F

Home Expo India 2014

Home lifestyle and fashion products from India gain eminence
as buyers appreciate Indian manufacturers’ ability to adapt
With a positive opening day and reasonably busy days thereafter, the third edition of Home Expo India concluded
with encouraging imprints. The organizers feel encouraged with the buyers who have optimally used Home Expo
India to cater to their sourcing needs. Feedback and suggestions have been absorbed for the next show.
Having heard about the IHGF Delhi Fair-Autumn 2014, many buyers have already decided to visit. There is eagerness
to see how it shapes up and some feel, it was expected, given the manufacturing potential of Indian exporters and
their ability to adapt to diverse market requirements.

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Hon’ble Secretary, Textiles, inaugurates Home Expo, also
Adaptability to new markets is
extends Govt.’s support to IHGF Delhi Fair
key to development & expansion
Mrs. Zohra Chatterji, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, inaugurated
the 3rd edition of Home Expo India, on 15th April, 2014, at the India
Expo Centre & Mart, in the presence of Mr. S S Gupta, Development
Commissioner (Handicrafts); Mr. Navraj Goel, Addl. Development
Commissioner (Handicrafts); Mr. Lekhraj Maheshwari, Chairman,
EPCH; Mr. Arvind Ms. Zohra Chatterji
Vadhera, immediate Home Expo rated amongst Secretary, Ministry of
Textiles, Govt. of India
past Chairman, EPCH; the best in Asia
Mr. R K Malhotra, While we are doing well in our traditional markets,
Chairman, India Expo given our extensive raw material base and
Centre & Mart; Vice- Mr. S S Gupta expertise, we need to adapt to requirements of
Chairmen, EPCH- Development new markets and reach out to non traditional
Mr. Abdul Azim and Commissioner markets that are seeing improved buying power. In
(Handicrafts),
Mr. Prince Malik; fact, we have viable opportunities in China where
Ministry of Textiles,
Co-Chairman, NCDPD, Govt. of India huge mechanization has led to decline of their
Mr. Ravi K Passi; handicrafts and increasing affluence in their
Mr. Vijay Shanker Goel, This show is now an established society is leading to fresh demands.
President, Reception international event and is rated amongst
The Ministry of Textiles will extend support in
Committee, Home some of the best fairs organized in the
EPCH’s venture of launching IHGF Delhi Fair-
Expo India 2014; Vice Asian continent. I am confident that the
Autumn 2014, scheduled for October this year.
Presidents, Reception visiting buyers will find the display range
Committee, Home of interest to them.
Expo India 2014 - Exporters of home decoratives, home
Mr. Shaukat Hussain furnishings and furniture, have brought
Qazi and Mr. Ravinder in many innovative lines to attract great
Nath; Members of number of overseas buyers. Home Expo
COA, EPCH; Mr. Rakesh comprises a wide range of houseware,
Kumar, Executive decoratives, furnishings, flooring &
Director, EPCH; Mr. R K textiles and furniture products, made
Verma, Director, EPCH; using various raw materials. These
exhibitors, overseas products speak greatly of artistry and
buyers, press & media. skills of our craftsmen. Efforts of the
Council in organizing such product
specific fairs of international standards
not only assist in providing valuable
foreign exchange to the country but also
improve livelihood of the craftsmen
engaged in the sector.

