MOTEXHA Autumn 2004 closes on high note as global brands sign Middle East partnerships

Initial figures indicate over 7000 trade visitors attended the show that took place between the 7th and 10th of September, 2004.

Among the highlights of the show was the PURE Branded Wear area where exhibitors reported franchising partnerships. Indoyan Needles from Malaysia, Frou Frou maternity wear from Australia, Arts and Gems designer handbags and K.S Antonious leather from Cyprus were among those exploring franchise opportunities in the region.

Commenting on this Ferry Lee, Marketing Director, IIR Exhibitions, organisers of the show stated, "The positive response from trade visitors and exhibitors alike reaffirms that MOTEXHA has successfully catered to the entire fashion and textile industry from franchise brands to wholesale manufacturers. The emphasis on brands is because it's not just about selling products, but about selling brand value. For the wholesale sector, this underpins Dubai's strategic position as the regional export hub for the Middle East, East and North Africa, the Indian Sub-continent and Eastern European markets."

There was a significant increase in the number of GCC and Middle Eastern buyers who had travelled specifically to attend the show as well as growing support from international buyers. MOTEXHA brings 500 exhibitors from more than 30 countries to Dubai, providing trade visitors with a one stop shop to explore a global market of suppliers.

Andrew Hack, General Manager, Emidale, a buyer from Romania said, "I have been very impressed with the extensive range of products available at the show, from Italian high-end luxury brands to mass production goods from the Asian markets. I am especially interested in home furnishings and textile manufacturing accessories from Thailand and Indonesia. As an industry professional, MOTEXHA has also helped me keep abreast of the industry developments where the Trends Forum and the Launch Pad Fashion shows have been informative, adding value to the trade show experience."

Kristen Morris, Director, Designer, Frou Frou maternity and children's wear stated: "This is our first time at the show and we're here to gauge response to our garments. We're very happy with the reactions we've got from trade visitors. We have received franchise enquiries from Jordan and UAE and are also speaking to wholesalers in Lebanon, Oman, Kuwait and Jordan. I see definite potential for our brand in the Middle East owing to the high population of children and we're delighted that MOTEXHA has opened a new market for us."

This was supported by Hema Mukhi, of Arts & Gems that sells exclusive bejewelled evening bags: "I have received extremely positive response about my products from trade visitors, especially from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. I am also looking at expanding my retail presence, perhaps in Burjman."

As Andonis Antoniou, Sales Manager, K&S Antonoiu Leather products, Cyprus stated: "We have supported MOTEXHA for several shows and it continues to deliver. In addition to meeting with our existing suppliers, we signed deals worth US$ 100,000 and met with new trade buyers from Singapore, Kenya, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, further extending our reach into the region. The Antonious brand already has retail presence at Sahara Centre Sharjah, and we plan to open another franchise boutique in Burjman shortly.

Other successful exhibitors include first time exhibitors Amco Global from Pakistan who conducted business worth US$ 800,000 in the first two days with fifteen potential deals under negotiation with traders from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Europe (Norway). The company is planning to bring in five new brands at the next year's Spring show and increase stand space by six times. First time successes also include Kirby Footwear. Their UK based agent and distributor Danny Warren commented, "This is our first time in the Middle East and we thought MOTEXHA was the best platform to enter the region. We have had several orders from retail store owners in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain for our Schutz brand of shoes for ladies and Democrata for men." Kirby has also confirmed that it will return to the Spring edition with a much bigger (72 square metre) stand.

MOTEXHA attracts some of the world leading and largest manufacturers. The world's largest jacquard and artificial fur manufacturers Jiaxing Ximen from China reported a successful debut at MOTEXHA. Taking advantage of Dubai's strategic location, the company now plans to appoint local representatives to access the Iranian and Eastern European markets. The company's Manager of International Business, Darren Dafeng Wu commented, "MOTEXHA is well-placed to help us meet traders from across the Middle East and Europe. We also conducted business worth US$ 200,000 with independent regional traders."

Exhibitors in the Turkey Pavilion, an important player in the global leather footwear market, continue to see value at MOTEXHA, with over 50 percent of exhibitors returning after the Spring 2004 show, with the backing of the AGEAN exporters association. Rifat Sari, Managing Director, UC-EL footwear reported successful deals as well as a positive enquiry from a U.K based buyer.

New countries supporting the show, Vietnam, Estonia, Romania and the Philippines also reported that they had surpassed their expectations. Coming only to gauge the market, but in fact found that they were able conduct business deals. Lourdes from Philippines, selling exquisite embroidered and lace fabric stated, "We are very pleased with the quality of visitors at the show. I have already done US$ 200,000 of business with designers and fabric store traders from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and Oman, which was my target audience."

MOTEXHA Spring 2005 will be held from April 11-14, 2005 and MOTEXHA Autumn 2005 will be held from September, 13-16, 2005.