Press release Foire de Paris 2009

During 11 days of festivities and trade, the 105th edition of the Paris Trade Fair welcomed 612,572 visitors (vs. 672,000 in 2008 over 13 days) who came to make sensible purchases and enjoy a friendly atmosphere.

While the organisers had feared that attendance would drop due to the difficult economic context, the average number of visitors per day was up by 8% on last year. On Friday 8 May, the exhibition set a record with 115,000 visitors.

While 31% of the visitors said they were “impacted” by economic uncertainty, the average amount spent totalled an honourable €461.

                                   70% of all visitors made a purchase.

The majority of exhibitors stated they were mostly satisfied with this edition. They said that the business environment was relatively favourable, particularly for high-end products. New technologies and fireplaces, for example, were especially successful. Although the swimming pool sector remained stable, household appliances recorded excellent results.

For the 2009 edition, the Paris Trade Fair decided to showcase creation, innovation and respect for the environment.

The Cuisines en ébullition [Kitchen bubble] exhibition, run by VIA, won over many visitors who found out about future kitchen innovations through clever offers.

As for the 5th Grand Prix de l’Innovation [Grand Prize for Innovation], it presented the latest new household appliances, all capable of intelligently preserving energy resources.

The Nuit de la Foire [Fair Night], on 7 May, was marked by a wonderful line-up on the Tropiques en Fête [Celebrating the Tropics] festival stage. A large percentage of Paris’ West Indies community attended, and danced to the rhythms of bass guitarist Thierry Fanfant’s big band.

Whatever the economic context may be, the Foire de Paris remains a privileged forum for trade and activities.