As buyers are gearing up for their buying trips overseas, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair is one of the most popular trade fairs to visit. In 2018, over 48,000 buyers from 139 countries attended the show.
The 2019 edition will have some new and exciting additions including the debut of World of Beauty, Fitness and Wellbeing, a must-see for visitors. Startup Zone features innovative and unique gift ideas from more than 30 start-ups from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and the Netherlands. Visitors can also attend the Startup Smart Launch sessions during the fair where participants will introduce their products and ideas to industry players.
Other product zones include World of Gift Ideas, World of Camping & Outdoor Goods, Fashion Accessories, Figurines & Decorations, Toys & Baby Products, Advertising Gifts & Premium, Tech Gifts and Party & Festive Items and so forth.
With so much on offer, it can be quite overwhelming for [first-time] visitors. Lisa Saito from Living & Dining tells us what she is looking forward to see at the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair from 27 to 30 April.
Tell us a bit more about Living & Dining?
Living and Dining was established in 2003 and is an importer of designed goods for the Australian market. Our style is modern, practical and to be that something that you just want to have.
As a buyer, what do you look for at a trade fair?
New is so important both for products from current suppliers and new potential suppliers. I want someone that I can work with long-term and that can guarantee quality as much as possible. On-trend is vital in these difficult times for retailers as customers are very knowledgeable and walking a trade fair I can pick up trends such as colours and styles on which to base my selections.
Why do you attend the HK Gift and Premium Fair?
This is a great fair due to its sheer size and selection of goods! Not every stand is relevant of course but I know that I will find that new best-seller if I look. An example is the new Mini Bluetooth Speakers I found last year that have done so well for us―the product sells very well, the company is good to work with and delivery is prompt. They are an on-trend gift, well-designed and well-priced, which is exactly what I was looking for.
The New Designers section is also very good and often has a new ‘it’ item that may not be market-ready yet but you can tell that it will be soon. The staff here are well-trained and know the products so can answer any questions for you.
Also, at this fair there is so much assistance from the many staff members around the fair. They are very helpful and know exactly where to direct you and can even make suggestions for you based on your requirements. It is a fair that covers a large area and this is very useful to make sure you don’t miss anything.
What is your ‘buyer itinerary’ when you visit the HK Gifts and Premium Fair?
Preparation is key! I know what I am looking for this time but will also keep a lookout for potential new products as well which is so much fun. By this time I have already arranged a few appointments at the fair and will then focus on a different section during different times of the day. I will visit the New Design section in the afternoon of the first day but all others except for set appointments will be decided once I receive a map.
What do you like most about Hong Kong?
Love Hong Kong! The food and the shopping is amazing and I love walking around in the crowded streets in the evenings as there is so much fast-paced energy that it revitalises me after a day at the fair.
I love the mid-size fashion brands where the service is very personal as staff take time to talk to you and are very helpful. Local Hong Kong brands are also good and you can always find something special that works for you. The food! The food! The food! Go where the locals eat and you can’t go wrong.
What do you find most beneficial for buyers who attend the HK Gift Fair?
Make use of the staff at the fair. They really want to help and there are so many that you will always find someone to assist you. Exhibitors are eager to sell and are willing to listen to your requirements to see if they can work with you. It is such a large fair that you should be able to find something unique for yourself.
What trends do you expect to see this year?
Actually, I am expecting higher price points as consumers become even more discerning and demanding. I also think there will be more products relating to technology and as a foil to this more natural tones and materials across all items.
Any tips for buyers visiting the fair for the first time?
Allow a full three days to get around the fair and make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Liaise with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council prior to attending the fair as they have so much useful information and can help you plan your visit as preparation is important for a fair this size.
Know your requirements such as minimums and budget as they can be high but there is a Small Order Zone which is great for smaller stockists to be able to purchase products directly that become unique to their store.
For more information about the Gifts & Premium Fair contact crystal.hl.tsoi@hktdc.org. To register click here.
