ISPO China 05 Convinces

SHANGHAI, China (March 22) - ISPO China ‘05, which took place for the first time at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, SNIEC for short, was a success for all trade fair participants. Substantially more than 13,000 trade visitors were recorded on the first three visitor days. Approximately two-thirds of the trade visitors came from China, one-third of the trade visitors came from the countries neighboring China. Asia is currently the third largest market for sports equipment and sportswear following the USA and Europe. Information about international, high quality brand products were previously difficult for retailers in China to obtain. 148 companies with a total of 180 brands presented their sports equipment and sportswear collections in six categories: Snow & Outdoor, Team Sports, Fitness & Wellness, Boardsports & Youth Fashion, Sportswear as well as Golf to retailers. The opening ceremony was performed by Boris Becker, who introduced his own new tennis gear brand at the show. The supporting events of ISPO China 05 were well received too. A special highlight was the retail conference by W.L.Gore, which provided retailers with information about stock and order management, marketing and use of staff. A large number of participants attended this event. Trade visitors were also greatly interested in the sports events, such as the first Shanghai Skate Masters and the Climbing Wall. For Messe München, the organizers, ISPO China 05 is the official start of the expansion of its event portfolio: After Munich, site of ISPO winter and ISPO summer, Shanghai is the second trade fair site. ISPO Russia 05 in Moscow will be held in September.(MH)