ISPO 2019: Big business in the back room
With around 2,800 exhibitors at ISPO 2019, the world's largest sports trade fair is full of glitz and glamour. And even more trash. A visit away from the well-known brands.
There are Halls A and B at the ISPO in Munich with the big names in the sports industry. This is where the swanky pavilions of outdoor giants Schöffel, Jack Wolfskin and Mammut are located. This is where winter sports giants Rossignol, Head and Fischer show off their latest products. And then there's Hall C. This is mainly home to exhibitors from China. This is where business is done. Buyers from Europe and sellers from Asia huddle around tiny tables, negotiating prices and delivery conditions.
Dumbbells, balls and boxing gloves
I feel a bit like I'm in a general shop. Everything here is a colourful jumble. It's mainly textiles on sale. Although dumbbells, balls and boxing gloves also seem to be very important products. These are on display at every second stand, as you can see in the video above. In between, there are always friendly people from Asia sitting, standing or sleeping who want to introduce me to their products. Thanks, I'm only looking. I can't resist an e-skateboard and take it for a spin around the neighbourhood. Video producer Manuel Wenk also wants to see me juggle and in the end, I don't give a friendly Chinese woman a chance in Töggele.
Conclusion
In the back room of the world's biggest sports fair, it's a little seedier than at the Schöffels and Heads, but somehow more fun. However, I would still be interested to see under which brands all the Chinese trash is ultimately on sale. <p
From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.