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Homing in to the best from India with IFFTEX, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bareilly, Chennai, North-East
region, etc. congregated as part of this show to display
IHDS and IFAS - at Home Expo India
how Indian furniture combines luxury, ethnicity, royalty
Home Expo-a unison of three independent shows and tradition into one and gives any ambience, a look
allowed one to complete the image, with compliments par excellence.
from furnishings, floorings, made-ups, housewares, select
decoratives & home utilities as well as furniture & Display titillates buyer interest
accessories. IFFTEX-the Indian Furnishings, Floorings &
Indian manufacturers have tuned in to the
Textiles Show presented the potential of the Indian
contemporary lifestyle market to meet significant shift
textiles
in consumer demand towards products and experiences
A significant trading industry with
that meet emotional as well as functional needs.
destination in business its widest
and With the consumers' search for identity and need to
friendly environs grandest express that identity, there is a surge in differentiated
products marketing, reflecting the rapid appearance of new niche
ensemble, markets. There is
owing to the growth of Instrumental in bringing
industry's conscious us closer to the world
Mr. Vijay S Goel
President, Reception broad base consumption and
Committee, Home and vast the rebalancing of
Expo India 2014 the global market.
product
spectrum. The
Home Expo has taken shape to become a
IHDS-the transparency in
significant sourcing platform. I am very much
confident that this platform would be Indian the production
optimally utilized by overseas buyers to Houseware & process is
source their line of products, from exhibitors Decoratives another
important factor Mr. Shaukat Hussain Qazi
who have congregated from all over India Show,
Vice President, Reception Committee,
under the same roof. It is worthy to note that projected in craftsmanship's Home Expo India 2014
the Council has been taking steps in India's newfound
increasing international trade of such contribution demand. After The market has shown a positive trend
products and I am very sure that EPCH would in design & years of mass- which shall lead to healthy growth in
further plan more of such niche and focused innovation in produced the long run. Home Expo India has
events, in keeping with the global scenario. this segment practices, been instrumental in bringing us closer
with consumers are to the world of home exclusive
manufacturers offering handcrafted and hand finished keen to importers & retailers. We are growing
products of typical Indian ethnicity alongside those in understand the with each edition and the past two
compliance to contemporary tastes. IHDS thoughtfully product's have been encouraging. Our regular
presented indulgent of selections in houseware, heritage. The patrons have always guided us with
kitchenware, tableware, bathroom accessories as well as value of artists their valuable feedback and
decoratives. IFAS-Indian Furniture & Accessories Show, and designers suggestions. At EPCH, our efforts are to
allowed buyers to see a select assortment from space increasingly connect buyers representing major
defining furniture to table-top items and hardware. needs to markets to the huge manufacturing
Furniture & accessories from all major manufacturing transcend simply base for home lifestyle products.
hubs like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Saharanpur, Moradabad, Delhi, making pretty

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things. They are becoming storytellers, using craft, various tones, Wholesome opportunity
provenance and heritage as narratives to communicate designs and sizes.
with consumers interested in conversation, not just
for visiting buyers
While large stalls
transaction. However, there is a shift from desire for just looked neatly
intricate and painstakingly done decoratives and spread out, small
products of use at home. The quest for something ones too aroused
different, unusual and new drives today's market. the curiosity &
And yes, many manufacturers who put up shop at interest of buyers
Home Expo India evidently responded to this quest by with their product
offering the select and premium. While the home textiles profiles and
section brought in most buyers for bed spreads, throws, presentations. Mr. Lekhraj Maheshwari
rug inspired, digitally printed, embroidered and Chairman, EPCH
A regular
appliqued cushion covers, there were some who fancied exhibitor from The increasing demand from the
digital images of maps on poufs and comforters. Jodhpur, international buyers and visitors is set
Furniture specializing in to upscale local industries and provide
Show integral to reach out to with raw wooden furniture employment to the youth in India. A
appeal but in modern and huge opportunity in the sector is being
Indian manufacturers
smooth contemporary supported by a strong pool of
edges has designs, got a new traditional artisans with their way of
been taken range this time. art & crafts in the home segment.
notice of, Though they
Mr. Ravinder Nath Encouraged with the response to the
Vice President, alongside received queries, first two editions and increasing
Reception wrought they expected interest of the buyer community, EPCH
Committee, Home iron and
Expo India 2014
more buyer traffic. endeavored to extend invitation to
copper tone Another regular new buyers from upcoming markets to
With exquisite product lines in a business
home decor exhibitor from source their supplies from India
friendly environment, Home Expo acts as a like lamps, Jaipur, who deals in through this event. I am confident that
favorable platform for buyers and exhibitors lanterns and furniture and Home Expo India is another successful
alike. A significant contribution of this fair to figurines. home décor event and would emerge to be a
the home decoration, home furnishings and Table top products, got popular show both amongst exporters
furniture sector has been through innovation decor and plenty of and visiting buyers.
in product range, designs, quality and wall
presentation. It can be attributed to close ornamentation
interaction between buyers and had tacky
manufacturers. As the scope for Indian home compilations
decoratives, furnishings and furniture is rising alongside
in the West, I believe that Home Expo-2014 dramatically
plays an integral part in the promotion of presented
trade and exports. lamps and
mirrors.
Among housewares, there were very visible tones of
steel and copper with selections in powder coated
cookware and serve ware. Cutlery was presented in

