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The WHO’S NEXT and PREMIERE CLASSE trade fairs ended last Tuesday January 26th on a very positive result, both in terms of attendance and in terms of general feeling. With 49,460 visitors, this session recorded a record attendance, showing a very positive 17% rise in attendance compared with the January 09 session. This edition was characterized by the return of foreign buyers on both Parisian trade shows: they were 17,974 (i.e. 36% of the global attendance), a 30.6% increase compared with last January. The French attendance was also on the rise, +10.5%, i.e. 31,486 visitors and 64% of the global attendance. But if this edition has left its mark on spirits, it’s mostly thanks to high-quality and enthusiastic visitors: agains, they favor impulse buying and choose creative products with a true added value.

The feeling is general! Even though market analysts are cautious about announcing the end of the recession, exhibitors and visitors noticed the energy was back… Eddy Rizal, vice-chairman of the Rizal Groupe (Hôtel Particulier, Rizal) says "It has been our best trade show since Hôtel Particulier was created… The atmosphere was positive and the buyers were in a completely different mood. We’re evidently getting closer to a growth period". According to American Retro’s David Pariente "Customers are thinking six months ahead, already planning the moment when they receive their orders, which is a good omen". In this enthusiastic climate, retailers placed orders with no restraints and favored impulse buys, - which they’d avoided these past seasons -, they are more daring in terms of style, especially as far as accessories… According to Hélène Hanum working with Lambert & Associates as a buyer for the British Fenwick department stores, "The women’s fashion offer was very interesting and creative. We noticed a new spirit, a new freshness in collections compared with the last two sessions.” This creative energy and wind of change really made the difference in January, together with the selection efforts and focus on products, a demonstration of quality vital to the eyes of the WHO’S NEXT and PREMIERE CLASSE organizing teams.

New buyers, new purchasing habits, a new energy… this session proved to be a real turning point for PREMIERE CLASSE. All the exhibitors presented very well-positioned and well-thought collections, adapted to the market reality. On the lookout for novelty and variety, as if frustrated by a long period of apathy, the retailers were twice as interested and instinctive, placing orders, giving up reasonable purchases and choosing "designer" products. The season’s theme: "Contemporary art and fashion", developed in a Nomad Lounge featuring 8 tables and two 20 sqm-pop-up stores taken over by Tzuri Gueta and Yazbukey, really proved successful and generated many orders. "I hadn’t exhibited at a 1st-session trade show for a long time, and I only signed with new customers, mostly looking for a concept" shares Philippe Roucou, who came to present a line of silk scarves featuring Polaroid prints. Seasonal products (fur, hats, scarves, warm textile) were, as usual, a hit. According to Evelyne Carron working with brand Deauvison "People were queuing… ‘Made in France’ was very successful! " The shoe area’s closeness to the FACE shoe offer, initiated last September, was very much appreciated. "People are no longer looking for us, it’s a very efficient change" according to Ash’s Gilles Sebagh. The real surprise came from jewellery, often a low seller during the winter, and exceptionally dynamic this season. "We felt buyers were looking for the right product, and not only the right price,” says Babylone’s Christine Laaban, who adds "The French were more cautious making their choices this season, but international buyers were attracted by more eccentric and impressive pieces".

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	Visitors department: Johanna BERU Tel. +33 (0)1 40 13 74 74 Fax: +33 (0)1 40 13 74 80 Email : johanna@premiere-classe.com __________________________________________________________________________

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