C-star 2017 concluded with another successful story in retail

C-star - Shanghai's International Trade Fair for Solutions and Trends All about Retail concluded its third edition in Shanghai New International Expo Center on April 28. After three successful days and numerous opportunities to explore the cutting-edge technologies, inspiring shop-fitting and new solutions in lighting , retail technology and visual merchandising, 8,476 visitors from 43 countries and regions (an 11% increase from the previous year’s event) visited C-star to source the latest retail equipments and high profile solutions. The top 5 overseas visiting countries and regions are Japan, Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore and Korea - once again demonstrating the leading position of C-star as the most international and professional business platform in Asia’s retail industry.

With the collocation with Hotel Plus - Total Solution for Commercial Properties, the valuable synergy welcomed 14,499 visitors from across the globe to experience the retail innovation and technologies at C-star. The two shows created a unique one-stop commercial space platform and all-inclusive destination to explore solutions. 

Mrs. Elke Moebius, Global Head - Retail & Retail Technologies of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, commented: “The Chinese retail market is ready for investments and thus looking for inspiration. With the Designer Village and the Technology Village we succeeded to implement two important special areas so that Chinese retailers can find everything for their store at the show - starting from store planning to furnishing and furniture.”

Trade fair quality impressed both exhibitors and visitors
Both exhibitors and visitors were very satisfied with the professional networking, the multiple chances to conveniently gather information and meet the right people along with the high quality of presented solutions for retailers. This year, C-star welcomed 105 exhibitors from 10 countries and regions to showcase product solutions for Shopfitting, Lighting & Design; Retail Technology; Visual Merchandising, Marketing & Event Construction, perfectly suited to the Chinese retail market. A number of leading brands participating this year included Futuristic Store Fixture (Singapore), Schweitzer Logistics Shanghai (Italy), Shanghai Tateyama Trading (Japan), Bizerba China (Germany and China), Saneboon Autodoor (China), SES-Imagotag (France), CNLight (China), Self Electronics (China), Matrix Frame Limited (Netherlands) and others.

Mr. Joachim Ostendorf, Managing Director of VKF Renzel which specializes in developing point of sale displays, highly commended the result from the show,  "We have entered the Chinese market since 2008 and learnt that the only efficient way to get established in this market is by exhibition. C-star is the right platform for us to explore the business in China with its high quality and clear focus on retail. We believe it will be our stage in the future as well." 

Visitors were also inspired by the innovations seen at the fair: Mr. Ashish Jain, Interior Designers from India, commented: "C-star is full of innovations taking place every year. Many companies are coming back and displaying their latest items and product solutions. From my perspective, innovation is quite important and this is also the reason why I visit this show. At this platform, you can see the trends and what the future the entire retail market looks like. I will definitely visit next time." 

C-star Retail Forum revealed the trends of new retail and shopping experience 
Under the theme of "The Retail Revolution in China: The Concept of New Retail and Solutions of the Future", C-star Retail Forum was highly praised, with a large number of audience participation. During the three-day session, retail experts and industry leaders worldwide shared valuable insights and analyses on the new retail development as well as the omnichannel trends. 

Michael Gerling, CEO of the German research institute for retail industry, EHI Retail Institute, praised the audience: "The selection of international as well as Chinese speakers with great expertise opened up new perspectives beyond one's own nose.   
The highly professional audience used the chance to discuss the global trends in retail and there was a great interaction."