kleine fabriek #12: “The most positive ever”

An inspiring exhibition floor full of positive trade

colleagues; the 12th edition of kleine fabriek has passed off more than successful. The slightly ‘unstable’ atmosphere in (children)fashion seems to decrease and to move over for a positive and fresh view, as clearly appears from the atmosphere in the hall and from the number of visitors that found their way to the Amsterdam RAI. The visitor figures (a fifth came from outside the Netherlands) climbed up to 5500, a growth of 10 per cent.

One hall, more than 260 stands, over 400 brands, 5500 visitors and 12 media partners; the figures of the 12th edition of kleine fabriek are equally quite positive. The beautiful furnishing, pleasant atmosphere and returning optimism contributed to the vivacity of the visitors, ánd of many exhibitors: 85% of them intends to come back.

Children’s wear
Exhibitors spoke well of the smooth organisation. Rudy Gerritsen (gsus sindusties): “All is well-regulated. A cup of coffee when you come in, the food, those small things. For us, kleine fabriek is a perfect opportunity to communicate our new corporate design. We had a great day; many visitors, including big names. For us indeed a positive come-back to the fair.”

The fair took place in one spacious hall and the clear segmentation was well received. Vanessa Reijnders (Diesel): “This is our first time at kleine fabriek and I have to say; our impression is very positive. The segmentation improves every edition. It also strikes us that the fair’s international fame is growing. A positive development.” Not only the big newcomers had a good fair. Creativity pays, as you could clearly see with the ‘smaller’ newcomers. Philippe Spruyt, agent 120% Lino: “This is our second baby- and children’s collection and the first time that we are exhibiting at a children’s fair. If you want to expand in Northern Europe, exhibiting at kleine fabriek is a must. Especially Sunday was great, we have seen many important shops.

Likewise, many regular exhibitors were enthusiastic about the atmosphere. “Most positive show ever”, was the enthusiastic reaction of Maarten Kokkeler (a.o. Bellerose and NZA). Also Clement van der Linden (a.o. Molo, Levi’s) was in a positive mood on Sunday: “It is unique how many stores we have seen today. All day long it has been so busy! I didn’t even find time to have lunch. The reactions to our collections were very good, so for now we can only be satisfied.”

Children’s shoes
Another positive development for the fair is the great attendance of children’s shoe stores. For fashion orientation, but definitely to check out the big amount of shoe brands. Over 40 shoe brands showed their collection and exhibitors were mostly cheerful. Nancy Reints-Grifhorst (a.o. Bumper, Zecchino d’Oro): Our First time at kleine fabriek has been very rewarding. I have seen many shoe stores and orders were written, something I did not plan beforehand.”

Home & Gift
Attentive visitors may have noticed: the home & gift segment got an extra push during this twelfth edition of kleine fabriek. Not without reason; with more than 80 brands we can speak about a serious combination of brands. There is something for everybody: thanks to the clear segmentation, buyers that had prepared their visit through kleine fabriek’s website, could easily plan a route that best fitted their store. Karin and Ank from Ferm Living: “We think it’s a party to be here. People that walk around really want to make something of their store. Remarkable at our stand was the big amount of German clients. I think that 50% of the retailers at our stand came from abroad!”

With more than 400 labels, 260 stands, a good segmentation and a growth in the number of visitors, also kleine fabriek’s team can look back on a successful winter fair. A fifth of the 5500 visitors came from outside of the Netherlands. The greater part from Belgium, followed by Germany, France, Spain and United Kingdom. But Japan, Russia and the US were represented.

Next edition of kleine fabriek will take place on the 3rd and the 4th of July. Save the date…