Exhibitors at GHA’S recent Home & Giving February Fair have reported between 20 and 80 per cent increases in onsite sales despite industry concerns of decreases in discretional retail spending.  The Effect of Economic Recessions on Exhibitions, published in January by the Centre for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), reports that whilst the number of visitors to a show might be lower during down turns, the quality of attendees is high and every person who attends represents a business opportunity for exhibitors that their absent competition do not have.  Despite numbers for the annual February Fair being down 12.3 per cent over the four days, testimonials from exhibitors supported claims made in the report and revealed that though there were less people on the floor, more people were buying, and they were buying more.  “The success of an exhibition is always critiqued according to the number of people that spill through the doors. The method is outdated and does not offer a true indication of the success of the fair or its individual exhibitors. As demonstrated at our February Fair, and supported in the CEIR’s report, the number of visitors does not directly correlate with sales achieved onsite,” said Alby Taylor, Director, GHA.     According to GHA, essential to the success of a national trade fair is the quality of exhibitors, products and displays. For the February Fair, GHA initiated a Key Exhibitor initiative and positioned industry-leading companies in key locations for maximum impact and to attract quality buyers to the floor.  Designer jewellery exhibitor NanJing Road has reported that the February Gift Fair proved successful for them once again and met the company’s high level of expectation.  “My perception was that the standard of presentation and quality of exhibitors at the February 09 Home & Giving Gift Fair was of the highest order, in fact the best ever,” said David Gay, NanJing Road. “More importantly, the general consensus from retailers indicated that they enjoyed the ambience of the fair and the high standard of exhibitors with quality products made the experience very conducive to doing business,” he concluded.  Renowned worldwide for its beautiful gifts and everyday luxuries, Crabtree & Evelyn also laid praise to the fair, attributing its success to professional management, new layout and high quality of exhibitor and visitor services.  “The ambience created by the layout and the quality of stands was relaxed and professional. Our customers appeared more relaxed and unhurried. They revelled in our new larger installation, stayed longer and were able to discuss all aspects of their Crabtree & Evelyn business in a peaceful and private environment,” said Lyndie Randall, Crabtree & Evelyn.  Innovative homewares company Zimba Designs was thrilled with the whole experience of the February Fair from operational logistics associated with move in and move out, to representation of their buyer base. “After nine years we decided to move to the Home & Giving Fair this year – I can’t overstate how pleased we are with the move! Most importantly, speaking as a kitchen supplier, we welcomed a far better representation of our buyer base than at our previous exhibition site,” said Stephen Loughlin, Zimba Designs Ltd.  “The Home & Giving Fair clearly has the edge in terms of showcasing market-leading kitchen suppliers and it only makes sense to be a part of that mix,” he said.  Long term Home & Giving exhibitor, Baden P Morris, commented that the fair was ‘surprisingly good’ considering the current plethora of negative press surrounding the ‘economic doom and gloom’.  “Our sales were slightly up on last year and comments from retailers were also positive. We had strong interest in our new range of Coyote Painted Glassware and range extensions from our key brands were also well received,” said Dean Osmond, Director, Baden P Morris.  According to Osmond, it is important that people maintain some positivity in an attempt to cope with the current state of the economy.  “Whilst we head into March and the second quarter with nervous anticipation, we are of the belief that maintaining a positive approach is the best way to survive and even prosper in what are interesting times,” Osmond said.