A patchy result

Despite some criticism of the Salons d’Automne, which provided the framework for the Jarditec, Créabitat, Urbavert, Urbatec and New Plants fairs from 24 to 26 September at the Parc des Expositions at Villepinte in Paris, the number of visitors rose by three per cent to 51 458. A significant increase (20 per cent) in the number of international visitors was recorded compared with the previous year, with the majority coming from other European countries. The retail sector accounted for 43 per cent of those attending, while 16 per cent were from the industrial sector.
The level of satisfaction amongst visitors was high; 96 per cent of those asked rated their visit as useful, and 84 per cent said they intended to return next year. Of 1 300 exhibitors in all, 240 were exhibiting for the first time. The international flavour of the event was underlined by the presence of exhibitors from 27 countries.  Jarditec and Créabitat brought together 380 firms in a space of around 32 000 m².
20 per cent more foreign visitors came to the Salons d’Automne in Paris this year.
Although the new layout proved simpler and clearer for visitors, the big names were notable by their absence, above all in the seed, garden care, hand tool and spraying and irrigation segments – all the better for those suppliers who did make the effort to attend. Machinery dealers were out in force, for example. However, Créabitat in particular had a number of absentees, the “big guns” in the DIY sector having stayed away even though surveys indicated that representatives of the sector wanted a trade fair. 2002 is certain to prove critical for this segment.
There remains the idea floated by some of a biennial event, but this is unlikely to gain support as around 90 per cent of the exhibitors want to retain the annual format of this event, which is an important marketing tool for them.
The coming year will bring changes in the direction of a more strongly themed concept, with the inclusion of the retail trade, and greater internationalization is also expected. The plant sector will also be strengthened. The organisers state their intention of listening more to what the exhibitors have to say, and everyone will do what has to be done if the sector intends to have a DIY fair in France in future years.
Julien Roinsard