The autumn edition of Chic Shanghai on 25-27 September 2019 welcomed 698 exhibitors and 718 brands from 10 countries, plus 54,202 trade visitors. Exhibitors showcased new collections on an area of 62,000 sq m at the National Exhibition & Convention Center.
Commenting on the show’s positive conclusion is Chen Dapeng, president of the Chic and China National Garment Association. “Chic is a reflection of the extremely dynamic Chinese apparel market, whose consumers are the fastest to adapt to new trends and tendencies around the world.
“The Chinese market is undergoing changes to which it has not been exposed in the last hundred years. A permanently changing society shaped by the younger generation of consumers with the desire for individualization; technological change, the digitization of the entire production and distribution chain; and the increasing social and ecological responsibility of the companies.
“These are all challenges that companies have to face and keep pace with. In this environment, Chic is a reliable basis that is used by all market participants.”
Analysts expect China’s retail sales to increase by 3.5% this year (after peaking at 7.5% last year), with a slight decline next year.
Apparel sales are similar at 2.6% for this year from January to July 2019 and 6% last year. The figures illustrate the effects of the trade dispute with the US coupled with general market uncertainty in China.
Chic’s organisers are fighting these challenges by optimizing all measures for efficient business activities for exhibitors and visitors; both offline and online. For instance, promotion measures such as WeChat advertising in the run-up to the event, match-making events at the fair and an updated Chic-App.
Chic comprises 10 trade fair segments showcasing the entire spectrum of fashion and lifestyle in China. This includes Chic Kidz for childrenswear.
Although the Chinese clothing market’s share of childrenswear is only 10%, the sector is experiencing strong growth following full implementation of the two-child policy in 2016.
The National Health and Family Planning Commission forecasts the number of newborns to increase from 17.5 to 21.0 million by next year. The expectation is that baby and toddler clothing will be the most important area for childrenswear.
For Chinese consumers, ecological aspect plays an important role in the childrenswear sector, with particualr focus on natural materials. For example, Blara Organic House from Shenzhen – an exhibitor at Chic Kidz – catered to demand with organic cotton childrenswear.
Many exhibitors at Chic Kidz value visitor feedback as helpful support for adapting their collections to consumer needs.
Polish brands Kids on the Moon and Booso also used Chic Kidz as an entry point into the Chinese market. As did Mimozah Kids from Canada and MishkaMatreshka from Laboratory in Russia.
Beijing Fashion Expo Co. Ltd. and China World Exhibitions own Chic. They are supported by the China National Garment Association, the Sub-Council of the Textile Industry (CCPIT), and also the China World Trade Center.
The next edition of Chic Shanghai takes place on 11-13 March 2020.
