ICHF celebrates success of first Autumn show
Posted on in Creative News
Over 2,000 creative craft industry professionals attended the first ever Craft, Hobby + Stitch International Autumn at ExCeL London on 21 and 22 September 2014 to do business with over 100 exhibitors and enjoy show features including a choreographed catwalk, a Business Advice Centre and a diverse seminar and workshop programme.
Troy Bennett, ICHF Ltd Show Director, says, "There is no doubt that the industry wants and needs a second international trade show in the UK and we are delighted to have established Craft Hobby + Stitch International Autumn this year. This show attracted new buyers and retailers with a strong international presence. The quality of visitors to the show was high and while we would always hope for greater numbers we have met our year one targets and made a positive start to build upon."
He continues, "We will now fine-tune the show based on feedback from all areas of the industry and will take with us the energy and enthusiasm of exhibitors and visitors who are keen to make this show work. We would like to commend the exhibitors who went to great efforts to create a beautiful and inspiring show and intend to capitalise on this launch event and make CHSI Autumn a permanent fixture in the industry calendar."
The show was packed with new products from a wide range of exhibitors who used the show as a platform to launch new products and ranges. As well as being able to talk to the visitors present, exhibitors also had the opportunity to showcase their products to the trade press in attendance.
Stuart Caller, General Manager, Korbond explains, "We are excited to have the new Craft Hobby & Stitch International Autumn event in our trade show calendar. The show provides an opportunity to showcase new lines and designs, especially our seasonal lines for Christmas gifting, and of course new trade special offers. The event in London also offers another buying opportunity for existing and new customers, especially for those in the South of the UK who may not always be able to travel to the NEC in February. Overall we are pleased with the business conducted at the show, especially as this is its first year. As with any new venture we always look at a 3 year plan to allow time for the activity to mature and allow us to fine tune our offering. As the Autumn show gains greater exposure amongst industry exhibitors and retailers I am confident that it will establish itself as an essential networking and trading event for our industry. We look forward to a being part of its success story as we look ahead to next year's show with great optimism."
The Bright Sparks Pavilion showcased upcoming designers and businesses with innovative products for retailers to discover. Jo Lochhead, Director, The Crafty Kit Company, says, "We have had a really good show and have taken a good number of orders. We have had interest from independent retailers and from retailers we have never met before. We have been showcasing our new autumn/winter collection and our new Fawn and Christmas decoration kits have attracted a lot of attention."
Brand new company and new CHSI exhibitors Lewis & Irene exhibited its range of beautiful fabrics. Bryan Taphouse, Managing Director comments, "We have met retailers from East Anglia and the South East that we have never had contact with before and have taken new orders throughout the show. We have launched our Spring and Christmas ranges for 2015 at this show and have had great feedback to our designs from visitors who also seem to like the fact that we are an independent, family company."
Visitors also took advantage of the educational seminars, workshops and product demonstrations at CHSI Autumn providing information on topics from crochet and decopatch to the importance of networking and promoting craft through social media.
Preparations are well under way for CHSI Spring - celebrating its 40th show in 2015. The long-established show, from 15 - 17th February 2015 at NEC, Birmingham will be packed with the latest trends and launches from over 250 exhibitors as well as offering an extensive programme of workshops, seminars and educational features.
Craft Hobby + Stitch is Europe's No 1 trade show for the art, craft, needlecraft and hobby industry. For more information visit www.chsi.co.uk