around the world. With four concurrent fairs – the Spring Edition of Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles, Yarn Expo Spring, CHIC and PH Value – sourcing options and business opportunities can also be maximised for exhibitors and visitors.