Unrestricted entry to China possible again: CHIC March postponed by three weeks

CHIC - China International Fashion Fair starts the new year with a new date and fresh ideas. Asia's most important fashion fair will be slightly postponed to 28-30 March 2023 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. The organizers are thus moving the date by around 3 weeks to make it easier for international visitors and exhibitors to enter the country. The background are the relaxed entry conditions in China.

Since 8 January, almost all entry restrictions for visitors from abroad have been lifted. A several day quarantine is no longer necessary, the presentation of a negative PCR test is sufficient. CHIC is reacting to this official step by slightly postponing the date of the fair. "CHIC is the essential B2B meeting for the international fashion business in China. Under normal conditions, around 200,000 visitors from all over the world usually use CHIC as an essential trading platform. The new date at the end of March now offers them more time to apply for visas after the restrictions have been lifted. We are looking forward to finally welcoming our international business partners on site again!" said Ms. Liu, the responsible person for CHIC March, 2023.

Over 1,600 exhibitors are expected in 5 halls at the modern NECC. The clearly structured exhibition segments present the big players as well as young, up-and- coming designers and exciting niche brands in the areas of WOMENSWEAR, MENSWEAR, KIDSWEAR, DENIM, SHOES, BAGS AND ACCESSSORIES, YOUNG FASHION,SPORTSWEAR, DESIGNER BRANDS AND OVERSEAS BRANDS.

Current collections show the latest trends in the Chinese market. GenZ is looking for exciting retro vibes with a nod to the 90's and Y2K style. Trendy denim looks now also come as suits, the waist slips down. Designer collections show the new wide silhouettes, mini is back as a length. The pandemic-driven mixing of office and leisure is leading to a boom in loungewear and casual streetwear styles in China. Globally, the loungewear category is expected to grow by USD 13.4bn from 2020 to 2050, according to market research firm Technavio. 44% of this will be in the APAC region, where China is on its way to becoming the main market for sleep and loungewear. Market leaders like Septwolves, K-Boxing, Hodo, Zuowill show up in the MENSWEAR AREA. The WOMENSWEAR area presents ESEY, YERAD, MENGZHIWU and the DESIGNER BRAND area brings famous designers like Sun Guitian, Yixi, Rongyu, Cafmere, WGMX and YVONNE CHOI with their new design and collection to the stage. In addition, in the Accessory Area, JCJ, Doughnut TARA, Feel Blue and Henny Bear are ready to show their latest products. The KIDSWEAR area will welcome QIRUIDEZE, MioCuore and more well known brands. At Future Link PGM, CKLASER and Browzwear will present their new product and concepts. The Supply Chain area shows up manufacturers like Jinshixiu,Hengla or Jieniya with their new design and key pieces.

CHIC MATCHING

Around 200,000 trade visitors are expected at the upcoming CHIC, serving all major distribution channels in China; large shopping malls and department stores - such as SKP, Joy City - agents, distributors, buyers from multi-brand and concept stores - like DONG LIANG or YI SHANG MEN -, live stream providers, etc. CHIC organizers has sent invitation via emails, calls, SMSs, Wechats etc. to 150,000 agents for brands, 83,000 buyer, 37,000 visitors from online platforms, 50,000 wholesale market visitors, 2000 cooperation association visitors, 10,000 live stream KOLs, 80,000 online brands and more than 10,000 international visitors.

With CHIC Matching, the successful networking system of CHIC, exhibitors and visitors are brought into contact with each other efficiently and individually. During personal meetings in the buyer area, new contacts can be made and cooperation opportunities explored. CHIC can draw on its long-standing network in the Chinese fashion business and an extensive database. Comprehensive marketing activities via all relevant channels such as CHIC WeChat Public Account, CNGA WeChat Mini Program and Tiktok ensure visibility. (CHIC WeChat Public Account has got more than 200,000 subscriptions and CNGA WeChat Mini Program counts more than 100,000 memberships.)

NEW: CHIC SHOWROOM To make it easier for international fashion brands to enter the Chinese consumer market, CHIC is breaking new ground and has set up an innovative showroom concept. In the 150 sqm CHIC Showroom by China World in China World Apartments in the Central Business District of Beijing, a curated selection of international brands is being presented to the Chinese fashion scene. The elegant store concept provides brands with another direct access point to the Chinese market. In a first phase, 10 premium brands with high design standards from Italy and France are being shown here. Brands like Ines de la Fressange Paris, Maison Lener Paris, Stella Forest Paris etc. are included. In the future, the concept will be further expanded. A new report published by iziRetail recently showed, in 2022, shopping malls in Shanghai, such as Shanghai the mixc welcomes competitive international brands such as UGG, Self-Portrait, Anna Sui or Active to settle in and sell their products. CHIC takes place three times a year. The next fairs are planned for 28.-30. August 2023 in Shanghai and 6.-8.November 2023 in Shenzhen. CHIC - China International Fashion Fair is organized by China National Garment Association in cooperation with China World Exhibition.