When we talk of “shopping,” what comes to your mind? Shopping malls? Local markets? Online retail? But there is another emerging trend in India that you cannot miss – Lifestyle Exhibitions.
The trend of lifestyle exhibitions and flea market events is growing across India. According to the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA), the industry was valued at around $709 million in 2019 and is expected to reach $1,283 million by 2025. These numbers are a testament to the demand and need for such Exhibitions for both exhibitors and attendees.
Lifestyle Exhibitions are especially beneficial for women-led businesses, as they give them a chance to be discovered, make sales, and interact with customers directly. For the attendees, these exhibitions provide a fantastic shopping experience beyond your usual malls.
If you are wondering what difference in terms of experience an Exhibition offers that you wouldn’t find at a mall, this is for you:
What makes shopping at Lifestyle Exhibitions different?
Discover new brands and unique products
If you are shopping at malls, you will find almost similar brands. Shopping at these big brands means you end up with the same item as ten others. What is unique in that? What’s the fun if everyone has seen and purchased the same thing? At Exhibitions, you can discover so many new and smaller brands with unique offerings, be it clothes, accessories, or even a home décor item. And, most of these brands only bring limited-edition or custom-made items to showcase at such exhibitions.
Fun Experience to Shop
Shopping at malls gives a commercial vibe where you do not get to interact with the person behind the brands. On the other hand, lifestyle exhibitions are all about creating a sense of community and personal connections. You get to connect with the seller directly, ask about their products, and get a personalized touch with each purchase you make. And the overall vibe of an exhibition is creative and culturally rich. Exhibitions and lifestyle events offer more than just shopping, you get to enjoy food, some fun activities, etc.
Celebrate local and home-grown brands
Malls are mainly dominated by large, global chains and franchises, offering a very impersonal shopping experience. On the other hand, exhibitions are a good way to find and support home-grown businesses from all over the country under one roof at times. Thanks to our Government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Vocal For Local’ initiatives, supporting local brands is one of the biggest ongoing movements in the country right now. And by attending an exhibition, you can show your support for home-grown brands, especially those run by women entrepreneurs.
Support Women-led Businesses
As we mentioned earlier, these exhibitions are a great way for women-led brands to get good exposure, sales, and connections. Women businesses have often struggled with visibility and support. While shopping at malls, you do not know who is behind the brand you are buying from; at Exhibitions, you get a chance to show support towards women-led businesses and brands. This can be very uplifting especially for smaller businesses that struggle to move beyond local WhatsApp and referral groups. Consciously choosing and buying from women-owned brands is beneficial not just for the entrepreneurs, but also for our country’s economy.
How to find out about Exhibitions that are happening around you?
Now you know why shopping beyond the malls is a good idea, but where and how can you find out about Exhibitions? One of the easiest ways to find out about events, such as exhibitions happening in your city, is through newspapers and magazines, as many exhibitors promote their events there.
Social media, such as Instagram and Facebook, is also a great way to learn about the Lifestyle Exhibitions around you. You can also find out about these at event aggregating platforms, such as All Events, Eventbrite, and Townscript. Through these platforms, you get a chance to discover any and all events happening in your city, be they paid or even free.
Lastly, and perhaps with the most targeted information, are your WhatsApp groups and networks, which can tell you about the events happening in your area. So, for your next shopping spree, give the malls and big outlets a miss and discover the fun and uniqueness that a Lifestyle Exhibition offers.
Experience WomeListed Bazaar on 23rd July at Hyatt Regency Delhi
