This past Monday, September 9, marked the final day of Maison & Objet at the expansive Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition center. The event, a cornerstone for professionals in the home decor, design and lifestyle sectors, successfully gathered approximately 2,300 brands over the course of five days. Notably, international exhibitors made up more than 60% of the participants. 

This year’s edition served as a transitional phase for Maison & Objet, concluding on a notably upbeat note as it prepares for significant changes in the coming year. Mélanie Leroy, general director of the fair, discussed these upcoming developments during a press luncheon, noting, “Only 15% of our clientele overlaps between our January and September editions, a statistic derived from our ongoing monthly interactions with attendees.”

Leroy, who also leads the MOM and Paris Design Week fairs, explained that while the September fair will continue to highlight emerging talents, the January edition will will see a significant shift towards showcasing ‘Collectible’ items, including limited edition pieces, and will extend its reach into the hospitality sector and fashion realms.

“We are witnessing a surge in interest from fashion brands that are actively seeking new distribution channels, especially in this challenging economic climate. They are particularly eager to connect with concept stores,” Leroy noted. This shift reflects a broader trend where retailers are increasingly looking to enhance their offerings to meet diverse consumer demands.

Maison & Objet is determined not to reinvent itself as a fashion-exclusive fair but as a comprehensive, multi-faceted event that provides a rich and varied array of products and ideas that cater to the diverse needs of its attendees. The future focus of the fair will likely include a greater emphasis on accessories, menswear, and activewear.

Leroy further emphasized, “The true strength of Maison & Objet lies in its ability to serve as an international and multi-category venue, particularly vital during these turbulent times in France. With 15 different sectors represented, it offers a unique platform for cross-industry inspiration and networking.”

The fair is also becoming a pivotal hub for Digitally Native Vertical Brands (DNVBs), which are facing rising acquisition costs. Emoi Emoi, an online concept store tailored for families that spans home decor, fashion, stationery, and jewelry, marked its first appearance at the fair this year. After transitioning into wholesale over the past year, the brand now boasts a network of about 100 retailers. The positive feedback and promising leads generated during its five-day stint at the fair are expected to significantly bolster its distribution strategy.

Launched in 2019, Perpète initially focused on children’s fashion but has since pivoted to include women’s apparel to tap into a more stable market. Positioned in the Kids & Family section, Perpète showcased its vibrant and colorful stand, aimed at attracting multi-brand stores with its innovative and appealing collections.

Monjour, a cosmetics brand previously known as Poupon, showcased its offerings at two stands—one in the Kids & Family section and another in the Well-Being & Beauty area. With a presence in 700 retail points, including pharmacies, Monjour is targeting a broad spectrum of concept stores. Initially focused on baby hygiene products, the brand has since expanded its product line to cater to the needs of expectant and new mothers.

As the fair concluded, the organizers did not yet release specific attendance figures; however, there was a notable increase in visitors from Korea, India, and North America, further cementing the fair’s growing international influence.