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appreciation for their product quality. Their chief
representative also shared, their compliance with
international standards & specifications, adds to their
products' acceptability and edge over their competitors.
This has been a good fair for yet another woodcraft
manufacturer from Jodhpur who got positive response
for their products. They got buyers from USA, Spain,
Netherlands and Australia. He said, "we came up with
new products with lime wash and espresso finish.
Vintage furniture did really good; especially the Louis 14/
16 styled chairs." A supplier of antique furniture,
associated with this trade from past 13 years and
Meerut confided that, although there were fewer buyers
exhibiting 80% new items at each fair felt, this edition
than expected, those who visited them liked the
had many first time trade visitors and 'fresher' buyers.
products. In terms of design, buyers are going for new
A leading woodcraft manufacturer from Jodhpur textures and techniques, he added.
specializing in wooden and metal furniture, who has
A home décor and lighting products' manufacturer
been associated with EPCH for around a decade feels,
from Moradabad received many trade visitors,
Home Expo is a great concept but suggested that this
particularly from Latin American countries. Another, with
platform should also encourage artisans of handmade
décor items made with metal, especially aluminum, got
furniture. European style accent furniture, side tables,
good buyer response from Australian buyers who were
nesting tables, etc. came in from a Noida based
keen to discuss offers. According to this exhibitor, the
manufacturer who believes, there is a market for
copper finish along with a raw aluminum finish is being
'distress look' furniture these days and hence they had
appreciated now. Antlers and wall heads continue to get
got in a variety confirming to this theme.
a lot of attention as these are popular in the overseas
A home furnishing exhibitor from Gurgaon, who had markets.
displayed cushions, quilts and beddings, alongside wall
A Jodhpur based antique and vintage furniture &
arts and note books, got "very positive response,
home décor manufacturer got a lot of buyer enquiries. "I
especially from European and US buyers". "This time
was approached by buyers mainly from Europe and
there has been a good demand for African theme
USA", he said and added, "the mini tractor, truck bars and
products that I have created", he shared and added that
the jeep decks that we innovated and brought to this
he looks forward to the IHGF Delhi Fair - Autumn 2014.
show have been in great demand."
A manufacturer of carpets, rugs, stools and poufs, from
A home total manufacturer dealing in furniture,
home décor and gifting shared, "buyers, mostly from
USA and Europe, have been coming to us because of our
product variety. This year industrial furniture products
are in good demand." For this fair, they got along tables
with concrete tops, and tables based on the 'traveler
theme', with images of compasses and maps.
“Innovation is the key to sale” for an exporter
specializing in home décor and utility items like frames,
head boards and stands. They are regular participants at
EPCH fairs and bring in more than 20% new items with

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 Home Expo India has evolved

