The HUB, Asia’s premier fashion trade show will open on 28 August in Hong Kong at Asia World Expo and continue through 30 Aug. A premium selection of internationally respected fashion brands will be showcased in the event challenging mass market fast fashion brands.
The 60,000 square feet HUB exhibition space will welcome over 100 brands and engage 3,000 targeted visitors from the Asian retail sector. Decision makers in the region, from key multi-brand boutiques, department stores, and retail operators, seeking to partner with international brands, include Lane Crawford, Harvey Nichols, I.T. Retail, Club 21, and Mark Fairwhale among others.
UK brands Henri Lloyd, Barbour, John Smedley and Elvis Jesus will join the exhibition with local brands Johanna Ho, Knowledge as well as other fashion brands of the US, Japan, Spain and Australia.
The shift in spending power from China’s mega-rich to the middle class, has had knock-on effects on Hong Kong retail, with 51 new retail entries in 2012, almost double that of regional counterparts, Singapore and Tokyo, according to a recent report by property consultancy firm CBRE. However, recent openings of mass market, fast fashion stores have hindered the establishment of more creative and unique brands in the city, despite strong consumer demand.
"The HUB will act as facilitator for key partnerships between these brands and leading retail buyers from Hong Kong as well as emerging target markets, such as Mainland China," said Richard Hobbs, co-founder of The HUB. "We have long seen a gap in Asia for a specialist trade event, and have timed the inaugural show to coincide with insatiable consumer demand for brands which offer more than just another overpriced handbag."
"We have a fast growing number of international brands drawn by our position and strong domestic and regional buyer base. The curated and creative element of the show also helps to set it apart from mainstream apparel sourcing trade events," Hobbs added.