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Baselworld buyer attendance down 4 percent
The number of buyers in attendance at Baselworld was 117,000 this year, a 4 percent decrease compared with the 122,000 that attended last year, according to show organizers.
Basel, Switzerland--The number of buyers in attendance at Baselworld was 117,000 this year, a 4 percent decrease compared with the 122,000 that attended last year, according to show organizers.
Total attendees, including representatives from exhibiting companies, buyers, journalists and other visitors, totaled about 150,000 for the eight-day show.
In the closing press release, show organizers said that there was a decline in the number of people visiting the stands but noted that this was “no great cause for concern,” as there were more members of the trade than members of the public among this year’s crowd.
Baselworld also reported in its release that feedback from all categories of players at the show was positive and that it ended on a high note, meeting expectations in terms of business, quality, media presence and exposure.
Trends that show organizers noticed from the show include an increased focus on women’s timepieces as well as “brisk” business among Swiss jewelry brands, including demand for rose gold and palladium and more options for mixed metals.
“This year’s edition was a true and highly focused reflection of the changes, trends and innovations within the entire industry,” Sylvie Ritter, managing director of Baselworld, said in the press release. “Baselworld is the ideal platform for the watch and jewelry industry to showcase innovations, attract international interest and enhance business.”
Baselworld took place during a high note for the Swiss watchmaking industry overall--exports for January and February were up a cumulative 7 percent, building on the overall increase of 2 percent for 2013.
RELATED CONTENT: After $455M makeover, Baselworld to begin
This year’s show was the second since Baselworld received a $454.9 million makeover, moving to a new space that was slightly smaller and with fewer exhibitors but with what show organizers described as a more modern look.
The next Baselworld has been set for March 19 to 26, 2015.
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