China in-store 2023 showcases high-quality designs and solutions for retailers and brands

Results: inspired visitors, enthusiastic exhibitors, satisfied trade fair organizers

13.12.2023

by Julia Pott

China in-store in Shanghai is part of the EuroShop trade fair family.
© Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

A triumphant return: following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, China in-store 2023 left both visitors and exhibitors inspired. From November 29 to December 1, nearly 14,000 individuals from the retail industry converged in Shanghai to explore the latest retail innovations.

As a satellite event of EuroShop, China in-store also showcases a wide range of products for retailers, spanning store design inspiration to marketing solutions and retail technologies.

Elke Moebius, Director of EuroShop at Messe Düsseldorf, offered a positive assessment of the redesigned event: “We have now a clear focus on high quality and design-oriented in-store solutions, what differentiates us from other shows. Anybody who wants to open a high quality or luxury store in China or even overseas, finds inspiring solutions at China in-store.“

A man in a suit with a beard and dark hair being interviewed – Marius Berlemann, General Manager; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

Marius Berlemann – General Manager
© Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

Not only did the China in-store experience a revival, brick-and-mortar retail in China and worldwide is also enjoying great popularity. “As consumers return to stores, brick-and-mortar business is increasingly moving into the focus of retailers in China again“, observes Marius Berlemann, General Manager of Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai). “Exhibitors’ active participation and the strong commitment of numerous retail brands reflect the potential of this trend but also that China in-store has succeeded in presenting the latest innovations and providing important impulses to the sector again.“

Exhibitors echoed this optimism for the retail sector: “Visitors came from all over the world, which made me experience the recovery of the industry“, confirmed Chris Lu, Executive Vice Chairman of Redman Retail. Steve Jing, Managing Director of Max Brilliant, also noted with enthusiasm that the China in-store was a great attraction: “The visitor traffic at the show far exceeded my expectations, and the visitors came with various purchasing needs and clear objectives.”

Specials, forums, hot topics: a productive exchange of ideas

The varied trade fair program contributed to the attractiveness of the trade fair.

The Designer Village showcased innovative designs, successful visual merchandising examples, and effective shop window displays. Leading design experts presented their concepts and interacted with curious visitors.

Sustainability was also in focus. A collaboration with Hi Design supported an exhibition and forum centered on "Inspiration and Ideas for Lightweight Retail Construction." Over 20 esteemed design agencies participated in this endeavor.

Inspiring keynote sessions on various subjects took place on the Retail Forum and the Design Forum stages, addressing pressing industry questions.

The presentation of the prestigious EuroShop RetailDesign Award China 2023, which honored outstanding retail design concepts at the trade fair, also provided valuable insights into the industry trends.

Many visitors on the exhibition grounds; copyright: Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

103 exhibitors at the Shanghai New International Expo Center enjoyed an international audience at China in-store 2023.
© Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

Design experts and agencies in the Designer Village; copyright: Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

Leading design experts and agencies were represented in the Designer Village.
© Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

Many people in the Retail Forum; copyright: Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

The presentations by international industry insiders in the Retail Forum were well attended.
© Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

Exhibition of the nominated projects of the EuroShop RetailDesign Awards; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

Visitors were able to view the projects nominated for the EuroShop RetailDesign Award China in an exhibition.
© Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

The award ceremony of the EuroShop RetailDesign Award China 2023; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

The three most convincing concepts were honored during the trade fair.
© Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

Industry experts appreciated this exchange of innovative ideas and insider knowledge at the trade fair: “It's great to have an exhibition like China in-store because it connects the entire upstream and downstream chain within the industry”, said a delighted Mr. Fu from Estée Lauder while visiting China in-store. “It unites exhibitors including suppliers, brands, and technology providers, allowing us to see many new ideas and resources here. Additionally, some of the topics shared in the Design Forum were very innovative and beneficial for me.“

Visitors also had the opportunity to explore numerous innovations in retail technology. With technologies such as virtual reality applications, intelligent mirrors, smart shelf displays, and dynamic lighting systems, the customer journey can be tailored to captivate a young generation hungry for technological adventures and experiential shopping.

Additional information and opinions on China in-store 2023 can be found in the official final report.

A woman with blonde hair and glasses - Elke Moebius, Director EuroShop; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

Elke Moebius, Director EuroShop
© Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

Looking to the future of retail: China in-store 2024

Following the successful conclusion of the 2023 fair, China in-store 2024 will take place from September 3 to 5, 2024. Elke Moebius is already looking forward to making the next event even more attractive: “Next year we want to become even bigger and more international. We are particularly pleased that the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection subsidises China in-store with an official “Made in Germany” participation.” The retail landscape is evolving rapidly and is confronting current challenges with determination. We eagerly anticipate new ideas and solutions in 2024. Stay on the path to success.

More testimonials from visitors and exhibitors at China in-store 2023

Because brick-and-mortar retail has not fully recovered, we hope to achieve cost reductions for our clients through new materials and processing techniques, without compromising their overall brand image.

A Chinese man speaking into a microphone; copyright: Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

I find the design aesthetics of this exhibition very strong, and the presentation of the booths extremely innovative. I witnessed every designer reinterpreting various materials using their design philosophy and concepts.

Many visitors walk through aisles between exhibition stands; copyright: Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

It's essential to adapt to the overall societal development, moving closer to green, sustainable, and digital trends. This alignment is a direct reflection of commercial spaces and a trend our stores need to consider in the future.

A Chinese woman speaking into a microphone; copyright: Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

China in-store showcased brands who used paper materials and modular tableware, reflecting an increasingly lightweight and sustainable design trend. Future retail stores will focus on connecting with people through the spatial environment setup.

China in-store serves as a hub for innovation, exchanging insights, and discussing future trends. We believe that amidst this enriching exhibition, we will all learn and grow.

A Chinese man giving a thumbs up into the camera; copyright: Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

I found the decorative art products displayed at this exhibition particularly striking. Given the trend towards scenographic environments in the retail business landscape, commercial design products have become increasingly vital.

For us experience is very important. You have to attract people, so you need to constantly innovate, showing new items. We want to develop new collections made sustainably, because it's really the material of the future.

A Caucasian woman speaking into a microphone at a trade show booth; copyright: Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai

The significantly high number of visitors on-site was a pleasant surprise. We hope that next year's exhibition will be even better, creating more opportunities for suppliers and brand owners to connect and interact.