Texworld Evolution Paris, the international textile trade show that took place in Paris Le Bourget Exhibition Centre, from 6 to 8 February 2023, was characterized by a busy and lively atmosphere, especially in the first two days, and registered nearly 8,000 visitors from about 115 countries.
The return of a significant number of visitors showed that the European fashion industries and the major sourcing countries are returning to collaborate together after the difficult times imposed by COVID.
The temporary change of location is due to the fact that Paris Le Bourget Expo pole will host activities connected to the upcoming Olympic Games taking place in Paris in summer 2023, but a change that will affect all of its summer editions from now on.
A growth in attendance
After three years of crisis, Texworld Paris and Apparel Sourcing Paris finally returned to a level of attendance and activity comparable to its past pre-Covid editions of Texworld Evolution Paris. Nearly 8,000 professional buyers, a near three-fold increase compared to February 2022. The increase demonstrates Texworld Evolution Paris' ability to respond to the reopening of business flows with the major textile sourcing countries.
Overall, the past edition reflected the long-awaited reopening to the world with the comeback of Indian, Indonesian, but also Korean or Bangladeshi manufacturers.
Turkish manufacturers, with 122 companies participating this edition, were also prominent, despite the overall mood inside some of their booths was somber due to the recently happened devastating earthquake. Moreover, especially for companies that are located in areas hit by the disaster, fewer employees were working, though guaranteeing their service and support to clients and visitors.
More internationality
The expansion of the offer was also reflected in the structure of the visitor base, which was very international: the proportion of foreign visitors reached 85%, compared to the 65% of a year ago.
If the French conformed as the most important presence, English, Turkish, Italian, Spanish and Dutch buyers were among the top five of foreign visitors, ahead of Germans and Americans.
Another sign of this renewed atmosphere was the presence of key stakeholders such as the Inditex group, River Island, Marks&Spencer, Mango, Asos or C&A, who came to discover the displayed offer and negotiate contracts for the next season.
From the first day, the dynamics of the trade were perceptible. Turkish weaver Segovin, which offered a wide range of silky fabrics at the Elite area of Texworld Paris, had three very busy days. At Apparel Sourcing Paris, Resha Mandi, the Indian specialist in natural fiber fabrics for womenswear, saw more customers in a single day than at the show last July. Sesil, the Pakistani manufacturer of technical sportswear and supplier to a major French sports brand, was quite popular among buyers of major European brands when presenting its new casual range.
“The success of this edition shows our ability to adapt,” underlined Frédéric Bougeard, president, Messe Frankfurt France.
“It also shows that our fairs are open international sourcing platforms. And they will remain so. The offer must stay organised according to the expectations of buyers, who come here to find quality industrial know-how to produce their collections in the best conditions and at the best price. Our objective is to always make this offer accessible and visible,” he added.
What to expect in July 2023
As part of a strategy to make its offer more accessible, Texworld Evolution Paris has decided to move all its summer editions to Paris inside the city.
From 3 to 5 July, Apparel Sourcing Paris, Avantex Paris, and Texworld Paris as well as the Leatherworld offer will be held on 45,000 sq. meters in Hall 1 of the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre, an increased size when compared to the 25,000 sq. meters for the February 2023 edition.
“This configuration will also offer two days in common with the dates of the International Lingerie trade show & Interfilière organised by Who’s Next, the professional platforms for the sourcing of materials and accessories for the lingerie, sportswear and swimwear markets, which will be held in Paris from 2 to 4 July,” commented Bougeard.
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