Ontimeshow: Connecting Independent Brands with Chinese Buyers
Founded in 2014, Ontimeshow has become a vital platform for connecting independent fashion brands with buyers in China. As the country’s appetite for unique design grew, Ontimeshow saw an opportunity to build an infrastructure to support this emerging market. Today, it is one of the key players in Shanghai’s booming fashion industry, alongside other influential platforms like Mode Shanghai, Tube Showroom, Not Showroom, and Shanghai Showroom.
Despite the slow recovery of China’s economy from the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for quality and original design remains strong. This season, Ontimeshow will host over 200 brands, including 55 international ones, selling to around 20,000 registered Chinese buyers. The platform is located in West Bund, a vibrant neighborhood known for its art galleries and luxury apartments.
Ontimeshow is expanding vertically as well. It recently completed the renovation of a 46,300-square-foot space called Ontime Center, which will serve as a venue for pre-season trade shows and events. It also manages the Bailian Group Fashion Center, a coworking space for designers, located on the other side of the Suzhou River.
During Shanghai Fashion Week, Ontimeshow will host two fashion shows featuring designers Xiao Li and Louis Shengtao Chen. These events highlight the platform’s commitment to showcasing both established and emerging talent in the industry.
The Chinese concept store market has evolved significantly over the past three years. Currently, there are approximately 4,000 concept stores across the country, catering to a diverse range of consumers. While the number of professional buyers has remained relatively stable at around 20,000, the industry has become more demanding, requiring players to have strong capital reserves and professional know-how.
In the face of China’s economic slowdown and high youth unemployment, the overall demand for designer brands remains stable. However, buyers have become more cautious in their decision-making process. With the resumption of international travel and interaction, the demand for overseas brands is expected to increase. Furthermore, local buyers are actively seeking new brands to differentiate their offerings and stay competitive in the market.
For local designer brands, the adjustment and stabilization of the market mean they need to focus on diversifying their brand offerings and finding their niche in the industry. Chinese consumers are increasingly valuing self-expression and uniqueness, prompting stores to seek brands that align with these values. As a result, local brands must develop clearer points of view and distinct brand identities to succeed in this competitive landscape.
Emerging brands may find it challenging to achieve success in China, given the saturation of the market. However, international brands that have already gained traction globally are now looking to enter the Chinese market. These brands have a higher chance of success if they find the right local partner to navigate the unique challenges and preferences of Chinese consumers.
Ontimeshow offers a range of services to cater to the diverse needs of brands. Their trade show, held four times a year, attracts brands with a certain scale and turnover. They also provide a showroom service called Room Room, where international brands can meet buyers and distributors from across China. Additionally, Ontimeshow manages the Bailian Group Fashion Center, which fosters brand incubation and supports emerging talent through their Young Talent program.
The Chinese concept store market is comprised of several leading players, with key locations in coastal areas and inland cities like Chengdu and Chongqing. Many of these players have embraced online selling through live-streaming since the pandemic. This shift to digital platforms has allowed them to reach a wider audience and adapt to changing consumer behaviors.
Ontimeshow continues to play a crucial role in connecting independent brands with Chinese buyers, contributing to the growth and development of China’s fashion industry. With their diverse range of services and commitment to supporting emerging talent, Ontimeshow remains at the forefront of this dynamic and ever-evolving market.
Original Story at wwd.com – 2023-10-08 04:05:05
