Tendence Notes: A Visit to the Season’s First Trade Fair (Editorial Blog)

I am sitting in the departure lounge of Gate 46 at Frankfurt International Airport waiting to board my flight home. I have spent the last four days visiting Tendence, Messe Frankfurt’s annual fall consumer goods show. During that time I’ve seen a lot of product, learned from guided tours on design, and had the chance to do a little sight-seeing and shopping. Getting an invitation to attend an international show is a real privilege. It’s also a great opportunity to gain some perspective on another part of the world, the industry and retailing.

I stayed at the Sheraton here at the airport during my visit. This morning, when I checked out, I asked the clerk how many people stay there each year. She didn’t know the answer but did say that they were averaging around 600 a night these days. I thought that was pretty good until she added that the hotel has 1,000 rooms and the business they’re doing “just isn’t really enough.” Yesterday, I visited the Zeil, Frankfurt’s main shopping strip (like Yonge Street in Toronto but nicer as it is a pedestrian promenade). The store windows were emblazoned with sale signs: twenty-five percent off; 50 percent off; and in one case, 90 percent off. Granted a lot of the deals were on summer clothes but still it reminded me that retail the world over has been hurt by what many people here refer to as “The Crisis.”

“The Crisis” was felt at the show too. I have no numbers but there weren’t nearly the people in the aisles there have been at the previous editions of Tendence I have attended. In addition, booths were smaller and would say that there were fewer exhibitors, though it’s still a very big show. And, it’s no surprise that there were companies lamenting the lack of traffic. However, several exhibitors I spoke to were encouraged by the quality of buyers they were encountering. Those people who did attend the show weren’t tire kickers.

But, opportunity knocks regardless of whether the economy is up or down. One of the great things about Tendence and its sister show, Ambiente, is the support given to design students, artisans and new companies. Specific sections are devoted to them (i.e. Next and Loft); there are special exhibits showcasing projects from design schools; and the juried Talents segment gives free space to up-and-coming designers so they can experience the show and make contacts with companies that may be interested in manufacturing their products. I think it’s all great, and I wonder why, as an industry, we aren’t doing more to support and encourage young artisans, designers and retailers. Perhaps it’s time for our shows to host some special exhibits. Maybe a Retailer Under 30 Award?

The plane is ready to board. Here are the links to stories and slideshows I did while I was at the fair.

Four Days in Frankfurt: July 3 – Trend Tracking at Collectione

Four Days in Frankfurt: July 4 – Special Exhibits and Striking Displays

Four Days in Frankfurt: July 5 – Personal Shopper

Four Days in Frankfurt: July 6 – Décor Trends 2010 and Retail Therapy

Comments (0)

Racquel Blafield:

Hey, awesome website. I actually came across this on Ask Jeeves, and I am happy I did. I will definately be coming back here more often. Wish I could add to the conversation and bring a bit more to the table, but am just absorbing as much info as I can at the moment.

Thank You

Posted by Racquel Blafield | April 13, 2010 5:43 AM

Posted on April 13, 2010 05:43

Editorial Blog

Commentary on retailing, shopping, consumers and the gifts and tablewares industry today by G&T editor Lori Smith

Tendence Notes: A Visit to the Season’s First Trade Fair

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