Mr. Abdul Azim

Vice Chairman, EPCH

Taking shape as a show of the select and the

premium, Home Expo has evolved to become a
home total show, drawing buyers from across
the world. Our manufacturers are absorbing
buyer suggestions and feedback to better their
best in home products. This show has been
instrumental in spreading the word among
each event. He shares, "I believe that home décor items should have overseas buyers that India can be a very viable
their own life and utility. Hence while creating a new range; I keep the sourcing destination to source everything for
utility aspect most prominent." Another echoes this sentiment and home and lifestyle.
says, "we are trend makers. Our designers and buyer base help us in
delivering innovative and fresh content every time. This time in our
lights and lighting we used rustic elements like rope and leather." Yet
Exhibiting space no longer a
another says, he tries a new theme and concept for displaying their
textiles and decorative hangings in cotton, linen and velvet." Their main constraint for the creative
buyers represent high-end markets in EU, Australia and New Zealand.
A brassware manufacturer from Moradabad expressed his
gratitude to EPCH trade platforms for good orders and enquiries that
mostly shape up profitably. This time they are expecting 20 of their
enquiries to materialize into orders. "EPCH has been organizing well
managed fairs since a long time," said a decoratives' manufacturer and
Mr. Prince Malik
added, "these fairs are for contact building, and we have made
Vice Chairman, EPCH
contacts. Buyers were really happy with the arrangements and we got
good buyer traffic." As the specialized show of home products, Home
Expo saw a good 3rd edition. Improvement in
This show had a good selection in hardware too. An exhibitor had
product presentation deserves accolades. While
put on display, various hardware products like ornamental door knobs
stall sizes may have varied as much as products,
and hooks. They use a variety of materials like ceramic, terracotta, glass,
it was the presentation that made one
iron, wood, acrylic and bone for their manufacturing. He shared that he
distinctive. While large stalls had a good spread
got orders from his regular buyers from USA and Germany, although
out of their merchandize, some with audio visual
he trades with 38 countries worldwide. Natural wood and wooden
presentations and company backgrounders, it
finished door knobs, bright colour handles and knobs, he says are a lot
was the smaller display areas that seem to have
preferred these days. He has international designers who helped him in
been equally worked upon with theme based
introducing a new range with themes of shore, riverside and sea
and focused display.
washed door knobs and hooks.

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Home Expo India helps buyers complete the home décor, accessories and textiles, felt that Indian
manufacturers have a much better understanding of
‘home’ picture
the American market than their counterparts in other
This third milestone of the fair registered overseas countries. Another regular visitor who deals in
buyers from USA, Canada, Germany, UK, France, Italy, decorative items liked the glassware a lot. Canadian
Latvia, Costa Rica, Poland, Spain, Australia, Austria, buyers liked the furniture and home décor products.
Finland, Denmark, Serbia, Iran, Eqypt, South Africa, Japan, Some of them made special mention of the aluminum
Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Middle East, as well as decorative products. Another appreciated cushions &
buying agents and retail buyers. Among prominent recycled furniture.
buying groups across the world who registered for
The show welcomed a lot of buyers from Europe as
Home Expo India 2014, are, Pier 1 Import (USA), Cost Plus
well. Buyers from UK who source furnishings, decorative
World Market (USA), Gibson Importing Co.(Australia),
products and furniture were happy and showed
Worldwide Home Furnishing Inc. (Canada), Atlas
keenness in visiting IHGF Delhi Fair. Some of them who
Gmbh(Germany), Halenza KG(Germany), Livins Co. Ltd.
exclusively deal in wood based items expect to see more
(Japan), Globus AG (Switzerland), Edelman BV(The
variety. Another buyer from UK, a wholesaler of home
Netherlands), Uttermost Company(USA), etc.
furnishing was here to take products that can add value
As the fair strove to make a mark among similar to home embellishments, keeping the contemporary
home special trade events, it certainly made an impact touch intact but allowing the dominance of a classical
on the minds of buyers as well as exhibitors. While look in trimmings.
buyers were seen taking keen notice of the show’s
A buyer from Germany who was here for garden
objectives and appreciating this substantial & composite
items & wood material believed that Indian products
‘home total’ platform, exhibitors were wooing them with
appeal to European buyers because of their cultural and
concentrated theme based product offerings.
traditional tone. Another who visited for furniture,
A buyer from USA for furniture and handicrafts who house ware and decorative items, was interested in
visited the show for the first time mentioned that Indian recycled furniture. An interior designer and technical
products are sellable in the American market due to consultant from Germany was browsing through
their new & creative style and designs. In USA, buyers furniture and liked the products on display. A wholesaler
prefer nature inspired products with an unmistakable catering to high-end markets for furniture, home décor
European touch. Another trader from USA who deals in products and lamps zeroed down on handmade
products and industrial designs.
Another German buyer, working with
Indian suppliers since last 35 years,
was happy to find a unique range of
handcrafted and antique furniture.
Many importers from France
were looking for furniture and home
accessories. Some were here for
exclusive Indian designs and some
for antique furniture. They shared
that a mixture of ethnic and modern
style appeals to French customers,
although there is always a preference
for innovation and freshness.

