China is a prime market and presents a multitude of opportunities to increase brand awareness, market share and profitability. With a population of 1.3 billion China has the world's fastest growing economy - it's five times that of the United States. "Chinese consumerism is at an all time high, and an increasing number of urban residents have considerable disposable income," says George Donohue, president of GMAC Real Estate International Properties Group who is a cosponsor of the event. "As a result they're developing brand-name consciousness and acquiring a taste for foreign goods, especially those that reflect Western culture and the American lifestyle in particular. This lifestyle expo will provide brands interested in exploring the Chinese market the opportunity to market and sell their products and services for six days with little overhead to interested Chinese consumers."
The demand for foreign lifestyle brands will continue to increase as the Chinese middle class and average income continues to grow. Several marquee American and foreign brands have already developed a strong foothold in the Chinese market. Yet, despite the potential for growth and profits, companies may be hesitant to expand into the Chinese market due to language and cultural issues or commerce and compliance issues.
"As an American citizen born in China, I can't believe the speeds at which Chinese consumers of American products and services have risen," said Kevin Hu, an executive at GMAC Real Estate International Properties Group and Director for the Expo. "Chinese consumers continue to become more sophisticated as the availability of these brands increase. This expo will have a positive impact on participant profits and help open the doors to conducting business in China."
Built around the theme "Elegance, Beauty and Health," the 2008 American Lifestyles Expo is expected to garner well-over 230,000 attendees. General Motors is the first to sign on with fashion designers and merchandisers, spas, salons, luxury resorts and hotels, electronics, organic food, restaurants, wineries, pharmaceutical companies, fitness companies, etc., expected to follow. The expo will also feature a special section focusing on education, financial services and franchise development.
The 2008 American Lifestyles Expo will be held at the International Trade Center in Hangzhou (West Lake) China.
