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Published on October 24, 2007

 Just look at the turnout at the Bangkok International Gift and Houseware Fair.

The annual event features the latest innovative and chic products and normally draws more than 100,000 visitors every year as shoppers come to buy gifts before the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

But this year, Thai News Agency reported that the 24th Bangkok International Gift and Houseware Fair had drawn a lower-than-expected number of visitors since the public has reduced spending, according to the event's organiser.

Thai Gifts, Souvenirs and Home Decorations Association president Chirabul Vithayasingh told Thai News Agency that only 80,000 people had visited the six-day event, held from October 16-21 at Impact Muang Thong Thani's Challenger Exhibition Hall.

The number was lower than the target of 120,000 visitors because consumers have slowed their spending and are spending more selectively.

However, retail sales totalled Bt400 million-Bt500 million and orders placed at the event came to least Bt400 million, close to the levels achieved at last year's fair.

Overall, Chirabul said, sales had fallen by about 10 per cent from last year.

Most products were made by business operators who have not caught up with dynamic changes in technology and the global market. The big event normally features colourful items and state-of-the-art innovation and is known as a trend-setter, since displays at the fair indicate trends in the coming year.

In fact, negotiations for future business cooperation went well, with 14,900 Thai and foreign investors seeking to make deals at the event.

But domestic uncertainty is not the only factor to blame

for the disappointing attendance.

Chirabul told Thai News Agency that the number of foreign visitors was lower than expected partly because a similar event was held in Macau for the first time. Its organiser apparently offered more attractive incentives.

Busdsk@nationgroup.com

The Nation