The enthusiasm for sport in China continues undiminished. This could be felt at ISPO Shanghai from July 5th to 7th at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). 15,579 trade visitors (up 8%) and key opinion leaders (KOL) informed themselves about the latest trends and products of approximately 550 brands from the fields of running, outdoor, health & fitness and water sports. The highlights of supporting programs included the International Football Forum with a visit by Chinese football legend Fan Zhiyi and a keynote speech by Chinese mountaineer Xia Boyu.
Tobias Gröber, Executive Director Business Unit Consumer Goods at Messe München and Director ISPO Group, says, “The atmosphere in the full halls was very good. The great interest underlines the importance of ISPO Shanghai as the leading platform for international sports business in China.” In addition to previewing new trends, the fair offered opportunities to expand personal network in the Chinese market. Numerous exhibitors and visitors also used the matchmaking program to meet the most important Chinese e-commerce providers and retail chains. A total of 470 meetings were held.
The visit of Chinese football legend Fan Zhiyi to the International Football Forum caused a high number of visitors and great media interest. The Bundesliga International with its clubs FC Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Schalke 04, Borussia Mönchengladbach, VfL Wolfsburg and Bayer 04 Leverkusen was another highlight. Visitors were also deeply impressed by the experience reports of Chinese mountaineer Xia Boyu, who stood on Mount Everest at the age of 69, double amputated. “For the outdoor industry and numerous outdoor enthusiasts, he is a role model, an inspiration,” says Gröber.
All rows in the comprehensive lecture and forum program were fully occupied. Experts provided information on market potentials, retail in China and fashion trends. The latter could also be seen in the joint fashion show with Tmall. Brands such as Aigle, Columbia, Kailas, Lafuma and The North Face presented their latest collections, which could then be purchased in the Tmall shop.
The next ISPO Shanghai will take place at SNIEC from July 2nd to 4th, 2020.