Gift World Expo 2016 shares the idea of fun with print

Bollywood inspired stationery such as bubbleheads and gifts such as mugs made visitors go gaga at the expo. Bubbleheads of Rajinikanth and Salman Khan amused and attracted the visitors who thronged Pragati Maidan despite the rain. Some exhibitors, such as Karan Kapoor from MC SID RAZZ were loaded with queries for their display of spiral note pads, mugs and clocks themed on English TV series such as F.R.I.E.N.D.S and The Big Bang Theory. “People have also shown a lot of interest in merchandise designed on Harry Potter,” Kapoor said. He said the price started from Rs 179 (for a fridge magnet) to Rs 1,299 (for clocks) at the stationery expo.

Besides, unusual pens, such as the one installed with a pen drive inside, and customised beanbags were also the trends spotted at the fair. “Though the fair was a platform for businessmen, it was fun for us to convince the stall owners to sell one-two articles rather than a bulk order,” said one of many college students, who visited the venue in large numbers.

Along with the regular articles and stationery of daily use, there was products designed using latest technology, from eco-friendly pencils made of paper to customised products. “We have people from all across the country, besides a few international names as well. For Gift and Stationery Expos combined, there are about 150 exhibiting companies,” said Himani Gulati, director of the expo.

As per the market analysis, India’s gift market is estimated to be close to USD 30 billion. With gifting taking centrestage during festivals and marriages, and also recently in corporate reward programmes worldwide, the gift industry has positioned itself as a top revenue earner. According to industry insiders, the estimated market for corporate gifts is over Rs 12,000 crores and is expected to grow between eight to 12% annually.

In all, exhibitors got a chance to reinforce their image, increase their brand recognition, by making the right connections with both national and international buyers. It has served as a launch pad for several start-ups who can promote their products in front of manufacturers, architectural firms, government agencies and MNCs.