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 We are encouraged & inspired

Mr. R K Verma
Director, EPCH

We are pleased to have hosted all our exhibitors

and guests at the 3rd edition of Home Expo India.
The biggest phase of polling for India's general
elections fell during our fair dates, thus many of our
artisans and entrepreneurs missed this business
Australian buyers praised the quality and prices of the
occasion to be able to vote in their respective
products offered at the show. They could find a good range of
constituencies.
contemporary designs in furniture, lighting and textiles , with
original and innovative designs. The traffic of overseas buyers, their representatives
and also Indian retail chains’ executive traffic in the
A buyer from Holland preferred buying not only home textiles
of the show has been encouraging. Buyers have been
from India, but also upholstered furniture made of Indian textiles.
appreciative of new products and designs which
Some Poland based dealers, mostly for items of home décor like
were exhibited at this show,especially in the furniture
carpets, baskets, wardrobes, magazine holders and bathroom
section, yet some felt, displays in some categories
accessories with a contemporary influence, found products of their
like outdoor furniture was minimal. Most buyers
liking. They could not only multitask and save time, but also find a
were quite pleased and satisfied with quality of
collection of premium products under one roof. A Finland based
products but would like to see more variety in future
buying agent felt, the product range was interesting and he found
shows. Buyer turnout from the USA, Australia,
some really good cushions and bags made from recycled materials.
Germany, France, LAC and the Mid-East regions
stood out.
Seminars and Display Awards
A Curtain Raiser on the upcoming IHGF Delhi Fair-
Autumn 2014, was conducted in course of Home Expo.
This gave an opportunity for one to one interactions
between probable exhibitors and EPCH.
Insightful seminars featuring experts and
professionals from the industry made this expo
wholesome while awards for best display, encouraged
participants to better their presentations. This time,
two presentations were conducted, one on “Get
Online with Amazon India and Grow Profitably” and
the other on “Home Style and Colour Trend Style
Update - 2015”. The Ajay Shankar Memorial Award for
Best Display was given away in 3 categories.

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 IHGF Delhi Fair-Autumn 2014
Curtain Raiser

