Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Good attendance at last month’s Macef show in Milan reflected “a tangible recovery in business”, organisers said this week.
The fair attracted increased numbers of Italian visitors while those from overseas remained stable, with the final forecast of over 90,000 visitors seeing an overall increase of 12%.
“Following the positive signs of a recovery in consumer spending evidenced by Christmas purchases the distribution industry seems to have gained confidence and now feels the need to begin investing again,” said Fiera Milano managing director Enrico Pazzali. He added that “a significant recovery is looking possible for the homeware industry”.
Over 2,000 leading overseas buyers were invited to Milan, 30% of whom were first-time visitors to Macef. The show also saw the return of representatives of big international chains, including Harrods and Lafayette.
The January edition of Macef covered tabletop and kitchen, home decoration, gifts and jewellery, but from next September the show will be open to the new sectors outdoors, gardening and pets.
