Retail Asia 2018 JunJuly2018 | Page 66

REVIEW April 26-28, 2018 Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), Shanghai, China www.c-star-expo.com Exhibitors showcased a variety of product solutions which reflect the new retail demand. Exhibitors and visitors were presented with networking opportunities to gather information and meet the right people. Visitors were inspired by the innovations seen at the fair, according to the organisers. The highly professional audience used the chance to discuss the global trends in retail and there was a great interaction during the C-star Retail Forum. 78 Retail Asia June/July 2018 C-star 2018 concluded with record-breaking visitor figures RENOWNED retailers such as Kidsland, Lawson, Lidl, Metro and MINISO shared valuable insights and creative inspiration at the C-star Retail Forum around the theme of “Shape a Human Centred Retail World”. During the three-day session, retail experts and industry leaders from around the world shared knowledge and analyses on the new retail development such as customer-centred strategies and trends. Wang Pu, sales manager from Okamura Furniture and Logistics System, said: “I came here to learn about the latest retail trend and produce innovation, especially the case study from a convenience store and hypermarket. I think the C-star Retail Forum this year was quite successful with many high-profile speakers among which the case study from Lawson and Metro impressed me a lot. Our company is specialised in store fixtures and this forum gave me a great opportunity to reach those speakers and learn the demands of the retailers.” The C-star Retail Forum was part of C-star — Shanghai’s international trade fair for solutions and trends on retail — which concluded its fourth edition in April recently. This year’s fair attracted 12,979 visitors from 44 countries and regions, which is a 53% increase from last year. Visitors had numerous opportunities to explore cutting-edge technologies, inspiring and new solutions in shop- fitting, lighting, retail technology and visual merchandising. It also attracted visitors from renowned retail brands including Sephora, Louis Vuitton, C&A China, Watsons, Max Mara, Apple, Uniqlo, Superdry and more. Elke Moebius, global head — Retail & Retail Technologies of event organiser Messe Düsseldorf, commented: “I am extremely pleased with the performance of the show’s edition this year. The vibrant Chinese retail market is still growing rapidly and thus ready for investments as well as looking for inspiration. Especially the ReTailor Hub, the Designer Village and the Technology Village represented the dynamic retail market perfectly. At C-star, Chinese retailers can find everything for their store — starting from store planning to furnishing and furniture.” Collaborative “new retail” The organiser said the new ReTailor Hub attracted a large number of visitors with its extraordinary and unique examples of new retail. In ROCOCO and Classic Teddy’s special event zone, 11 store design and equipment suppliers showcased a full display of innovative product solutions, including store designs, light rendering, light box identification, fitting magic mirror, remote video store inspection system, face recognition technology, LED screens, display containers and shelves and model props. This year, C-star welcomed 110 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions to showcase product solutions for shopfitting; lighting and design; retail technology; visual merchandising; and marketing and event construction. As the returning exhibitor at C-star, Simon Bo, managing director of Octanorm China, shared: “Our company provides tailor-made solutions for shopfitting and presentation products such as shelf systems, displays, counters and much more. At C-star this year, we mainly showcase our well-rounded lighting frames with 3D lighting in deep view effect. This year gave us a deep impression on its large number of visitors and the buyer professionalism. During the three-day show, we met a lot of target customers such as designers, advertising agencies and suppliers for exhibition construction builders.” Next year’s C-star will continue to collocate with HOTEL PLUS — Total Solution for Commercial Properties from April 26-28 at Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The two shows will serve as a one-stop commercial space platform in China. ra