Maison & Objet concludes a dynamic transitional edition | kbnmart

Last Monday, September 9th, was the last day of the Maison & Objet show at the huge exhibition center in Paris Nord Villepinte. The event, a cornerstone for professionals in the home decor, design and lifestyle sectors, brought together nearly 2,300 brands over five days. International exhibitors accounted for more than 60% of the participants.

This year’s edition marked a transitional phase for Maison & Objet, ending on a remarkably positive note as it prepares for major changes in the year ahead. Mélanie Leroy, the fair’s general manager, discussed these upcoming developments during a press lunch, noting that “only 15% of our clients overlap between the January and September editions, a statistic derived from our ongoing monthly interactions with attendees.”

While the September fair will continue to highlight emerging talent, the January edition will see a major shift towards “collectible” items, including limited-edition pieces, and will extend into the hospitality and fashion sectors, explained Leroy, who also directs MOM and Paris Design Week.

“We are seeing increased interest from fashion brands who are actively seeking new distribution channels, especially in this challenging economic climate. They are particularly keen to engage with specialty stores,” LeRoy noted. This shift reflects a broader trend where retailers are increasingly looking to enhance their offerings to meet the diverse demands of consumers.

Maison & Objet intends to reinvent itself not as an exclusive fashion fair, but as a comprehensive and multifaceted event offering a rich and diverse range of products and ideas that meet the diverse needs of participants. In the future, the fair will likely focus on accessories, menswear and sportswear.

“The real strength of Maison & Objet lies in its ability to act as an international, multi-category venue, which is particularly vital during these turbulent times in France,” Leroy stressed. “With 15 different sectors represented, it provides a unique platform for inspiration and communication between different industries.”

The show has also become a focal point for digitally native vertical brands (DNVBs), which are facing increasing acquisition costs. Emoi Emoi, an online concept store designed specifically for families and covering home décor, fashion, stationery and jewellery, made its debut at the show this year. After switching to wholesale over the past year, the brand now boasts a network of around 100 retailers. The positive feedback and promising leads generated during its five-day presence at the show are expected to significantly boost its distribution strategy.

Launched in 2019, Perpète initially focused on children’s fashion, but has since shifted to women’s clothing to tap into a more stable market. In the Kids & Family section, Perpète showcased its vibrant and colorful platform, aiming to attract multi-brand stores with its innovative and engaging collections.

Monjour, a cosmetics brand formerly known as Poupon, showcased its offerings in two aisles – one in the Baby & Family section and the other in the Health & Beauty section. With a presence in 700 retail points, including pharmacies, Monjour targets a wide range of specialty stores. Initially focusing on baby hygiene products, the brand has since expanded its product line to cater to expectant and new mothers.

As the exhibition ends, organizers have yet to announce specific attendance figures; however, there has been a noticeable increase in visitors from Korea, India and North America, further enhancing the exhibition’s growing international influence.