SME Chamber

GRTU Trade Fair Survey

07 July 2004

GRTU has conducted again its first of
its two yearly surveys among the trade fair exhibitors, which are mainly
represented by the organisation. The survey focused on the first week of Trade
Fair operations. Businesses were asked to comment on their overall performance,
opinions and expectations.

62% of those interviewed reported a decrease
in sales turnover compared to last year. Of these, 53% claimed that they had a
drop of over 20% in their sales. 22% had sales improvement while only 16%
estimated similar performance compared to last year.

26% managed to
achieve the turnover they expected. Meanwhile, only 23% registered better
results than expected for the first week. In fact, those who noted that visits
to their stands increased compared to last year amounted to 15% only. However,
67% of those interviewed expect better sales during the second
week.

Exhibitors were asked to express their opinions on what factors are
influencing consumers this year. Prices and the wider choice of products
attributed to competition top the list with 34% and 29% respectively. The
majority of businesses (61%) introduced special schemes with their
offers.

Of particular interest, 56% think that EU membership has not
affected the overall performance of their business so far while those who think
it affected them negatively or positively are equally divided.

A number
of exhibitors commented on the general outcome. The majority said that the EURO
2004 football games had an effect on Trade Fair turnout. Most exhibitors believe
that increased competition, economic uncertainty and less money in hand are the
factors that led to the decrease in sales.

The full results are also
available by e-mail. A soft copy may be available from the GRTU Office, Republic
Street,Valletta.

The second GRTU Trade Fair Survey will be held at the
end of the Trade Fair.

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