What does the 55th edition of the MFCC Malta Trade Fair have in store for bargain hunters?
With over 250 exhibitors in a space of 18,000 square metres, one is bound to find more than a discount or bargain at the Malta Trade Fair.
The 55th edition has lots to offer and the attractions are constantly on the increase. The Malta Trade Fair has a strong bond with visitors, who come to the fair because they like discounts, novel products and new ideas, and with exhibitors, who continue to use the Trade Fair as a showcase for their products.
Added to these commercial variables, the fair is a great evening out for all the family too. Bargain hunters will undoubtedly be satisfied too, because exhibitors, knowing how important this variable is, always offer their most competitive prices.
Another advantage for the consumer is foreign participation. This is on the increase – Italian suppliers of various home products are bringing to the Maltese consumer more choice, by adding to the variety of products available from local distributors.
Does the Malta Trade Fair still offer the best bargains?
Consumers today are not as gullible as they used to be. They know that the use of the word bargain is abused to draw customers to showrooms. How often do you walk into a showroom and the item you want is not discounted? And yet you end up buying the product anyway… in this situation you would have paid the full price.
Competition is what makes a bargain real. One has to also keep in mind that nowadays brands are not necessarily represented by one company – hence various local retailers are, today, distributors of popular brands. At the Malta Trade Fair, exhibitors know that their offerings are being compared, and therefore they have to offer a better bargain and a better product at good value.
Bargains do not necessarily mean paying less – they might mean getting a better-designed product or better quality or both. Consumers can only get this type of bargain when they can compare various products to others. Exhibitors who know their product is good value for money put their product in the arena to compete with others – this is what the Malta Trade Fair is all about, and for this reason, the best bargains are found at the Malta Trade Fair.
What product and service variety will be showcased at this year’s Malta Trade Fair?
The product list is endless and includes alternative energy solutions, barbeque sets, white goods, televisions and electronics, household appliances, computers, cleaning products, soft furnishings and furniture, classic furniture, kitchens, sofas, bathrooms, apertures, windows, doors, light fittings and chandeliers, brassware and ceramics, stoneware products, marble, musical instruments, exclusive art, alternative energy products, hair products and cosmetics, lift services, garage doors, tools and equipment, electroplating, insurance, financial services, medical services, travel agencies, building materials, stone works, Sicilian delicacies, Sicilian ceramic kitchens and ceramics. A large stand will also be dedicated to Mediterranean trees brought exclusively from Sicily for the fair.
What are usually the biggest sellers at the Malta Trade Fair?
The increase in exhibitor participation is a clear indicator that all items exhibited sell well at the Malta Trade Fair.
Another attraction of the Malta Trade Fair is comparative buying – what advantages does this have?
Comparative buying allows consumers to view the same item which they wish to purchase in various brands. Comparing products gives the consumer the opportunity to get the best value and the product most suitable for their requirements. When buying at the Malta Trade Fair, the product is visible and can be assessed, viewed and touched for quality, evaluated and compared to others.
Apart from bargains, how will the Trade Fair create an experience for the whole family?
The Malta Trade Fair has always made for a great evening out. Apart from the shopping element, which is in itself a great attraction, you can find food stalls offering delicious food to complete the evening. Restaurant areas have been upgraded to provide comfortable sitting space where one can relax and enjoy supper. The varieties are bar and grill, Chinese, Turkish, pizza, pancakes, ice cream parlour and more. The park area has also been set up as a fun area where children can play and adults entertain themselves.
This year MFCC has also introduced an art competition, entitled The Artistic Platform at the MFCC Malta Trade Fair. The scope of this competition is to give young artists the opportunity to show their talent to a significant crowd. The competition was open to schools and individuals. Submissions received were around 100 and entries have been evaluated and shortlisted. A total of around 60 entries will be exhibited during the Malta Trade Fair.
The Secondary School exhibits are by: Anna Calleja (3), Annemarie Mifsud (2), Christina Pisani (2), Dawn Buhagiar, Emily Paris, Erlene Dimech, Janine Camilleri (2), Julia Frendo (2), Kay Dimech, Maria Ciantar, Matthew Pisani, Mattia Depasquale (4), Nico Fauser, Nicole Zammit, Nina Zammit (2), Philippa Formosa, Rebecca Briscoe, Sarah Mizzi (2), and Tiffany Harvey.
The Primary School Entries are by: Adielle Abela, Alessia Schiavone, Giada Vella Micallef (2), Julia Frendo, Kelsey Camilleri (2), Maria Bonaci, Maria Grech, Martina Formosa, Matthea Borg, Mattia Buttigieg, Megan Briffa, Neil Grima, Nicole Debono, Owen Cachia, Rebakah Grixti (3), and Shanaya Attard.
The individual entries are by: Sam Boujaoui, Alessio Cuschieri, Eman Cross, Samwel Sant, Monique Gatt, Mark Anthony Cassar, Karl Farrugia, and Caroline Young.
All the aspiring artists whose work is displayed will receive a certificate marking their participation. Winners will receive a trophy, courtesy of the Phoenician Glass Blowers, a Smartphone HTC Desire C by GO and an art pack from Vee Gee Bee. This area is supported by Knight Music – in fact we will also have music in this area, courtesy of young musicians.
Will any foreign companies be present this year?
This year we have participants from Italy, Sicily, France, Tunisia and South Africa. Sicilian stands are displaying packed food products such as olive oil, olives, sundried tomatoes, pasta sauces and other specialties such as torrone and the famous Sicilian kannoli. Ceramics, furniture, and, for the first time, Mediterranean trees, are also provided by this region. We will also have perfume from France.
Tunisia is a novelty. Tunisian companies are participating with ceramic products, food delicacies such as ħelwa tat-Tork and other items. A South African company will also introduce a novel barbeque set, Cobb, described as the world’s most versatile portable cooking system, and sun umbrellas.
The MFCC Malta Trade Fair starts today and stays open until Sunday, July 8. Opening hours are from 6.30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Visitors to the MFCC Malta Trade can win great prizes. For more information visit www.mfcc.com.mt.