A new kind of trade show is making a debut in Florida in July that offers unique opportunities to the flea market and swap meet industry. The China Sourcing Fair in Miami, produced by Global Sources, offers direct access to the makers and suppliers in China without the need for an intermediary wholesaler. What makes this show unique is that every exhibitor represents a Chinese manufacturer, offering unprecedented access to the overseas production market that supplies a wide range of items sold in flea markets and swap meets.
According to Bill Janeri, Global Sources’ general manager for developing markets, vendors selling new merchandise almost invariably include Chinese products in their selling stock. If you trace the supply chain, he says, “ultimately you are going to end up talking to a supplier out of Asia for these products.” Therefore, it makes sense to deal directly with a Chinese supplier.
While huge retailers can afford to send buyers to Asia and to set up offices overseas, a small retailer does not have that option. Now, however, that’s not necessary, since the new China Sourcing Fair is bringing Chinese suppliers to America. “One of the differentiating aspects of our show is that it is focused on an array of Chinese suppliers, all in the same building, that you can talk to now,” says Janeri.
And it is easier for a buyer to travel to Miami than to Hong Kong. “The nice thing is that the show is coming to the vendors rather than the vendors traveling to Asia,” says Janieri. However, Global Sourcing is not newcomer to the trade show business. The company has been holding similar events all over the world, from Singapore to Johannesburg to Mumbai. The company has been putting on these successful events since 2005, and has been in the business of connecting suppliers with buyers for 40 years.
The new China Sourcing Fair in Miami will focus on six product categories: consumer electronics, gifts and premiums, home products, fashion accessories, garments, and children’s products. A vendor can register under any of these six categories on the site, but has free access to all six sections at the Miami Beach Convention Center. “The China Sourcing Fair is organized by six product categories within the show,” says Janieri. “Buyers can go to any one of these areas once they enter the show. They are not restricted in any way.”
That means full access to about 650 exhibitors. According to Janieri, that’s 650 exhibitors who are looking for new customers in the retail industry, including at flea markets and swap meets. “The exhibitors who come to this show are looking to expand their customer base. They are willing to meet with retailers and discuss the different sizes of orders that the buyers might be interested in,” he says. “We all know the market has changed, especially with the advances in technology over the last several years, and advances in logistics and shipping. A lot of exhibitors realize that their customer base is anywhere and everywhere, so serving a smaller size customer is within their scope.”
The event also includes a seminar series that is designed to help retailers transition into a direct relationship with overseas suppliers. “We will have a conference at the show, to teach smaller scale buyers the ins and outs of doing business with a Chinese supplier,” syas Janieri. “That includes roadblocks, pitfalls, export regulations, etc. It is a very hands-on how-to seminar.”
For more information on the first in America China Sourcing Fair in Miami, visit the event Web site or e-mail visit@chinasourcingfair.com.
