Trade Mart is Exhibition Alternative
January 17, 2003
Brussels - Brussels International Trade Mart is looking for about 60 more suppliers of furnishing fabrics and home textiles to join its new Home Square concept.
Launched two years ago, Home Square provides a permanent showcase for the latest trends in decoration, tableware, home textiles and domestic appliances, with around 130 firms already taking part.
Sales and marketing manager Alain Van der Brempt said more than 20 home textile companies have showrooms in the Home Square business unit, which is part of the permanent exhibition center located near the Heysel fair grounds.
Opened in 1975, Trade Mart has 165,000 square meters of space for about 1,000 exhibitors, and includes centers for fashion, furniture and business design. It is open to the trade on Mondays, which suits the many retailers and numerous showrooms and offices housed in the giant complex.
''Visitor numbers to trade fairs in general - with the exception of design-oriented shows like Maison & Objet - are decreasing,'' said Van der Brempt. ''We will try to expand our structure, particularly by attracting established global exporters. And as we don't charge over-the-top rents, we can be very cost-effective.''
In an attempt to motivate consumers to think about their home interiors, Trade Mart plans to hold a series of open days for the public next year and also organizes special team days for the trade several times a year.
2003 will also see a Trend House established in Home Square.
''We want to create a complete overview of interiors, perhaps with the idea of creating a permanent 'Maison & Objet' in Brussels, which is uniquely located at the heart of Europe. The attraction for buyers is that they can have a cross-sectoral visit, particularly with the Furniture Center within the same building.'' F&FI
Launched two years ago, Home Square provides a permanent showcase for the latest trends in decoration, tableware, home textiles and domestic appliances, with around 130 firms already taking part.
Sales and marketing manager Alain Van der Brempt said more than 20 home textile companies have showrooms in the Home Square business unit, which is part of the permanent exhibition center located near the Heysel fair grounds.
Opened in 1975, Trade Mart has 165,000 square meters of space for about 1,000 exhibitors, and includes centers for fashion, furniture and business design. It is open to the trade on Mondays, which suits the many retailers and numerous showrooms and offices housed in the giant complex.
''Visitor numbers to trade fairs in general - with the exception of design-oriented shows like Maison & Objet - are decreasing,'' said Van der Brempt. ''We will try to expand our structure, particularly by attracting established global exporters. And as we don't charge over-the-top rents, we can be very cost-effective.''
In an attempt to motivate consumers to think about their home interiors, Trade Mart plans to hold a series of open days for the public next year and also organizes special team days for the trade several times a year.
2003 will also see a Trend House established in Home Square.
''We want to create a complete overview of interiors, perhaps with the idea of creating a permanent 'Maison & Objet' in Brussels, which is uniquely located at the heart of Europe. The attraction for buyers is that they can have a cross-sectoral visit, particularly with the Furniture Center within the same building.'' F&FI