A Curtain Raiser on IHGF Delhi Fair, was conducted by products and manifest our interest to encash our
EPCH on 16th April, 2014, at the India Expo Centre, to products at 360 degrees.
familiarize exhibitors with the new show concept. A Timing of the Fair - Mr. Rakesh Kumar further
detailed presentation on the fair and its various explained, “we are targeting to create a circuit of fairs
attributes was made by Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Executive and fix an Indian fair between prime fairs in Singapore
Director, EPCH and international lifestyle designer, PJ and Malaysia during the months of February/March, to
Aranador. They explained the structure of the fair, with its compete with the Chinese market and increase
various segments, including six new ones. This paved profitability of the fair. Moreover, the timing of IHGF Delhi
way for a detailed interaction and Q&A. The gathering Fair-14th to 18th October, 2014, is apt as it is between the
posed various queries pertaining to space, product circuit of China-India and Singapore fairs. Consequently,
profile, layout, marketing & promotion of the show and there will be a perfect gap between the two fairs of EPCH.
issues regarding various other fair facilities.
Active Social Media Presence - As organizers of
Present on the ocassion were, Mr. Lekhraj IHGF, EPCH plans to reach out to all existing as well as
Maheshwari, Chairman, EPCH; Mr. Ravi K Passi, Co- potential markets for home fashion & lifestyle products.
Chairman, NCDPD and COA Member-EPCH; Mr. Raj K
The show planning activities would include extensive
Malhotra, Chairman, India Expo Centre & Mart; and publicity of IHGF, with special focus on social media like
member exporters of the Council. facebook, twitter, pinterest, google+, etc. so that
New Concept - Detailing the new concept and the maximum buyers are reached. The organizers have
need for renewal, Mr. Rakesh Kumar explained, “with the introduced a toll free number as well.
changing times there is a need for re-imaging all our Display area - The next aspect is offering a larger
fairs. We are in the process of re-aligning all EPCH fairs display area. Every exhibitor desires a bigger space, so
and this is going to be our re-imaging activity.” He added, this too is being reworked upon. “Champions from
“under the banner of IHGF Delhi Fair, we would be able to
different trades must become part of the whole show.
liberate ourselves from the image of being a 'handicraft Efforts are going on in this regard,” shared Mr. Rakesh
fair' and this would allow a variety of products to get Kumar. Among products at the fair, it was discussed that
accommodated in the fair.” He highlighted that this
brands from leather, sports, festive deco and many other
would fulfil our industry’s wish to create a synergy of categories will be added to the list.

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 Comprehensive Display Categories - The next
aspect is offering comprehensive display categories to
IHGF Delhi Fair to be launched with
meet the challenge of newer fairs coming up in various New Look & New Design
parts of the world, shifting buyer interest and inclination
towards nations like China for low cost alternatives. To
tackle these a 'New Look, New Design' with re-branding
and re-building is being worked upon. In order to
provide an Indian touch, aesthetics and ambience of the
fair are being worked upon. Mr. Rakesh Kumar
A total of 22 categories are being targeted for IHGF Executive Director, EPCH
Delhi Fair. Exhibitors for this edition would have to select In the wake of the global sourcing process, choices, patterns &
a category for themselves. Through this, segregation will dynamics constantly changing and evolving, there is a need
get easier; within each category, a large number of for re-imaging all our fairs.
products can be added and new products can be
We are in the process of re-aligning all EPCH fairs and this is
created.
going to be our re-imaging activity. Under the banner of IHGF
New Display Structures - Double Decker structures Delhi Fair, we would be able to liberate ourselves from the
that are becoming an international phenomena, will be image of being a 'handicraft fair' and this would allow a variety
among new additions in the upcoming Delhi Fair. of products to get accommodated in the fair.This would fulfil
However, manufacturers will need to get a structural our industry’s wish to create a synergy of products and
engineering certificate prior to the fair. Special manifest our interest to encash our products at 360 degrees.
counseling programs will be organized for
manufacturers as these changes would be taken up. The
Instead of the usual 4 days, the fair would be spread
allotment of stalls is expected to be done by 15th June,
over 5 days. The show will broadly cover all types of
2014. A Mobile app of the fair will be launched, for in-
homeware and houseware requirements including,
hand availability of information to buyers much before
Houseware, Decoratives & Gifts, Furniture & Home
the fair starts.
Accessories, Home Textiles, Furnishings & Floor
The Autumn edition of IHGF is being launched as a
Coverings, Fashion Jewellery, Accessories & Bags,
mega trade show, renamed as IHGF Delhi Fair that would
Chritmas Decorations, Candles & Incense sticks, Lamps &
be grander in display with over 1200 product types &
Lighting, Corporate Gifts, Sports Goods, Educational
styles, 12 segmented product groups from 2750
Toys, Stationary, Luggage & Travel Goods, Pet
exhibitors in a much bigger space of 1,90,000 sq. mtrs.,
Accessories, etc.

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