In September, I was on an official visit to MACEF '2008 that took place at Milano in Italy. The fair received global participation from exhibitors of home decoration items, kitchenware, bijoux, jewelry and accessories, costume and gold jewelry and other items. Well, my area of interest is jewelry – particularly fashion jewelry and beaded jewelry and I will stick to that after a brief presentation of the event.
Fiera Milano City exhibition center where MACEF held every year – is an ideal place for exhibitors and visitors. In terms of infrastructure, accessibility, food and of course the products that were displayed – this is the place for doing business and to see the latest trends for different products.
During the course of the fair, one can see a large number of visitors rushing to the fair ground in cars, buses, trams and metros. On reaching the fair ground, the visitors were always greeted by the smiling and helpful staff who are more than ready to assist you with anything – fair directions, conveyance, food, et al. The buying and selling, the music, the ambiance, the cultural programs added to the hustle and bustle during the fair.
The fair was attended by several Indian and Chinese companies also. I remember MK Exports from Agra – India and Banaras Beads, who both were selling glass beads. They were satisfied with the response they received at the fair. A Chinese company whose stall I visited was selling fashion watches, bangles, necklaces that were decorated with small stones. A watch was priced for 7 Euros. Not much if you are looking for the glitter and artistic design.
Exhibitors of beaded jewelry and accessories displayed their products in hall No. 11. All other halls (I tried to visit all of them) were full with visitors. If I remember correctly, Hall No -8 displayed costume jewelry and fashion jewelry.
The Italians are famous for their fashion. It is not wrong to say that they are synonymous with fashion. I observed the buyers, they were more interested in large size beads, glass and plastic beads. Most of them were seen wearing only one big piece of jewelry, either a necklace, bracelets or earrings. They were not loaded with jewelry.
Seeing the fashion mood of the people who visited the fair, I could easily make out that Costume or fashion jewelry is 'in' these days. It is inexpensive and flashy and is made of less valuable materials like glass, plastic and stones. The unique and beautiful designs, the glitter and the wearable fashionable look was enough to tempt anyone to buy all of them. There was imitation jewelry, artificial jewelry, precious and semi-precious stones, stone studded jewelry and other fashion accessories.
The fashion trend has caught up with India also. People are ready to don flashy, and beautifully designed watches and fashion accessories. Many buyers at MACEF were owners of shops in Italy and are engaged in selling beaded jewelry and beads (all types). I discussed with some of them on the products they are dealing and they told me that they are buying from India or China.
I was lucky enough to visit such a grand event where products from different industries were displayed at the same time. For those who have missed the chance, they can either wait till next year.
At the fair, the b2b guys were marvelous and helped people in knowing how they can do business using a b2b website. Their stall was visited by numerous visitors who inquired on doing business with India through a website. B2b portals like tradeindia distributed free bags and exporters CD. I was lucky enough to grab one.
One more b2b portal from China displayed their services at the fair. So all the people who have missed the flight, I would suggest to use a b2b portal for doing business. There services are inexpensive, time saving and helps you grow your business – without moving out from the comfort of your office or home.
A word of caution though, take care of all your belongings.
Till next time, Chao.